TikTok Shop Delivery Times Explained: What You Need to Know

Ever wondered how long it takes to get your TikTok Shop order delivered? Or are you curious about the shipping methods and costs? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a regular shopper, knowing the ins and outs of TikTok Shop’s shipping process can save you time and potential headaches.

This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the different shipping options to what to do if your order gets delayed. Let’s dive in and get you the information you need for a seamless shopping experience!

Three TikTok Shop Shipping Types

TikTok Shop offers different shipping methods, and knowing which one applies to your order can help you estimate delivery times better. Here’s a breakdown:

Seller-Handled Shipping

In this method, the seller handles everything related to shipping—from packing the order to selecting the shipping carrier. Once the carrier picks up the package, the seller is responsible for uploading the carrier’s name and the tracking number to keep you informed.

• Pros: Sellers have more flexibility in shipping, and some might even offer personalized packaging.
• Cons: Shipping times can vary significantly, especially for smaller businesses with fewer resources.

Ship by TikTok

In some cases, TikTok itself handles the shipping. This usually happens when you’re buying from a more established seller. TikTok coordinates the shipment and works with a logistics partner. Sellers can set preferred shipping carriers (USPS, UPS, Fedex) and shoppers can select shipping options. TikTok shop automatically provides a shipping service to get products to you.

• Pros: You get a more streamlined process and often quicker delivery times.
• Cons: While TikTok oversees the process, there’s less flexibility in packaging or customization.

Fulfilled by TikTok Shipping

This is a newer option where TikTok manages the entire fulfillment process—from warehousing to packaging to shipping. It’s similar to how Amazon’s FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) works. Sellers send their products to TikTok’s fulfillment centers, and TikTok handles everything from there.

• Pros: Fast shipping and reliable handling, since TikTok has more control over the process.
• Cons: It’s not yet available for all sellers, so you may not see this option for every product.

How Long Does TikTok Shop Take to Deliver?

Shipped by TikTok and Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) are the fastest options, usually delivering within 3-7 days.

However, at the moment, most items on TikTok Shop are shipped by the seller. With Seller-Handled Shipping, each seller may use different carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or Amazon Logistics, which can affect delivery times. 

Despite this, TikTok Shop does have a delivery policy for seller-handled shipments: items must be delivered within 15 days of the order being placed. So, under normal circumstances, you should receive your item within two weeks.

Here’s a quick overview of delivery times based on the shipping method and standard or express shipping.

Shipping Method	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Seller-Handled Shipping	7-14 business days	3-7 business days
Shipped by TikTok	2-7 business days	1-3 business days
TikTok Fulfillment Center Shipping	3-7 business days	1-3 business days

If you want a more accurate estimate for a specific item, TikTok Shop provides an estimated delivery time during checkout. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Select the item you want to buy.
2. Go to the checkout page and scroll down.
3. You’ll see the estimated delivery date. 

For example, the picture below shows “Estimated delivery: Sep 26-29,” and since I placed the order on Sep 23, the delivery time would be roughly 3-6 days. It’s a helpful way to get a more precise idea of when your package will arrive.

TikTok Shop Shipping Fee

Shipping Fee Overview

Typically, TikTok Shop’s shipping costs tend to hover around $7.99, especially for standard delivery. 

However, there are times when shipping fees can go above $7.99. This often happens with oversized or heavy items, or those that are difficult to pack and ship.

For instance, as shown in the picture, the mirror’s shipping fee is $39.99 due to its large size and the challenges that come with packing and transporting it.

How to get free shipping on TikTok Shop?

Sometimes, the shipping fee can be even higher than the cost of the item itself. In fact, statistics show that  62% of customers won’t consider purchasing from a retailer without free shipping. So, how can you get free shipping on TikTok Shop? Here are a few ways:

1. FBT Orders: If your order total is $30 or more, you can get free shipping. You can even combine products from multiple FBT shops to reach the minimum spend.

2. Seller-Handled Shipping: Some sellers offer free shipping on specific items or when you spend above a certain amount. Always check the product page for any free shipping offers.

3. TikTok Promotions: TikTok occasionally runs promotions with lower free shipping thresholds or offers free shipping for new users or during special campaigns. Keep an eye out for these deals. Just remember, free shipping usually applies to standard delivery, not express.

Recommended read: How to Monetize Your TikTok Account: Top 10 Ways to Success

How to track TikTok Shop orders

One of the best ways to ease the stress of waiting for a delivery is by tracking your order. Luckily, TikTok makes it simple to monitor your purchase. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where is my order?” Here’s a quick guide to help you out.

Track Orders on TikTok App

1. Open your TikTok App

Launch the TikTok App on your phone. Make sure to log into the account where you made the purchase.

2. Go to Orders

Tap the “Profile” icon in the bottom right corner of the app. Once there, look for “Your orders” in the middle of the screen. Tap it, and you’ll see a list of all your recent purchases, making it easy to track each one.

3. Check delivery status

Find the item you’re waiting for and check its status. There are typically a few different statuses to look for:

• Processing: Your order has been placed but hasn’t shipped yet.
• Shipped: Your order is on its way. A tracking number will often be provided so you can monitor its journey. It will show you a detailed information about your package.
• Delivered: Your order has arrived.

Use the Tracking Number 

If a tracking number is provided, you can copy it and paste it into the website of the shipping company handling your package (e.g., USPS, FedEx, or DHL). This will give you a more detailed view of where your package is and when it’s expected to arrive. 

For instance, if my package is shipped with USPS, I would visit the official USPS website and paste my tracking number into the search bar on the homepage for updates.

Factors Influencing Timing

Delivery time isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Several factors influence how long it takes for TikTok Shop to deliver your order. Let’s dive into some of these key elements to help set more realistic expectations.

Shipping Method 

This is likely the most significant factor. The shipping method you choose at checkout will largely determine how quickly your order arrives. TikTok Shop generally offers two main options: Standard Shipping and Express Shipping. Standard is more affordable but slower, while express gets your order to you faster, though it comes at a higher cost. 

Processing Time

After placing an order, it doesn’t ship out immediately. Sellers need time to process the order, package the item, and get it ready for dispatch. Some sellers may take a day to handle this, while others might take longer—especially small businesses that aren’t as streamlined as big-name retailers.

Order Volume and Peak Periods

During peak shopping seasons—like Black Friday, holiday sales, or influencer promotions—delivery times can spike due to high order volumes. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. The more people order, the more backed-up the shipping services become. Major holidays and global shopping events can easily add an extra week to delivery times.

What to Do If Your Order Is Delay

Delays happen. But if your order is taking longer than expected, here’s what you can do:

• Contact the Seller
  If your order is delayed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller directly through TikTok Shop. They can provide updates or work on resolving the issue.
• Check for Shipping Notifications
  Make sure you’ve enabled notifications from TikTok Shop so you don’t miss any important updates on your order’s status.

Tips for Faster Delivery

So, how can you avoid long wait times and get your TikTok Shop items delivered as quickly as possible? Let’s look at a few practical tips that can help speed up the process:

Choose Local Sellers

One of the easiest ways to get faster delivery is by choosing sellers based in your country or even your city. Local sellers typically use domestic shipping services, which can get your items to you much faster than international orders.

Opt for Express Shipping

If time is of the essence, always go for the express shipping option. While it may cost a bit more, it’s often worth it if you’re in a hurry to receive your order.

Avoid Peak Shopping Times

We all love a good sale, but shopping during peak periods means your order may take longer to arrive. If possible, avoid placing orders during these times if you want a speedy delivery.

Keep Track of Your Orders

Stay on top of your orders by regularly checking your TikTok Shop order status. This will give you a good idea of when to expect your package and help you address any delays early on.

Read more: TikTok Ads for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide to Success in 2024

FAQ About TikTok Shop

1. Is it safe to order from TikTok Shop?

Yes, TikTok Shop is legit and it’s generally safe to order from TikTok Shop. TikTok has built-in security measures to protect your payment information and transactions. Plus, sellers on TikTok Shop are vetted, and the platform offers buyer protection for added peace of mind. If you run into any issues with your order, you can reach out to TikTok’s customer service for assistance.

2. Who pays for shipping on TikTok Shop?

In most cases, the buyer pays for shipping. However, there are opportunities to get free shipping under certain conditions. Starting August 26, 2024, TikTok introduced co-funded free shipping, which replaced previous free shipping programs. Now, if your order meets or exceeds the minimum threshold for free shipping, both the seller and TikTok share the cost. This means shoppers still get free shipping without the full burden falling on the seller.

3. Where Does TikTok Shop Ship From?

TikTok Shop ships from various locations depending on the seller. Many sellers are based in different countries, including China and the U.S. If you want to know exactly where your order will ship from, check the seller’s location on the product page.

4. Is TikTok’s estimated delivery accurate?

Yes, TikTok’s estimated delivery times are usually accurate. The platform provides a range of delivery dates based on the seller’s shipping method and location. While delays can happen due to external factors like weather or carrier issues, TikTok’s estimates are generally reliable. If you’re concerned about when your order will arrive, always check the estimated delivery date during checkout for more clarity.

Conclusion

In the end, how long TikTok Shop takes to deliver really comes down to the shipping method and a few other variables. Most orders arrive within 3-10 days, but if you opt for quicker options like TikTok-Handled or Fulfilled by TikTok, you can shave some time off. Just remember to check the estimated delivery dates at checkout for a more accurate timeline.

If you’re running a dropshipping business and want to offer your customers fast, reliable shipping, Sup Dropshipping has you covered. We handle everything from sourcing products to shipping logistics, so you can focus on growing your store while we take care of the rest. Ready to level up your business? Head over to SupDropshipping and contact us!