While Flexport does not currently have a direct integration with TikTok Shop, you can still fulfill your TikTok orders efficiently by connecting TikTok Shop to Shopify and then leveraging Flexport's fulfillment services. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to set up this integration and manage your TikTok Shop orders through Flexport.
Overview
- No Direct Integration with TikTok Shop: Flexport doesn't directly integrate with TikTok Shop at this time.
- Workaround via Shopify: By connecting TikTok Shop to your Shopify store using a third-party app, you can route orders to Flexport for fulfillment.
- Benefits: Streamline your order management, utilize Flexport's reliable fulfillment services, and keep your customers updated with timely tracking information.
Step 1: Connect TikTok Shop to Shopify
To begin, you'll need to link your TikTok Shop with your Shopify store using a connector app.
Recommended Connector Apps
TikTok for Shopify App: This official app helps you connect your TikTok account directly to Shopify. It simplifies ad creation, performance tracking, and product catalog syncing between the two platforms.
Other Connector App Options
These apps can be found under the "Integrations" tab on TikTok Shop's desktop app or website.
How to Install a Connector App
- Access TikTok Shop Seller Center: Log in to your TikTok Shop Seller Center account.
- Navigate to Integrations: Go to the "Growth" tab and select "Apps and Services."
- Choose a Connector App: Select a recommended connector app like AfterShip Feed for TikTok Shop or ShoppeDance.
- Install the App: Follow the on-screen instructions to install and authorize the app to access your Shopify store.
Important Notes
- Consistent Login Credentials: Ensure you use the same email and login credentials for both your TikTok Shop and Shopify accounts to avoid connectivity issues.
- Disconnect Incompatible Apps: If you are using other connector apps for TikTok Shop, make sure they are compatible with the new app or disconnect them to prevent conflicts.
Step 2: Configure TikTok Shop Settings in Shopify
After installing the connector app, you'll need to configure your TikTok Shop settings within Shopify.
Set Up Warehouse Information
TikTok Shop requires a "ship-from" address that is not app-based. Since Flexport uses app-based locations, you need to set up a physical warehouse address in Shopify.
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Add a Warehouse Location in Shopify:
- Go to Settings > Locations in your Shopify admin panel.
- Click on "Add location" and enter a physical address that TikTok Shop can recognize.
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Set as Default Shipping Origin:
- In Settings > Shipping and Delivery, set the newly added location as your default shipping origin.
Adjust Product Listings
- Sync Products: Ensure all your products are synced between Shopify and TikTok Shop.
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Select Products for TikTok Shop:
- Go to Products in Shopify.
- Select the products you want to sell on TikTok Shop.
- Under "Sales Channels and Apps", check "TikTok" to make them available on TikTok Shop.
Step 3: Manage Orders Through Shopify and Flexport
Once your TikTok Shop is connected to Shopify, orders will flow into your Shopify admin, where Flexport can handle fulfillment.
Order Flow Process
- Order Placement: Customers place orders on your TikTok Shop.
- Order Sync: Orders automatically sync to your Shopify store.
- Fulfillment by Flexport: Orders are routed to Flexport based on your Shopify fulfillment settings. Flexport picks, packs, and ships the orders to your customers.
- Tracking Information: Flexport submits tracking details to Shopify. Shopify syncs the tracking information with TikTok Shop, keeping your customers informed.
Handling Time and Order Processing
- Managing Handling Time: In Shopify, you can configure order processing times (handling times) for each product. This is the time between when an order is placed and when it is shipped out. Shopify allows you to set this at the product level, ensuring customers have clear expectations of when their orders will be processed and shipped.
How to Set Handling Time:
- Go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery in Shopify.
- Customize processing time for individual products or set a default processing time.
- This handling time will be factored into the overall shipping estimates, which will be communicated to customers during checkout.
- Important: Ensure Flexport is set as your preferred fulfillment service in Shopify under Settings > Shipping and Delivery. This ensures that Flexport handles the fulfillment as soon as your orders are processed.
Step 4: Manage Orders Through Shopify and Flexport
Once your TikTok Shop is connected to Shopify, orders will flow into your Shopify admin, where Flexport can handle fulfillment.
Order Flow Process
- Order Placement: Customers place orders on your TikTok Shop.
- Order Sync: Orders automatically sync to your Shopify store.
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Fulfillment by Flexport:
- Orders are routed to Flexport based on your Shopify fulfillment settings.
- Flexport picks, packs, and ships the orders to your customers.
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Tracking Information:
- Flexport submits tracking details to Shopify.
- Shopify syncs the tracking information with TikTok Shop, keeping your customers informed.
Configure Fulfillment Priorities
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Set Flexport as Preferred Fulfillment Service:
- In Shopify, go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery > Manage Rates.
- Ensure that Flexport is set as the priority fulfillment service for your products.
Step 5: Handling Common Issues
Error Messages During Setup
If you encounter error messages such as "We couldn't connect TikTok Shop with your Shopify account," it may be due to mismatched login credentials or incompatible apps.
- Solution: Use the same login credentials across all platforms and disconnect any incompatible third-party apps.
Product Sync Limitations
TikTok Shop may limit the number of products you can sync daily.
- Solution: If only a portion of your products sync initially, wait 24 hours for the limit to reset and continue syncing.
Inventory and Stock Management
Ensure that your product inventory levels are accurately maintained to prevent orders from failing to sync.
- Disable Inventory Sync: If you prefer to manage TikTok Shop inventory separately, you can disable the inventory sync in the connector app settings.
Step 6: Maintain Compliance with TikTok Shop Policies
- Brand Authorization: If your products require brand authorization, apply for it within the TikTok Shop Seller Center to avoid listing issues.
- Product Information: Make sure all product details, including dimensions and weights, are accurately entered to calculate shipping rates correctly.
Summary
By connecting TikTok Shop to Shopify using a third-party app and configuring your settings appropriately, you can seamlessly route your TikTok orders to Flexport for fulfillment. This integration allows you to manage all your sales channels efficiently and provide a smooth shopping experience for your customers.