Did you know that 15% of consumers say they first heard about a product they bought online from TikTok?
What started as an engaging platform for short videos is now quite a profitable business.
If you’re wondering how to start an online shop with a tight budget but have no inventory to stock, don’t worry!
In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 actionable tips on how to sell on TikTok Shop without inventory.
Let’s dive in!
Different Ways to Sell on TikTok Shop
Before we jump into the tips, here’s a quick look at the different ways you can sell on TikTok Shop:
- Live Shopping – Host live sessions to showcase your products in real-time and interact directly with viewers.
- Shoppable Videos – Add product links to your short videos so users can buy while they watch.
- Product Showcase – Set up a dedicated space on your profile to display all your TikTok Shop items.
- Shop Tab – A centralized tab where users can browse your full product catalog, view shoppable videos, and catch current promos.
Selling without inventory is a business model that works seamlessly with these methods, letting you leverage TikTok’s powerful sales tools without the burden of stocking or shipping products yourself.
Let’s see how below!
5 Actionable Tips to Sell on TikTok Shop Without Inventory
1. Go With a Budget-Friendly Fulfillment Option
We can all agree that buying products upfront and hoping they go viral is a risky move, especially when you’re just starting out.
That’s why dropshipping and print-on-demand are the most budget-friendly options – no upfront inventory costs required.
Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of both of them:
| Model | Pros | Cons |
| Dropshipping |  Low startup cost Wide product variety |  Slower shipping Less control over quality |
| Print on Demand | Unique, custom designs Catalogs are easy to update Automated fulfillment and shipping Fast production to meet shipping requirements Focus on creativity, not logistics | Slightly higher per-item cost Limited product types |
When it comes to TikTok Shop, the print-on-demand model stands out thanks to its customization potential – something that makes it one of the most profitable product categories.
With POD, you can:
- Sell popular items like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more.
- Use POD tools to generate real-time mockup previews.
- Personalize products with custom text, graphics, or artwork.
2. Choose the Right Products
This might be the most important tip for running any online store – but it’s especially true for TikTok, where trends change fast.
To know what products to promote right now, keep an eye on what’s going viral.
You can do this by checking trending hashtags or browsing TikTok’s constantly updated Top Products list.
You’ll even be able to filter by location and track useful metrics like popularity growth and trend changes over time.
For example, T-shirts, hoodies, and jumpers ranked high throughout March and haven’t shown any significant drop in popularity since.
Pro Tip
If you want to showcase high-quality mockups with your custom designs, Dynamic Mockups might be the perfect fit.
This automated mockup generator helps you easily create and customize product mockups in bulk, cutting down on time-consuming and error-prone manual edits.
You can also explore our growing template library filled with trending mockups tailored for print-on-demand.
This lets you showcase top-tier mockups on TikTok and customize them for a unique look.
3. Create Engaging Content
Whether you’re creating a shoppable video or hosting a live shopping session, it’s essential to keep users engaged with your profile.
Here are some key tips to boost your TikTok content and attract attention to your shop:
Grab Attention Early – Start with a bold question, eye-catching visual, or sneak peek of your product to immediately engage viewers.
Use Trending Audio and Effects – Incorporate popular sounds and effects, but make sure to put your personal twist to stay on-brand.
Keep Things Dynamic – Use TikTok’s native tools like green screen, jump cuts, and quick transitions to create a lively and visually stimulating experience.
Be Consistent and Post at Optimal Times – Regular posting and timing your videos right can increase your chances of going viral and help you understand your audience better.
Experiment with Different Content Types – Try tutorials, challenges, or Q&As to gauge what resonates with your audience.
Focus on Product Benefits – Make sure to showcase what makes your products special to spark interest and increase conversions.
Pro Tip
Dynamic Mockups helps you create bright, scroll-stopping visuals that feel right at home on TikTok.
Use advanced editing tools to customize mockups with bold colors or seasonal themes and boost your chances of grabbing attention within the first few seconds.
With our editing feature you can:
- Quickly tweak colors using an intuitive color picker, including ready-made presets from Printful and Printify.
- Use the smart Layout tool to move, resize, and auto-fit your assets, then fine-tune with precision for the perfect look.
4. Optimize Product Listings and Mockups
You may be wondering how product listings and mockups on TikTok Shop differ from other online selling platforms. The key is in what sets TikTok’s content apart:
- Short, clear product descriptions.
- Descriptions and captions are more conversational and informal.
- Visually engaging product displays, often showcasing the product’s features with quick edits.
- Bold, vibrant colors.
Pro Tip
Another feature Dynamic Mockups offers to create stunning mockups is the AI Mockup Generator.
After refining your mockup with the editing tools, you can further customize the background by adding a simple Background Prompt.
To remove unwanted elements, simply use the Negative Prompt and let the AI deliver your updated design.
This feature allows you to present mockups in different settings and environments, tailored to trends, seasons, or the specific needs of your audience.
5. Utilize TikTok’s Affiliate Program
If you’re not ready to start your own print-on-demand shop or want to earn extra income, TikTok’s Affiliate Program is a great option.
The TikTok Affiliate Program lets you earn commission by promoting products from TikTok Shop. Just add affiliate links or product tags to your videos or live streams – when someone buys through your content, you get paid.
It’s a simple way to monetize without holding inventory or dealing with shipping.
How to do it:
- Sign up for the TikTok Affiliate Program via the TikTok Shop Seller Center.
- Browse and select products that align with your content and audience interests.
- Create engaging content that features these products, incorporating affiliate links or product tags.
- Monitor your performance and earnings through the program’s analytics dashboard.
Conclusion
Selling on TikTok Shop without inventory is not only possible, but it’s also a smart choice. It offers high profit margins with low risk, making it an ideal option for you.
With 1.925 billion global users and 170 million monthly active users in the U.S., the opportunity to succeed as a seller is huge.
No matter which product category you choose to sell, a professional mockup is a must.
A high-quality mockup could be the deciding factor for shoppers when they come across your store.
We have a tool that helps you create seamless, professional mockups quickly with automation and API support.
Enter, Dynamic Mockups.
Make Your Store Profitable with Dynamic Mockups
Trusted by more than 3,000 leading brands and platforms from Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Amazon, this user-friendly automated mockup generator is built specifically to help POD and eCommerce businesses create high-quality visuals with ease.
Here are some key features to help you succeed on TikTok Shop:
Bulk Creation
Generate up to 100 mockups in just 10 seconds – simply upload your designs and color options, and let our AI handle the rest!
API Functionality
You can upload your Photoshop templates, take advantage of blending modes and 3D perspectives and easily edit your PSD files within the platform.
Additionally, our API supports all Photoshop modes, helping you create mockups with enhanced depth and realism.
Embeddable iFrame Mockup Editor
Easily embed our intuitive mockup editor into your website, so you can create professional, print-ready mockups without leaving your platform.
Free Mockup Library
Browse our Free Mockup Library with 1,000+ high-quality templates – from T-shirts and hoodies to wall art, mugs, tote bags, and more.
Design Library
Keep all your designs in one place so you can quickly search, resize, move, and edit them – making your workflow faster and more efficient.
Seamlessly integrate with eCommerce platforms like Etsy and WooCommerce. Shopify integration is coming soon!
Try Dynamic Mockups free for 7 days and see how fast your workflow transforms.
Get started with Dynamic Mockups and make it easy to sell on TikTok Shop without inventory!
Keep Learning
How To Make and Sell Your Merch on TikTok [Actionable Guide]
