Good news for aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs: Douyin (China's version of TikTok) now allows individuals to open online stores without requiring a business license. This policy change has lowered the barrier to entry for many potential sellers, though some remain uncertain about the registration process and operational strategies.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the streamlined registration process for personal Douyin shops and provide practical tips to help you succeed in the competitive short-video e-commerce market.
Simplified Registration Process for Personal Stores
Compared to corporate accounts, personal stores on Douyin have significantly reduced requirements and a more straightforward registration process. You'll only need:
- Valid ID card: Must be 16 years or older with at least one month remaining before expiration
- Mobile number: For account registration and login
Registration Steps (Desktop Version)
- Visit the official Douyin Shop website via browser and log in using your mobile number and verification code
- Select "Individual Account" as your registration type - this is the key step that eliminates the need for a business license
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Submit required documents:
- Upload your ID card photo through WeChat scan or local file upload
- Complete facial recognition verification via the Douyin app
- Check the appropriate declaration regarding exemption from business registration
- Complete your store profile by entering your shop name, product categories, and other required information before submitting for review
Registration Steps (Mobile Version)
- Access the Douyin Shop website through your mobile browser and log in
- Select "Individual Account" as your registration type
- Input all required personal information
- Complete your store profile and submit for approval
The entire process typically takes just minutes to complete. Once approved, you can immediately begin operating your Douyin store.
Effective Store Management Strategies
While registration is simple, the real challenge lies in attracting customers and generating sales. Personal Douyin shops primarily operate on a product card model, where visibility depends on strategic merchandising.
Product Listing: Quantity and Quality Matter
- Minimum inventory: List at least five products to establish initial store presence
- Product selection: Focus on trending items, seasonal products, local specialties, and low-cost (9.9 yuan) introductory items that typically attract more customer interest
- Regular updates: Add new products weekly to maintain store activity and increase search visibility
Title Optimization: Clear and Catchy Descriptions
- Length control: Keep product titles between 20-28 characters for optimal clarity
- Accuracy: Ensure titles precisely describe products to avoid customer confusion
- Keyword strategy: Incorporate relevant search terms naturally to improve discoverability
Inventory Management: Avoid Stock-Outs
- Maintain adequate stock levels to prevent losing potential sales
- Monitor sales trends closely and replenish inventory promptly
Pricing Strategy: Competitive Yet Stable
- Set prices that are attractive to customers while maintaining profitability
- Focus on delivering good value rather than just low prices
- Avoid frequent price changes that may erode customer trust
Social Sharing: Expand Your Reach
- Share product cards with personal networks via WeChat, QQ, and other platforms
- Promote products within relevant online communities and discussion groups
Leveraging Platform Advantages
New Douyin shops currently qualify for commission-free product card promotions and receive initial traffic support from the platform. These benefits create valuable opportunities for personal stores to establish themselves quickly.
Successful Douyin store operation requires continuous learning and optimization. By experimenting with different approaches, analyzing performance data, and refining strategies, individual sellers can compete effectively in this dynamic e-commerce environment.