The booming live-streaming e-commerce sector has made Douyin (known internationally as TikTok) an attractive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. The platform has recently lowered entry barriers for individual sellers, allowing anyone aged 16 or older to open a shop with just their ID card—no business license required. However, while the registration process has been simplified, successful operation requires careful planning and execution.
Eligibility Requirements: One ID Card Opens Doors
Compared to corporate stores, personal shops on Douyin have significantly fewer requirements. However, there are important limitations to note:
- Personal shops cannot sell branded merchandise
- Only specific product categories are permitted
- Some categories may qualify for a "zero deposit" trial period
Currently approved categories for personal shops include:
- Agricultural products and local specialties
- Handicrafts and cultural creative products
- Home and living essentials
- Personal care and beauty tools
- Certain digital products and services
Registration Process: Dual-Channel Access
Douyin offers two convenient registration methods:
Desktop Registration:
- Visit the official Douyin Shop website
- Register using your mobile number and verification code
- Select "Individual" as your account type
- Upload ID photos and complete facial recognition
- Complete the declaration form accurately
- Submit store details including name and product categories
- Wait for platform approval
Mobile Registration:
- Download and log in to the Douyin Shop app
- Choose individual registration
- Upload required identification documents
- Submit store information for review
Operational Strategies: Product Selection and Marketing
While entry is easy, sustainable success requires thoughtful strategy:
Product Selection Tips:
- Leverage your personal expertise or interests when choosing products
- Monitor trending topics and popular items on the platform
- Differentiate your offerings with unique value propositions
Marketing Techniques:
- Use short videos and live streams to showcase product features
- Engage actively with followers through comments and responses
- Regularly analyze performance metrics to refine strategies
The lowered barriers to entry present new opportunities for e-commerce entrepreneurs. However, long-term success depends on careful product selection, effective marketing, and continuous optimization of business strategies.