Many aspire to achieve financial freedom through live-streaming e-commerce on Douyin (China's version of TikTok), but few fully comprehend the platform's evolving regulations. Recent updates to deposit requirements could unexpectedly restrict selling privileges or even block withdrawals for unsuspecting creators. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating Douyin's latest deposit policies.
Key Changes to Douyin's Deposit System
The platform has introduced two new deposit categories—"Category-Specific Deposits" and "Credit Deposits"—alongside existing requirements. These changes significantly impact sellers using Douyin's product showcase feature. Failure to maintain adequate deposits may result in selling restrictions or frozen earnings.
The Five Types of E-Commerce Deposits
1. Basic Deposit
This 500 RMB ($70) entry-level deposit serves as consumer protection when activating the product showcase feature, ensuring merchants operate ethically.
2. Variable Deposit
Calculated monthly based on gross merchandise value (GMV) from paid orders (excluding refunds/cancellations):
- GMV <5,000 RMB: 0 RMB
- 5,000-10,000 RMB: 100 RMB
- 10,000-50,000 RMB: 200 RMB
- 50,000-100,000 RMB: 500 RMB
- 100,000-500,000 RMB: 1,000 RMB
- ≥500,000 RMB: 2,000 RMB
3. Event Deposit
Required for major promotions like "618" or "Double 11," refundable post-event if no violations occur.
4. Category-Specific Deposit (New)
Mandatory for selling in regulated categories (e.g., cosmetics often require higher deposits due to fraud risks). Sellers may opt out of categories by requesting restrictions, but lose selling privileges for those items.
5. Credit Deposit (New)
Up to 20,000 RMB penalty for serious violations like counterfeit sales or false advertising, serving as both punishment and deterrent. Refundable only after sustained compliance.
Deposit Management Essentials
Sellers pay only the highest applicable deposit amount—not all five simultaneously. For example, if variable deposits exceed basic requirements, only the variable amount applies. Insufficient balances trigger selling restrictions or withdrawal freezes.
Upon exiting e-commerce or account disqualification, compliant sellers receive remaining deposits within four business days after order fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do deposit refunds take?
Approximately four business days post-request, visible in the designated bank account.
Can deposits be withdrawn anytime?
Yes, but immediately terminates all e-commerce privileges.
Why separate store and creator deposits?
Store deposits regulate merchant behavior, while creator deposits govern product-sharing activities—both required for full functionality.
While Douyin's deposit system appears complex, understanding these mechanisms enables sellers to optimize their strategies while avoiding penalties. Regular balance monitoring and strict compliance remain essential for sustainable success in China's competitive live-streaming e-commerce landscape.