Many merchants on Douyin's e-commerce platform have questioned why they need to pay both a shop deposit and a creator deposit when opening a Douyin store. What exactly is the difference between these two types of deposits? Following recent adjustments to Douyin's deposit policies, this article provides a comprehensive explanation to help merchants better navigate the platform's requirements.
Deposits: The "Passport" to Douyin E-commerce
Deposits serve as a crucial mechanism for Douyin's e-commerce platform to regulate merchant and creator behavior while protecting consumer rights. Functioning like a "passport," these financial guarantees must be paid before users can conduct e-commerce activities on the platform. Douyin primarily implements two types of deposits: shop deposits and creator deposits, each serving distinct purposes for different account types.
Shop Deposit: The Foundation of Store Operations
The shop deposit is mandatory for merchants opening a Douyin store and consists of two components: a base deposit and a floating deposit. Without paying the base deposit, stores cannot begin operations, while the floating deposit adjusts according to business performance.
Base Deposit
Different store types face varying base deposit requirements. Individual stores require a minimum of 2,000 yuan, while corporate stores need 4,000 yuan. Notably, stores selling down jackets—whether in men's, women's, or sportswear categories—must pay 50,000 yuan. These stores must also provide finished product quality inspection reports and maintain a platform experience score of 4.6 to access select marketing tools.
Payment occurs after successful store verification through platform prompts. Existing stores needing to supplement deposits can do so through the store backend under Assets > Shop Deposit.
Floating Deposit
This variable component calculates based on a store's 30-day Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV):
- GMV below 5,000 yuan: 0 yuan deposit
- 5,000-10,000 yuan GMV: 1,000 yuan deposit
- 10,000-50,000 yuan GMV: 2,000 yuan deposit
- Above 50,000 yuan GMV: 4,000 yuan deposit
The platform automatically adjusts this amount according to GMV fluctuations. Merchants should monitor deposit balances to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Creator Deposit: The Key to Livestream Commerce
Content creators must pay this deposit to enable product showcases, livestream sales, or promotional videos. It comprises multiple components:
Base Deposit
A flat 500 yuan fee for activating the product display window feature.
Floating Deposit
Calculated similarly to shop deposits based on the creator's GMV performance.
Category Deposit
Additional fees apply for specialized categories like jewelry, antiques, or secondhand goods.
Credit Deposit
A 20,000 yuan penalty-style deposit for creators violating platform rules.
Event Deposit
Temporary fees for participation in official promotional campaigns.
These components don't stack cumulatively—creators pay only the highest applicable amount.
Key Differences Between Shop and Creator Deposits
| Category | Shop Deposit | Creator Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Users | Douyin store merchants | Douyin content creators |
| Purpose | Regulate store operations and protect consumers | Regulate influencer marketing and protect consumers |
| Components | Base + floating deposits | Base + floating + category + credit + event deposits |
| Trigger | Store opening | Product showcase activation |
| Refund Conditions | Store closure with no violations or pending orders | Content commerce termination with no violations or pending orders |
Important Considerations
Insufficient Deposit Impacts
Low shop deposits may freeze withdrawal functions, while inadequate creator deposits restrict commerce features and earnings access.
Commerce Relationships
Merchants selling proprietary goods must open stores and pay both deposit types to enable shopping cart integrations. Those partnering with creators for promotions may bypass creator deposits.
Refund Process
Full refunds process within four business days after meeting all requirements, depositing to registered bank accounts.
Conclusion
Understanding Douyin's deposit ecosystem proves essential for successful platform participation. By comprehending these financial requirements, merchants and creators can strategically plan their e-commerce activities while maintaining compliance with platform standards.