TikTok Shop is rapidly becoming a powerful platform for businesses to reach new audiences and increase sales. With its engaging, video-driven content, TikTok offers a dynamic way for brands, especially in the supplements sector, to connect with consumers. If you’re a business looking to sell private label supplements on TikTok Shop in the UK, here's a step-by-step guide to get started, including key paperwork requirements and fulfilment options.


1. Setting Up Your TikTok Shop Account

Before you can start selling on TikTok Shop, you'll need to create a TikTok Business account. Here’s how you can do that:


Step 1: Create a TikTok Business Account
If you already have a TikTok account, you can convert it to a Business account through the settings menu. Otherwise, create a new account directly as a business.


Step 2: Access TikTok Shop
Once your Business account is active, you’ll need to apply for access to TikTok Shop. Currently, TikTok Shop in the UK is available to a variety of categories, including food supplements. You’ll need to go through an approval process to confirm that you’re a legitimate business.


Step 3: Complete the TikTok Shop Seller Application
The application process involves providing essential details about your business, including:

  • Business registration information (such as your company number and VAT registration if applicable).
  • Proof of business identity, like your UK business address and legal company name.
  • Information on the products you’ll be selling, including categories like "Food Supplements."

After submitting the application, TikTok will review it, and once approved, you can begin listing your products.


2. Paperwork for Selling Food Supplements on TikTok Shop

Selling food supplements in the UK involves adhering to strict regulations, ensuring that your products are safe, well-labelled, and legally compliant. The following paperwork is often required for TikTok Shop:


a) Product Labelling and Compliance
Food supplements in the UK must comply with the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 and applicable EU/UK regulations. Ensure your labels include:

  • Product name.
  • Ingredients list.
  • Nutritional information.
  • Allergen warnings.
  • Directions for use.
  • Any relevant health claims backed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).


At Nutribl we provide advisory label text files for all of our stock products to help guide you as to how stay compliant with your labels. These files can be found in a downloadable Word document on the 'Label Info' tab of each product page.


b) Food Business Registration
In the UK, businesses that produce, pack, or sell food supplements must be registered as food businesses with their local authority. You’ll need to provide this proof for your own business when setting up your TikTok Shop account in the supplements category.


c) Health Claims & Advertising
You must ensure that any health claims you make about your supplements comply with EFSA's guidelines. Misleading claims could lead to penalties or the removal of your products from TikTok Shop. Our advisory label text files list relevant health claims you can use for each of our stock products.


d) Certificates of Analysis (CoA)

Having a CoA for your food supplements is important to prove that the ingredients and their concentrations match the claims on the label. This may be requested during registration or for consumer safety checks and is documentation we can provide upon request.


3. Fulfilment Requirements and Potential Options

Once your TikTok Shop is set up and your supplements are listed, fulfilling customer orders efficiently is crucial. Here are the main options for fulfilment:


a) TikTok Shop Fulfilment Options
TikTok offers an in-house fulfilment service, allowing sellers to store their products at TikTok warehouses. TikTok then handles the picking, packing, and shipping directly to customers. This option can simplify operations, especially if you're looking to scale quickly. However, availability may vary, so check if this service is offered for your category in the UK.


b) In-House Fulfilment
If you prefer to manage fulfilment internally, ensure you have the infrastructure in place to handle order volume. You'll need:

  • A reliable warehouse or storage space.
  • Access to a courier or shipping service (such as Royal Mail, DPD, or Hermes).
  • The ability to provide tracking numbers and customer support for fulfilment queries.


c) Third-Party Fulfilment
Alternatively, you can use third-party fulfilment partners to handle your logistics. When choosing a third-party fulfilment service, ensure they have experience handling supplements, as special storage conditions (like temperature control) may be necessary. At Nutribl, we can help set you up with suitable 3PL fulfilment services to handle your TikTok orders. Alternatively, you are welcome to use our dropship service.


4. Special Considerations for Selling Supplements on TikTok Shop


a) Content Creation
TikTok thrives on creative and engaging content. To succeed in selling supplements, focus on producing short, impactful videos that highlight the benefits of your products. Consider using influencer marketing or live selling to boost engagement.


b) Customer Education
Given the nature of supplements, consumers will want to know exactly what they're buying. Use TikTok to educate your audience about the ingredients, how the product works, and any health benefits (ensuring all claims are legally compliant). FAQs, customer testimonials, and product demos can also help to build trust.


c) Customer Support
As your TikTok Shop grows, maintaining excellent customer service is essential. Ensure you have a system in place to manage customer inquiries, complaints, and returns effectively.


Conclusion

Selling private label supplements on TikTok Shop in the UK offers an exciting opportunity to tap into a rapidly growing market. By following the setup process, ensuring compliance with UK food supplement regulations, and selecting the right fulfilment method, you can build a successful and scalable business on this platform. With the right content strategy and logistical support, TikTok Shop could become a key sales channel for your supplements brand. Nutribl are here to support your journey into growing your brand on TikTok Shop.