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How Can Sellers Use a 3PL for TikTok

Steve Schlecht
Written by
Steve Schlecht
Published on
December 5, 2024
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Logistical challenges can overwhelm TikTok sellers as their popularity grows, especially during viral trends. With over 100 years of logistics expertise, Buske Logistics specializes in helping sellers scale efficiently while meeting the demands of TikTok's fast-paced ecosystem. This post will explore how partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Buske can transform TikTok order fulfillment into a competitive advantage.

Why TikTok Sellers Need a Reliable 3PL Partner

TikTok Shop quickly became a significant e-commerce space. It’s been estimated that 33% of American users have purchased through the platform in less than a year since it was launched in the U.S. market.

It’s also worth noting that, unlike other e-commerce platforms, TikTok Shop is primarily a “social shopping” site. TikTok Shop is a fast-moving platform with viral online trends likely affecting customers’ buying decisions. It means TikTok shoppers expect lightning-fast service, too.

Ultimately, fast and error-free order fulfillment can make or break a seller’s reputation and success on the platform. That’s why having a reliable 3PL (third-party logistics) partner makes all the difference. 

Using 3PL for TikTok Shop allows stores to focus on creating engaging content and driving sales. Sellers can leave the complexities of order fulfillment to a company equipped with the expertise, advanced technology, and flexible solutions for their logistics needs.

While managing inventory and shipping in-house can work at the start of a seller’s TikTok Shop venture, growing stores may later face:

  • Rapid order surges: If a product goes viral, handling hundreds (even thousands) of orders at once will be a staggering task.
  • Inventory chaos: Keeping track of multiple SKUs and replenishing items before they sell out can quickly become immensely complex.
  • Shipping troubles: TikTok’s audience expects fast delivery. When sudden order surges and inventory problems arise, it would be difficult to provide quick shipping, leading to bad reviews or lost customers.

Example: A Buske client recently experienced a 300% spike in orders when their TikTok campaign went viral. By leveraging our scalable warehousing and advanced fulfillment systems, they shipped 99% of their orders within 24 hours, maintaining a 5-star customer rating.

This is where a 3PL comes in—not just for large operations but also for small sellers. An expert 3PL like Buske Logistics offers scalable solutions tailored to any business size, from professional warehousing to order fulfillment and shipping services.

How to Use a 3PL for TikTok as a Seller

1. Integrate Your TikTok Shop with a 3PL

Integration is the first—and most important—step when working with a 3PL for order fulfillment. Without 3PL integration into a TikTok shop, automated order processing, inventory management, and fulfillment would be impossible.

Sellers searching for a service provider for 3PL TikTok Shop fulfillment should keep this in mind. By syncing a TikTok shop directly with a 3PL system, order fulfillment processes would be carried out smoothly and quickly while minimizing errors.

One of the features of Buske’s e-commerce solutions is the seamless integration of our clients’ platforms with our warehousing and fulfillment systems. This service translates to:

  • Automatic processing of incoming orders from online stores like TikTok Shop.
  • Optimal order fulfillment workflows for faster picking, packing, and shipping.
  • Real-time inventory updates to prevent overstocking or out-of-stock scenarios.

Here are the basic steps on how to integrate 3PL in a TikTok Shop:

Step 1: Find a provider with the right technology for integration: Partner with a 3PL like Buske that supports seamless API connections to sync TikTok Shop operations with fulfillment systems.

Step 2: Sync inventory data: The technology to integrate TikTok Shop with a 3PL provider’s systems allows sellers to sync their inventory data easily. This makes real-time inventory updates possible to maintain accurate stock levels.

Step 3: Automate order fulfillment processes: Orders flow directly from TikTok to the 3PL provider’s system for efficient picking, packing, shipping, and product returns. Customers will receive real-time updates, which helps improve customer satisfaction.

2. Leverage 3PL Warehousing for Managing TikTok Inventory

Sellers should use professional warehousing solutions with a third-party logistics set-up for TikTok. Organized warehousing ensures inventory is stored safely and remains accessible during periods of high demand.

When partnering with Buske, TikTok sellers will not only have a state-of-the-art facility to store their products, but they will also benefit from advanced warehouse management systems for smooth order fulfillment at all times.

Using Buske’s warehousing solutions allows TikTok sellers to use and pay for just the space they need. Because our facilities are designed to efficiently fulfill orders, inventory can move quickly from storage to shipment, even during peak demand periods.

Buske's warehouses are strategically located near major transportation hubs, ensuring faster customer delivery. Our advanced systems also allow real-time inventory tracking, helping sellers monitor stock levels, avoid overselling, and efficiently plan restocks.

3. Take Advantage of Streamlined Order Fulfillment Process

For TikTok sellers, fast and accurate order processing is vital to maintaining a positive reputation and building a loyal customer base. Partnering with a 3PL like Buske ensures sellers can meet demand without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

This is another reason seamless integration with online stores is a key element of setting up 3PL order fulfillment in TikTok

When a TikTok order is placed, the data is sent directly to the 3PL’s fulfillment system, where the order is processed automatically. The 3PL TikTok fulfillment partner will handle everything from picking the right product in the warehouse to packing it carefully and shipping it quickly.

With seamless integration and streamlined order fulfillment in place, TikTok sellers can enjoy these benefits:

  • Speed and Accuracy: A 3PL ensures that orders are fulfilled correctly and shipped quickly, which is essential for keeping up with TikTok’s viral trends.
  • Error Reduction: Automated systems leave much less room for mistakes like sending the wrong product or delayed shipments.
  • Scalability: As orders increase due to popular trends, a 3PL provider can quickly scale operations to meet demand without overburdening the seller.

4. Use Value-Added Services to Stand Out

A Bazaarvoice survey in 2022 revealed that over 71% of TikTok shoppers made a purchase after seeing something they liked on their feed. This could suggest that TikTok customers love creativity and personalization and are more likely to buy appealing items.

Handing the logistics operations to a third-party provider doesn’t mean TikTok sellers cannot provide a personalized shopping experience. This is where value-added logistics can help a TikTok store stand out and expand its customer base. 

At Buske, we offer custom kitting, bundling, and labeling to create a memorable unboxing experience for TikTok shoppers:

  • Custom packaging: Surprise TikTok customers with unique branded boxes.
  • Kitting and bundling: Offer curated bundles or limited-edition kits to boost sales.
  • Returns management: Handle exchanges or refunds effortlessly, leaving your customers satisfied and likely to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Buske Logistics cater to small TikTok sellers?

Definitely! Buske Logistics works with businesses of all sizes, including small TikTok sellers. Our flexible and scalable solutions allow Buske to provide tailored logistics support, whether a TikTok store is just starting or expanding rapidly.

Buske offers cost-effective fulfillment services so TikTok sellers can focus on content creation and customer engagement while we handle the logistics.

Can a 3PL handle large order volumes from viral TikTok trends?

Absolutely! Just as Buske caters to small TikTok shops, we can also scale our operations quickly in response to order surges. With advanced technology and robust fulfillment systems, we handle large volumes of orders swiftly and accurately.

Do sellers need to provide shipping materials?

No, our clients don’t need to worry about providing their shipping materials. While we offer custom packaging and labeling options, Buske Logistics provides all shipping materials, from boxes to protective fillers. 

Whether it’s branded packaging or standard materials, we use the right supplies to ensure our clients’ products arrive safely and make a great impression on their customers.

Stay Ahead of TikTok Trends with an Expert 3PL

Success on TikTok Shop moves at lightning speed, but keeping up doesn’t have to be stressful. With Buske Logistics as your 3PL partner, you’ll have the tools, expertise, and support to handle order surges efficiently while keeping your customers happy.

Contact Buske today and discover how we can help make your TikTok shop thrive.