Getting started on TikTok Shop: 3 must-have products for merch

TikTok is evolving from a social media giant to a leading ecommerce platform. TikTok launched TikTok Shop in September of 2023, and generated $11.09 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) in their first year. By offering a way for creators to interact directly with their audience and sell products in-app, they are leading the charge in the world of social selling.

If you’re just setting up your shop or expanding your product line, here are three must-have products that will lay a solid foundation for your TikTok Shop: custom calendars, framed wall art, and apparel like t-shirts and hoodies. 

These products offer high personalization, strong visual appeal, and flexibility – perfect for sparking interest and building a customer base.

Calendars are a classic product that many customers love, especially when they’re unique and personalized. In a time when most people rely on digital schedules, a beautifully designed, physical calendar stands out as both functional and decorative. For creators, TikTok Shop is an ideal space to showcase the customization options that make their calendars unique.

Main feature: Custom events

One of the benefits that you can get from creating your calendars with Gelato is the ability to add custom events. This means that you can add a deeper level of theming, so if you’re making a cat calendar, you can add all those important events (like black cat appreciation day in August) and make your calendar stand out from all the other cat calendars on the market. 

Why calendars work on TikTok Shop

Calendars are easy to show off visually, making them perfect for TikTok’s video format. A TikTok video showcasing different calendar designs and themes will capture your followers’ attention and encourage them to explore your shop. 

Tips for selling calendars on TikTok Shop

• Highlight unique designs: Offer different styles or themes to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Show how a calendar can match different decor styles, from minimalist to vibrant and bold.

• Offer seasonal promotions: Calendars are a popular gift during the holiday season and the start of the year. Use seasonal hashtags and create holiday-themed videos to attract buyers during peak calendar-buying times.

Home decor is incredibly popular on TikTok, and framed wall art is a product that resonates with a wide audience. A piece of framed art can enhance a room’s aesthetic and make it feel more personal and inviting. For creators selling on TikTok Shop, wall art offers an ideal way to showcase creative styles, trending designs, and personalized art.

Main feature: Already framed, ready to hang

One of the easiest ways to add a high-quality item to your store is with pre-framed wall art. Using the Gelato and TikTok integration, you can offer wall art with a frame already included, ready to be displayed immediately, adding a premium feel while saving customers’ time. 

Why framed wall-art works on TikTok Shop

Wall art’s visual appeal translates beautifully on TikTok’s platform, where users can quickly see how a piece might look in their own home. Framed wall art is easy to display in videos, showing followers different ways to incorporate the artwork into their decor. Additionally, the ability to personalize the art appeals to TikTok’s diverse and creative audience.

Tips for selling framed wall art on TikTok Shop  

• Create styling videos: Show how your wall art can transform different spaces, like a bedroom, office, or living room. Use popular decor hashtags to increase visibility and reach users interested in home styling.

• Offer limited-edition designs: Create a sense of exclusivity by offering limited-edition prints or seasonal designs. Highlight this in your videos to encourage quick purchases.

• Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with home decor influencers on TikTok can showcase your products in real-life settings and build credibility for your shop. Influencers can demonstrate how they style your artwork in their own spaces, providing inspiration for followers.

Apparel remains one of the most versatile and popular product categories on TikTok Shop. From graphic t-shirts to cozy hoodies, apparel is something that always resonates well with the TikTok audience. 

Main feature: High-quality fabric with custom print options  

Using print on demand to sell on TikTok allows you to combine quality fabrics with custom print designs, ensuring every piece stands out. Offering both t-shirts and hoodies gives customers options to suit their style and comfort preferences. The customization options enable creators to tailor designs for specific themes, communities, or messages, making each piece more meaningful and personal.

Why apparel works on TikTok Shop  

Apparel lets creators tap into TikTok’s huge fashion and style community. Customers on TikTok are constantly searching for unique items that let them express their personality, and custom apparel provides an ideal solution. Apparel is also highly visual and easy to show in different styles or on different models, making it perfect for video content.

Tips for selling apparel on TikTok Shop  

• Show versatility in styling: Post videos that demonstrate different ways to style your t-shirts and hoodies. Offer suggestions for various looks, from casual and sporty, to trendy and stylish.

• Use hashtags for niche communities: Identify communities like #StreetwearTok, #FitnessFashion, or #EcoFashion, and create designs that appeal specifically to these audiences. Engaging with niche communities helps you attract dedicated fans and loyal customers.

• Launch limited-edition drops: Create excitement around your products by offering limited-edition designs or color variations. Using a countdown to the launch or providing a sneak peek can build anticipation and drive immediate sales.

Starting with these products in your TikTok Shop is a great way to set yourself up for success. However, standing out on TikTok requires more than just great products. Here are some additional strategies to help you make the most of your TikTok Shop presence:

1. Optimize product listings: Use high-quality photos, clear descriptions, and tag each product with relevant keywords. Emphasize unique features like custom events for calendars or premium framing for wall art to make your listings more appealing.

2. Run giveaways and contests: Offer a chance to win one of your products or discounts on your items. This can be especially effective when introducing a new collection, helping build buzz and attract followers.

3. Invest in TikTok ads: Consider using TikTok’s advertising options to boost your visibility. Ads targeted at specific audiences can give your products a competitive edge, especially if you’re just getting started.

4. Engage with your followers: Reply to comments, ask questions, and create videos that respond to user feedback. Engaging with your audience builds loyalty and encourages repeat visits to your shop.

5. Analyze performance: Use TikTok analytics to monitor which products and videos perform best. This information can help you refine your content and understand your audience’s preferences, allowing you to make adjustments that boost sales.

TikTok Shop gives creators an unprecedented opportunity to connect with a vast audience in an engaging, visually-driven way. As you launch or expand your TikTok Shop, remember to embrace experimentation and stay tuned in to trends. The key to success on TikTok is not only about selling but building a community, sharing your journey, and connecting with customers on a personal level.

With Gelato’s support, your TikTok Shop can offer products that combine quality, creativity, and sustainability. Custom calendars, framed wall art, and apparel are just the beginning of what’s possible, offering a unique blend of style, personalization, and practicality that resonates with customers. Each item has the power to create lasting memories, bring spaces to life, and allow individuals to express themselves—all through the ease and accessibility of TikTok.