Navigating deposit requirements for Douyin's e-commerce platform can be confusing for new sellers. This guide explains the latest deposit policies, consequences of insufficient deposits, and refund procedures to help merchants operate smoothly on China's popular short-video platform.
Two Types of E-commerce Deposits on Douyin
Douyin's e-commerce system requires two primary types of deposits, each serving distinct purposes for different platform roles.
Shop Deposit: The Foundation for Store Operations
The Shop Deposit serves as a guarantee that merchants will comply with platform rules and maintain product/service quality. It consists of two components:
- Base Deposit: The entry requirement determined by your business category. Higher-value or higher-risk products require larger deposits.
- Variable Deposit: A dynamic amount calculated based on your store's 30-day GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume).
Current Base Deposit Standards:
- Individual stores: Minimum ¥2,000
- Enterprise stores: Minimum ¥4,000
Creator Deposit: The Gateway to Affiliate Marketing
Also known as the "Product Sharing Function User Deposit," this is required for accounts wanting to share products and earn commissions through Douyin's affiliate system.
Consequences of Insufficient Deposits
Falling below required deposit thresholds can severely impact operations:
- Shop Deposit Shortage: Freezes withdrawal capabilities, preventing access to sales revenue.
- Creator Deposit Shortage: Restricts product sharing privileges, cutting off affiliate income streams.
Do You Need Both Deposits?
Merchants selling their own products must maintain both deposits. The process involves:
- Registering a shop and paying the Shop Deposit
- Binding your Douyin account as the store's official account
- Paying the Creator Deposit to enable product sharing
- Creating and listing approved products
- Promoting products through videos and livestreams
Deposit Refund Procedures
Both deposit types are refundable under specific conditions:
Creator Deposit Refunds
Accounts in good standing can withdraw funds directly through standard procedures.
Shop Deposit Refunds
Requires full store closure with these prerequisites:
- 30-day closure announcement period
- All orders completed or closed for at least 90 days
- No outstanding balances or unresolved issues
After submitting a closure request, verification takes approximately three business days. Approved refunds process within 1-3 business days after store closure.
Understanding Douyin's deposit system helps merchants avoid operational disruptions while maintaining compliance with platform requirements. Proper planning around deposit obligations ensures smoother e-commerce operations on China's rapidly growing short-video commerce platform.