As the National Day holiday period concludes, the grace period for TikTok Shop security deposits is also coming to an end. To help cross-border sellers better understand the deposit policy and avoid operational disruptions due to delayed payments, this article compiles 18 frequently asked questions with detailed answers to guide sellers through the deposit payment process.
Key Deadlines for Security Deposit Payment:
- Payment portal activation: September 15, 2022 at 00:00
- Payment deadline: October 7, 2022 at 23:59:59
Comprehensive Q&A on TikTok Shop Security Deposits
1. What do the deposit payment deadlines signify?
The payment portal opened on September 15, 2022, allowing sellers to begin deposit payments. October 7, 2022 at 23:59:59 marks the absolute deadline for completion.
2. Are all TikTok Shops required to pay deposits?
Currently, the deposit policy only applies to cross-border TikTok Shops. Local shops are exempt.
3. What happens if I miss the payment deadline?
While an initial grace period was provided, shops failing to pay by October 7, 2022 at 23:59:59 may face restrictions including: inability to list new products, product removals, and inability to partner with influencers. Timely payment is crucial to maintain normal operations.
4. What payment methods are currently supported?
Mainland China companies: Personal online banking (requires legal representative's account) or corporate online banking (company account).
Hong Kong companies: PayPal or debit card payments.
Note: Payment accounts must match the shop's registered entity. Mainland companies with Hong Kong legal representatives can only use corporate online banking.
5. Can I pay the deposit in installments?
Installment payments are not supported. The full deposit amount must be paid at once.
6. How should I pay if my shop operates in multiple categories?
No duplicate payments are required. For shops operating across multiple categories, only the highest deposit amount among all categories needs to be paid.
7. What happens if I change my operational category later?
The platform implements a "top-up or refund" policy. If switching to a higher-deposit category, the difference must be paid. Switching to a lower-deposit category triggers a refund of the difference.
8. How can I check my shop's deposit category?
New shops/Shops without orders: Based on initially selected categories.
Active shops: Determined by both order history and current product categories.
9. How do I identify my shop's category?
Navigate to TikTok Shop backend > Merchant Profile > Merchant Information.
10. Should I manually remove products from non-paid categories?
Officially recommended to manually remove products from unpaid categories. Platform will soon introduce batch removal functionality.
11. Are deposits refundable? Under what conditions?
Deposits are refundable when: the shop maintains normal operations without violations. After shop closure, approved refunds process within 30 calendar days.
12. Where is the deposit payment portal located?
Backend > Assets > Security Deposit.
13. Can buyer disputes indefinitely delay deposit refunds?
The platform's dispute resolution process has defined time limits for both parties. Malicious buyer behavior won't indefinitely withhold refunds.
14. How do I know if violations affect my deposit refund?
Unless notified about deposit deductions, refunds proceed normally upon shop closure. Deduction notifications indicate violation impacts.
15. How should purchased shops handle deposits?
Since corporate banking is required, purchased shops face challenges unless original owners cooperate with necessary information.
16. Do global shops need country-specific deposits?
Yes, current policy requires separate deposits for each country where a shop operates.
17. Does paying deposits bypass invitation-only requirements?
No. Sellers must first qualify for TikTok Shop before paying deposits. Invitation requirements remain separate from deposit policies.
18. What are the deposit amounts for different categories?
Refer to TikTok Shop's official category-based deposit chart. Note that amounts may adjust according to platform policy updates.
Important Notice:
This information serves as reference only. Always consult TikTok Shop's official policies for current requirements. Sellers should monitor platform announcements to ensure compliance.
Reminder: Complete deposit payments before October 7, 2022 at 23:59:59 to maintain uninterrupted operations. For inquiries, contact TikTok Shop's official support channels.