One of the most popular apps today received a new addition in September 2023. American viewers were introduced to TikTok Shop. User feeds were filled with promotions of new products. Content creators would also partner with companies to endorse the newest products. Some being makeup, new snacks, or tumblers. Grizzly have appreciated this new addition. However, some people see shops that promote stolen goods.
What exactly is a TikTok shop?
TikTok shops are an online store that gives users an Amazon-like experience. TikTok creators act as the advertisers of products. Users can purchase products without even leaving the app. This is very similar to the merch shelf under YouTube videos, or Instagram Shop. TikTok’s actions aimed to take Amazon’s marketplace. TikTok receives a high influx of traffic but has no products to sell. Shou Zi Chew, TikTok’s CEO, saw this as an opportunity to increase profits.
“I would say that the TikTok shop is better than Amazon,” said junior Bryan Bustos-Santana. “The fact that you can just see the ad for the product, and then buy it within the app is amazing.”
So What Happened?
Despite students enjoying the app, many are realizing the issues with the experience. The products being advertised resemble fakes, yet they are marketed at the same price. TikTok’s open marketplace allows creators to sell cheap products at a higher price. They could even copy the product and market as their own with the same price tag. Thus leads to poor-quality products, or consumers never receiving the item at all.
“I knew something was wrong from the very beginning,” said junior Brandon Chacon Arteaga. “This is clearly a scam, like how can a Stanley tumbler be $19!”
One prime example was a recent pink stainless steel tumbler being advertised. The Stanley cooperation had seen this as a look alike, and pushed for action. Many TikTok creators woke up to find that their shops had been taken down. The platform has even banned creators outright. $6,000 was taken by TikTok from Queen Tay account and a ban soon after, She responded by saying that the actions were done without warning and unfair towards her business. However, the issue lies a little deeper. She had advertised the tumbler as a Stanley look-alike. Since Stanley is a trademark brand, many advertisers were breaking the law by mentioning the name. Tay mentions how she violated the terms of service only once, yet now TikTok was taking action.
“I kinda feel bad for the creators affected,” said Freshman Larry Lieu.”TikTok should have made more of an announcement or a small punishment before just banning the creators in the beginning.”
Counterfeit products aren’t a new thing. According to Alex Mitchell, writer for the New York Post, counterfeit Stanley cups have increased since March of 2023. To avoid this, Erin Jones, writer for VERIFY, recommends all users to purchase the tumblers from trusted sellers like Target. Imitation websites and social media ads are popular tactics con artists use to attract more consumers. Viewers need to notice these attempts and put them to an end.
When concerning the long term effects of these bans, TikTok is making a much safer space for viewers. Less counterfeit items on the marketplace, and more accountability for creators on what they are advertising. An overall better shopping experience for everyday users.
