Top ways to advertise on TikTok for resellers
May 9, 2025
Simple, actionable strategies for resellers to leverage TikTok and streamline multi-platform operations.
Why TikTok Is Essential for Resellers
TikTok, with its massive and engaged user base, has become a powerful platform for resellers looking to reach new audiences, move inventory faster, and build a memorable brand. Short-form video content not only grabs attention but also allows you to show your products in action, tell your story, and connect with buyers in a way that static images on other marketplaces can't match.
1. Create Authentic Product Videos
Start by showcasing your products in short, engaging clips. You don't need expensive equipment—just your phone and good lighting. Focus on:
Unboxing: Show the item as you open it. Highlight condition, features, and packaging.
Demonstrations: Display how the product works or how it looks when worn or used.
Before/After: Particularly useful for refurbished or upcycled items.
Storytelling: Briefly share how you sourced or chose the product, making it relatable.
Keep videos between 15 and 30 seconds to maximize completion rates. Use trending music and effects to boost visibility, but prioritize clarity over gimmicks.
2. Use Hashtags Strategically
Hashtags help TikTok categorize your videos and connect you with interested buyers. Combine broad tags (e.g., #reseller, #thrifting, #deal) with product-specific ones (e.g., #vintageNike, #midcenturymodern). Research trending tags in your niche and add a few to each post, but avoid overloading—5-8 relevant hashtags is plenty.
3. Go Live to Engage and Sell Directly
TikTok Live lets you interact with viewers in real time, answer questions, and even close sales on the spot. Resellers have found success with:
Live auctions: Showcase multiple items and let viewers bid in the comments.
Q&A sessions: Build trust by answering questions about sourcing, product care, or shipping.
Flash sales: Offer special deals for viewers who commit during the stream.
Promote your live sessions ahead of time via posts and stories. Make sure your inventory is organized so you can pull products as they're requested.
4. Partner with Micro-Influencers
Influencer marketing isn't just for big brands. Reach out to micro-influencers (1,000–50,000 followers) in your product niche. Offer them a free item or a small commission for featuring your products in their content. This approach is often affordable and highly effective, as micro-influencers tend to have more engaged audiences.
5. Run Spark Ads and In-Feed Ads
If you have a small budget, TikTok’s advertising tools are accessible and powerful:
Spark Ads: Promote your own organic TikTok posts to a wider audience.
In-Feed Ads: Create short, skippable ads that appear in users’ feeds.
Keep your ads as authentic as possible. Use real product demos, customer testimonials, or time-lapse clips of your reselling process.
6. Use a Central System to Stay Organized
Success on TikTok often leads to increased sales across various platforms (like eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace). To keep up, it’s crucial to:
Sync inventory and listings across all sales channels. This prevents overselling and saves time.
Assign basic team roles if you work with others—designate tasks like customer communication, packing, or filming videos.
Track sales and fees in one place, so you understand your true profit.
Handle shipping and pickup efficiently with printable labels, clear instructions, and timely updates to buyers.
Modern reseller tools like Gavelbase excel at these tasks. They sync inventory and listings across platforms, automate much of the busywork, and provide role-based team access. Other options include spreadsheets or apps like SellerAider, but for rapid growth, an integrated system keeps you focused on creating and selling—not on admin headaches.
7. Track Performance and Adjust
Monitor which TikTok videos drive the most traffic or sales. Use TikTok analytics to check views, likes, and comments, and track which products get the most attention. Adjust your approach based on what works: double down on popular formats, drop what doesn’t, and experiment with new ideas each week.
8. Link Out and Build Community
Use your TikTok bio to link to your main store, linktree, or direct checkout page. Mention in your videos where buyers can find your full inventory. Respond to comments and DMs quickly—TikTok buyers value fast, friendly engagement. Consider creating a hashtag for your shop to build repeat business and foster a sense of community.
Quick Tips for Beginners
Don’t overthink production—start posting now and learn as you go.
Post 3–5 times per week for steady growth.
Test different video styles: product-only, educational, behind-the-scenes, and humor.
Stay updated on TikTok’s algorithm and features via their official newsroom.
Conclusion
Advertising on TikTok doesn’t require a big budget or a marketing degree. By focusing on authentic content, smart organization, and consistent engagement, resellers—especially beginners—can reach new audiences, keep operations smooth, and boost sales across all channels. Remember: Start simple, stay organized, and let your passion for reselling shine through your videos.