Refundable Samples
Overview
Refundable Samples is a TikTok Shop feature that allows you to connect with creators through performance-based collaborations.Benefits
- Higher ROI: Sellers using Refundable Samples see 25% higher return on investment compared to traditional free samples*
- Performance-driven investment: Control your marketing spend by ensuring refunds are tied directly to sales
- Creator discovery: Identify motivated creators who believe in your products enough to make the initial investment
- Scalable strategy: Adapt thresholds based on your business goals, from product launches to scaling bestsellers
- Comparision: Compared to the Free Sample that is given without charge, it is a system where refunds are issued only when creators finish the task, enabling efficient budget management.
How It Works
Set up your refundable samples in Affiliate Center
- Navigate to Open Collaboration
- Based on the screenshot above, select the product and click "Add to collaboration".
- Select your sales thresholds (such as: 1 order, 3 orders, etc.)
- Consider your product price point, margin, and business goals. Lower thresholds (1 sale) work well for new products or audience expansion, while higher thresholds are ideal for established products.
- You can also click "Added Products" and select a product to modify the sales thresholds.
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Creators purchase your products
- Creators buy your products at full price with the intention to promote
- They create content featuring your products
Sales-based refunds
- If a creator's content drives your specified number of sales, they receive a refund
- You identify high-performing creators for ongoing partnerships
How Creators Discover & Apply for Refundable Samples
To help sellers better understand creator behavior, this section explains where and how creators can discover and apply for Refundable Samples on their side.Creators can access refundable samples through the following main paths:Entry 1: Product Detail Page (PDP)
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 |
| Go to profile, then select a product. | Tap the floating window. | Click "Get Sample" to apply for a refundable sample. | select the specific product details. |
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Entry 2: Product Marketplace
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
| Go to profile, then select a product. | Go to Product Marketplace. | Scroll down to the "Recommended for you" section and click Refundable Samples |
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FAQs
Q: Will the two coexist and can sellers freely choose to opt in to either option?A: Yes, sellers can pick either or both.Q: Can I still use free samples? A: Yes, you can still send free samples to creators. Visit our Sample feature guide to learn more.Q: Can I set up SKU-level samples for refundable samples?A: No. SKU-level control applies to free samples, not refundable samples.