Returns And Refunds

This article outlines the Returns & Refunds Policy on TikTok Shop. Click on the following links to navigate to the relevant sections:
  • Return/Refund Timelines & Process
    • Step 1: Customer Return/Refund Process
    • Step 2: Seller Return/Refund Review
    • Step 3: Customer Returns Product Review
    • Step 4: Seller Appeal Process
  • Aftersales Evidence Submission Guide
  • Non-Returnable Products (Refund-Only)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Return/Refund Timelines & Process Overview

In general, you would need to take action twice
  • When the customer makes a request: Approve/Reject the request
  • When you receive the return: Approve/Reject the refundimage
Notes:
  • You may offer a partial or full refund any time after the order is in-transit. If your request is accepted by the buyer, your SFRR will not be affected. You may do so directly via your customer DMs.
  • If action is required by you, but no action is taken within the required timeframe, the request will be automatically approved.
  • The platform may also automatically approve some return/refund requests at its discretion, and in certain cases, decide that the customer can keep the product and still receive a refund. Sellers may file an appeal if they disagree with this decision.
Exceptions
  • For Speedy Refunds, refunds are made as soon as the product is dropped off, or picked up by the courier. You may appeal once you have received the return product.
  • For Self-Arranged returns, you must review the return product within 14 calendar days after the customer has uploaded the return shipment information.
  • For LIVE Auctions, special return & refund rules apply. Read our Live Auction Policy to learn more.

Detailed timelines

Process
Seller Action
Return/Refund requestBuyers can raise a Return & Refund Request within the following timelines:
  • 15 Calendar Days (Non-Mall Products)
    • 6 Calendar Days for certain categories such as Baby and Maternity, Food and Beverage, Phones and Electronics, Home Improvement
  • 15 Calendar Days (Mall Products)
Return/Refund Request ReviewSellers must review the request within 1 calendar day from receiving the request. Otherwise, the request will be automatically approved. Sellers may choose from the following options:
  • Approve the request
  • Reject the request (with valid evidence)
  • Offer a partial refund
Note: Some requests will be automatically processed by the platform. However, Sellers may appeal depending on the type of request:
  • For Refund Only Requests, sellers may appeal within 15 calendar days of the refund being processed.
  • For Refund Only Requests,
    • For drop-off or pick-up returns: Sellers may submit an appeal within 7 calendar days after the returned item is delivered.
    • For self-arranged returns: Sellers may submit an appeal within 15 calendar days from the date the buyer shipped the returned item.
Product Returns
Buyers must adhere to the following timelines, otherwise, the request will be cancelled.
  • Pick-Up: Pick-up date must be selected within 3 Calendar Days
  • Drop-Off: Order must be dropped off within 10 Calendar Days
  • Self-Arranged Returns: Tracking details must be uploaded within 10 Calendar Days
Sellers may review the condition of the return item. They may reject return if the return condition is not satisfactory within the following timelines:
For Pick-up/Drop-off returnsWithin 2 calendar days after receiving the returned products. Otherwise, the request will be automatically approved.
For Self-Arranged returns
Within 14 calendar days after the customer has uploaded the return shipment information OR 2 calendar days after the return has been delivered, whichever is sooner. Otherwise, the request will be automatically approved.

Auto-Approval Tool Activation

To help sellers improve customer experience, we may activate the "Auto-Approval Tool" in certain cases (as below). The tool helps to speed up return/refund request approvals.
How will this work?
  • If sellers do not review >90% of received return and refund requests in time for 1 month, the auto-approval tool will be activated.
  • Only requests meeting the following criteria will be auto-approved using the tool:
    • Total value of all products in the request < 790,000VND (Can be adjusted) (The actual amount may differ according to currency fluctuation).
    • Any reason except "Suspected Counterfeit"
  • Customers may only trigger the tool up to 3 times per month.
  • Requests approved by the tool will be labelled as "Auto-approved by seller rules" on the Manage Returns/Refunds page.
  • The tool will be activated for a minimum of 15 calendar days, but can be deactivated after 15 calendar days through the Fulfillment Settings page.
  • For return requests, after the product is received, you may reject the request or submit an appeal if necessary.
  • If you disagree with an auto-approved refund-only request, please reach out to the Customer Service team to submit an appeal.
Example: How Auto-Approval may apply
Scenario 1: Single high-value request
  • A customer submits one return/refund request for 10 units of a product priced at 530,000 VND each.
  • The total request value is 5,300,000 VND, which exceeds the 790,000 VND threshold.
Result
  • This request will not trigger the tool and hence will not be auto-approved by the tool. The seller may need to review it manually.
Scenario 2: Multiple low-value requests from the same customer
  • A customer submits 10 separate return/refund requests, each for a single product priced below 530,000 VND
  • Each individual request is below 790,000 VND, so they meet the value criteria.
  • However, auto-approval can only be triggered up to 3 times per customer per month.
Result
  • First 3 requestsAuto-approved, as they meet the criteria and fall within the monthly limit.
  • Remaining 7 requests → Will not trigger the tool and hence may not be auto-approved. The seller may need to manually review these.

Step 1: Customer Return/Refund Process

  • Customers may request a return/refund within stipulated timelines.
    • If a return is approved, customers must ship the product to the seller within the stipulated timelines.
  • Pay close attention to the return/refund reasons that could impact your Seller-Fault Return/Refund Rate (SFRR).
    • Optimise your fulfilment and order processing to reduce these returns/refunds.
    • If you disagree with these reasons, you may reject the request or submit an appeal only if you have valid evidence.
  • For reasons that do not impact your SFRR, you may only reject the request or submit an appeal if the return condition is unsatisfactory (e.g., the product seal is broken or the product is not in sellable condition)

Customer Return/Refund Reasons

Main reason
SFRR impact
Change of Mind
No
Item too big or too small
No
Ordered wrong size
No
Received parcel, but some items were missing
Sub-Reasons
Main item missing
Free gifts or accessories missing
Yes
Package or product is damaged
Sub-Reasons
Outer packing damaged
Item leaked, scratched or broken
Maybe*
Product doesn't match description
Yes
Rotten/Moldy/Spoiled
Yes
Product is defective or doesn't work
Yes
Wrong product sent
Yes
Did not receive parcel
Maybe*
Suspected counterfeit
Yes
*Note: These reasons will only have an impact on SFRR if they are not due to the Logistics Service Provider.

Step 2: Seller Return/Refund Review Process

If the customer's request is valid, please approve the request. If you do not take action, the request will be automatically approved after a stipulated timeframe.
After carefully reviewing the return/refund request from the customer, please only reject the request if you have a valid reason to do so. If this is contested by the buyer, you will need to provide evidence.

Offering Alternate Solutions

If you do not wish to reject the request, you may reach out to the buyer and negotiate an alternative aftersales solution. If a buyer accepts your partial refund counter-offer before escalation, that case is excluded from your Seller-Fault Return Rate.

Request Rejection Reasons & Evidence Requirements

Buyer Reason
Rejection Reason
When can you select this reason?
Evidence Requirements
Any Reason
You have reached an agreement with the customer
You have evidence (e.g. A screenshot) that you have discussed the issue with the customer and came to an agreement.
Screenshot of Conversation
Lack of evidence
The buyer provided no proof or poor proof of their claim.
Description of why the evidence is invalid/lacking.
Received Parcel, but some products were missing
Item is correct
You have proof that the delivered item is as described.
Packing Video or Pictures
Product doesn't match description
Wrong Product Sent
Product is defective or doesn't work
Product functions well/Incorrect usage by the customer
You have proof that the product functions as advertised.
  • Product Demonstration Video
  • Quality certificate or inspection report of the product being sold
Suspected Counterfeit
Product is authentic
The buyer claims that the product is not authentic, but you have evidence that the product is authentic.
  • Proof of authenticity
Did not receive parcel
The package has been successfully delivered to the shipping address that was provided.
You have proof that the product has reached its destination.
Nil
Product has already been shipped, please wait for parcel to arrive
You have proof that the product has been sent out for delivery.
"Change of Mind"
Not eligible for return (e.g. used or broken)
The product images submitted by the customer show signs of use/wear (for "Change of Mind" that require items to be sealed or in original condition)
  • Packing Video or Pictures

Step 3: Customer Returns Product Review

Review the condition of the product thoroughly. If the condition of the product is satisfactory, approve the request. If you do not take action, the request will be automatically approved after a stipulated timeframe.
After carefully reviewing the product condition, please only reject the request if you have a valid reason to do so. If this is contested by the buyer, you will need to provide evidence.

Request Rejection Reasons & Evidence Requirements

Rejection ReasonWhen can you select this reason?Evidence Requirements
The product returned is not the product that was sent
The received product was not the product the customer had asked to return.
  • [Highly recommended] Unpacking Video
  • Packing Video/Photos
Product is used and returned in a condition that cannot be sold
The received product shows signs of use/wear (for "Change of Mind" that require items to be sealed or in original condition)
Product is damaged or used
The product has clear damage or signs of use. Ensure that you have evidence that the product was not damaged when you packed it.
Missing products and/or product parts
The product has missing components. Ensure that you have evidence that the original package included these components.
You have reached an agreement with the customer
You have evidence (e.g. A screenshot) that you have discussed the issue with the customer and came to an agreement.
Screenshot of Conversation
If you did not receive the product after the return status has been changed to "Delivered" or within 14 days after the buyer uploads the tracking data (for self-arranged returns), you may select the following reasons:
Rejection ReasonWhen can you select this reason?Evidence Requirements
I haven't received the package
You have not received the return product after the return status has been changed to "Delivered" or within 14 days after the buyer uploads the tracking data (for self-arranged returns).
Nil

Step 4: Seller Appeal Process

You may wish to submit an appeal in the following scenarios:
  • Speedy Refunds - you have received the return product and find the return condition unsatisfactory, or disagree with the return reasons/buyer chose the wrong reason.
  • Speedy Refunds - you did not receive the return product
  • Refund-Only Requests that were approved by the platform - you disagree with the platform decision, or believe it should have been a return/refund request
  • You wish to appeal against a Customer Dispute
Note: Appeal compensation amount is subject to platform judgement
Please ensure that you have valid evidence before submitting an appeal, as a maximum of one appeal may be submitted, and appeals without valid evidence will not be entertained.
Providing clear and complete evidence increases your chances of a successful appeal. During the review process, TikTok Shop may request additional information or documentation to clarify your case. To ensure your appeal can be reviewed without delay, please submit the additional information within 24 hours.

Appeal Reasons & Evidence Requirements

Speedy Refunds - After receiving the Return Product

Seller Appeal ReasonWhen can you select this reason?Evidence Requirements
The product returned is not the product that was sent
The received product was not the product the customer had asked to return.
  • [Mandatory] Unpacking Video
  • Packing Video/Photos*
Packing Videos are mandatory if the unpacking video does not sufficiently disprove the buyer's claim.
Product is used and returned in a condition that cannot be sold
The received product shows signs of use/wear (for "Change of Mind" that require items to be sealed or in original condition)
Product is damaged or used
The product has clear damage or signs of use. Ensure that you have evidence that the product was not damaged when you packed it.
Missing products and/or product parts
The product has missing components. Ensure that you have evidence that the original package included these components.
Buyer chose the wrong return reason
  • Product sent is matched with the description
  • Product sent is in good condition
  • Product sent is authentic
  • Product sent is correct
  • Buyer should apply for return/refund
If the item is in good condition, but you believe the customer's return reason is not applicable.
  • [Mandatory] Unpacking Video
  • Packing Video/Photos*
Packing Videos are mandatory when the unpacking video cannot prove that the product was shipped in good condition.
Didn't Receive the Package
You did not receive the return product
  • Nil

Refund-Only requests that were approved by the platform

Seller Appeal ReasonWhen can you select this reason?Evidence Requirements
Should apply for return & refund
  • You believe the customer should apply for a Return & Refund
  • Nil
I disagree with the results of TikTok
  • You disagree with the customer's refund reason
  • Packing Video/Photos

Returning Products to Customers

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may be asked to return the product to your customer. For more details, read the Seller-to-Customer Returns article.

Aftersales Evidence Submission Guidelines

Please ensure that you have valid evidence when submitting your appeal or rejecting a request. Here are some examples of good evidence when raising appeals.
Click on each of the following for a detailed example/explanation.
Packing Video or Pictures
Provide a video of the packing process before handing the parcel over to Logistics Provider (LSP).
  • Clearly show the following:
    • Order information (order ID/tracking number/QR code, etc.);
    • Correct product being packed, in full quantity, and in good/intact condition as per the customer's order.
  • Videos must be continuous, clear, and show no signs of editing.
  • For return/refund reasons related to damage or breakage, packing evidence must show sufficient materials and proper packing methods.
Sample Video
image
Sample Photo
image
Unpacking Video
Provide a video of the return package unboxing process clearly showing:
  • Return order information (order number/tracking number/QR code, etc.);
  • Footage of all 6 sides of the package and the unboxing process;
  • Clearly demonstrate or showcase the issue you wish to highlight (e.g., damaged/broken items, wrong/missing items, empty packages, used items, etc.).
⚠️ Note:
  • The video must be continuous, clear, and show no signs of editing.
  • If the returned item has functional issues, you must also provide a video demonstrating the product's operational status.
Video Sample
image
Screenshot(s) of Offline Agreement
Provide screenshots of any offline agreement you may have with your customer. You must ensure that your screenshots contain:
  1. Mentions of the specific order
  2. Agreement of alternative service resolution by Seller
Please note that screenshots of conversations off the platform may be rejected as evidence due to the risk of tampering/editing.
Sample:
image
Product Demonstration Video/Pictures
Provide a video or pictures demonstrating how the product is used. These videos/pictures should involve a clear demonstration of typical use.
Sample Video
image
Sample Picture
image
Quality Certificate or Inspection Report
This may include:
  • Safety Marks
  • Consumer Safety Reports
  • Cosmetic Safety Reports
Proof Of Authenticity
Provide any documentation that supports your claim that the product is authentic. This may include:
  • Proof of Trademark Ownership
  • Proof of Purchase
  • Letter of Authorisation/Distribution Letter
  • Brand Certificate
For examples, please read the How to Apply for Brand Qualification article.
Any Additional/Relevant Evidence
You may also provide evidence that could refute your customer's specific claims where relevant. This includes the following examples:
  • If you are appealing against a customer's claim that the product material does not match the description, provide images of the product label or production documentation.

What Products Cannot be Returned (Refund-Only Products)?

Please note that there are certain categories of products whereby customers will be unable to raise a return request. However, these products can still be refunded without returning the product. These categories are in the table below. This table is non-exhaustive and may be updated from time to time.
Categories
Products
Food & Beverages
  • Butter & Cheese
  • Fresh & Frozen Food
  • Yoghurt
Home Improvement
Garden Supplies
Virtual Products
Mobile Data, Mobile Top-ups
Womenswear & Underwear
Underwear (excluding Bras & Bralettes)
Health
Sexual Wellness
Bookings & Voucher
Physical Voucher

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do my customers have to ship out the return product?

Customers have 10 calendar days after their return & refund request being approved to ship out the product. If customers fail to ship out after this period, the request will be closed and the refund will not be issued.

In what circumstances must I bear my customer's return shipping cost?

If the customer's reason affects your Seller-Fault Return & Refund Rate, you will have to bear your customer's shipping cost.