Below is a practical guide to the dos and don’ts when preparing orders for shipment, based on TikTok Shop’s official customer order shipping guidelines.

Packing Do’s: Best Practices for TikTok Shop Sellers

1. Always Pack According to the Official Packing List

The packing list is your primary reference for what goes into each parcel. It reflects the exact order details captured in TikTok Seller Center, making it the most reliable source for picking and packing.

Before packing, print or download the packing list from:

TikTok Shop Seller Center → Orders → Manage Orders → To Ship → Print Packing List

As you pack, confirm that:

• Every item listed is included

• The correct product variations are selected (such as size, colour, or model)

Relying on the packing list helps prevent missing items, wrong variants, and avoidable customer complaints.

2. Use a Picking Method That Matches Your Order Volume

Not all sellers need the same picking approach. Choosing a method that fits your order volume and warehouse layout helps reduce confusion during fulfilment.

• Single-order picking works best for sellers with low daily order volume

• Batch picking is suitable when handling many small or similar orders

• Zone picking supports larger warehouses with multiple storage areas

A suitable picking method improves workflow efficiency and lowers the chance of packing errors.

3. Use Barcode Scanning Whenever Possible

Barcode scanning adds an extra layer of verification during picking and packing. By scanning items before packing, sellers can confirm that:

• The SKU matches the order

• The item corresponds to the correct customer order

For sellers scaling their TikTok Shop operations, barcode scanning is a practical way to reduce manual mistakes without slowing down fulfilment.

4. Maintain a Clear Inventory Management System

An organised inventory directly supports accurate packing. When items are stored and tracked properly, picking becomes faster and more reliable.

Common inventory practices include:

• FIFO (First In, First Out) for standard products

• FEFO (First Expired, First Out) for items with expiry dates

Clear SOPs and regular staff training also play an important role in ensuring consistency across picking and packing tasks.

5. Use Proper Packaging and Protective Materials

Packaging should protect the product throughout delivery, not just contain it. Poor packaging can lead to damage, returns, and disputes.

Good packaging practices include:

• Selecting a carton size that minimises unused space

• Using large-sized protective materials such as:

  • Air pillows

  • Whole sheets of paper

  • Sheet foam or bubble wrap

Air pillows are especially suitable for products that are prone to dents or surface damage.

6. Attach the Correct Shipping Label Clearly

Shipping labels must be accurate, visible, and securely attached to the parcel.

For Ship by TikTok orders, retrieve the label from:

TikTok Shop Seller Center → Orders → Manage Orders → Shipping Labels → Print

Ensure the label only displays:

• Customer name and delivery address

• Order details

• Return address

Any old or irrelevant barcodes on the package should be fully covered or removed to avoid scanning issues.

7. Inform Your LSP If Special Handling Is Required

If an order requires special handling such as fragile items, liquids, or oversized parcels, inform your Logistics Service Provider in advance. Clear communication helps prevent mishandling, delivery delays, or rejected parcels.

Packing Don’ts: What TikTok Shop Sellers Must Avoid

Do Not Use Hazardous or Unsafe Packaging Materials

Avoid packing materials that pose safety risks to handlers, couriers, or customers. This includes:

• Large staple pins that can cause injury

• Nylon fibre-based tapes that may tear unevenly or create sharp edges

• Loose-fill materials such as Styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper, which can spill easily and interfere with sorting machines

These materials increase the risk of damage, injury, and delivery disruption.

Do Not Bundle Multiple Cartons or Boxes Together

Each order should be shipped as an individual, properly packed unit. Do not:

• Bag multiple boxes together

• Use elastic bands, excessive tape, or extra straps to tie cartons

Bundled parcels are more likely to be rejected by logistics providers or mishandled during transit.

Do Not Include Unsolicited Materials in the Package

TikTok Shop does not allow sellers to insert non-essential items into customer parcels, including:

• Pamphlets or flyers

• Display materials

• Price tags or promotional stickers

Only items related to the purchased order should be included in the shipment.

Do Not Insert Messages That Influence Buyer Behaviour

Sellers must not include any messages that:

• Encourage buyers to initiate returns in exchange for benefits

• Request or pressure buyers to leave positive reviews

These practices violate TikTok Shop’s rules on fair trading and customer experience.

Do Not Promote Other Platforms on the Package or Label

Shipping labels and packaging must remain platform-neutral. Do not add:

• Hyperlinks or QR codes

• Contact details directing buyers to other e-commerce platforms

All order communication should stay within TikTok Shop’s ecosystem.

What Happens If You Breach These Guidelines?

If TikTok Shop finds that you have violated shipping or packing guidelines, enforcement actions may be taken against your seller account. Repeated offences can lead to more severe penalties, including account restrictions.

If you believe an enforcement action was applied incorrectly, you may submit an appeal via Seller Center, following TikTok Shop’s Seller Appeal Guidelines.

Make Packing Accuracy Part of Your Daily Workflow

Many packing mistakes don’t happen because sellers are careless, but because information is scattered or missed during picking and packing. Using a structured pack list helps reduce these errors. A pack list clearly shows key order details such as product information, quantity, buyer details, logistics provider, and picking notes, allowing warehouse staff to pack accurately and consistently. When the pack list is printed together with the shipping label, it also reduces missed items and wrong variations.

BigSeller’s Pack List supports this workflow by allowing sellers to customise the information shown such as SKU, shelf location, or product images and automatically print the pack list together with the shipping label. This helps improve packing accuracy without adding extra steps to daily operations.

If you’re handling multiple TikTok Shop orders and want to reduce packing errors, you can try BigSeller for free and see how a clearer pack list fits into your fulfillment process.

(All guidelines and recommendations in this article are based on “Packing and Labelling” from TikTok Shop Academy.)