TikTok Shop has introduced Countdown Bidding, an auction-style feature designed for collectibles and pre-owned luxury communities. This feature allows shoppers to bid on items directly during a seller's LIVE session, with the highest bidder winning the item. Sellers create auction-only listings with detailed information, set a starting bid and timeframe, and shoppers can bid and pay within the LIVE. The feature complies with TikTok's Gambling and Gamification policies and is currently limited to collectibles and pre-owned luxury categories.
Key Features and Policies
- Auction-only Listings: Items are clearly labeled as "auction only," disabling the cart option to avoid confusion.
- Price Cap Increase: The platform's price cap has been raised from $7,600 to $13,000 to accommodate high-value items like rare trading cards and limited-edition bags.
- Pre-qualification for Shoppers: Shoppers must accept bidding terms, provide valid payment details upfront, and those with high return rates may be excluded. Sellers can see the username of the highest bidder, who is charged immediately after the LIVE ends.
- Seller Standards: Sellers with many orders reported as "significantly not as described" or those misrepresenting auction-only items risk losing access to Countdown Bidding.
- Payment Options: Currently, credit and debit cards are accepted, with plans to add more payment methods.
- Returns and Refunds: Purchases are non-returnable and non-refundable unless items arrive damaged, defective, incorrect, or significantly not as described. Coupons and promotions do not apply to Countdown Bidding purchases.
Future Outlook
TikTok is monitoring seller and bidder behavior to ensure compliance and plans to expand Countdown Bidding to more categories. This feature aims to help sellers engage shoppers uniquely, build loyal customer bases, and increase demand for high-value or limited inventory items.
TikTok Shop remains committed to providing a safe and positive customer experience, supporting sellers and shoppers through clear policies and ongoing oversight.
