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If you are on Tiktok, you have probably been intrigued by Tiktok Shop (and perhaps even having already bought something!). Functionality, launched in the United States in September, allows you to see and shop the articles presented in videos. The results are two -components: it gives creators a new way of winning brand commissions, but for many consumers, it is only another form of digital temptation .

In almost all the other videos on the Tiktok's for you, there is a call for action to buy the latest lip shiny, a drying brush walking cushion . But before reserving your credit card information, you may be wondering if the platform is legitimate. It turns out that there are serious concerns. Read in advance for the biggest red flags when using Tiktok Shop.

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Like anyone who bought a fragile product from a digital ad will tell you, whenever you buy something online, there is a risk that you will not get what you expect. According to Julie Ramhold , a consumption analyst with the Store comparison site Dealnews.com, there are also anecdotal evidence that this is also true for Tiktok Shop. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Some sellers can use bait and switching tactics - you explain something in a video, then, when you order, send an incredibly cheap version of everything you have ordered that is not the same quality as What was illustrated, "she says.

Of course, this could also happen on sites like Amazon and Etsy, so Ramhold offers the same advice as it makes for these platforms: "Read criticism and use common sense-it seems too good to be True? If so, then it is probably. "

Another major problem is that some Tiktok Shop packages simply never arise.

"Customers have reported cases where the items of their orders were not received, leading to frustration and the disadvantage of requesting reimbursements," said Jeanel Alvarado , retail expert in Dangers . "This problem is particularly problematic for those who buy gifts or need items on a specific date."

If you need your purchases to arrive in a timely manner, you may want to consider another retailer.

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Not all Tiktok sellers are exactly what they say to be.

"There is always a risk of meeting fraudulent sellers or counterfeit products," explains Alvarado. "Get a reasonable diligence before making a purchase by checking the presence of the seller beyond Tiktok, such as the verification of an official website or confirmation of their registration and their business license."

However, even if a seller checks, this does not mean that you will get what you pay.

"For example, there has been an increase in tiktok sellers announcing luxury handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès, which could potentially be counterfeit if they are not sold via a legitimate consignment store", explains Alvarado. You may want to save these types of purchases for traders in whom you have fully confidence.

Fortunately, Ramhold says that it does not mean that all Tiktok Shop sellers are illegitimate. "It will vary, and it is important to do your research - even if it is just superficial - before making a purchase to save you the potential to waste money and avoid a headache," she said .

The Tiktok store is still quite cool - and this fact in itself is a fairly large red flag!

"This is a new platform, so it is important to be careful when buying," said Ramhold. "This does not mean avoiding the Tiktok store completely." But when you do, make sure you are looking for everything that is suspect.

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