E-commerce can ever be called a trend in the 21st century. It will, and has, transformed how people shop not just because of e-commerce sites like Shopify and TikTok Shop. But as more and more people turn to e-commerce, new trends and obstacles are continuously emerging.
This article addresses the state of the e-commerce environment, focusing on the trends and challenges that exist as well as user actionable recommendations for users of Shopify and TikTok Shop.
Key E-commerce Trends
Social Commerce: TikTok Shop and Instagram have also succeeded in using such platforms as a key revenue-generating channel. Business uses social networks for customer interactions relating to products and inducing them towards purchases.
Mobile Usage For E-commerce: Most of the transactions for e-commerce occur during the time of mobile device technology. Therefore e-commerce sites should be well adapted to phones and tablet computers. Namely, good response times, easy interfaces, and adaptation of layouts.
Personalization: E-commerce sites are using business intelligence to push merchandise offers, marketing campaigns, and media that capture a reader’s attention.
Sustainable Practices: Companies are adopting green business practices utilizing green products and manufacturing processes catering to green consumers.
Voice Commerce: More and more consumers want to shop using their voice and devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant make that shopping experience hands-free.
Shopify Updates and Challenges
1. How to apply for a US Shopify Account
For foreign participants in the US sponsorship looking to create a new Shopify account, it is important to comprehend such basic knowledge. For instance, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is one of the pivotal requirements among others and it is already a must-have for every account registration.
- Tip: Several clients in the past managed to open up their accounts using ITIN from a relative or workmate with more challenges created by law this shouldn’t be done.
- If you are incorporated as an LLC, it is advisable to put on record, your LLC’s banking information and payment settings, in the course of setting up your account, to circumvent any problems later on.
2. Shopify Payments Issues
Customer complaints suggest that there are incidents where Shopify may go on to suspend accounts as well as hold payments alleging that no valid U.S. address is in place. This especially would pose challenges for overseas users and users who do not have a permanent address in the US.
Recommendation: As a safety measure to avoid your account being locked, it is wise to look for another address that is privately owned and is not available to the general public.
- It is important to consider having a registered agent address for your business, as it provides both the advantages of privacy and legitimacy to the business.
- Having a compact office space or outsourcing the services that provide a legitimate office address can also serve the purpose of enhancing the corporate image and backing up the business activities.
3. Support and Solutions
He informs clients who are having any difficulties, to reach out to the Shopify support team for help. Proper documentation, such as job contracts, utility bills, or even office leases, can come in handy when trying to resolve account issues.
TikTok Shop Application Issues
1. Social Security Number Requirement
Most international users will encounter such troubles during opening a TikTok Shop account because of the requirement for a Social Security Number as many applications would demand this.
- Advice: This application can be done more conveniently with the help of a US agent (representative) who bears an active Social Security number.
- It is a good practice to ensure that all the required tax documents including the 1099 form are correct and submitted to the trust during the application process.
2. Successful Client Cases
The oral presentation provided interactive examples of how the clients managed to achieve the set targets:
- One client has satisfactorily registered a TikTok Shop after acquiring a 1099 form from a US friend who assisted with the tax documents.
- A client managed to have the account approved after many attempts at correspondence with TikTok support, which is about what one must do as a last resort reaching out to customer support.
3. Recommendation of International Clients
For clients located abroad who do not have an SSN, any further communication with the TikTok support team remains indispensable. Giving very relevant and precise information helps with the approval of the account. It might be best to hire a lawyer or a business consultant dealing with e-commerce in the United States.
How Easyfiling Can Help You Grow Your Online Business?
Easyfiling can allow some entrepreneurs not residing in the USA to run their online business via TikTok and Shopify in some ways. One way is to provide an ITIN number which is a must for non-residents who want to do business in America.
Easy filing helps in the enhancement of the ITIN application process to avoid unnecessary paperwork and ensure all forms are properly completed.
In addition to the ITIN, easy filing also assists with incorporating your company in the United States at the lowest cost possible.
Book a free consultation appointment now and discover more about how you can take your online business to the next level.
Nabin Adhikari
