How TikTok Shop's referral fee works in the US
TikTok Shop's Seller University page on referral fees lists 6% for most categories, with 5% for some jewelry and pre-owned categories, and a lower 3% rate on the part of certain collectible and pre-owned sales above $10,000. The fee is worked out on what the customer pays plus any discount TikTok funds, minus tax, and it includes the shipping fee paid by the customer. The page lists no fixed per-order fee.
= rate × (item price + shipping paid by buyer), before tax
Profit = price + shipping − referral fee − creator commission − item cost − your shipping cost
Example: a $25 item
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Item price (free shipping) | $25.00 |
| Referral fee (6% of $25) | −$1.50 |
| Item cost and postage ($8 + $5) | −$13.00 |
| Profit | $10.50 (42% margin) |
| Same sale through a creator at $2.50 commission | $8.00 |
If the buyer paid $5 shipping, the fee base would be $30 and the referral fee $1.80.
Tips
- Check your category's rate. Rates depend on the category and change from time to time, and new sellers can get a temporary lower rate. Enter your own rate under Fee rates.
- Creator commissions are often the bigger cost. Affiliate commission is set by you per product, so put the expected amount in to see if a creator sale still makes money.
- Refunds are not fully free. On refunded orders TikTok returns the referral fee but may keep a refund administration fee; check your settlement report.
TikTok Shop updates its fees. Always check the current rate for your category in Seller Center or Seller University before relying on these numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the TikTok Shop referral fee in the US?
TikTok's Seller University page lists 6% for most categories and 5% for some jewelry and pre-owned categories. Check Seller Center for the current rate for your category.
Is the referral fee charged on shipping?
Yes. TikTok says the referral fee base includes the shipping fee paid by the customer, but not tax.
Is there a fixed fee per order?
TikTok's US referral fee page does not list one. If your settlement report shows another per-order fee, enter it under Fee rates.
Sources
TikTok Shop Seller University: Referral fees by category (US)
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By Muhammad Shujah