Wondering where to sell plants online? Look no further! Selling seeds on TikTok Shop is your next ample opportunity to grow your business. With M2E, unlock your power to conquer new marketplaces, reach more customers, and skyrocket your sales. Start your success journey today!
Has Anyone Bought Plants from the TikTok Shop?
People are used to shopping online on eBay and Amazon, so why not make impulsive purchases on TikTok Shop when a creator launches a video? For example, they watch a video about growing a large organic zucchini at home and think, why not? And right there, they ordered zucchini seeds from that seller.
It’s no surprise to see similar requests on Reddit—more and more people are looking beyond Amazon and eBay for plant shopping. Enter TikTok Shop, a rapidly growing marketplace catching everyone’s attention.
Meanwhile, if you search “vegetable seeds online” via TikTok Shop, you will find dozens of shops offering different kinds of seeds.
The good news for buyers is that they can find plants and seeds here. For sellers, there are still low fees and limited competition. Let’s compare them for a while with other marketplaces.
So, let’s quickly calculate how much you will spend as a seller to trade out the zucchini seeds on different marketplaces. Suppose, one average zucchini seeds pack costs $10, so:
- TikTok Shop: $1.10 in fees for each item sold;
- Walmart: $6.50;
- eBay: $1.59;
- Amazon: $5.00.
Still, keep in mind that all these fees are relevant on the September, 2024. You can see all current commissions in your account at the time of sale.
Anyway, this is your cue to master TikTok Shop as a platform for selling plants and seeds. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into how you can make the most of this emerging opportunity.
As a seller, we recommend you look at this niche, especially if you already have similar stores on other marketplaces. TikTok Shop is actively developing, and you have every chance to take advantage of it. Meanwhile, the M2E solution will help grow your business from a seed to a towering palm.
TikTok Shop Prohibited Products Policy
As you know, TikTok Shop lists prohibited items for sale. Among them, you’ll find references to seeds. So, what plants are not allowed to be sold on this marketplace?
The TikTok Shop’s prohibited items policy includes “Animals, Animal-Related Products, Protected Wildlife and Plants.”
Here, TikTok Shop prohibits the sale of certain plants, including:
- those protected by regional laws and regulations;
- plants that are banned by law for production and trade;
- any plant varieties that pose risks to production, human health, the environment, or the ecological system.
In addition, TikTok Shop strictly prohibits the sale of any chemicals, ingredients, or raw materials used in the manufacture of drugs or addictive substances, including items like marijuana, opium, poppy seeds, hallucinogenic plants, and mushrooms.
Other Policies
Remember that sellers at TikTok Shop must follow the Seller Agreement, Return Policy, and Customer Service Policy. Sellers must promptly respond to customer inquiries through TikTok’s communication channels and provide detailed information on plant care and cultivation. If customers encounter issues with their received plants (e.g., damaged or not as described), sellers must offer the necessary support to resolve these problems. Should the plants differ from the seller’s description (such as in variety, size, or color), customers are entitled to request a return or compensation.
What About Fresh Flowers Selling?
This year, as Mother’s Day in the UK approaches, TikTok Shop introduces the ‘Fresh Flowers & Live Plants’ category, making it easier for moms to find the perfect gift. Partnering with ethical flower brand Arena Flowers, along with Freddie’s Flowers and You Garden, the new category offers direct sales to TikTok’s plant-loving community.
With 1.2 million #plantsoftiktok posts, this addition feels right at home. Users can also pre-order to ensure timely deliveries for special occasions. This launch expands TikTok Shop UK’s growing product range.
Licenses and Permits for Plants & Seeds Selling
“Do I need a license to sell plants?” – This is a common question for beginners in this business. In this part, you will learn how to sell plants legally in the UK and USA.
UK’s Key Considerations
If you are starting a plant business in the UK, check the Government website in time to familiarize yourself with Plant Health Controls. The main requirements are below.
Licensing for Seeds:
- To sell seeds in the UK, you must obtain the appropriate licenses from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Selling Plants:
- Most plants can be sold without special licenses, but exceptions apply to rare or protected species.
- All plants must comply with phytosanitary standards.
Phytosanitary Requirements:
- Seeds and plants imported into the UK from abroad must have a phytosanitary certificate confirming they are free from pests and diseases.
- Sending plants within the UK does not require certification, but local disease and pest control regulations must be followed.
Restrictions on Certain Species:
- Some plant and seed species may be prohibited from sale due to their invasive nature or threat to local species.
- Before selling, ensure your products are not listed as prohibited.
Labeling and Instructions:
- All seed packages must be labeled appropriately, including details about the species, variety, expiration date, and storage conditions.
- Care instructions for plants should be provided to the buyer.
In addition, for more info, remember to check the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). This page offers detailed guidance on the import and export of plants, including the need for phytosanitary certificates and compliance with UK plant health regulations.
USA’s Key Considerations
Now, let’s check what you should consider before selling plants & seeds in the USA.
Registration Requirements:
- To legally sell seeds and plants in the United States, you must register with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Certain states also have specific requirements that must be adhered to, which can vary depending on the type of seeds or plants being sold.
Plant Species and Protection:
- Similar to UK regulations, certain U.S. plant species are protected by law and may require special permits for sale. Verifying whether the plants you intend to sell are subject to these restrictions is essential.
Phytosanitary Requirements:
- A phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country is mandatory for importing seeds and plants into the U.S. This certificate ensures that the plants and seeds are free from pests and diseases. Additionally, interstate transport of plants within the U.S. is regulated, especially when moving plants from one state to another, and may require compliance with state-specific laws.
Restrictions on Certain Species:
- The USDA maintains a list of prohibited or restricted plants for import and sale due to their potential threat to agriculture or the natural environment. The sale of invasive species, for example, can be strictly prohibited.
Labeling and Instructions:
- All products must be labeled according to federal and state laws, including species, variety, growing instructions, and usage guidelines.
Also, remember about the State-Specific Agricultural Regulations. State laws on agricultural issues differ significantly from state to state. The National Agricultural Law Center compiles state statutes on various agricultural law topics, such as animal cruelty, recreational land use, and agritourism. These compilations offer a quick overview of nationwide, diverse laws and provide detailed, state-specific legal texts. This page serves as a central resource for all compiled statutes, making it easier to access targeted legal information.
What Should You Know About Plants & Seeds Listing on TikTok Shop?
No matter what type of plant you sell, whether it’s fruits (e.g., apples), vegetables (e.g., potato), flowers (e.g., orchid seeds), or berries (e.g., strawberry seeds) you must follow specific recommendations for effective listing creation.
Key Requirements for Listing
Selling Fresh Flowers and Live Plants on the TikTok Shop platform is reserved for sellers who are selectively invited through a special, exclusive process (Invite-Only).
Eligible Flowers and Plants include, but aren’t limited to:
- Single-stemmed Roses;
- Mixed Flower Bouquets;
- Potted Indoor (e.g., cacti) and Outdoor Plants (e.g., tomato).
Sellers wishing to list plants must include the following details:
- Product Description:
- Clearly name the flower or plant variety (e.g., Sunflowers, cucumber, Snake Plant).
- Specify the color(s) of the product (e.g., red, pink, and white).
- Mention the number of stems or buds (e.g., 12 stems).
- Provide the plant’s dimensions when ordered and at total growth (e.g., 10 inches at purchase, growing to 3 feet).
- State whether the plant is for indoor or outdoor use (e.g., indoor succulent).
- Include the size and weight of the plant pot (e.g., 6-inch pot, 2 pounds).
- Describe how the product will be presented (e.g., hand-tied bouquet in a gift box, potted plant in ceramic planter).
- If you are selling the seeds, also add detailed descriptions (how many seeds are in the pack, special conditions, etc.)
- Care Instructions:
- Offer guidance on watering, feeding, light exposure, and tips for keeping the flowers or plant vibrant (e.g., water weekly, keep in indirect sunlight).
- Warnings:
- Highlight any allergy risks (e.g., pollen allergies).
- Note the presence of sharp thorns (e.g., on rose stems).
- Indicate if the product harms pets (e.g., lilies toxic to cats).
- Product Images:
- Ensure high-quality images show the product’s true size, color, fullness of bouquet, and number of stems (e.g., a close-up of a fully bloomed orchid). This blog explains how to optimize images for a TikTok Shop listing. By the way, M2E TikTok Shop Connect makes your life easier by automatically resizing images for you.
So, creating an effective listing is not an easy task, especially when you need to move a product between listings. In addition, our extension M2E TikTok Shop Connect also offers easy product transfer between listings. Thus, optimize and improve with M2E Pro solutions.
Finally, timely order processing, prompt responses, and efficient management of refunds and cancellations are crucial for maintaining a positive customer experience, even with returns. M2E TikTok Shop Connect offers all these features, helping you handle everything smoothly.
If you have a store on TikTok Shop with Magento (Adobe Commerce), you can manage your inventory and product data seamlessly with M2E TikTok Shop Connect. And if not, we have solutions for other platforms too (for example Shopify). So, how can we assist you?
With M2E Cloud you can reach TikTok’s vast audience with ease. M2E’s TikTok integration simplifies listing management, sales handling, and syncing with your store. Quickly match your inventory to TikTok Shop categories and start selling in just a few clicks.
Plants & Seeds Listing on TikTok Shop Example
Now, it’s time for examples. Suppose you are selling peony seeds. Here is the view of your product listing:
Product Name: Premium Peony Seeds – Elegant Blooms for Your Garden.
Product Description: Grow your garden masterpiece with our Premium Peony Seeds. Known for their lush, fragrant blooms, peonies are the perfect choice for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. These seeds are carefully selected for their vibrant colors and strong growth potential, ensuring you’ll enjoy beautiful flowers season after season.
- Variety: Peony (Paeonia).
- Color: Available in shades of pink, red, and white.
- Quantity: 10 seeds per pack.
- Size: Seeds will produce plants that grow up to 3 feet tall when mature.
- Suitability: Ideal for outdoor gardens, borders, and as a cut flower for indoor arrangements
Care Instructions: To get the best results, plant your peony seeds in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Peonies thrive in temperate climates and will reward you with stunning blooms in late spring to early summer. Fertilize in early spring, and deadhead blooms to encourage more flowers.
Warnings:
- Allergy Information: Peonies may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Toxicity: Peonies are non-toxic to pets.
Presentation: Your seeds will arrive in a designed, eco-friendly packet, ready for planting or gifting.
Shipping Information:
- Ships within 2-3 business days.
- Free standard shipping on orders over $50.
- Expedited shipping is available.
Summary
TikTok Shop offers a unique and growing platform to showcase your plants to grow and sell. By leveraging M2E’s tools, you can effectively tap into this vibrant marketplace, reaching new customers and expanding your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, TikTok Shop provides the perfect stage to cultivate your success. Start planting the seeds today and watch your business flourish. Remember to check our blog for more e-commerce solutions and expert tips.