Returns And Refunds
11/05/2025
- Return/Refund Timelines & Process
- Aftersales Evidence Submission Guide
- Non-Returnable Products (Refund-Only)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Return/Refund Timelines & Process Overview
In general, you would need to take action twice- When the customer makes a request: Approve/Reject the request
- When you receive the return: Approve/Reject the refund
Typical timelines for most requests:
Notes: - If action is required by you, but no action is taken within the required timeframe, the request will be automatically approved.
- The platform may also automatically approve some return/refund requests at its discretion, and in certain cases, decide that the customer can keep the product and still receive a refund. Sellers may file an appeal if they disagree with this decision.
- For Speedy Refunds, refunds are made as soon as the product is dropped off, or picked up by the courier. You may appeal once you have received the return product.
- For Self-Arranged returns, you must review the return product within 10 calendar days after the customer has uploaded the return shipment information.
Detailed timelines

Step 1: Customer Return/Refund Process
- Customers may request a return/refund within stipulated timelines.
- If a return is approved, customers must ship the product to the seller within the stipulated timelines.
- Pay close attention to the return/refund reasons that could impact your Seller-Fault Return/Refund Rate (SFRR).
- Optimise your fulfilment and order processing to reduce these returns/refunds.
- If you disagree with these reasons, you may reject the request or submit an appeal only if you have valid evidence.
- For reasons that do not impact your SFRR, you may only reject the request or submit an appeal if the return condition is unsatisfactory (e.g., the product seal is broken or the product is not in sellable condition)
Customer Return/Refund Reasons
*Note: These reasons will only have an impact on SFRR if they are not due to the Logistics Service Provider.Step 2: Seller Return/Refund Review Process
If the customer's request is valid, please approve the request. If you do not take action, the request will be automatically approved after a stipulated timeframe.After carefully reviewing the return/refund request from the customer, please only reject the request if you have a valid reason to do so. If this is contested by the buyer, you will need to provide evidence.
Request Rejection Reasons & Evidence Requirements

Step 3: Customer Returns Product Review
Review the condition of the product thoroughly. If the condition of the product is satisfactory, approve the request. If you do not take action, the request will be automatically approved after a stipulated timeframe.After carefully reviewing the product condition, please only reject the request if you have a valid reason to do so. If this is contested by the buyer, you will need to provide evidence.
Request Rejection Reasons & Evidence Requirements
If you did not receive the product after the return status has been changed to "Delivered" or within 14 days after the buyer uploads the tracking data (for self-arranged returns), you may select the following reasons:
Step 4: Seller Appeal Process
You may wish to submit an appeal in the following scenarios:- Speedy Refunds - you have received the return product and find the return condition unsatisfactory, or disagree with the return reasons/buyer chose the wrong reason.
- Speedy Refunds - you did not receive the return product
- Refund-Only Requests that were approved by the platform - you disagree with the platform decision, or believe it should have been a return/refund request
- You wish to appeal against a Customer Dispute
Providing clear and complete evidence increases your chances of a successful appeal. During the review process, TikTok Shop may request additional information or documentation to clarify your case. To ensure your appeal can be reviewed without delay, please submit the additional information within 24 hours.You can track the outcome of your appeal in Seller Center. Please ensure that you have valid evidence before submitting an appeal, as a maximum of one appeal may be submitted, and appeals without valid evidence will not be entertained.
For refund or return appeals that are highly unlikely to be approved—such as when items were not fully delivered due to seller oversight—we strongly advise against submitting an appeal. Please note that final decisions are made at the sole discretion of the platform. Appeals will not be reviewed if the issue arises from intentional actions to circumvent or violate platform policies.
Appeal Reasons & Evidence Requirements
Speedy Refunds - After receiving the Return Product

Refund-Only requests that were approved by the platform

Aftersales Evidence Submission Guidelines
Please ensure that you have valid evidence when submitting your appeal or rejecting a request. Here are some examples of good evidence when raising appeals.Click on each of the following for a detailed example/explanation.
Packing Video or Pictures
- Clearly show the following:
- Order information (order ID/tracking number/QR code, etc.);
- Correct product being packed, in full quantity, and in good/intact condition as per the customer's order.
- Videos must be continuous, clear, and show no signs of editing.
- For return/refund reasons related to damage or breakage, packing evidence must show sufficient materials and proper packing methods.
Sample Photo
Unpacking Video
- Return order information (order number/tracking number/QR code, etc.);
- Footage of all 6 sides of the package and the unboxing process;
- Clearly demonstrate or showcase the issue you wish to highlight (e.g., damaged/broken items, wrong/missing items, empty packages, used items, etc.).
- The video must be continuous, clear, and show no signs of editing.
- If the returned item has functional issues, you must also provide a video demonstrating the product's operational status.

Screenshot(s) of Offline Agreement
- Mentions of the specific order
- Agreement of alternative service resolution by Seller
Screenshot Sample

Product Demonstration Video/Pictures
Sample Video

Quality Certificate or Inspection Report
- Safety Marks
- Consumer Safety Reports
- Cosmetic Safety Reports
Proof Of Authenticity
- Proof of Trademark Ownership
- Proof of Purchase
- Letter of Authorisation/Distribution Letter
- Brand Certificate
Any Additional/Relevant Evidence
- If you are appealing against a customer's claim that the product material does not match the description, provide images of the product label or production documentation.
What Products Cannot be Returned (Refund-Only Products)?
| Categories | Examples |
| Food & Beverages | Fresh & Frozen Food, Butter & Margarine, Cheese & Cheese Powder, Cream, Fresh Milk, Yoghurt & Fermented Dairy Products |
| Health | Condoms, Lubricants |
| Home Improvement | Fresh Flowers, Live Plants & Flowers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much time do my customers have to raise a refund request?
- For products purchased through TikTok Shop Mall: 15 days after the order's status is updated to "Delivered".
- For products not purchased through TikTok Shop Mall: 7 days after the order's status is updated to "Delivered".
How long do my customers have to ship out the return product?
Customers have 10 calendar days after their return & refund request being approved to ship out the product. If customers fail to ship out after this period, the request will be closed and the refund will not be issued.In what circumstances must I bear my customer's return shipping cost?
If the customer's reason affects your Seller-Fault Return & Refund Rate, you will have to bear your customer's shipping cost. Click here to read more.You may also be interested in
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