How To Get Free Samples On TikTok Shop

For creators, free stuff has always been a perk of the job. A bonus, if you will. 

But as a TikTok shop affiliate, it’s not just a bonus, it’s a game-changer…

On TikTok shop, it’s not about finding products that resonate with your audience. You're after products that have viral potential — sometimes tough to spot upfront. The more products you can test with winning frameworks, the better your shot at hitting it big.

But testing a lot of products can get expensive. Enter, free samples. They're the ticket. And lucky for you, there are tons of ways to score some. 

In this article, we’re running through 7 ways to get free samples and start raking in commission on TikTok shop in 2024.

Let’s jump on in.

How to request free samples on TikTok shop

Requesting free samples directly from sellers is the most popular way of getting product samples on TikTok shop. 

Essentially, you’ll navigate through the product marketplace and identify products that you want to promote. Scroll down on the product page to where you would see the commission rate, and you might find a ‘request a free sample’ button. If it is, you’ll hit request and it’s over to the seller. They’ll have 7 days to approve your request. 

Now, the button won’t always be there. Sellers can only offer a limited number of free samples every single month, so they may have ran out. Similarly, creators also have a limit on how many they can request. This limit will differ depending on your tier.

These are levels used by TikTok to categorize creators based on how much they sell each month. 

If you’ve hit your limit of free sample requests, it’s time to level up your GMV. 

In the meantime, there are other ways you can continue to get free samples…

Other ways to get free samples on TikTok shop 

While these alternative methods aren’t always as simple and straightforward as hitting a request free sample button, they allow you to keep the samples coming thick and fast. 

TikTok shop is constantly evolving their own processes and we’re seeing more and more new ways to get free samples pop up.

If you’ve maxed out your limits through the conventional method, try these…

1. Sample campaigns

I can almost guarantee you’ve seen these before in the TikTok shop Creator Center… you may have just blocked them out. 

These are banners that look very much like ads, so it’s not surprising so many creators scroll by. This is your PSA not to. Sample campaign banners are TikTok saying “hey, let us give you free samples!!”. 

When you click on a banner, you’ll be able to opt in and choose from any products that are part of the campaign. You'll then be given instructions on how to complete the campaign — for example, posting X videos within X days. Even if you’re not over the moon at the product options to choose from, a good video can help you increase your GMV and move your creator tier up.

2. Sample coupons 

This is similar to campaigns, but slightly better. Coupons won’t be limited to specific products, they’ll just have a monetary value. These will appear as pop ups in the app or sent directly to your email. Often, these will offer $100 worth of free samples. These coupons will always be time sensitive, so be sure to claim them when you can. Who’s saying no to free samples these days?

3. TikTok shop games

The Brand Meets Creators TikTok Games are one of the best ways not only to get free samples, but to really boost your earnings as a TikTok shop affiliate. The Games is a free challenge that brings killer brands with viral products and creators together. With pre-negotiated exclusive commission rates and free samples available for all products, they’ve made it as easy as possible for you to get started.

The more you earn, the more chance you have of winning some incredible prizes. As in, Tesla’s, a trip to the Bahamas, iPhone’s…  What’s not to love?

4. Sample Rewards Program 

This is TikTok’s latest addition. 

While the Sample Rewards Program has not yet been rolled out to all accounts, it’s certainly going that way. It's a point system where you can earn points that can be redeemed on free samples. On a product listing, you’ll see how many points are needed to redeem these samples. Rather than sellers having to give these away for ‘free’ from their allowance, TikTok covers the cost of the sample plus shipping and tax. 

There are five levels. You'll level up based on how many videos you post for the samples you've redeemed in a given month. 

Your starting level is calculated based on the amount of content you posted in the 30 days prior to the program's launch, engagement on your content and cumulative GMV. At each level, you get rewarded with more sample points.

It’s worth nothing that only videos you post using sample products obtained through the Sample Rewards Program will count towards the calculation. These points will expire every two months, so you’ll need to be consistently redeeming them. 

5. Pitch the brand directly 

If you’re looking to really take the reins, you can always go ahead and pitch the seller directly. 

We’ve already seen this work really well for creators in the Academy — you’ll just want to let them know why you want the product, how you're going to promote it and what you’ve done for other brands. 

Sellers are incentivised by TikTok to respond to messages promptly, so you’d be surprised at how many times you’ll get a positive response. This also opens up the lines of communication for potential further monetisation: ad codes, payment for additional rights, etc.

6. Partnering with an agency

The final way to get free samples is by partnering up with a TikTok shop agency. These agencies typically support creators with shoppable video content, live-streams and creator matchmaking for products and sellers. Every agency gets a monthly free sample budget from TikTok, so by partnering with a good one, you’ll be able to get a piece of the pie. The quality of the products will differ depending on the agency, so do your research before signing with one.

..still no samples?

If you’ve exhausted all seven methods on this list and you’re no closer to filling your cupboards, consider buying the products.

In the creator economy, working for free — or worse, paying for a product — is a no-go. But in the world of TikTok shop, one video can be tens of thousands in commission. One low ticket product could be your ticket to being financially free for a few months. If you spot a winning product and you can’t get a sample, don’t write it off completely.

One of our Academy members, Abby, made over $40k on a single video for Tarte. FYI, there was no free sample before she made that video. Join her and other members making five-figures in TikTok Shop commission every week, in The Academy. Join for just $30 for your first month. We’re waiting for you.