AI-generated from the captured TikTok policy text. Verify against the TikTok source before acting.
TikTok Shop offers two sample types for creators: Refundable Samples and Free Samples. Refundable Samples are purchased upfront and can be refunded if your content drives the seller’s required sales within the time window. Free Samples are requested at no cost from sellers, but they depend on eligibility, seller approval, and posting requirements. Creators should check sample limits, posting deadlines, and product-link tracking in Creator Center before requesting or posting content.
Key points
Refundable Samples are available to eligible creators and do not require seller approval.
Free Samples are only for creators who have generated TikTok Shop sales within the last 120 days and are subject to seller approval.
Free samples must be posted about within 14 days of receiving the product.
Refundable Samples must generate the seller’s stated sales goal within 120 days of receipt.
Creators should attach the product link in posts or LIVE so sales can be tracked.
Creators can use Manage Samples and Creator Center to track approvals, limits, and performance.
Overdue free samples keep using limit until content is posted.
Multi-SKU Sampling allows multiple variations, but unique content is required for each SKU.
Say / show
Check Creator Center → Manage Samples to see sample status and limits.
Post a public short-form video or a 10-minute TikTok LIVE with the product link attached.
For Free Samples from sellers, post within 14 days of receiving the product.
For Refundable Samples, aim to hit the sales goal within the first 90 days so orders can clear the return period.
Verify whether a request is pending before trying to buy a Refundable Sample of the same product.
Use Multi-SKU Sampling if you need different variations of the same product, and make unique content for each SKU.
Verify all rules against the TikTok source before acting.
Do not say / show
Free Samples are available to all creators.
Refundable Samples need seller approval.
Overdue samples automatically free up your sample limit.
Samples purchased with coupons count against your free sample limit.
You can ignore product-link tagging and still get sales credit.
You can use the same content for every SKU without making it unique.
Violation risks
Repeatedly missing free-sample posting timelines could reduce sample opportunities or remove access to the program.
Missing the required posting criteria can keep a Free Sample using your limit until you post.
A pending free sample request can block purchasing a Refundable Sample of the same product.
Who it affects
Creators requesting Free Samples.
Creators purchasing Refundable Samples.
Creators using Creator Center to manage sample activity.
Creators posting short-form videos or TikTok LIVE content tied to samples.
Creators requesting multiple SKU variations of one product.
Source notes
Source says to verify details in TikTok Shop before acting, especially around eligibility, limits, and timing.
The source text is dated 2026-09-24T18:36:57.000Z and mentions a September 1, 2026 commission change for Refundable Samples; confirm current status in the TikTok page.
If a rule is not stated in the source text, it is not included here.
Confidence: high · Model: gpt-5.4-mini · Prompt: creator-policy-summary-v1
Readable Policy Copy
Captured policy content rendered without TikTok navigation, scripts, tracking markup, or page chrome. Source: article-html.
What are samples?
TikTok Shop makes it easy to get sample products to feature in your content. There are two ways to get samples: Refundable Samples and Free Samples. Refundable Samples are available to all eligible creators. You purchase the product, create content, and if your content drives the required number of sales within your window, you get your money back automatically, including shipping and tax. No seller approval needed. Free Samples are available to creators who have generated sales on TikTok Shop within the last 120 days. You request a product directly from a seller at no cost, subject to eligibility and seller approval. Once you receive your sample, bring the product to life by demoing it and sharing what you love in a public short-form video or a 10-minute TikTok LIVE. In "Manage Samples", you can see what samples have been approved or purchased, which still need content, and how your content performed. You’ll get to test and review lots of fun items, your viewers get to hear what you think, and you can form partnerships with sellers and brands for future collaborations!
Refundable Samples
Purchase a sample directly and earn a full refund, including shipping and tax, once your content drives the seller's stated sales goal. Refundable Samples let you skip the free sample approval process and get products without it counting against your free sample quota. Sellers usually require 1 to 3 orders generated. There are two ways to get a Refundable Sample: through the Product Marketplace or directly at checkout when purchasing a product you already plan to feature. For the checkout option, see [Refundable Sample at Checkout].
Benefits
Get samples without the wait: Discover and grab refundable samples from tons of brands with zero approval hassles. They don't count against your free sample request quota, so you can keep exploring new products.
Show brands you drive conversions: Go beyond just making content and show brands you're a sales-driving force. This is your chance to prove your impact and turn viewers into buyers.
Turn your sales power into a free product: Show off your influence by creating content that drives purchases. When your viewers buy, your sample becomes free.
Flexible timing: Unlike free samples, there's no hard deadline to post after receiving your product. As long as qualifying sales clear the refund period before your 120-day window closes, you're good.
How It Works
Step 1: Order your sample
Find a product you're excited about and tap the Order refundable sample button. Select your preferred options like size or color, fill in your shipping details, and complete the purchase. You can apply most coupons and promotions to the order, though not all will be applicable to Refundable Samples.
Step 2: Create and post your content
Once you receive your sample, film your video or plan your LIVE session. When you post, make sure to attach the product link so your sales can be tracked. You have 120 days from receiving your sample to generate the required sales. Aim to hit your goal within the first 90 days, since this gives your orders time to clear the 30-day return period before your window closes.
Step 3: Hit your goal and get refunded
You can create multiple pieces of content about the same Refundable Sample to hit your sales goal. Once you do, the system will initiate your refund after the 30-day return period for each qualifying order ends. Sales generated close to the end of your 120-day window may not have time to clear the return period before the window closes, which is why we recommend hitting your goal within the first 90 days.
Tips
Check for open requests first. If you already have a pending free sample request with a seller for a specific product, you won't be able to purchase a Refundable Sample of that same product. Clear one before trying the other.
Post more than once. You can create multiple videos or go LIVE several times for the same product. All sales from content featuring that product link will count toward your refund goal.
Starting September 1, 2026, commission applies to Refundable Sample orders placed through your affiliate link, including orders placed by other creators. Same commission rate, same 14-day settlement window, and same visibility in Creator Center as your standard affiliate commission.
Canceling is an option. If you change your mind, you can cancel the order from your Order Details page before it ships. If it has already shipped, you can request a return within the standard return window.
Refundable Samples FAQ
Can I post multiple times about the same Refundable Sample?
Yes. All qualifying sales from any of your content featuring the product will be combined to help you meet the refund goal.
What happens if the product goes out of stock after I've bought a Refundable Sample?
If a product goes out of stock, TikTok Shop will notify the seller to restock it. Your refund timeline will be paused for 40 days to give them time. If the seller doesn't restock within 10 days, your refund goal will automatically be marked as complete and you will receive a full refund without needing to post any content.
How long do I have to meet my sales goal?
Your Refundable Sample window is 120 days from the date you receive your product. Aim to generate the required sales within the first 90 days so your orders have enough time to clear the 30-day return period before your window closes.
If another creator buys a Refundable Sample through my affiliate link, do I earn commission?
Yes. Starting September 1, 2026, you earn your standard affiliate commission on that order. It settles after the standard 14-day return window and appears in Creator Center then Commission.
Free Samples
Free samples let you request a product from a seller at no cost, create content with it, and keep the product. You can find them in the Product Marketplace, receive them through Collab Invites, or get them through an agency collab.How many free samples you can have going at once is your free sample limit. You can see it any time in Creator Center → Manage Samples → Free sample limit.
Your Free Sample Limit
Your creator level sets your limit. Your sample score determines how much of that limit you can use. A stronger score unlocks more of your limit; a weaker one reduces it until your recent performance improves.
Creator level: updated every month.
Sample score: updated daily, based on your free sample activity over the past 30 days.
Samples available to request: the number you can request right now, shown in Manage Samples and again when you request a sample.
If your posting rate is low, you will temporarily lose access to free samples until it recovers.
How the Limit Works
Requesting samples: Your limit decreases by 1 each time you request a free sample across Product Marketplace, Collab Invites, and agency collabs. Samples you get with coupons do not count towards the limit.Restoring your limit: Your limit is restored by 1 when:
you meet the posting criteria for the sample;
the seller rejects your request, or does not ship in time;
you cancel the request before it ships;
you report a sample issue and no post is needed.
Overdue samples: This is the part that changed most. An overdue sample no longer frees up on its own, it keeps using your limit until you post for it. If an extension is provided, post content for the overdue sample to restore your limit.Tracking it: In Free sample limit, the Using limit tab shows requests currently drawing on your limit (Pending approval, Post criteria to be met, In transit, Overdue). The Limit restored tab shows requests that gave the limit back (Post criteria met, Canceled, Seller didn't ship in time, No need to post). Both show the last 90 days.Your limit updates daily. Recent activity may take a little time to show, but the delay won't affect your ability to request new samples.
How to Increase Your Limit
Raise your creator level to raise your limit.
Improve your sample score to use more of that limit. Post content with your samples within the posting window, post content for overdue samples if an extension is provided, and follow TikTok Shop guidelines.
Clear your overdue samples - each one you post for restores part of your limit.
If your limit is used up and you find a product you want to feature now, you can order a Refundable Sample instead. Refundable Samples don't count towards your free sample limit.
How to Discover and Request Free Samples
Start in Creator Center and browse the Product Marketplace or check your Collab Invites. On a product details page, if samples are available, you'll see a Get Sample button. You can get samples from sellers or from TikTok Shop directly. For more information on TikTok Shop Sample Points, view this guide. When you request a sample from a seller, they reserve the right to approve, reject, or ignore your request. After pressing Request from Seller, complete the required information including size, contact details, and shipping information. Before you request, check Samples available to request so you know how much of your limit is free.
Want to request more than one variation of the same product, like different shades, sizes, or flavors? Multi-SKU Sampling lets you do that. You can return to the Get Sample page multiple times to request different SKUs of the same product until the seller's stock or your quota runs out. Note that you must post unique content for every SKU you receive. This applies to both free and refundable samples, giving you maximum flexibility to cover a full product line. For full details, see [Multi-SKU Sampling].
How to request samples in Product Marketplace:
Tip: Toggle on the Free Sample filter to quickly find products with samples available
Receive samples from Collab Invites:
Request Samples from Sellers
When you request a sample from the seller, sellers reserve the right to approve, reject or ignore a sample request. After pressing Request from seller, complete the required information to receive your sample, including size, contact details and shipping information.
Notes:
Withdraw requests: After the sample request has been submitted, it can be canceled or withdrawn prior to the seller processing the sample for shipment. You can withdraw the request via the Withdraw Request button on the Request Details page.
If you have already purchased a Refundable Sample and that order is in progress, you won't be able to request a sample from the seller.
Sample Posting Requirements
If you've requested a free sample from a seller, you are required to post promotional content within 14 days of receiving the product. Repeatedly missing these required timelines could result in receiving fewer sample opportunities or being removed from the program. TikTok Shop will notify you 3 days and 1 day before your 14-day posting window expires to remind you to post. To fulfill your posting obligation, post a short-form video that stays public for at least 3 days, or go LIVE for at least 10 minutes. Always include the product link so purchases from your content are attributed to you.
How to Re-Apply for Samples
You can re-apply immediately after withdrawing your request by visiting the Sample Order tab and clicking Get It Again
You can re-apply 30 days after your request is disapproved, expired, or canceled by visiting the Sample Order tab and clicking Get It Again
Create sample-based content for your followers
Show, demo and bring the sample product to life in a public short-form video that's posted for at least three (3) days or a 10-minute TikTok LIVE. Don't forget to include the product link.
To showcase the product on your TikTok LIVE, follow these steps:
From your Device Camera's Pre-LIVE screen, look for the Shopping Bag icon and Products.
Tap Add Products.
Tap Add for all the products you want to promote in your LIVE.
You will see all the products added to your LIVE and can remove products as well.
Tap Go LIVE!
Make sure you pin the sample product during your live stream for the live sample fulfillment to be considered valid.
To showcase the products on your Short Videos, follow these steps:
In the Post details page, tap Add Link.
Tap Product.
Tap Add for the product(s) you want to promote in the video.
You will see the tagged products and can remove products as well.
Tap Post!
Free Samples FAQ
What is my free sample limit?
It's how many free samples you can have in progress at the same time. Your creator level sets the limit, and your sample score determines how much of it you can use.
Which free samples decrease my limit?
Your limit decreases by 1 when you request a free sample across Product Marketplace, Collab Invites, and agency collabs. It's restored by 1 when you meet the posting criteria, the seller rejects your request, or you report a sample issue.
Does using a sample coupon decrease my limit?
No. Samples you get with coupons do not count towards the limit.
Why did my limit change?
Your creator level updates monthly and your sample score updates daily, so your limit moves with your recent free sample performance.
A sample is overdue. How do I get my limit back?
Post content for it. Overdue samples don't free up on their own - if an extension is provided, post for the overdue sample and your limit is restored.
How can I increase my sample limit?
Increase your creator level to raise the limit, and improve your sample score to use more of it. Post content with samples within the posting window, post for overdue samples when an extension is provided, and follow TikTok Shop guidelines.
What happens if I have issues with my sample and can't post?
Report a problem with your sample in the Get help section of your sample order. Your limit will be restored.
My limit is used up but I found a product I want to feature. What now?
Order a Refundable Sample instead, those don't count towards your free sample limit.
When do I have to post by?
Within 14 days of receiving a sample requested from a seller.
Can I request more than one sample of the same product?
You can request one of a particular item from a single seller. You can request different products from the same seller, or similar items from different sellers. To request several variations of one product, see Multi-SKU Sampling.