Quick Comparison
| Factor | FBT | Self-Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Order | $3.58 - $8.00+ | $3.00 - $6.00 (your shipping) |
| Shipping Speed | 1-3 days ✓ | 3-7 days (varies) |
| Workload | Minimal ✓ | Daily packing/shipping |
| Algorithm Boost | Yes ✓ | No |
| Control | Limited | Full control ✓ |
| Best For | Scale, convenience | Margins, customization |
What is Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)?
FBT is TikTok's fulfillment service, similar to Amazon FBA. You send inventory to TikTok's warehouses, and they handle storage, packing, shipping, and returns for your orders.
How FBT Works:
- 1 Send your products to TikTok's fulfillment centers
- 2 TikTok stores your inventory in their warehouses
- 3 When orders come in, TikTok picks, packs, and ships
- 4 TikTok handles customer returns and refunds
FBT Fee Structure
| Size Tier | Weight | Fulfillment Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 8 oz | $3.58 |
| Small | 8 oz - 1 lb | $4.04 |
| Standard | 1 - 2 lbs | $5.12 |
| Standard | 2 - 3 lbs | $5.89 |
| Large | 3+ lbs | $6.50+ |
⚠️ Additional FBT Fees
- • Storage fees: May apply for long-term inventory storage
- • Prep service fees: If products need labeling or packaging
- • Return processing: Included in FBT but affects inventory
FBT Pros & Cons
✓ FBT Advantages
- 🚀 Fast shipping - 1-3 day delivery increases customer satisfaction
- 📈 Algorithm boost - FBT products rank higher in search
- 🏷️ "FBT" badge - Increases buyer trust and conversions
- ⏰ Time savings - No daily packing and shipping
- 📦 Scalability - Handle high volume without hiring
✗ FBT Disadvantages
- 💰 Higher costs - Fees can exceed self-shipping for some products
- 📦 No custom packaging - Generic TikTok boxes only
- 🔄 Inventory tied up - Products stuck in TikTok warehouses
- ⚙️ Less control - Can't add inserts or custom branding
- 📋 Requirements - Must meet FBT product eligibility
Self-Fulfillment Pros & Cons
✓ Self-Fulfillment Advantages
- 💵 Better margins - Often cheaper than FBT for light items
- 🎨 Custom branding - Your boxes, inserts, thank you cards
- 🎛️ Full control - Quality check every order yourself
- 📦 Flexible inventory - Sell on multiple platforms easily
✗ Self-Fulfillment Disadvantages
- ⏰ Time-intensive - Daily packing and shipping required
- 🐌 Slower delivery - Hard to match FBT's 1-3 day shipping
- 📉 No algorithm boost - May rank lower in TikTok search
- 📈 Scaling challenges - Hard to handle high volume alone
Which Should You Choose?
Choose FBT If:
- • You're selling high-volume and need to scale
- • Your products have healthy margins (40%+)
- • Fast shipping is critical for your niche
- • You want hands-off operations
- • You need the algorithm and badge boost
Choose Self-Fulfillment If:
- • You're just starting and testing products
- • Your margins are tight (under 30%)
- • Custom packaging is important for your brand
- • You're selling on multiple platforms
- • You have efficient shipping processes already
Compare Your Fulfillment Costs
Use our calculator to see how FBT fees impact your profit compared to self-fulfillment.
Use the Profit Calculator →