What Is TikTok Live Selling?
TikTok Live selling is like a mini TV shopping show on your phone:
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You go live.
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Show your products.
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Take viewer questions.
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Close sales in real time.
It’s fast, interactive, and works well for TikTok users who want to buy on the spot.
Why is it booming?
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Low cost to start.
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No physical store needed.
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You can reach thousands from home.
You just need:
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A smartphone.
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Good lighting (like natural light or ring light).
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Reliable internet.
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Products that show well on camera.
What Items Sell Best on TikTok Live?
Not all items fit live selling. Choose items that are trendy, visible, and easy to pack.
Here are top choices:
Fashion (Especially Second-Hand)
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Get popular second-hand clothes (Mitumba style).
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Try on live or hang them nicely.
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High profit, low cost.
New Fashion
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Wearables like Ankara, trendy tees, two-piece sets.
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Combine local styles and imports.
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Engage viewers by trying them on.
Beauty Products
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Think lip gloss, face masks, perfumes, wigs.
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Do tutorials or before‑and‑after demos live.
Men’s Wear
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Offer caps, joggers, streetwear, trendy hats.
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Don’t ignore a male audience.
Accessories
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Sell lightweight items like lashes, earrings, bonnets, hairbands, nose rings.
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They are easy to send and sell fast.
Quick tip: Begin with 5–10 items per category. Pick stock that’s light and easy to ship. Rotate stock with trends—like hoodies in June and dresses in December.
Budget Setup (in Kenyan Shillings, KES)
| Item | Approx Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Starter stock (5–10 items) | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Ring light / stand | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Monthly data | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Packaging | 500 – 1,000 |
| Small emergency fund | 1,000 |
| Total | 9,500 – 23,000 KES |
You can start small and scale steadily. Some sellers earn over 100,000 KES per month after building traction.
How to Set Up Your Live Studio at Home
You don’t need a fancy setup. Here’s how to create a great live spot:
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Use a clean corner of a room. Add a plant, mirror, or colorful backdrop.
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Natural light is best. Position your setup near a window.
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If you post in the evening, use a ring light (usually costs 2,000–3,500 KES).
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Internet is crucial. Before going live, test Faiba Wi-Fi or Safaricom 4G.
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Do a short test run before you broadcast. Check sound, light, and angles.
Handling Deliveries
Delivery options matter. Tell your customers clearly:
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Courier services (Wells Fargo, G4S, Modern Coast).
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For larger volume, use Jumia logistics.
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Payment options: Mpesa before delivery or pay-on-pickup.
Explain delivery options during your Live so customers know what to expect.
How Sales Can Grow
Example Daily Sales (KES):
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5 dresses @700 = 3,500
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5 lip glosses @250 = 1,250
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2 earrings @150 = 300
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2 caps @300 = 600
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1 serum @400 = 400
Total = 6,050 KES
If your profit margin is 40–60%, that means net profit around 2,400–3,600 KES.
Monthly Estimates (25 selling days):
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Beginner: 37,500 – 50,000 KES
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Intermediate: 60,000 – 100,000 KES
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Pro: 100,000 – 200,000+ KES
Your earnings grow as you refine your stock and marketing.
How to Go Viral on TikTok Live
To boost your reach:
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Use trending sounds so the algorithm picks up your video.
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Go live during peak hours: 12pm–2pm, and 7pm–9pm.
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Use hashtags relevant to Kenya or your niche (e.g. #TikTokKenya, #MitumbaFinds).
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Repeat product prices and key info often. Add text overlays so viewers can read easily.
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Engage viewers: ask, “Which color do you like?” or “Any size left? Just ask!”
Make viewers feel part of your show. The more they feel seen, the more they stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really make money as a beginner?
A: Yes. Start small, stay consistent, and build trust with viewers.
Q: Do I need a ring light?
A: Yes, unless you always have great daylight. Lighting makes a big difference.
Q: What if no one watches my Live?
A: Post teasers before going live. Use captions like “Going Live at 7pm – Don’t miss out!”
Q: Can I sell the same products every week?
A: You can, but viewers love new items. Rotate stock often.
Order of Starting Steps
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Pick a niche and source products.
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Set up your inexpensive live studio.
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Do a 10‑minute test run before your first broadcast.
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Go Live, showcase products, interact, and close sales.
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Handle orders and deliveries.
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Repost highlights and customer feedback.
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Repeat live sessions while refining your approach.
Why TikTok Live Selling Works for Beginners
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No store needed. Just go live from anywhere.
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Low startup cost.
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Real-time interaction builds trust fast.
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Visual platforms like TikTok help push your products into feeds.
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You can test new ideas with minimal risk.
Final Thoughts
You can start a business on TikTok Live with just a phone, good light, and a few items. It's low risk, flexible, and fun. You don’t need a shop or big team. Just show who you are, sell products that look good online, and chat with people in real time.
TikTok Live selling is a real opportunity to earn from home. So make your live space ready, pick items that pop, go live with confidence, and sell like you mean it.
Go set time for your first show. Your business starts now.