Free Sample Program

The Free Sample Program allows creators to request product samples from sellers and create shoppable content featuring those products. This helps creators discover products to promote, while giving sellers more opportunities to work with trusted affiliates.
To ensure fairness and reliability, creators are expected to post content after receiving samples. Creators who repeatedly receive samples but do not post may face sample restrictions.

How free sample requests work

Creators can request free samples from sellers through the Product Marketplace page.
To request a sample:

1. Submit a free sample request for a product.
2. The seller reviews your request.
3. If approved, the seller arranges delivery of the sample.
4. After receiving the sample, create shoppable content featuring the product.

Depending on the affiliate plan, sellers may offer free samples or refundable samples.
Click here for more information.

Sample quota limits

Each creator has a maximum number of free samples they can have at the same time.
Your quota may depend on your creator account level. Check your sample quota in Creator Center > Affiliate Center > Your Level.For example, if your sample quota is 5, you can have up to 5 active samples at one time. If all 5 sample slots are being used, you will need to post one of them before you can request another sample.
A sample slot may become available again when you:

• Post content for the sample
• Successfully appeal a sample issue

What counts as posted?

A sample counts as posted when you complete one of the following within 14 days after the sample is delivered:

• LIVE: Pin the sample in your LIVE shopping bag for more than 10 minutes.
• Video: Post a video featuring the sample and keep the content live for at least 3 days.

If no eligible LIVE or video content is completed within 14 days after delivery, the sample may be counted as incomplete.

Sample post rate

Your sample post rate measures how often you post content after receiving free samples.
Sample post rate = Samples you posted ÷ Samples you received
How it's calculated:

• Denominator: Number of samples delivered between T-42 and T-14
• Numerator: Number of samples delivered and posted within 14 days

Examples:

• Received 5 samples, posted 3 → 3 ÷ 5 = 60%
• Received 5 samples, posted 0 → 0 ÷ 5 = 0%

A low sample post rate can affect your ability to request or receive more samples. Sellers may also use this metric to decide whether to approve your future sample requests.
Tip: To maintain a healthy post rate, post content within 14 days after receiving a sample.

Sample restriction

Sample restriction applies when a creator receives samples but does not post content. Creators with a sample post rate of 0% will face a sample restriction.
When sample restriction applies, you will not be able to:

• Request new free samples from open plans
• Accept sample offers from target plans
• Receive additional samples from sellers

What if there is an issue with a sample?

If you cannot promote a sample due to a product or delivery issue, you may contact support to submit an appeal.
Examples of issues:

• Damaged or poor quality product
• Wrong product received
• Product does not match the listing
• Delivery or logistics issue

To submit an appeal, go to Creator Center homepage > TikTok Shop Toolkit > Manage Samples > Your orders > Free Sample. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page to view the available support options.
When submitting an appeal, provide clear evidence, such as photos, videos, screenshots, or delivery information.
Click here for more information.If your appeal is approved:

• The sample will not count against your sample post rate
• Your sample quota may be released so you can request new samples
• If you received a sample restriction due to this sample, the restriction may be revoked.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval. TikTok Shop will review the appeal based on the information submitted and take appropriate action. You may submit up to two appeals for the same case. Additional or duplicate submissions may be rejected.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why can't I request more free samples?

You may have reached your sample quota or be under sample restriction. Check your sample-related metrics.

Will sellers see my sample post rate?

Sellers are able to view creators' sample post rate when reviewing sample requests. Maintaining a healthy sample post rate can help improve your attractiveness to sellers.

What happens if I receive a bad quality sample?

You may submit an appeal with supporting evidence. If approved, it will not count against your post rate, and your quota may be released.