Configure TikTok Shop Sample Order Sync Rules

Overview

The Sample order sync rules give merchants more control over how TikTok Shop sample orders are synced to their eCommerce store. This is particularly useful for merchants participating in the TikTok Affiliate Program, where creators request sample products. With these settings, you can:

• Sync sample orders immediately like regular orders.
• Combine multiple sample orders from the same creator into one shipment to reduce shipping costs.
• Block sample orders from syncing entirely if they aren’t needed in your eCommerce platform.

Steps to set up TikTok Shop sample order sync rules

1. Navigate to Settings in your AfterShip Feed admin. 
2. Go to Channel settings, then Order sync in your account.
3. Choose your preferred Sample order sync rule in the Order sync rules section.

Option 1: Sync to eCommerce immediately

Syncs each new sample order to your eCommerce store right after it’s received.

Option 2:  Combine sample orders with matching customer info and sync to Shopify

Merge multiple sample orders from the same creator (same name, address, etc.) into a single order.

• Sellers can set a combination time frame between 0.5 and 24 hours. During this period, any sample orders from the same creator (same name, address, etc.) will be merged into a single order before syncing to Shopify. This helps reduce shipping costs and streamline fulfillment.
• You can also add a custom Shopify order tag to identify these combined sample orders.
• It is recommended that users select a time frame following their sample request operation habits:

a. If the time frame is set too short, the number of orders that can be merged will be relatively small, and the effect of saving shipping costs will not be significant.

b. If the time frame is set too long, the inventory quantity in these orders will be delayed in Shopify deduction, which will increase the risk of overselling.

For example, if the time frame is set to 0.5 hour:

• Order 1 and Order 3 will be combined into one order and synced to Shopify after 10:30.
• Order 2 and Order 4 will be combined into one order and synced to Shopify after 10:40.
• Order 5 will be synced to Shopify after 11:00.
• Order 6 and Order 7 will be combined into one order and synced to Shopify after 11:10.

Important considerations

1. The sample order combination option only supports seller-shipping sample orders with an amount of 0 and does not apply to returnable sample orders.
2. If you change the time frame of option 2, it will only affect upcoming orders, and historical orders will still be combined according to the previously set rules.
3. If you change from option 2 to option 1 or option 3, it will only affect upcoming orders, and historical orders will still be merged according to the previously set rules.

Option 3: Do not sync sample orders

• This option blocks sample orders from being synced to your eCommerce store.
• Orders will be marked as blocked under the Sync status in the Feed Order Center.

4. Save your sample order sync settings.

• The changes will only apply to future sample orders.
• Existing orders will follow the rules active at the time they were received.

Key takeaways

• The sample order combination (Option 2) is Shopify-only and works only for seller-shipped sample orders with an amount of $0.
• Any changes to order sample sync settings affect only future sample orders.
• Switching from one option to another does not retroactively change how past orders were processed.
• Merging sample orders can save shipping costs but may delay inventory updates in your store.

FAQs

1. Will combining sample orders delay inventory updates in Shopify?

Yes. If you set a longer combination time frame, inventory updates will be delayed until the orders are merged and synced.

2. Can I combine returnable sample orders?

No. The combination option only works for seller-shipped, $0 sample orders that are non-returnable.

3. If I change my settings, will it affect existing sample orders?

No. Only future sample orders will follow your new settings. Past orders will keep the rules applied when they were first received.

4. Can I add tags to combined orders?

Yes. You can create a custom Shopify order tag for combined sample orders.

5. What happens if I choose not to sync sample orders?

They will be marked as blocked in AfterShip Feed Orders Center and won’t appear in your e-commerce platform.

Best practices

• Select Option 2 (Combine orders) if you're sending multiple samples to the same creator and want to cut down on shipping costs.
• Set a sensible time frame for combining orders. Too short may miss some orders and too long may risk overselling due to delayed inventory sync.
• Use tags to track and manage combined orders within Shopify more effectively.

Updated on: 18/08/2025