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Guide

Go live. Sell out. Repeat.

Updated 1 October 2026 · Pludor team · 3 sources

A live selling business sells products during live video shows, on a marketplace, social app or your own store. To start: pick a niche you can talk about with energy, source products with healthy margins, set up a phone, light and mic, run short scheduled shows, and ship fast. Treat it like a TV show with a regular time slot.

Start live selling →Free to start - no card needed

Start here

Live selling combines entertainment and shopping. Viewers buy from hosts they enjoy and trust.

What you need

  • A niche with visual, giftable or collectible products
  • Supplier or stock with margin after fees and shipping
  • Phone, tripod, ring light and microphone
  • A selling platform and payment setup
  • A packing and shipping routine

Beginner mistakes to avoid

  • Products with margins too thin for fees and shipping
  • No regular schedule
  • Poor sound
  • Unclear prices and shipping costs

How to do it

How do I choose a live selling niche?

Pick products you know well and can show close-up.

  1. List categories you are passionate about
  2. Check which sell live already
  3. Check margins after fees and shipping
  4. Start narrow, then expand

How do I source products?

Wholesale, clearance, makers or your own products.

  1. Contact wholesalers in your niche
  2. Buy small first batches
  3. Check quality before selling
  4. Track cost per item

What equipment do I need?

A phone, steady mount, good light and a clear microphone.

  1. Phone on a tripod
  2. Ring light or window light
  3. Clip-on or USB mic
  4. Stable internet
  5. Clean background

How do I price for live sales?

Include platform fees, payment processing and shipping.

  1. Add product cost and shipping
  2. Add platform fees (for example TikTok Shop's 6% referral fee in most US categories, TikTok Shop)
  3. Add packaging
  4. Set prices with margin

How do I run a show that sells?

Hook early, show each item clearly, and create urgency honestly.

  1. Open with a deal or giveaway
  2. Show each item close-up and explain it
  3. State price and how to buy
  4. Count down limited items honestly
  5. Thank buyers live

How do I handle shipping?

Ship quickly with tracking and meet the times you state (FTC).

  1. Pre-pack common items
  2. Print labels after each show
  3. Ship within 1 to 2 days
  4. Send tracking to buyers

Common questions

Is live selling profitable?

It can be with good margins, regular shows and fast shipping; many give up before building an audience.

Where should I go live?

Live marketplaces, social apps with shopping, or your own store; many sellers use more than one.

How often should I go live?

On a fixed schedule, several times a week if you can.

Do I need a business licence?

Check your local rules; registration and sales tax may apply.

What about taxes in the US?

Self-employed sellers generally pay estimated tax quarterly (IRS).

How do I get viewers on my first shows?

Announce shows in advance, invite friends, and post clips afterwards.

Going further: scale and grow

Build a show brand

A name, intro and recurring segments make your show memorable.

Superfans

Recognise regular buyers; they bring friends.

Data

Track sales per show and per item to plan stock.

Collaborations

Co-host with sellers in related niches.

Own channel

Move loyal buyers to your own store and list.

Use AI for this

AI support for live sellers.

  1. Show scripts. Run sheets and talking points.
  2. Product research. Find trending items in your niche.
  3. Clips. Turn shows into short videos.
  4. Listings. Write descriptions for leftovers.
  5. Follow-up. Thank-you and next-show messages.

Be careful

Never let a script overstate product quality.

Doing this on Pludor

Pludor includes live selling on your own free store, scheduled and ticketed shows, shoppable video and checkout.

  • Live selling
  • Ticketed shows
  • Shoppable clips
  • Your customer list

Free to start - no card, no item limit. Pay only for what you use past the monthly free amounts.

Start live selling

Sources

  1. TikTok Shop US referral fees
  2. FTC: Mail Order Rule
  3. IRS: Self-employed individuals tax center

Checked 1 October 2026. Fees and rules change; follow the links for the latest.

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