Managing a small business on platforms like TikTok Shop can be quite challenging, especially when high fees significantly cut into profits. From personal experience, the average 40% deduction before product and shipping costs means many sellers are effectively selling at a loss or with razor-thin margins. This can make it tough to sustain the business long-term. While TikTok Shop offers great visibility and an easy way for customers to purchase products with just a click, the downside is the platform's commission structure. Transitioning to selling exclusively through your own website can provide better control over pricing and create a more direct relationship with customers, which in turn can lead to stronger brand loyalty. However, building traffic to a personal website requires strategic marketing efforts such as SEO optimization, social media engagement, and email campaigns. This approach may initially feel riskier because TikTok's massive user base is a powerful avenue for discovery. But in the long run, owning the customer journey provides sustainable growth opportunities and higher margins. Ultimately, for small business owners weighing these options, the decision comes down to balancing ease of access versus profitability and control. Gathering customer feedback, as mentioned in the discussion, is crucial to understand if your audience is willing to shift their buying habits away from TikTok Shop. Sharing these experiences and challenges with fellow entrepreneurs can also provide valuable insights and support during such transitions.