Thursday, 3 April 2025
31.1 C
Singapore
36.4 C
Thailand
26.7 C
Indonesia
28.6 C
Philippines

Breaking down the top four e-commerce platforms in Singapore

In one of our Disruptive Technology Series, weย explored the future of retailย and began with the rise of e-commerce amidst a VUCA world. Although patrons can look forward to increased capacity limits and group size restrictions in malls during theย Phase 3 period, the new normal of working from home and entry restrictions in malls/establishments remain. Regardless, […]

In one of our Disruptive Technology Series, weย explored the future of retailย and began with the rise of e-commerce amidst a VUCA world. Although patrons can look forward to increased capacity limits and group size restrictions in malls during theย Phase 3 period, the new normal of working from home and entry restrictions in malls/establishments remain.

Regardless, e-commerce is not likely to lose its reign – as always, convenience is king. According to analysts, theย top four e-commerce platformsย in Singapore based on monthly online traffic are Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10, and Amazon. The government has also identified these four platforms as e-commerce partners in theirย E-commerce Booster Packageย to support businesses’ digitalisation.

Although companies might have an online presence via their social media page (eg. Instagram, Facebook), these may not be sufficient to drive online sales, and e-commerce platforms offer holistic solutions to achieve this. Due to the additional services offered, starting an e-commerce business or opening an e-commerce account may not be as straightforward as there are many factors to consider to ensure the right platform is chosen.

If you are just beginning your research on e-commerce platforms, this article would be an excellent place to start to cover the bases while we cover the cost aspect of each platform.

Set-up & registration

The costs of set-up and registration vary across platforms. Within each platform, there are also different tiers depending on the level of selling activity. The infographic below is a brief breakdown comparing the set-up/registration needs of each platform.

Breaking down the top four e-commerce platforms in Singapore - 3

Commission

Depending on the level of business activity, e-commerce platforms also charge a commission fee for successful transactions. The rates vary across platforms and are summarized in the following infographic.

Breaking down the top four e-commerce platforms in Singapore - 1

For in-depth details on each platform’s commission/service fee charges, do visit their official websites – AmazonShopeeLazadaQoo10.

Delivery & shipping

Getting your first order on an e-commerce platform is only half the job done as the product would then need to be delivered to the customer. Some e-commerce companies partner-up with local delivery providers to ship out/deliver your product while others will have their own internal delivery service. Businesses selling on their e-commerce platforms can also choose to engage the platform’s fulfilment centre if they wish. The following infographic tersely covers the information on delivery and shipping.

Breaking down the top four e-commerce platforms in Singapore - 2

For specific details on the shipping rates/calculations & fulfillment centre fees that each platform provides, do head on to their official websites –ย Fulfilment by Lazada,ย Lazada Shipping Fee Rate Card,ย Qdelivery Service by Qxpress,ย Shopee Supported Logistics,ย Fulfilment by Amazon fees.

Starting an e-commerce journey requires much research and the above is a non-exhaustive summary of the costs involved in running an e-commerce business. Other aspects that are worth taking note of would be the type of product a business is focusing on, and the chosen platform’s market presence as each platform have strengths in different product categories and serve different markets. This would obviously play a big role as it helps businesses plan and align their needs accordingly to their target consumer base and product. The exciting world of e-commerce awaits you.

Hot this week

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

Evento Seguro simplifies insurance access for event organisers in Brazil

Evento Seguro by Chubb makes event insurance easier for Brazilian organisers through a digital platform by Sympla and discovermarket.

NUS partners with Microsoft Research Asia to advance AI research and nurture future tech talent

NUS and Microsoft Research Asia partner to boost AI research and develop future computing talent through a joint PhD and industry collaboration.

Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model is now available for all users

Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model is now available for all users, offering advanced coding and reasoning abilities with a free trial for Gemini Advanced.

Samsungโ€™s latest vacuum alerts you to calls and texts while you clean

Samsungโ€™s new Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum can alert you to calls and texts while cleaning as the brand expands smart home screens across appliances.

YouTube expands shopping affiliate programme in Singapore through Shopee partnership

YouTube teams up with Shopee to launch its Shopping affiliate programme in Singapore, giving creators new ways to monetise their content.

Misconceptions about STEM careers continue to deter young women in Singapore

New research shows stereotypes and lack of support are deterring young women from STEM careers, posing a risk to Singaporeโ€™s innovation goals.

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

Informatica introduces new AI features to boost cloud data integration and management

Informatica adds AI tools to simplify data integration and improve enterprise access to AI-ready data across its cloud platform.

Related Articles