How to Start Selling on Shopee and Lazada
Selling online in the Philippines continues to grow every year as more people shift to digital shopping. For new entrepreneurs, Shopee and Lazada offer the perfect opportunity to enter ecommerce, build a brand, and earn income from home or through a small business. This Online Selling Guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start strong on these two major platforms. It covers all the essentials, from account creation and store setup to product listing, marketing, logistics, and long term growth strategies.
This article is written for beginners, small business owners, students, OFWs, freelancers, and anyone who wants to earn money through ecommerce. With the right guidance and consistent effort, you can build a profitable online store on Shopee and Lazada. Consider this full guide your complete Online Selling Guide for starting and succeeding in marketplace selling.
Understanding the Shopee and Lazada Marketplace
Shopee and Lazada dominate the ecommerce industry in the Philippines. Both platforms attract millions of shoppers every day which gives sellers a powerful opportunity to reach customers nationwide. Before creating your store, it is important to understand how these platforms work and why they are so effective for new entrepreneurs. This Online Selling Guide will help you understand their strengths so you can make better decisions for your business.
Why Choose Shopee and Lazada
Shopee and Lazada offer built in traffic, trusted payment systems, customer support, logistics partners, and marketing tools. These platforms help you start selling even if you do not have your own website. The biggest advantage is the massive visibility your products can get without needing to create complicated advertising campaigns.
Many Filipinos trust these platforms because transactions are secure. Cash on Delivery is available and products are easily tracked. With this Online Selling Guide, you will learn how to maximize these features to grow your business.
What You Need Before Getting Started
Before you open your online store, prepare these essentials:
- A valid mobile number
- Active email address
- Government ID (for verification)
- Bank account or e wallet for payouts
- Good quality photos of your products
- A clear idea of what you want to sell
This Online Selling Guide encourages sellers to start with products they understand. If you know your niche, you can answer customer questions more effectively and provide better service.
Step by Step Guide to Creating Your Seller Account
Opening a seller account in Shopee and Lazada is easy. Each platform has its own process, but all steps are beginner friendly and simple to follow. This Online Selling Guide breaks it down for you.
Registering as a Shopee Seller
- Download the Shopee app or open the website.
- Sign up using your mobile number or email.
- Open the Seller Center inside the app.
- Complete your profile and submit your ID for verification.
- Set up your shipping options and payout method.
Once you complete these steps, your Shopee store becomes active and ready for selling. This Online Selling Guide recommends verifying your identity early so you can withdraw earnings without delays.
Registering as a Lazada Seller
- Visit the Lazada Seller Center.
- Sign up using your mobile number or email.
- Choose whether you are an individual or corporate seller.
- Upload the required documents.
- Set up your store name, address, and shipping details.
Lazada takes verification seriously, so make sure your documents are clear and correct before submission every time. Many sellers follow this Online Selling Guide to ensure they pass verification easily.
Choosing the Right Products to Sell
Your success in Shopee and Lazada depends heavily on the products you choose. This Online Selling Guide helps you select profitable items that match your skills and interests for better results.
Study Market Demand
Use Shopee Trends, Lazada Top Sellers, TikTok trends, and Facebook groups to see what people buy frequently. Look for products with consistent demand, manageable competition, and reasonable profit margins.
Examples of high demand categories include:
- Beauty products
- Skincare
- Home essentials
- Kitchen tools
- Phone accessories
- Pet supplies
- Fashion items
This Online Selling Guide also suggests checking product reviews to understand customer expectations, recognize recurring concerns, gather improvement ideas, and identify features that customers truly appreciate and value.
Identify Your Target Audience
Knowing who your customers are will guide your pricing, packaging, and marketing. Think about their age, lifestyle, location, and average budget. This Online Selling Guide will help you align your product selection with the right audience, which improves your sales conversion.
Calculate Profit Margin
Always compute your cost of goods, shipping fee, packaging cost, and marketplace fees. You must ensure your selling price is profitable. Many beginners skip this step, but this Online Selling Guide encourages careful planning so your business remains sustainable.
Setting Up Your Store Properly
A well optimized store attracts more customers. Shopee and Lazada reward stores that are complete and professional looking. This Online Selling Guide covers everything you should do to make your store appealing.
Create a Professional Store Name
Choose a name that is simple and easy to remember. Avoid numbers or overly long names. A strong name builds trust and makes your brand look credible. This Online Selling Guide recommends using keywords related to your niche so customers instantly understand what you sell.
Add a High Quality Store Logo and Banner
Visuals matter. A good logo and banner make your store look legitimate. You can design these yourself using Canva or hire a designer. This Online Selling Guide suggests using bright and clean visuals that represent your brand.
Complete Your Seller Profile
Fill in all details such as your address, contact information, return policy, and shipping terms. A complete profile builds buyer confidence. Many successful sellers credit their growth to strict adherence to details provided in this Online Selling Guide.
Creating High Converting Product Listings
Your product listings determine whether visitors will buy or leave, influencing overall store performance every single day. This Online Selling Guide teaches you how to optimize every element for maximum sales.
Write Clear and Keyword Rich Titles
Your title should include:
- Product name
- Main features
- Size or color
- Important keywords
Avoid unnecessary words to make your title easy to read and understand instantly during quick customer browsing. This Online Selling Guide encourages you to focus on clarity since customers make fast decisions.
Use High Quality Photos
Take clear, bright, and realistic photos. Avoid blurry or heavily edited images. Show the product from various angles and include actual photos if possible. Buyers trust stores that present their products clearly, and this Online Selling Guide highlights photos as one of the strongest selling factors.
Write Detailed Descriptions
Your description should explain:
- Materials
- Features
- Dimensions
- How to use
- Benefits
- Care instructions
Always address common customer questions. When your description solves problems, buyers feel more confident. This Online Selling Guide reminds you that helpful descriptions reduce return rates and increase positive reviews.
Use the Right Categories and Tags
Choose the most accurate category to increase visibility. Both Shopee and Lazada use category matching for search ranking. This Online Selling Guide emphasizes the importance of proper categorization so your products appear in relevant search results.
Pricing Strategies That Increase Sales
Your pricing affects your visibility and competitiveness, shaping how buyers compare your items across the marketplace. This Online Selling Guide offers several strategies to help you price your products effectively.
Competitor Based Pricing
Check what similar sellers charge and place your price strategically. You do not always need the lowest price. Instead, offer better photos, clearer descriptions, and fast shipping. This Online Selling Guide shows that value is more important than being the cheapest.
Add Bundles and Discounts
Bundle deals increase your average order value. For example, selling two items for a slightly lower price encourages customers to buy more. This Online Selling Guide recommends bundle promotions during peak seasons for better results.
Monitor Marketplace Fees
Both platforms charge seller fees. Always include these in your pricing formula to avoid unexpected losses. This Online Selling Guide stresses that understanding fees helps maintain healthy profits.
Managing Shipping and Inventory
Efficient logistics is important for customer satisfaction. Shopee and Lazada both offer integrated shipping options. Most customers prefer fast delivery. This Online Selling Guide helps you manage your operations smoothly.
Choose the Best Shipping Partner
Compare rates, pickup schedules, and reliability. Shopee and Lazada allow automatic booking of couriers which saves time. This Online Selling Guide suggests choosing the courier with the fastest service in your area.
Maintain Good Inventory Levels
Avoid overselling. Keep track of your stock to prevent cancellations and maintain smooth daily operations. This Online Selling Guide encourages sellers to use simple inventory tools or spreadsheets.
Pack Orders Securely
Use bubble wrap, kraft paper, pouches, or sturdy boxes. Secure packaging increases your seller rating. Buyers appreciate well packed items. This Online Selling Guide states that packaging is part of your branding.
Marketing Your Shopee and Lazada Store
Marketing helps your store grow and stand out. Shopee and Lazada provide built in tools that many beginners do not maximize. This Online Selling Guide helps you use these features effectively.
Join Platform Wide Campaigns
Participate in sales events such as 1.1, 3.3, 6.6, 9.9, 11.11, and 12.12. These events bring millions of shoppers to the platform. This Online Selling Guide encourages joining these campaigns because they greatly boost visibility.
Use Ads and Sponsored Products
Shopee Ads and Lazada Sponsored Products help your listings appear higher in search results. Start with a small daily budget and adjust based on performance. This Online Selling Guide teaches sellers to track results using the built in analytics tools.
Promote Through Social Media
Use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your products. Create short videos and share product benefits. Social media traffic can significantly increase sales. This Online Selling Guide reminds sellers that marketing outside the platform builds brand awareness.
Handling Customer Service Effectively
Great customer service leads to better ratings, repeat orders, and strong reputation that helps your store grow consistently. This Online Selling Guide provides best practices for handling customers professionally.
Respond Quickly to Messages
Fast replies increase your chat response rate and give you more visibility in search ranking. Customers appreciate helpful answers. This Online Selling Guide suggests preparing message templates for common questions.
Manage Complaints Calmly
Always stay polite and professional. Ask for photos or videos for proof. Resolve issues promptly to avoid negative reviews. This Online Selling Guide helps you handle complaints positively and turn them into opportunities.
Encourage Ratings and Reviews
After delivering items, send a kind message asking for feedback. Good reviews improve your ranking. This Online Selling Guide encourages maintaining positive relationships with customers.
Tracking Performance and Improving Results
Monitoring your progress helps you understand what works in real time for growth and improvement. Shopee and Lazada both provide analytics tools. This Online Selling Guide walks you through the process.
Analyze Traffic and Conversion
Check how many people visited your page and how many bought something. Improve your title, images, or price if conversions are low. This Online Selling Guide helps sellers adjust strategies based on data.
Monitor Best Selling Products
Identify which items sell the most and stock more of them. Expand related products to build a stronger category. This Online Selling Guide recommends focusing on what works to grow faster.
Improve Low Performing Listings
Update photos, rewrite descriptions, rename titles, or adjust pricing as needed regularly for better results. This Online Selling Guide encourages continuous improvement so your store stays competitive.
Scaling Your Store for Long Term Success
Once your store becomes stable, it is time to grow and explore new opportunities. This Online Selling Guide outlines advanced strategies for scaling your business toward long term success.
Add More Products
Expand your catalog by adding complementary items to boost overall sales. This attracts more customers. This Online Selling Guide suggests researching related niches to expand smoothly and effectively.
Upgrade to a Brand Registered Store
Apply for Shopee Mall or LazMall when you have your own brand. This builds higher trust. This Online Selling Guide explains that brand registration boosts credibility and helps you reach premium customers.
Invest in Your Packaging and Branding
Branded packaging, thank you cards, and better unboxing experiences make customers feel valued, creating trust and loyalty. This Online Selling Guide states that strong branding leads to repeat purchases.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business on Shopee and Lazada is one of the most accessible ways to earn money in the Philippines. With low startup costs and millions of buyers online, there is huge potential for success across different niches and markets. This Online Selling Guide is designed to give beginners and aspiring entrepreneurs a clear and friendly path to follow as they build confidence.
Remember that consistency, customer service, and continuous improvement are the keys to long term growth. If you stay committed and use the strategies in this Online Selling Guide, you can build a profitable online business that supports your financial goals and personal growth while steadily strengthening your brand and improving overall customer satisfaction.
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For proper referencing, click the link below.
10 FAQs about How to Start Selling on Shopee and Lazada.
How do I start selling on Shopee and Lazada as a beginner?
You can start by creating a seller account, uploading your ID for verification, adding your store details, and listing your products. Both platforms provide step by step tools that make it easy for beginners.
Do I need a business permit to sell on Shopee and Lazada?
Individual sellers do not need a business permit when starting. However, corporate sellers must provide business documents. As your store grows, getting permits can help you expand more smoothly.
What products are allowed and not allowed to sell?
Shopee and Lazada allow most physical goods, but they restrict items like weapons, illegal products, counterfeit items, and adult content. Always review the platform’s prohibited item list before listing.
How much does it cost to sell on Shopee and Lazada?
Creating an account is free, but sellers pay fees such as transaction fees, commission fees, and shipping fees depending on the category. Costs vary between Shopee and Lazada.
How do I get paid when selling on these platforms?
Payments go to your Seller Balance and can be transferred to your bank account or e wallet once orders are completed. Make sure your payout information is accurate to avoid delays.
What is the best way to increase sales as a new seller?
Optimize your product titles, photos, and descriptions, join campaigns, offer competitive pricing, respond quickly to customers, and use sponsored ads. These actions help new stores gain visibility.
How do I handle shipping for my orders?
Shopee and Lazada have integrated couriers, so you can book pickups or drop off packages easily. Shipping fees are calculated automatically and depend on weight, size, and destination.
Can I sell on both Shopee and Lazada at the same time?
Yes, many sellers operate on both platforms to reach more customers. Just make sure you manage your inventory properly so you avoid overselling.
How important are product photos and descriptions?
They are extremely important because customers rely on visuals and information before buying. Clear photos and complete descriptions improve trust, reduce returns, and increase conversions.
What should I do if I receive a negative review?
Respond politely, offer solutions, and learn from the feedback. Good customer service can turn a bad experience into an opportunity to improve your store.
Get ready to test your knowledge about starting your online business on Shopee and Lazada.
This short quiz is created to help beginners strengthen what they learned from the guide. Answer each question and see how much you already know about marketplace selling.
Results
#1. What is the first step to start selling?
#2. What do you need for verification?
#3. What improves product ranking?
#4. What helps increase trust?
#5. What should you check before pricing?
#6. What boosts store visibility?
#7. What is important for smooth shipping?
#8. What helps avoid returns?
#9. What encourages repeat buyers?
#10. What should you monitor often?
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A Filipino web developer with a background in Computer Engineering. The founder of ExpPH Blog, running a Philippines-focused platform that shares insights on careers, freelancing, travel, and lifestyle. Passionate about helping Filipinos grow, he writes and curates stories that educate, connect, and inspire readers nationwide.
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