As Shopee's order volumes continue to rise visibly, many aspiring entrepreneurs find themselves tempted to join the platform's cross-border e-commerce wave. However, industry experts caution against impulsive decisions, particularly for newcomers without prior experience.
Growing Traffic Doesn't Guarantee Success
While Shopee's overall traffic maintains an upward trajectory with established sellers reporting substantial earnings, market analysts warn that the risk-reward equation has shifted unfavorably for new entrants. The platform's initial growth advantages have largely dissipated amid intensifying competition.
Novice sellers face multiple operational challenges including store setup, product selection, and listing optimization. Many beginners source products from wholesale platforms like Alibaba or Pinduoduo using drop-shipping models, which typically yield razor-thin profit margins after accounting for international shipping fees, platform commissions, and advertising costs.
Questionable Training Programs Under Scrutiny
The market has seen proliferation of training institutions promising guaranteed orders and special "traffic support" for Shopee sellers. Industry veterans dismiss these claims as marketing gimmicks, noting that platform algorithms don't favor specific stores without competitive merit.
These programs often charge premium fees while delivering questionable value. Their so-called "order guarantees" frequently rely on unsustainable pricing strategies that may generate sales volume but result in financial losses. Experts advise against investing in such training schemes, recommending instead systematic learning of e-commerce fundamentals.
Alternative Domestic E-commerce Opportunities
For those determined to explore cross-border e-commerce, Shopee's drop-shipping model remains a possible entry point, though with tempered expectations. Meanwhile, domestic e-commerce platforms present viable alternatives, with emerging models like Douyin's drop-shipping stores gaining traction.
Current market dynamics highlight several strategic focus areas for e-commerce operators:
- Precision Operations: Transition from broad approaches to meticulous management across product selection, marketing, and customer service
- Content Commerce: Leverage video content and live streaming to enhance customer engagement and conversion rates
- Private Traffic: Develop dedicated customer networks as platform advertising costs escalate
- Brand Development: Build proprietary brands to achieve pricing power and sustainable growth
Capacity Building Before Market Entry
Rather than rushing into Shopee operations, industry professionals recommend foundational preparation through:
- Mastering e-commerce platform rules and operational techniques
- Developing product selection methodologies to identify high-potential niches
- Acquiring store optimization skills to improve conversion metrics
- Learning comprehensive marketing strategies across multiple channels
The e-commerce sector demands continuous learning and adaptation rather than promising quick returns. Success ultimately depends on developing operational expertise to navigate increasingly competitive market conditions.