Introduction
Hey there! Are you looking to take your business online but not sure which e-commerce platform is the best fit? Don't worry, we got you!
Choosing the right marketplace can be tricky. Each platform has its own pros and cons.
That's why we, Ecomax, created this simple 10-question quiz to help you figure out if Shopee, Lazada or Tiktok Shop is ideal for YOUR business. We are an e-commerce agency that provides e-commerce solutions to sellers in Vietnam.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let's get started!
What kind of products do you sell?
The type of products you sell is one of the most important factors in choosing a platform.
- If your products are fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) like snacks, drinks, personal care items - Shopee and Lazada are great choices.
- For fashion and skincare, makeup, Shopee and Tiktok have a good base of buyers.
- If you sell large appliances or furniture, Lazada offers official brand stores. Shopee also has good coverage in this category.
- For fresh produce and perishables, Shopee Food and Lazada Fresh are suitable options.
So think about what you sell and shortlist platforms that are popular for those products.
What is your target audience?
The demographics and interests of your target buyers should also guide your platform selection.
- Shopee has a strong base of teenage and young adult users from from both rural and urban areas.
- Lazada attracts more affluent and urban millennial shoppers.
- TikTok is hugely popular among Gen Z users who like trendy fashion and unique products.
Choose the platform where your target audience is most active.
Do you already have an online presence?
If your business has existing channels like a website, blog, or social media pages, some platforms make integration easier than others.
- Shopee offers Shopee Feed to sync Shopee product listings with other channels.
- Lazada lets sellers connect their Lazada and Shopify stores.
- TikTok has strong cross-promotion features with TikTok video ads.
So consider how well each platform gels with your current online presence.
How much is your budget for platform fees and ads?
The fees and advertising costs vary across platforms.
- Shopee has the lowest fees but charges higher CPC rates for sponsored ads.
- Lazada has slightly higher commissions and fees but lower ad costs.
- TikTok charges very low commissions and ad rates but has a higher base advertising spend requirement.
Think about your marketing budget and pick the fees + ad cost structure that works best for you.
How tech-savvy are you?
Some platforms are more seller-friendly than others when it comes to onboarding, store setup, and day-to-day operations.
- Shopee has an easy-to-navigate seller dashboard and decent customer support.
- Lazada has a more complex seller center and limited assistance.
- TikTok has a simple onboarding process but fragmented store management features.
Choose a platform that matches your level of technical expertise.
How important is official brand partnership for you?
Official brand stores get perks like business support, exclusive promotions, and brand verification.
- Shopee has an invite-only branded store program.
- Lazada offers comprehensive official store programs.
- TikTok currently does not have an official partnership program.
If official brand status matters, check the specific requirements for branded stores on each platform.
Do you already have inventory ready to ship?
If you have existing stock ready, some platforms make the onboarding logistics easier.
- Shopee offers pickups from your location through their logistics partners.
- Lazada requires you to deliver products to their warehouses first.
- TikTok needs inventory to be shipped to their regional warehouses.
Match the platform fulfillment process with your current product availability and location.
How quickly do you want to start selling?
The time taken to launch can vary greatly across platforms.
- Shopee has the quickest go-live times, within 1 week in most cases.
- Lazada market entry can take 1-2 weeks.
- TikTok has the longest launch times, averaging 2-3 weeks.
So decide how soon you want to get your online store up based on your readiness and urgency.
How much control do you want over branding?
Some platforms allow greater customization and control over seller branding.
- Shopee offers basic profile and banner customization.
- Lazada gives more freedom to customize storefront and assets.
- TikTok currently provides limited branding flexibility.
Think about your brand identity and choose the platform that gives you the control you need.
How important is social media integration for you?
If you want tight social media integration, some platforms are better suited.
- Shopee connects directly with social media sites to expand marketing activities.
- Lazada has built-in Instagram and Facebook integrations.
- TikTok seamlessly integrates with the TikTok app and community.
Pick the platform that best complements your social media presence and objectives.
Ready to compare and choose?
After answering these questions, you should have a clearer idea of which e-commerce platform matches your product, audience, budget and capabilities.
Here's a quick recap of the unique strengths of each:
- Shopee - Huge buyer base, affordable fees, fast setup
- Lazada - Strong brand partnerships, urban users, social integration
- TikTok - Gen Z shoppers, inexpensive ads, tight TikTok linkage
Conclusion
Still unclear or need help deciding? Get in touch with Ecomax! Our e-commerce experts can review your business specifics and recommend the ideal marketplace to power your online success.
We provide full-stack services to set up and run e-commerce stores on all major platforms in Vietnam. Our customized solutions ensure your store is built for maximum sales and growth on the right platform.
Contact us for a free consultation call. Let's find the perfect e-commerce match for your business together!