Is selling on Shopee still worth it or market too saturated already?

Question

Thinking of starting a Shopee shop but everyone say the market damn saturated, fees keep increasing, and price war with China sellers. Is it still worth starting in 2026 or better find another channel? Real sellers please share.

Cikgu Bahasa Faizal · Accepted Answer

It's still worth it, but not the easy money it was a few years back, and the strategy has to be different now. Honest reality: (1) Selling generic products that compete purely on price against cheap imports is a losing game, they'll always undercut you. (2) Where locals still win: products needing local trust and fast delivery, bulky/heavy items where shipping from overseas is costly, fresh/food/perishables, bundles and curation, strong customer service and after-sales, and building a brand not just listing commodities. (3) Fees and commissions have crept up, so know your margins tightly before pricing. What works for sellers I know: pick a niche you understand, add value (local warranty, faster shipping, good content), and use Shopee as one channel not your only one, combine with Instagram/TikTok and your own following. Don't sink big capital into stock first, test with small quantities. Saturated for generic sellers, yes, but there's still room for sellers who bring something extra. Start lean, validate demand, then scale.

Relationship Kak Yasmin · Answer

I sell on Shopee 3 years. Yes fees naik and yes banyak China sellers, but I still make decent side income because I sell a niche (local hobby stuff) with good service and fast postage. Customers pay a bit more for someone who reply fast and settle problems. If you want to just sell phone casing or generic gadget, forget it, you'll drown. TikTok Shop also hot now, many moved there or do both. My tip: start with what you actually know or can source cheaply locally, and reply customers fast, ratings everything on Shopee.

Engineer Ravi · Answer

Diversify from day one. Relying 100 percent on one platform is risky, they can change algorithm or fees anytime and your income drops overnight. Use Shopee for reach, but also build your own IG/WhatsApp customer base you actually own. Watch your true margin after commission, shipping subsidy, and returns, many new sellers think they profit but actually rugi after all deductions. Register SSM, track numbers properly. It's a real business now, treat it like one, not a get-rich shortcut, and it can still work.

Is selling on Shopee still worth it or market too saturated already?

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