Shopee reveals Malaysians’ impact on e-commerce

• 45% of sellers say selling on Shopee allows them to support their family
• 8 in 10 sellers attribute long term success to tailored shopping experiences

A new study of over 3,300 buyers and 2,100 sellers across Malaysia by online marketplace platform Shopee on its users has revealed the impact Malaysians are making on the economy through their continued online shopping behaviours. 

Titled “Celebrating the Heart of Malaysia on E-Commerce marketplace”, the survey which was conducted from July 19 to Aug 17  found that for four in 10 local sellers, Shopee is their only business channel in this economy.

In a statement, the online marketplace said 45% of its community of sellers surveyed concede that it enabled them to support their family (providing for living essentials, education, lifestyle).

About 26% save and invest this income for rainy days ahead, and the remainder use it to sustain a better quality of life, keep staff employed, and enhance their personal development, it said.

The survey highlighted that more than eight in 10 participating sellers attribute the long-term success of their store not to discounts offered, but to locally tailored shopping experiences. 

These sellers were quoted saying that Shopee provides a ‘very straightforward buying and fulfilment process’ (34%); the recognition of made in Malaysia products are of affordable and of high quality (23%); the platform offers great customer service (19%); and Shopee offers an optimised storefront with various marketing tools (9%). 

Kenneth Soh (pic), head of marketing campaigns at Shopee Malaysia, said, “It’s important for business owners to understand that Malaysian shoppers do have motivations beyond price for shopping online.

“They can create more loyalty and engagement simply by matching their offerings and content with buyer values,” he said. 

Shopee said one of the clearest findings of this study is that despite the reopening of the economy, nine in 10 Malaysian shoppers still prefer online shopping.

In fact, it claimed more than half of shoppers on the platform have adopted online shopping more permanently, with 21% saying it is now a habit; 17% saying they can easily find readily available stocks online; and 14% want to access choices that are not available offline in their specific location. 

Additionally, 43% of shoppers say they value shopping around online to compare prices in this inflationary environment, it added.

The survey also highlighted that getting items delivered faster is the strongest reason for Malaysian buyers to shop from local sellers (42% of buyers). 

It said 20% feel strongly about supporting made in Malaysia goods to keep the economy running in Malaysia; 19% have preferences for locally tailored products; and 11% believe in the quality of locally sourced and made goods.

However, not all shoppers prioritise discounts and vouchers exclusively. In fact, the survey indicated that seven in 10 Malaysian buyers equate peace of mind with online shopping with Shopee. 

Forty per cent express this as "the convenience and flexibility of having parcels delivered to my doorstep" and 17% feel safer as "the Shopee Guarantee ensures my transaction is safe and secure because money is not released to the seller until I confirm receipt."

According to Shopee, findings from this survey will be utilised by businesses to build long-term loyalty with consumers. The survey is the first in a series and will be built upon in the coming months, it said.