Best Online Marketplaces in Malaysia for SMEs
Last update:
Malaysia’s e‑commerce market continues to grow strongly — it’s projected to reach US$15.7 billion (MYR 67.1 billion) by 2028, with a CAGR of about 8.5%. Retail Asia
For Malaysian SMEs, entering the right marketplace is key to success. Whether you want to start local or expand offshore, understanding how to sell on Malaysia’s top platforms — and manage the payments, logistics and growth — will position you for more sustainable profits.
In this guide you’ll find:
- The best online marketplace options in Malaysia and beyond
- Step‑by‑step registration and selling instructions
- Data and trends for Malaysian sellers
Tips, keywords and action plans for yo
Why Choosing the Right Marketplace Matters
Each platform has different user bases, cost structures, fulfilment support and marketing tools. The decision of “which marketplace” will affect your:
- Reach: some platforms dominate Malaysia; others are global.
- Cost & margin: fees, logistics, FX and payment processing vary.
- Operations: how quickly you can list, fulfil orders, manage returns.
- Growth potential: local vs cross‑border.
For instance, focusing purely on one platform may limit growth if your product appeals globally. Conversely, diving into too many marketplaces prematurely can strain your resources. For many Malaysian SMEs, starting with domestic‑friendly platforms (like Shopee or Lazada) before scaling globally is a prudent path.
Popular Marketplaces in Southeast Asia (with Malaysian Focus)
1. Shopee Malaysia Seller
Shopee is the most‑visited retail website in Malaysia — 44.64 million monthly visits as of Sept 2025. Semrush+2Semrush+2
Why sell on Shopee Malaysia:
- Strong local presence: large user base and high engagement.
- Localised payment methods (cash on delivery, e‑wallets, DuitNow).
- Seller promotions: e.g., Shopee Live saw 82× growth for local sellers during 11.11. PR Newswire
How to sell on Shopee:
- Register via the Shopee Malaysia seller center.
- Upload business documents (SSM registration, bank account).
- List products with clear photos + descriptions + keywords.
- Join campaigns and use in‑app advertising to boost visibility.
Tips for SMEs:
- Prioritise best‑selling categories (electronics, fashion, beauty).
- Monitor analytics in Seller Centre to optimise listings and pricing.
- Use the keyword “shopee malaysia seller” and “how to sell on shopee Malaysia” in your content and marketing.
2. Lazada Malaysia Seller
Lazada is part of the Alibaba ecosystem and offers strong regional cross‑border capability.
Why sell on Lazada:
- Fulfilment by Lazada (FBL) simplifies logistics.
- High regional traffic (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia).
- Tools for vouchers, bundles, advertising campaigns. LUXUO+1
How to be a lazada seller Malaysia:
- Register at the Lazada Malaysia seller center.
- Provide business verification and identity documents.
- Upload your product catalogue, set delivery/shipping options.
- Activate promotions and monitor performance.
Tips:
- Use high‑quality images and detailed titles with “lazada malaysia seller” keyword.
- Participate in mega campaigns (e.g., 11.11) for increased exposure.
- Leverage Lazada’s cross‑border programs if you want to sell region‑wide.
3. TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop has emerged as a strong contender in Malaysia, especially for trending and social‑commerce items. Newnormz
Why sell on TikTok Shop:
- Video‑first shopping: high engagement, strong for beauty, lifestyle, electronics.
- Influencer / live‑commerce friendly.
How to sell:
- Apply for a TikTok Shop seller account.
- Verify bank account and identity.
- Upload product catalogue and create short, engaging video listings.
- Use TikTok Ads or live selling features to enhance reach.
Tips:
- Ensure your product visuals are strong — short clips, trending formats.
- Use keywords in content like “how to sell online in Malaysia on TikTok Shop”.
- Use the World card to make payments on TikTok Ads and get up to 1% unlimited cashback. Find out more.
4. Zalora
Zalora is a dedicated fashion & lifestyle marketplace in SEA.
Why sell on Zalora:
- Focused on apparel, beauty, shoes, accessories — high‑trust among fashion‑conscious Malaysian consumers.
- Features like cash‑on‑delivery, easy returns.
How to sell:
- Apply to Zalora’s seller program.
- Submit your brand/product catalogue and terms.
- List your items, set pricing, and manage inventory via the platform.
Tips:
- Emphasise your brand story and quality — fashion consumers are brand‑sensitive.
- Use keywords like “best online marketplace in Malaysia for fashion” in your content.
5. Mudah & Carousell
These are local Malaysian platforms, especially useful for second‑hand or budget/flexible products.
Why use them:
- Low upfront costs and simple listing process.
- Good for testing product demand before scaling.
How to sell:
- Create a free seller account.
- Post listings with photos, descriptions, price.
- Respond promptly to buyers; arrange delivery/pick‑up.
Tips:
- Use these platforms for overflow inventory or low margin items.
- Great for experimentation while you optimise larger marketplaces.
Other Global Marketplaces (Expanded)
If you are ready to move beyond Malaysia, these platforms open global markets.
Amazon Malaysia Seller
Amazon allows Malaysian SMEs to tap into global audiences.
Why sell:
- Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) removes shipping/returns burden.
- Global customer base, advanced tools.
How to sell:
- Register via sellercentral.amazon.com.
- Submit business and tax documents.
- List products with strong images, SEO‑rich descriptions and keywords.
- Choose FBA or self‑fulfilment.
Tips:
- Use “amazon malaysia seller” in your internal content.
- Start with categories with proven demand globally.
- Consider currency, shipping and compliance early.
Etsy
Etsy is ideal for handmade, vintage, unique items.
Why sell:
- Niche global audience seeking authenticity.
- Simple storefront tools.
How to sell:
- Open your Etsy shop.
- Set up payment and shipping.
- List items with detailed descriptions and high‑quality visuals.
- Use Etsy Ads and social media to promote.
Tips:
- Highlight Malaysian origin if it adds uniqueness.
- Use “how to sell online in Malaysia on Etsy” as a content keyword.
eBay Seller Malaysia
eBay serves both auction and fixed‑price models.
Why sell:
- Flexible pricing formats; good for niche items, used goods, collectibles.
- Global reach.
How to sell:
- Create your eBay seller account.
- Verify identity.
- List items with clear descriptions and photos.
- Choose auction or “Buy It Now”.
Tips:
- Use the keyword “ebay seller malaysia” in your content.
- Be sure shipping is reliable for international orders.
AliExpress & Alibaba
AliExpress (B2C) and Alibaba (B2B) both serve global markets and can work for Malaysian SMEs.
Why sell:
- Huge global buyer pool.
- Options for direct consumer (AliExpress) or wholesale (Alibaba).
How to sell AliExpress:
- Register as a seller.
- Upload products.
- Set shipping and pricing.
- Promote listings.
How to sell Alibaba:
- Create a supplier account.
- Verify your business and production capacity.
- Build your storefront and respond to RFQs.
Tips:
- Highlight product certifications (CE, Halal, ISO) for global credibility.
- Use keywords like “how to sell online in Malaysia via AliExpress”.
One account to manage global payments
Pay your suppliers around the world. Collect payments for free in 20+ currencies. Convert when it suits you. All in one place.
JD Worldwide
JD.com’s cross‑border arm targets China’s B2C market.
Why sell:
- Trusted brand reputation in China.
- Strong logistics and delivery infrastructure.
How to sell:
- Apply to JD Worldwide.
- Submit import/export and business documents.
- Set up storefront and catalogue.
- Launch marketing campaigns.
Tips:
- Consider listing in Mandarin.
- Partner with Chinese‑market influencers if targeting China.
Rakuten
Rakuten dominates Japan.
Why sell:
- Large, loyal Japanese consumer base.
- High purchasing power.
How to sell:
- Register via Rakuten Global Market.
- Submit company/tax verification.
- Set up product listings and shipping.
- Use Rakuten’s marketing tools.
Tips:
- Translate listings to Japanese.
- Provide domestic‑Japanese shipping options.
- Use “best online marketplace in Malaysia and for Japanese market” in your content.
Mercado Libre
Mercado Libre leads Latin America.
How to sell:
- Sign up as an international seller.
- Create listings in Spanish/Portuguese.
- Use Mercado Envios for logistics.
Tips:
- Research latency, shipping to Latin America, local support.
- Use keyword phrases like “how to sell online in Malaysia globally”.
Temu
Temu is a mobile‑first global marketplace focused on value deals.
Why sell:
- Rapid growth, heavy promotions, mobile‑centric buyers.
How to sell:
- Apply for seller account.
- Upload products with price/shipping details.
- Participate in deals and promos.
Tips:
- Focus on trending value products.
- Maintain stock to meet promotion demand.
Payment, Logistics & Multi Currency for Malaysian Sellers
Selling on multiple marketplaces, especially cross‑border, requires robust payment and logistics planning. For Malaysian SMEs:
- Use local payment options for Malaysian market (credit card, e‑wallet, COD) Payments Market Insights
- For global selling, use multi‑currency accounts and FX tools to protect margins.
- Use marketplaces’ own logistics or third‑party fulfilment depending on cost and reliability.
- Link content with phrases like “amazon malaysia seller”, “ebay seller malaysia”, “lazada malaysia seller centre”.
Key Tips for How to Sell Online in Malaysia
- Use clear, short sentences and bullet‑lists for readability.
- Optimize your product titles and descriptions with keywords like “how to sell online in Malaysia”, “lazada malaysia seller”, “shopee malaysia seller”.
- Prioritise mobile‑friendly listings — 65% of Malaysian e‑commerce volume comes from mobile. Payments Market Insights
- Monitor metrics and iterate: sales, traffic, conversion, return rate.
- Start with one or two marketplaces, then scale out once you have processes in place.
- Ensure your business is compliant with Malaysian tax and cross‑border trade rules.
Get Global Access with WorldFirst
Whether you’re figuring out how to sell on Etsy, setting up your first listing on TikTok Shop, or preparing to sell on Shopee, choosing the right channels is only part of the journey.
Before deciding on your preferred marketplace, ensure that your small business or SME is prepared to handle the high volume of payments that comes with cross-border trade. Smooth settlement, real-time visibility, and currency flexibility can make all the difference between scaling confidently and getting bogged down in operational headaches.
That’s where WorldFirst comes in. We have partnered with over 130 global marketplaces, allowing you to launch and start reaching new international customers in a fraction of the time. We offer convenience, so you can focus on the things that matter, like breaking glass ceilings and growing your brand exactly as you envision it.
Register for a World Account to access:
- Direct payments to suppliers and wholesalers from your World Account balance
- Convenient payments and collections in your preferred currency
- Real-time FX tools to protect your margins when you sell on international marketplaces.
- Seamless integrations with your marketplace access and accounting systems.
- Transparent fees and a single dashboard to track every incoming and outgoing payment. Ready to simplify your payments and unlock growth?
Explore how WorldFirst can help you manage business international transfers, automate settlements, and get paid faster—wherever you choose to sell.
FAQ
Which is the best online marketplace in Malaysia?
There is no one “best” marketplace — but Shopee and Lazada are top picks for local FMCG/SME sales; Amazon and eBay are strong for global expansion.
How do I register as a Shopee Malaysia seller?
Go to Shopee Malaysia Seller Centre, register your account, submit SSM/bank info, list your products.
Do I need to be a business entity to sell on Lazada Malaysia seller centre?
Yes, you will need business verification documents for full seller privileges.
Can I sell on Amazon from Malaysia?
Yes — via Amazon global seller programme. You’ll need to manage shipping, tax and international payments.
What are the trending categories in Malaysia?
Electronics (~31%), Fashion (~30%) — based on recent Malaysian e‑commerce sector study. Payments Market Insights
Continue reading
Subscribe
The Weekly Dispatch
Get the latest news and event invites. Signup for our weekly update from the worlds of fashion, design, and tech.
You might also like
Choose a product or service to find out more
Doing business with China
Global Business Tips
e-Commerce & Online Sellers
Foreign Currency Exchange
International Transactions
Doing business with China
Doing business with China
