The e-commerce market in Malaysia continues to grow, offering significant opportunities for aspiring business owners. Platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop provide sellers with access to millions of potential customers. To successfully launch and operate an online store, sellers should follow these key steps.
 

1. Register Your Business

Before setting up an online business, registration with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) is mandatory. Sellers must choose between registering as an Enterprise (sole proprietorship or partnership) or a Sdn Bhd (private limited company). Business registration is necessary to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection (Electronic Trade Transactions) Regulations 2012, helping sellers avoid penalties. It costs RM30 and provides additional benefits such as access to microloans and insurance. Proper registration is also a requirement for platforms like Shopee, allowing sellers to apply for verified business status.


 

2. Select Products and Define Your Business Model

Choosing the right products is essential for success. Sellers should carefully consider market demand and determine which products to offer, such as physical goods (clothing, gadgets) or digital products (software, e-books). Additionally, sellers should define their business model—whether selling their own products, reselling others’ products, or engaging in affiliate marketing via Shopee's Affiliate Program.

3. Set Up an E-Commerce Platform

A reliable e-commerce platform is crucial for managing an online store. Sellers can either build their own website using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, or sell through established platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. The platform should support product listings, payments, and scalability. BigSeller provides seamless integration with multiple platforms, enabling efficient order management and inventory tracking.


 

4. Register a Domain, Set Up Hosting, and Integrate a Secure Payment Gateway

To establish a professional online presence, sellers should register a domain name that reflects their business, such as "yourbusiness.com.my." Along with domain registration, securing reliable hosting is essential to store website files and ensure smooth operation. Additionally, integrating a secure and efficient payment gateway, including options such as credit cards, online banking, or e-wallets, is crucial for building customer trust and providing a seamless checkout experience.


 

5. Promote Your Business and Provide Excellent Customer Service

Effective marketing and customer service are key to success. Sellers should leverage Shopee’s built-in promotional tools such as Shopee Flash Sales, Shopee Vouchers, and paid advertising to boost visibility. Regular content updates and promotions help maintain customer engagement, while quick responses, issue resolution, and clear return policies enhance trust and encourage repeat purchases.

6. Manage Inventory and Orders Efficiently

As the business grows, managing inventory and orders manually can become overwhelming. BigSeller offers comprehensive solutions, syncing orders from multiple sales channels and automating stock updates and shipping label generation.

Click here to register for BigSeller today


 

7. Monitor Performance and Scale Your Business

Regularly reviewing performance metrics, such as sales and traffic, is essential for growth. Sellers should identify areas for improvement and explore opportunities for scaling, whether by adding new products or expanding into new markets.

Starting an e-commerce business in Malaysia requires careful planning and execution. By registering the business, selecting the right products, utilizing reliable platforms, and integrating tools like BigSeller to manage inventory and orders, sellers can set a solid foundation for success.

Click here to register for BigSeller today and optimize your business operations.