Malaysian Shopee & Lazada Sellers: Which Platform Gives You Better Margins?
Selling on both Shopee and Lazada doesn't mean you're making money on both. AskBiz calculates net profit per order after every platform fee, voucher, and shipping cost.
- The multi-platform trap
- How AskBiz compares platforms
- Real scenario: a beauty products seller in Penang
- Direct channel development
The multi-platform trap#
A Malaysian seller listing on Shopee and Lazada might see combined monthly GMV of RM80,000 and feel good about growth. But Shopee charges 2-5 percent commission plus 2 percent payment processing plus seller-funded vouchers (often RM5-15 per eligible order during campaigns), while Lazada charges 1-4 percent commission with different promotional requirements. Free shipping subsidies, campaign participation fees, and advertising costs differ significantly. Without platform-specific margin analysis, sellers don't know which platform actually makes them money.
How AskBiz compares platforms#
Upload your sales data, fee statements, and return records from each platform. AskBiz calculates: net revenue per order after all fees, voucher cost per order, shipping subsidy cost versus platform benefit, advertising cost per acquisition, and return rate with associated costs. Ask: 'What is my average net profit per order on Shopee versus Lazada?' and get a direct comparison.
Real scenario: a beauty products seller in Penang#
Ain sells skincare products on both platforms. Monthly GMV: Shopee RM45,000, Lazada RM18,000. She assumed Shopee was her cash cow. After uploading platform data to AskBiz, the analysis showed: Shopee net profit per order was RM8.20 (after 4 percent commission, 2 percent payment, RM6 average voucher subsidy during campaigns, and 3 percent return rate), Lazada net profit was RM11.50 (lower commission, fewer mandatory vouchers, 1.5 percent return rate), and her Shopee advertising cost per acquisition was RM4.80 versus RM2.90 on Lazada. Her total Shopee profit was RM9,840 versus Lazada RM6,210 — closer than the 2.5x GMV gap suggested. AskBiz recommended: maintaining Shopee for volume but reducing voucher participation during non-peak campaigns, shifting ad budget toward Lazada where CAC was lower, and launching a direct WhatsApp channel for repeat customers (zero platform fees).
Data-backed guides on AI, eCommerce, and SME strategy — straight to your inbox.
Campaign economics#
AskBiz analyses your performance during platform campaigns (9.9, 11.11, 12.12) separately from regular days — showing whether campaign participation is profitable or just subsidising platform growth.
Direct channel development#
AskBiz calculates the potential profit improvement from converting platform customers to direct channels (WhatsApp, own website) where you avoid 6-10 percent in platform fees.
People also ask
Which platform is more profitable for Malaysian sellers?
It varies by category and seller — Shopee has higher volume but more fees. AskBiz calculates true profit per order per platform after all costs.
How much do Shopee and Lazada charge Malaysian sellers?
Shopee: 2-5 percent commission + 2 percent payment + vouchers. Lazada: 1-4 percent commission. AskBiz calculates total platform cost as a percentage of revenue.
Should sellers participate in 11.11 campaigns?
AskBiz analyses your actual profit during campaigns versus normal days — often revealing that heavy discounting and vouchers reduce margins below sustainability.
Our team combines expertise in data analytics, SME strategy, and AI tools to produce practical guides that help founders and operators make better business decisions.
Know your platform margins
Upload your Shopee and Lazada data — AskBiz compares true profit per order so you can allocate time and money wisely.
Start free — no credit card required →