Dash to Cart vs. Lazada & Shopee: Which Is Best for SMEs?
Dash to Cart
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Oct 15
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5 min read
When you think of e-commerce in Southeast Asia, names like Lazada and Shopee probably come to mind. They are major players in the online shopping space, offering easy platforms for businesses to join and providing access to millions of customers.
But is selling on these marketplaces the best option for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or does Dash to Cart offer more for business owners who want more control over their brand?
Let's dive into the details and see which option suits your business better.
Can Dash to Cart Beat Shopee Seller Centre on Fees?
Can Dash to Cart Beat Shopee Seller Centre on Fees?
Lazada and Shopee are appealing because of their vast reach, but they do come with a cost—commissions.
Lazada’s Marketplace Commission Fee starts from 4%, capped at SGD 30 for certain categories, and can go up to 9%.
Shopee operates similarly, with commissions ranging from 5.45% to 10.9%, depending on the product category.
These fees can quickly eat into your margins, especially for SMEs just starting or with slim profit margins.
In contrast, Dash to Cart provides a more cost-effective alternative. With no commission fees and only a flat monthly subscription (starting from $15), you keep more of your revenue. You also get access to unlimited product listings, promotion coupons, and AI-powered marketing tools without worrying about losing a percentage of every sale to the platform.
How Much Control Do You Really Have on an Ecommerce Marketplace?
How Much Control Do You Really Have on an Ecommerce Marketplace?
One significant drawback of selling on Lazada Seller Centre or Shopee Seller Centre is that your products are listed alongside countless competitors. Lazada or Shopee may even recommend your competitors’ products to buyers, reducing the chances of your items getting the visibility they deserve. Plus, the customer experience is mostly out of your hands—you have limited ability to customise how your brand is presented.
With Dash to Cart, the seller is in full control. You can design your storefront, manage your inventory, and create a brand experience that resonates with your audience. No other products compete for attention in your store, allowing you to build customer loyalty without distractions.
Additionally, Dash to Cart offers advanced features like abandoned cart recovery, which allows you to re-engage customers who didn’t complete their purchases—a feature that's not as easily accessible through platforms like Shopee or Lazada.
Which Platform Offers Better Long-Term Growth for Your Business?
Which Platform Offers Better Long-Term Growth for Your Business?
Marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee provide quick access to a large audience, but they are less suited for businesses wanting to grow their brand independently. While marketplaces can be good for short-term sales boosts, they do little to help with long-term brand building. Also, the high levels of competition and marketplace-driven price wars can make it hard to establish a loyal customer base.
On the other hand, Dash to Cart is designed for businesses looking for sustainable growth. With features like AI-powered email marketing and SEO-optimised product descriptions, Dash to Cart helps you rank higher in search engine results, driving organic traffic to your store.
This can help build long-term customer relationships, making it a better option for SMEs aiming for scalability.
How Does the Customer Experience Differ Between Dash to Cart and Marketplaces?
How Does the Customer Experience Differ Between Dash to Cart and Marketplaces?
Another key factor in deciding between ecommerce and marketplace platforms is the customer experience. On Lazada or Shopee, buyers interact with a standardised platform to prioritise the marketplace brand over individual sellers. This means that buyers are more likely to develop loyalty to the marketplace than to your specific store.
In contrast, Dash to Cart offers complete control over the customer experience. You own your customer data, allowing for targeted marketing and personalised communications. This enhances the customer experience and provides you with the tools to retarget customers, increase loyalty, and drive repeat sales.
The ability to create a fully customised shopping experience makes Dash to Cart a standout option for SMEs that value direct relationships with their customers.
Can Dash to Cart Compete on Flexibility with Lazada and Shopee?
Can Dash to Cart Compete on Flexibility with Lazada and Shopee?
While Lazada and Shopee offer a variety of seller tools, they are still limited in flexibility and scalability. Dash to Cart, however, allows sellers to scale their businesses as they grow. Whether you're selling physical products, digital goods, or services, Dash to Cart has the flexibility to meet your business needs.
For instance, Dash to Cart’s Plus Plan includes advanced features like appointment booking systems, making it perfect for SMEs that offer products and services.
The platform also supports unlimited team members, so as your business grows, you can easily onboard more staff without worrying about additional platform costs.
Which Platform Should You Choose for Your SME?
Which Platform Should You Choose for Your SME?
If you’re a small business looking for quick access to a large audience, platforms like Lazada and Shopee might seem the obvious choice. However, the high commission fees and fierce competition make building a sustainable business on these marketplaces harder.
On the other hand, Dash to Cart offers a low-cost solution with no commission fees, advanced AI-powered marketing tools, and the ability to control the customer experience fully.
For SMEs looking to scale their business while keeping costs low, Dash to Cart is an excellent option that helps build long-term success without sacrificing margins.
Top Ecommerce Platforms in Singapore: Which One is Right for Your SME?
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