Before diving into the specifics, let’s cover what matters most to SMEs. As a business owner, you want a platform that is:

• Easy to use: You shouldn't need a degree in web development to run your online store.
• Cost-effective: Budget constraints are real, so affordability is key.
• Scalable: Your platform should grow as your business grows.
• Integrations: Seamless payment systems, logistics, and marketing tools are essential.
• Support: Reliable customer service that helps when you hit a snag.

With these factors in mind, let's look at how the major ecommerce platforms measure up for Singaporean SMEs.

Shopify is often the go-to ecommerce platform for businesses of all sizes, including SMEs. It’s popular because it's incredibly easy to set up and comes with many features such as Shopify Payments, POS integration, and dropshipping options. However, the price can add up quickly for smaller businesses. Shopify’s monthly fees start low but quickly escalate if you need more advanced features or plugins. This could be a deal-breaker for SMEs watching their bottom line.

On the other hand, Dash to Cart provides a more tailored solution for Singaporean SMEs. Designed with simplicity and affordability, Dash to Cart allows small business owners to set up an online store without all the complexity or extra fees. The platform is powered by AI tools, integrated with Stripe for secure payments, and gives sellers the flexibility to control marketing efforts manually—offering a more cost-effective option for those who want to grow at their own pace.

Dash to Cart also excels in customer engagement, giving sellers the tools to reach out directly to customers and convert abandoned carts into sales—a feature that Shopify offers but at a higher cost.

For SMEs that prefer a highly customisable platform, WooCommerce is a solid contender. As a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce lets you turn your existing site into a fully functional online store. This is ideal for businesses with a WordPress site or who want complete control over their store's appearance and features. 

However, the flexibility comes with a steep learning curve. WooCommerce requires more hands-on setup and maintenance, and you might need to hire a developer to help you out. For SMEs that don’t have an in-house tech team, this could be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Additionally, WooCommerce's reliance on third-party plugins can make things more complicated, especially when it comes to security and updates. 

Dash to Cart or Shopify may be a better fit for SMEs that value simplicity and need a platform that works out of the box.

If you want immediate exposure to a large customer base, Lazada and Shopee are attractive options. These marketplace platforms already have millions of users, giving your products visibility without worrying about traffic generation or SEO. Lazada and Shopee also handle logistics, making it easier for SMEs to start selling immediately.

But here’s the catch: you don’t have control over your branding and constantly compete with hundreds of other sellers offering similar products. Plus, these platforms take a commission on each sale, which can eat into your profits. While these marketplaces are a good way to gain quick exposure, they aren't ideal for SMEs looking to build a unique brand and customer loyalty.

In contrast, platforms like Dash to Cart allow you to create your online store, giving you full control over your branding and customer relationships. You own the customer data, which allows you to engage directly with your audience and build long-term loyalty without competing in a saturated marketplace.

Squarespace is widely known for its beautiful website designs, but when it comes to ecommerce, it may not offer the depth that SMEs need to grow. While it’s excellent for businesses that focus heavily on design (such as photographers or boutique stores), its ecommerce capabilities are not as robust as platforms like Shopify or Dash to Cart.

For example, Squarespace offers fewer payment gateway options, and its tools for handling larger inventories or complex shipping rules are limited. If you're a design-centric business, Squarespace may work for you. Still, for those focused on scaling ecommerce operations, other platforms may offer more functionality at a similar or lower price point.