Shopee

Shopee is a Singapore-based e-commerce platform owned by Sea Group. It was first launched in Singapore in 2015, and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brazil.

History

Shopee was first launched in Singapore in 2015, by Sea Group, then known as Garena. The platform was a direct response to the rapid growth of mobile internet usage in Southeast Asia, and the lack of e-commerce platforms that catered to the region. In 2016, Shopee launched in Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In 2020, Shopee expanded to Brazil, marking its first entry into the South American market.

Business Model

Shopee operates on a business model that is a combination of customer-to-customer (C2C) and business-to-customer (B2C). This model allows both businesses and individuals to open online stores on the platform. Shopee also offers a wide range of payment and logistical support to its sellers, making it easier for them to operate their businesses.

Features

Shopee offers a variety of features to enhance the shopping experience. These include Shopee Guarantee, which protects buyers and sellers against fraud by holding payments in escrow until buyers receive their goods. Shopee also offers integrated payment and logistics support, allowing sellers to easily manage their businesses. In addition, Shopee regularly holds promotions and events to engage its users.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite its success, Shopee has faced criticism and controversy. These include issues related to counterfeit goods, misleading pricing, and poor customer service. However, Shopee has made efforts to address these issues, such as implementing stricter rules for sellers and improving its customer service.

See Also

• E-commerce in Southeast Asia
• Sea Group
• Lazada