If you have a software product, a service that can be delivered from abroad or a physical product that people don’t mind waiting for, you can do business internationally directly from your own country.
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As counts for any country: you first have to define the target group that you want to sell to. If these are businesses, then you can reach out directly through emails and targeted advertisements, e.g. on LinkedIn. If this arouses interest and gives a sufficient response rate, then you may have found an easy way to get the market’s attention.
If your target group is more diffuse, or is a consumer group, then you have to rely more on advertising such as on Facebook or Instagram.
Even if your business is really international, it may be wise to set up local website translations and check whether your text aligns with the culture.
With regards to content, my personal experience is that if you have a successful blog topic in one language, it is likely to do well also in other languages. Don’t reinvent the wheel, just make a proper translation.
Customers who see prices and can pay in their local currency are three times more likely to deal with you. So it makes sense to offer this option.
Credit card payments typically work best up to an amount equivalent to 500 USD or EUR. If the invoicing amount is higher, there often is a different internal procedure required.
The Singaporean e-commerce market is one of the most advanced and rapidly growing in Southeast Asia, driven by a tech-savvy population, excellent digital infrastructure, and strong government support. As of 2024, the market is valued at approximately SGD 7.5 billion, with an annual growth rate of around 10%. Here are some of the main webshops and e-commerce platforms in Singapore:
Market Share: Most visited e-commerce site with 13.2 million monthly web visits
Focus: Wide range of products, mobile-centric marketplace
Shopee, founded in 2015, has quickly become Singapore’s favorite e-commerce marketplace. It offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience for millions of daily users. The platform is known for its wide product assortment, integrated payments and logistics, and entertainment features tailored to the local market. Shopee’s success stems from its mobile-first approach and low fees for merchants, making it attractive for both sellers and buyers.
Market Share: Second most visited with about 6 million monthly visits
Focus: Broad market access, comprehensive logistics support
Lazada, now owned by Alibaba, offers extensive market reach and a variety of products. It provides comprehensive logistics support, ensuring efficient delivery. The platform is known for its strategic marketing collaborations with brands and influencers, boosting visibility for sellers. Lazada’s secure payment options increase customer trust, making it a strong player in Singapore’s e-commerce landscape.
Market Share: Third most visited with approximately 5 million monthly visits
Focus: Vast product range, reliable delivery services
Amazon’s entry into Singapore has been impactful, offering a vast range of products and services. The platform is known for its reliable delivery services, strong customer trust, and advanced features like Amazon Prime. While it provides excellent opportunities for sellers to reach a diverse customer base, the intense competition can be challenging for some businesses.
Market Share: Significant player with 7.5 million monthly web visits in 2020
Focus: Fashion goods, especially Korean products
Qoo10, a joint venture between Korean e-commerce site Gmarket and eBay, is particularly popular for its Korean products. The platform offers tiered service fees for sellers based on their status, ranging from 7% to 12% of the total transaction amount. Qoo10’s strong presence in both Singapore and Japan makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to expand in these markets.
Market Share: Among the top 5 most visited e-commerce sites
Focus: C2C marketplace, second-hand goods
Carousell has gained popularity as a consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplace, particularly for second-hand goods. Its user-friendly interface and focus on community-driven commerce have made it a go-to platform for Singaporeans looking to buy and sell a wide range of items, from electronics to fashion and home goods.
First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.
There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.
Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.
Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.