Shopee Selling in 2025: Is It Still Worth It? A Guide for Filipino Online Sellers

Introduction

Shopee has become one of the most dominant online marketplaces in Southeast Asia—and here in the Philippines, it’s a go-to platform not just for buyers, but for aspiring entrepreneurs as well. But as we enter 2025, many aspiring sellers and even seasoned online merchants are asking: Is Shopee selling still worth it this year?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of Shopee selling in 2025, the pros and cons, updates on policies, how to start, and smart strategies to succeed—even if you’re starting with zero capital.

The State of Shopee Selling in 2025

Shopee remains one of the biggest e-commerce platforms in the Philippines, alongside Lazada and TikTok Shop. Despite rising competition and changing seller policies, Shopee continues to draw millions of buyers monthly. According to recent stats, Shopee PH had over 70 million monthly site visits as of early 2025.

However, things have changed:

• Seller fees have increased slightly since 2023.

• Free shipping vouchers are now partly shouldered by sellers.

• Competition is fiercer, especially from Chinese suppliers and TikTok sellers.

• But! Shopee continues to roll out tools and trainings to help Filipino MSMEs grow their stores.

So yes, while the game has become more competitive, Shopee selling in 2025 is still very much worth it—as long as you adapt and level up your selling strategy.

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Why Sell on Shopee in 2025?

Let’s look at the reasons why Shopee is still a solid platform for side hustlers and full-time online sellers this year.

1. Massive Buyer Base

Millions of Filipinos still trust Shopee for daily purchases—from phone cases to groceries to skincare. The platform already has the audience, so all you need is the right product and good marketing.

2. Easy-to-Use Interface

From uploading products to fulfilling orders, Shopee’s seller dashboard is beginner-friendly—even for first-time online sellers.

3. Low Capital Requirement

You can start with as little as ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 and test the market. Some sellers even start with dropshipping or reseller models, which need minimal investment.

4. Shopee University

This built-in training platform helps sellers learn about product photography, ads, and order fulfillment. Perfect for beginners!

5. Mobile Friendly

You can manage your Shopee store right from your smartphone. Perfect for moms, students, freelancers, or anyone who wants to make extra income from home.

Cons to Watch Out For

While Shopee is great, it’s not perfect. Here are a few challenges you should prepare for:

• Higher Competition: With thousands of sellers, standing out is harder than ever.

• Seller Fees: Commission fees and ads can eat into your profit.

• Strict Policies: Shopee now penalizes sellers for late shipments or bad reviews.

• Return/Refund System: Some buyers may abuse the refund policy.

But don’t let this discourage you. With smart planning, these challenges can be overcome.

How to Start Selling on Shopee in 2025 (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Start with something you’re passionate about or familiar with. Hot niches this year include:

• Affordable fashion

• Beauty & skincare

• Pet supplies

• Home organization tools

• Eco-friendly products

Step 2: Create Your Shopee Seller Account
Go to https://seller.shopee.ph and register. You’ll need a valid ID and phone number. Choose between:

• Individual seller (perfect for small businesses)

• Business seller (for those with official business permits)

Step 3: Source Your Products
Options include:

• Buying from local suppliers in Divisoria, Baclaran, or online wholesalers.

• Importing from Alibaba or 1688 (watch out for shipping delays).

• Dropshipping through sites like Dropship.ph or Sup Dropshipping.

Step 4: List Your Products
Make sure to:

• Use high-quality photos (your own is better than supplier photos).

• Write detailed, honest product descriptions.

• Set competitive pricing.

• Add size charts if needed.

Step 5: Promote Your Store
Use the Shopee Ads tool, offer free shipping promos, and create bundle deals. Also promote your products on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Step 6: Process Orders and Give Great Service
Ship on time. Always reply to buyer questions. Aim for 5-star reviews every time.

Pro Tips to Succeed on Shopee in 2025

1. Bundle Smart

Bundles = higher cart value. Offer “Buy 2, Save ₱20” or “Free gift for 3 orders.”

2. Use Livestreaming

Shopee Live is still hot in 2025. Even simple product demos or Q&A sessions can boost your views and orders.

3. Offer Cash on Delivery (COD)

Yes, some customers abuse COD, but most still trust it more than online payment. Just be ready and add a cancellation buffer to your stocks.

4. Automate Where You Can

Use chatbots to reply to common questions and templates for FAQs. Time is money.

5. Don’t Depend on One Product

Always have a second or third item you’re testing. The market changes fast.

Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely—if you’re willing to learn and hustle. Many sellers are still making 5 to 6 figures monthly by being consistent and using the tools Shopee provides.

Yes, the days of “upload and get instant sales” are gone. But with effort, solid branding, and customer service, Shopee can still be your stepping stone to a full-time business or financial freedom.

Final Thoughts

Shopee selling in 2025 isn’t dead—it’s evolving. As with any business, it takes time, patience, and strategy to succeed. Whether you're a college student, a stay-at-home mom, or a freelancer looking for an extra income stream, Shopee is still one of the best platforms to start your e-commerce journey in the Philippines.

So what are you waiting for? Open that store, upload your first product, and start hustling. The future of online selling is now.