Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop Seller Guide (Philippines)
Step-by-step overview of requirements, fees, and pros and cons of selling on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop in the Philippines.
What you’ll learn in this Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop guide
This Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop seller guide for the Philippines summarizes key requirements, fees, pros and cons so you can decide which online marketplace fits your products and margins.
For related compliance and payments topics, also see our DTI Trustmark Guide for Online Businesses, GCash / Digital Payments vs Cash Guide, and Payment Processors Business Application Guide.
Shopee Seller Requirements and Fees
Requirements
- Create a Shopee account.
- For registered business sellers: BIR Certificate (Form 2303), Mayor's Permit, DTI/SEC certificate.
- Provide bank account details and shop logo.
- "No Label" sellers may start without business registration but should still plan to register as they grow.
Fees
- Service fee: 4% of cost of goods sold (capped at ₱200 per item per order).
- Transaction fee (payment processing): around 2.24%.
- Commission fee: around 3.5%–6.72% depending on category and seller type.
Pros
- Very large customer base and strong brand recognition.
- Easy onboarding; no registration fee to start.
- Integrated shipping and payment options.
Cons
- Commission and transaction fees can significantly reduce profit margins.
- Voucher and free shipping promotions may be required to stay competitive.
- Very high competition; price wars are common.
Lazada Seller Requirements and Fees
Requirements
Requirements depend on your seller type (individual, brand owner, distributor, reseller):
- Valid government ID.
- Business registration documents (BIR Form 2303, DTI/SEC documents) for business sellers.
- Bank account documents.
- Brand logos or authorization letters for brand owners/distributors.
- Some seller types need an existing online presence (website or social media).
Fees
- Marketplace commission: around 3.5%–7% depending on category.
- Payment fee: around 2.24% (VAT inclusive).
- Seller-managed discounts and promotions.
- Some periods may offer 0% commission promotions for qualified sellers or categories.
Pros
- Access to a large Southeast Asian customer base.
- Strong tools for campaigns, vouchers, and ads.
- Occasional 0% commission campaigns for some products or new sellers.
Cons
- Verification and approval process can take time.
- Marketplace and payment fees add up, especially for low-margin products.
- Certain product categories are restricted or require extra approval.
TikTok Shop Seller Requirements and Fees
Requirements
- Create a TikTok Shop Seller Center account.
- Submit required business registration documents and valid IDs.
- Link a payment account/bank account.
- Some programs or store types may require a minimum follower count or content activity.
Fees
- Marketplace/commission fee: around 6% plus around 1.02% service fee (about 7.02% total).
- Transaction fee: around 3.78%.
- Affiliate commissions if you work with content creators.
- Some zero-commission promotions for new sellers or selected products.
Pros
- Huge social media audience and strong impulse-buy behavior.
- Seamless integration between content (videos/live) and checkout.
- Attractive promos for new sellers, including possible 0% commission.
Cons
- Effective selling often requires regular content creation or live selling.
- Total fees (marketplace + transaction + affiliates) can be high.
- Platform is newer; logistics and rules can change quickly compared to Shopee/Lazada.
Which Platform Is Best for Your Business?
All three platforms can be profitable for Filipino MSMEs, but the best choice depends on your product, margins, and marketing style:
- Shopee works well for price-sensitive products with strong search-based demand.
- Lazada is strong for branded products and sellers targeting a broader Southeast Asian market.
- TikTok Shop is ideal if you can regularly create engaging content or run live selling.
Whatever platform you choose, always compute your net profit after all fees and promos, and make sure your business complies with DTI/SEC, BIR, and LGU requirements as you scale.