Discover Cheap Ways to Set Up eCommerce Websites in Singapore

So you’ve got an idea for an online business, and you want to set up an e-commerce website with as little cost as possible. Here are the different ways you can set up an online shop, with the pros and cons of each method so that you can make an informed decision.

Use readymade marketplaces

Readymade marketplaces are large sites that enable retailers to sign up for seller accounts. A seller will then receive an online storefront on the marketplace where you can create item listings with as much or as little information as you want to put up. Typically, sellers will be able to add a text description as well as images, and will have access to a Q&A section to communicate with potential buyers. Buyers will also be able to leave ratings and reviews after the transaction is completed.

Examples: Qoo10, Etsy, Zalora, Carousell

Pros:

• No need for technical knowledge
• Tap into the ready customer base already available on the marketplace

Cons:

• Very limited functionality
• Unable to customise the features and functions
• Difficult to set yourself apart from the other stores, which means you probably end up competing on price
• Not ideal for selling services

Price: Typically, the marketplace takes a small percentage of every successful transaction so the cost depends on the value of the goods you sell. Additional paid features may be available.

 

Add readymade online systems to your website

If you already have a website or are thinking of developing one, you could include e-commerce functions using a readymade e-commerce system. You can use a microsite offered by the provider, or integrate the shopping functionality with your existing website. Typically, they will offer you templates for your shop instead of customising your website design for you.

Examples: Shopify, Bigcommerce

Pros:

• No need for technical knowledge
• Can integrate with existing site or use the system as a standalone site
• Scalable

Cons:

• Functions are limited to what the system offers
• Unable to customise functions
• Unable to customise design

Price: Usually you get a free trial period of about 14 days before the monthly subscription fees kick in. Depending on the plan you choose, this can range from US$30 to hundreds a month.

 

Build a custom e-commerce system into your website

The final method of developing and online store is to custom build an e-commerce system into your website. This offers you the most flexibility, as you can develop and incorporate any non-standard features that your business requires. You have absolute control over what your online store looks like and what functions it has.

Examples: Magento, WooCommerce

Pros:

• Very scalable, can handle large volumes and future growth
• Can develop any new features you need
• Can be incorporated with any website design

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge, so you will either have to learn to code it yourself or hire a web developer to build your site for you

Price: The cost will be entirely dependent on what you require. The more complex a system, the higher the cost will be. With that said, different web development companies can provide different quotes for similar projects, so do ask around and compare prices, experience and customer service before making your decision.

With three very different methods of starting an e-commerce website in Singapore, choosing the cheapest way isn’t necessarily as simple as picking the one with the lowest initial outlay. Each method offers you a very different product, and choosing the right product to suit your needs will ensure you get the best value for money.

By: Digital Marketing Team, UtoMedia

 

If you are keen to find out more about how we can help you to improve your website, or perhaps you want to build an online presence from scratch, contact us here.