[2025] Shopee Complete Guide | 27 Tips from Registration to Running a Seller Store!

The Complete Operations Guide for Taiwan's E-Commerce Platform with 20 Million Monthly Users

Shopee is one of Taiwan's largest e-commerce platforms, with over 20 million users every month. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this guide walks you through every feature Shopee has to offer. From registration and placing orders, to payment, pickup, returns, money-saving tips, and even opening a store—it's all covered in one place.

What Is Shopee? Platform Advantages and Features

Shopee is the largest e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia. Founded in Singapore in 2015, it entered the Taiwan market in 2016.

Shopee's Market Position

Based on 2024 data:

• Over 20 million monthly active users in Taiwan
• More than 3 million sellers on the platform
• Over 500,000 orders completed every day

How Shopee compares to other e-commerce platforms:

Shopee's Core Advantages

1. Low free shipping threshold

• Convenience store pickup is free on orders of NT$99+
• Home delivery free shipping threshold is roughly NT$300–500 (varies by seller)

2. Frequent promotions

• Fixed major sales on the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th of every month
• New user exclusive discount coupons
• Shopee Coins can be used to offset purchases

3. Strong social interaction

• Shopee Live lets you shop while watching
• "Chat" function for direct communication with sellers
• Follow your favorite sellers and products

4. Protection for both buyers and sellers

• 7-day right of return protects buyers
• Shopee escrow protects transactions
• Seller rating system is transparent and public

Shopee's Limitations

For a complete picture, here are some of Shopee's limitations:

• Inconsistent product quality: In a C2C model, buyers must assess product quality themselves
• Counterfeit risk: Check seller ratings carefully to avoid fake products
• Slower customer service: During peak periods, wait times can be longer
• Higher seller fees: 2% transaction fee + 1.5–2% payment processing fee

That said, learning to identify quality sellers and making use of the platform's protection mechanisms will significantly reduce your risk.

Complete Guide to Registering and Setting Up a Shopee Account

How to Register for Shopee

Registration is extremely simple—it takes just 3 minutes.

Step 1: Download the Shopee App

• iOS users: Go to the App Store and search "Shopee"
• Android users: Go to Google Play and search "Shopee"

Want more App usage tips? Check out our Shopee App Usage Tips Complete Guide.

Step 2: Choose a registration method

Shopee offers 4 registration options:

• Phone number (most common)
• Facebook account
• Google account
• Apple ID

Phone number registration is recommended, as it makes account security verification more convenient later on.

Step 3: Enter basic information

• Enter your phone number
• Receive an SMS verification code (usually within 30 seconds)
• Set a password (at least 8 characters; including letters and numbers is recommended)
• Enter your date of birth (used to receive birthday coupons)

Step 4: Complete registration

Once registered, the system automatically sends new user exclusive coupons to your account.

Account Security Setup

After registering, it's recommended to immediately complete the following security steps:

1. Link your email address

• Go to "My Account" → "Account Security"
• Link your regular email
• Used to recover your account if you forget your password

2. Set a payment password

• Go to "My Wallet" → "Set Payment Password"
• Set a 6-digit PIN
• Required for every payment to protect your funds

3. Enable two-factor authentication

• Go to "Account Security" → "Two-Factor Authentication"
• Link your phone number
• An SMS verification code will be required at login

Personal Profile Setup

A complete profile improves your shopping experience:

1. Shipping addresses

• Add multiple frequently used addresses
• Set a default address
• Supports different addresses for home, office, family, and more

2. Payment methods

• Credit card: save multiple cards
• Bank account: link your regular bank
• E-wallet: link LINE Pay, JKO Pay, etc.

3. Notification settings

• Choose which types of notifications to receive
• Includes: order updates, promotions, live stream reminders
• At minimum, enable "Order Notifications"

Complete Guide to the Shopee Shopping Process

How to Search and Buy Products on Shopee

The complete shopping process takes just 7 steps:

Step 1: Search for products

Open the Shopee App and enter what you want to buy in the search bar on the homepage.

Search tips:

• Use specific keywords (e.g., "iPhone 15 phone case" rather than just "phone case")
• Use filter functions (price range, ratings, sales volume)
• Check "Related Searches" to find more options

Step 2: Select a product

On the product page, pay close attention to:

• Price: Are there coupons you can apply?
• Ratings: Look for at least 4.5 stars
• Sales volume: Higher-selling products are generally more reliable
• Seller rating: Check the seller's response rate and shipping speed

Step 3: Communicate with the seller (optional)

If you have questions, use the "Chat" function to contact the seller.

Common questions include:

• Product size, color, material
• Is it in stock? When will it ship?
• Can it be customized or bundled?

Want more communication tips? See our Shopee Chat Function Complete Guide.

Step 4: Add to cart or buy immediately

• Add to Cart: Check out multiple items at once to save on shipping
• Buy Now: Go straight to checkout, ideal for urgent purchases

Step 5: Select specifications

• Color, size, quantity, etc.
• Confirm your selection and tap "Confirm"

Step 6: Enter delivery information

Choose a delivery method:

• Convenience store pickup: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart
• Home delivery: Black Cat Express, Xinzhu Logistics, Kerry TJ Logistics
• Mail: Chunghwa Post

Want to understand the differences between logistics options? See our Shopee 7-Eleven Pickup Complete Guide, Shopee FamilyMart Pickup Guide, and Shopee Home Delivery Complete Guide.

Step 7: Choose a payment method and complete your order

Once you've confirmed all order details, choose a payment method and complete checkout.

Complete Guide to Shopee Payment Methods

Shopee offers 6 payment methods, each with pros and cons.

1. Credit Card

Pros:

• Fastest and most convenient
• Earn credit card rewards points
• Some banks offer purchase protection

Cons:

• Need to enter card number online (for first-time use)
• Possible foreign transaction fees in rare cases

Best for: Credit card holders who want to complete payment quickly

2. ATM Transfer

Pros:

• No credit card required
• High security

Cons:

• Requires manual transfer
• Takes 1–2 hours to confirm after transfer
• Has a payment deadline (usually 3 days after placing the order)

Best for: People without credit cards, or those who don't want to enter card details online

3. Convenience Store Payment Code

Pros:

• Pay with cash
• No credit card or bank account needed

Cons:

• Requires a trip to the convenience store
• Service fee applies (usually NT$10–15)
• Has a payment deadline

Best for: Students, those who prefer not to use credit cards

4. Cash on Delivery

Pros:

• Pay only after seeing the product
• Ideal for those who don't trust online payments

Cons:

• Not offered by all sellers
• Cannot use coupons
• Higher service fee (usually NT$30–60)

Best for: First-time buyers at a seller, who want to verify the product before paying

5. ShopeePay

Pros:

• Extremely fast checkout
• Can use Shopee Coins to offset the amount
• Frequent exclusive deals

Cons:

• Requires pre-loading funds
• Withdrawal fee applies

Best for: Frequent Shopee shoppers

6. Installment Payment

Pros:

• Available in 3, 6, 12, 18, or 24 installments
• Reduces the burden of a large one-time payment

Cons:

• Requires a credit card
• May incur interest (depends on the bank)

Best for: High-value purchases (e.g., phones, laptops)

Payment Safety Reminders

Never:

• Transfer money privately to a seller (always pay through the Shopee platform)
• Click unknown links
• Share your full credit card CVV with anyone

Want to learn how to avoid scams? See our Shopee Fraud Prevention Complete Guide.

Shopee Logistics and Delivery Options Guide

Choosing the right logistics option can save you both money and time.

Convenience Store Pickup (Most Common)

Supported stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart

Pros:

• Low free shipping threshold (usually NT$99)
• Available 24 hours for pickup
• Many locations—always convenient

Cons:

• Size and weight restrictions apply
• You need to go to the store to collect your package

Restrictions:

• Length + width + height ≤ 45 cm
• Weight ≤ 5 kg

Best for: Clothing, books, small electronics, health supplements, etc.

Want to learn more about convenience store pickup? See our Shopee 7-Eleven Pickup Complete Guide and Shopee FamilyMart Pickup Complete Guide.

Home Delivery

Supported carriers: Black Cat Express, Xinzhu Logistics, Kerry TJ Logistics

Pros:

• Delivered to your door—no need to go out
• No strict size or weight limits (large items also supported)
• Can specify delivery time slots

Cons:

• Higher shipping fees (usually NT$60–150)
• Someone must be home to receive the package
• Not available 24 hours

Best for: Large appliances, furniture, heavy items, refrigerated/frozen food

Want to understand home delivery differences? See our Shopee Home Delivery Complete Guide.

Mail (Post)

Pros:

• Can be delivered to a post office for pickup
• Relatively affordable shipping

Cons:

• Longer delivery time
• Fewer sellers offer this option

Best for: Non-urgent items

Logistics Tracking

After placing an order, you can check the logistics status under "My Orders."

Common logistics statuses:

• Pending shipment: Seller has not yet shipped
• Shipped: Item handed to logistics company
• In transit: On the way to the specified location
• Delivered: Ready for pickup

If there's a problem with logistics, see our Shopee Logistics Tracking and Problem-Solving Guide.

Shopee Returns, Exchanges, and Customer Service

Ordered the wrong item or received a defective product? Don't worry—Shopee provides comprehensive return and exchange protection.

Understanding the 7-Day Right of Return

Under Taiwan's Consumer Protection Act, online purchases include a 7-day right of return.

How is the 7-day window calculated?

• Starting from the day after receiving the product
• Example: Received on October 1st → can return until October 8th

Important notes:

• The item must be kept intact (packaging, accessories, and gifts included)
• No signs of use
• Some products are not eligible for the 7-day right of return (e.g., fresh food, underwear, customized products)

Want to learn more about return policies? See our Shopee Return and Refund Complete Guide.

How to Apply for a Return

Step 1: Go to the order page

• Tap "My Orders"
• Find the order you want to return
• Tap "Apply for Refund/Return"

Step 2: Select a return reason

• Product defect
• Product doesn't match the description
• Received wrong item
• Personal reasons (within 7-day right of return period)

Step 3: Upload photos (if there's a product issue)

• Photograph the defective area
• Photograph the full product
• Photograph the packaging

Step 4: Wait for the seller's response

• The seller has 3 days to respond
• If approved, they will provide a return address
• If rejected, you can request Shopee to intervene

Step 5: Ship the item back

• Pack the item carefully
• Ship to the seller's specified address
• Keep proof of shipment

Step 6: Wait for your refund

• After the seller confirms receipt
• Shopee will process the refund within 1–3 business days
• Refunded via the original payment method

Who Pays Return Shipping?

Seller's responsibility (seller pays shipping):

• Product defect
• Product doesn't match the description
• Wrong item sent

Buyer's responsibility (buyer pays shipping):

• Personal reasons for not wanting the item
• No issue with the product, just doesn't like it

How to Contact Shopee Customer Service

If a problem can't be resolved, contact Shopee customer service.

Contact options:

1. In-app live chat (fastest)

   • Tap "My Account" → "Contact Customer Service"
   • Real-time chat, usually responds within 5–10 minutes

2. Phone support

   • Phone: 02-7755-2271
   • Hours: Daily 9:00–18:00

3. Email

   • [email protected]
   • Usually responds within 1–2 business days

Want more customer service information? See our Shopee Customer Service Contact Guide.

Shopee Deals and Money-Saving Tips

Master these tips and save money on every purchase!

Complete Guide to Shopee Coupons

Shopee has 4 types of coupons:

1. Platform coupons

• Issued by Shopee officially
• Can be used on any product
• Usually distributed during major sales (e.g., Double 11, Double 12)

2. Seller coupons

• Issued by individual sellers
• Only usable on that seller's products
• Follow sellers to receive regular coupon notifications

3. Shipping coupons

• Can be used to offset shipping fees
• Usually "free shipping" or "NT$15 off shipping"

4. Category coupons

• Limited to specific product categories
• Examples: Fashion, Electronics, Home & Living

How to Claim Coupons

Method 1: Shopee Coupon Center

• Tap "Coupons" on the homepage
• Browse all available coupons
• Tap "Claim Now"

Method 2: On the product page

• Go to a product page
• Tap "Claim Coupon"
• Automatically applied at checkout

Method 3: Follow sellers

• Follow your favorite sellers
• You'll receive notifications when they distribute coupons

Want more money-saving tips? See our Shopee Promotions and Coupon Savings Guide.

Shopee Coins: Earning and Using

What are Shopee Coins?

• Shopee's virtual currency
• 100 Shopee Coins = NT$1

How to earn Shopee Coins:

• Leave a review after completing an order (up to 200 coins per order)
• Participate in Shopee Games (daily check-in, mini-games)
• Join Shopee activities
• Refer friends to register

How to use Shopee Coins:

• Automatically applied at checkout
• You can enable "Auto-use Shopee Coins"
• Coins usually expire in 1–3 months (depends on the promotion)

Shopee's Regular Promotional Events

Every month features fixed sale dates:

Annual major sales:

• Double 11 (11/11): Biggest sale of the year
• Double 12 (12/12): Year-end shopping festival
• 618 Mid-Year Sale (6/18): Biggest mid-year sale

The Ultimate Money-Saving Strategy

Want to buy at the lowest possible price? Follow these steps:

1. Add to cart first, buy on sale days

• Add items to your cart in advance
• Check out on the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th

2. Stack multiple coupons

• Platform coupon + seller coupon + shipping coupon
• Use all three together for maximum savings

3. Reach the free shipping threshold

• Convenience store free shipping usually kicks in at NT$99
• Buy a few everyday essentials to top up the total

4. Use credit card rewards

• Some credit cards offer bonus rewards on Shopee purchases
• Examples: LINE Pay Card, JKO co-branded card

5. Watch Shopee Live

• Live streams often feature exclusive deals
• Shop while watching for lower prices

Shopee Review System Explained

The review system is a core mechanism on Shopee and affects the credibility of both buyers and sellers.

Buyer Review System

Rating criteria:

• 1–5 stars (1 = worst, 5 = best)
• Rate "Product Quality," "Seller Service," and "Shipping Speed" separately
• Can include photos and written comments

When can you leave a review?

• After receiving the product
• Before the order is marked complete
• If you don't leave a review before the deadline, the system automatically assigns 5 stars

Seller Review System

Review metrics:

• Rating: Average score out of 5 stars
• Response rate: How quickly the seller responds to buyer messages
• Shipping speed: How quickly orders are shipped
• Return rate: What percentage of orders are returned

Top Seller certification:

• Rating of 4.8 stars or above
• Response rate of 90% or above
• Fast shipping
• Low return rate

How to Spot Fake Reviews

Some sellers inflate their ratings with fake reviews. Here's how to spot them:

Signs of fake reviews:

• All comments look the same (e.g., "Great," "Amazing," "5 stars")
• A large number of 5-star reviews on the same day
• Most reviewers have brand-new accounts
• Reviews don't include photos

Signs of genuine reviews:

• Specific content (e.g., "The size was accurate, great material, shipped fast")
• Photos included
• Reviews spread across different dates
• Mix of positive and negative reviews (suspiciously perfect ratings are a red flag)

Want more review tips? See our Shopee Reviews Complete Guide.

Getting Started as a Shopee Seller

Want to open a store on Shopee and earn money? Here's a complete beginner's guide.

How to Become a Shopee Seller

Registering as a seller takes just 5 minutes:

Step 1: Go to Seller Center

• Tap "My Account"
• Tap "Open a Store"
• Read and agree to the Seller Terms

Step 2: Fill in seller information

• Select seller type (individual/company)
• Enter your store name
• Upload identification documents (individual sellers need front and back of their ID card)

Step 3: Set up payment account

• Link a bank account (for receiving payments)
• Enter account name, bank code, and account number

Step 4: Wait for review

• Review takes approximately 1–3 business days
• Once approved, you can start listing products

Want to learn more about seller features? See our Shopee Seller Center User Guide.

Shopee Seller Fees Explained

Shopee sellers pay two types of fees:

1. Transaction fee

• 2% of each order
• Example: Sell a NT$1,000 item → transaction fee = NT$20

2. Payment processing fee

• Credit card payment: 1.5–2%
• ATM transfer: 1%
• Convenience store payment code: NT$25 per transaction

Total cost calculation example:

• Product price: NT$1,000
• Transaction fee (2%): NT$20
• Payment processing fee (1.5%): NT$15
• Total fees: NT$35
• Actual income: NT$965

Want more detailed fee information? See our Shopee Fees Complete Guide.

7 Essential Tips for New Sellers

1. Write compelling product titles

• Use keywords (terms buyers will actually search)
• Include product specs (size, color, material)
• Use symbols and numbers (e.g., 【In Stock】, ✨, Ships in 24H)

2. Use clear product photos

• Upload at least 5 photos
• Include front, back, details, and in-use shots
• Good lighting and clean background

3. Write detailed product descriptions

• List all specifications
• Describe material, dimensions, weight
• Note usage instructions or precautions

4. Set competitive prices

• Research similar product prices
• Setting an "original price" and "sale price" creates a sense of value
• New sellers can start with thin margins to build up reviews

5. Respond quickly to buyer messages

• Response rate affects your ranking
• Aim to reply within 1 hour
• Set up "Auto-Reply" for common questions

Want more customer service tips? See our Shopee Seller Customer Service Management Guide.

6. Ship fast

• Shipping speed affects your ratings
• Aim to ship within 24–48 hours
• Remember to update the tracking number

Want packaging tips? See our Shopee Shipping and Packaging Complete Guide.

7. Encourage buyers to leave reviews

• Include a thank-you card with each shipment
• Ask buyers for reviews and feedback
• More good reviews = higher rankings

Shopee Safe Shopping and Fraud Prevention

Online shopping scams are a real concern—learn these techniques to protect yourself.

Common Shopee Scam Tactics

1. Fake customer service scam

How it works:

• You receive a call or message from someone claiming to be "Shopee customer service"
• They say there's an issue with your order and you need to "cancel an installment plan"
• They ask for your bank account number, password, or verification code

How to stay safe:

• Shopee customer service will never ask for your password or verification code
• They will never ask you to operate an ATM or internet banking
• If in doubt, call Shopee's official customer service number directly to verify

2. Phishing link scam

How it works:

• You receive an SMS or email about a special offer
• You click the link and land on a fake Shopee website
• Your account credentials are stolen after you log in

How to stay safe:

• Check that the URL is the official website (shopee.tw)
• Never click links in unknown SMS messages or emails
• Access Shopee directly through the App, not via links

3. LINE private deal scam

How it works:

• A seller asks you to add them on LINE for a private transaction
• They claim to offer a lower price
• They ask you to transfer money directly to a private account

How to stay safe:

• Never engage in private transactions
• All transactions must be completed on the Shopee platform
• Private transactions offer zero protection

Want to learn about more scam tactics? See our Shopee Fraud Prevention Complete Guide.

5 Principles of Safe Shopping

1. Only pay through the Shopee platform

• Never transfer money privately to a seller
• Using Shopee's payment system provides protection

2. Check seller ratings

• Choose sellers with 4.5 stars or above
• Read negative reviews (to understand potential risks)
• Prioritize stores with "Top Seller" certification

3. Read product descriptions carefully

• Confirm product specs, dimensions, and color
• Note whether listed as "In Stock" or "Pre-order"
• Check the return and exchange policy

4. Inspect the product upon receipt

• Record yourself unboxing high-value items
• Check for defects
• If there's a problem, photograph it immediately and contact the seller

5. Never click unknown links

• Only access Shopee through the official App or website
• Don't click links in SMS or emails
• Don't scan unknown QR codes

Shopee FAQ

1. Do I need to register to shop on Shopee?

Yes, you need an account to shop. Registration is free and takes only 3 minutes. You can register with a phone number, Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.

2. Is there a minimum purchase amount on Shopee?

There's no minimum purchase requirement. However, be aware of free shipping thresholds—convenience store pickup is usually free at NT$99, and home delivery is typically NT$300–500 (varies by seller).

3. Can I browse products without registering?

Yes. You can browse products and prices without registering, but you can't add items to your cart or place orders.

4. What do I do if I forget my password?

On the login page, tap "Forgot Password," enter the phone number or email you used to register, and the system will send you a password reset link.

5. Can I cancel an order?

Seller has not yet shipped: You can cancel directly, and the payment will be refunded to your original payment method.

Seller has already shipped: You'll need to wait until you receive the item and then apply for a return.

6. How long does convenience store pickup take to arrive?

Usually 2–5 business days. The actual time depends on how quickly the seller ships and logistics conditions. Track logistics progress under "My Orders."

7. What if I forget to pick up my convenience store order?

The store will hold your package for 7 days. If it's not collected within 7 days, the item is returned to the seller and the order is cancelled—you'll need to reorder.

8. What if I receive a defective product?

Photograph it immediately and contact the seller to apply for a return or exchange. If the seller doesn't respond, request Shopee customer service to intervene.

9. Do Shopee Coins expire?

Yes. Shopee Coins typically expire in 1–3 months, depending on the promotion. Use them promptly to avoid losing them.

10. What if the seller doesn't ship?

If the seller hasn't shipped past their promised shipping time:

1. Contact the seller first to ask
2. If the seller doesn't respond, apply to cancel the order and receive a refund
3. You can leave a negative review on that order

10 Key Points Every Shopee Buyer and Seller Should Know

Shopee is Taiwan's most popular e-commerce platform—buyers and sellers alike can find what they need here.

Summary for Buyers

5 things every new buyer should remember:

• Choose sellers with high ratings
• Use coupons to save money
• Know your 7-day right of return
• Never engage in private transactions
• Contact customer service if there's an issue

Summary for Sellers

5 things every new seller should remember:

• Product titles and photos matter most
• Respond and ship quickly
• Calculate all costs including fees
• Building good reviews is key
• Provide excellent customer service

Further Reading

Want to dive deeper into Shopee's features? We have more detailed guides:

Logistics and shipping:

• Shopee 7-Eleven Pickup Complete Guide
• Shopee FamilyMart Pickup Complete Guide
• Shopee Home Delivery Complete Guide
• Shopee Logistics Tracking and Problem Solving
• Shopee Shipping and Packaging Complete Guide

Returns and customer service:

• Shopee Return and Refund Complete Guide
• Shopee Chat Function Complete Guide
• Shopee Customer Service Contact Guide
• Shopee Seller Customer Service Management Guide

Reviews and promotions:

• Shopee Reviews Complete Guide
• Shopee Promotions and Coupon Savings Guide
• Shopee Fees Complete Guide

Security and tools:

• Shopee Fraud Prevention Complete Guide
• Shopee Seller Center User Guide
• Shopee App Usage Tips

Take Action

Whether you want to shop on Shopee and save money with peace of mind, or open a store to earn income, start now!

Register on Shopee to experience the convenience of Taiwan's largest e-commerce platform, or explore Lion Fans' professional social growth plans to find the best e-commerce solution for your needs.

Want more e-commerce tips? Visit our blog for more practical content.

References

1. Shopee Official Website — https://shopee.tw
2. Shopee Seller Center — https://seller.shopee.tw
3. Consumer Protection Act — Executive Yuan Consumer Protection Committee
4. 2024 Taiwan E-Commerce Market Research Report — Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute
5. Shopee Terms of Service and Privacy Policy