Shopee, Southeast Asia’s e-commerce giant, continues to lead the market, offering unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to tap into growing consumer demand. With 2.3 billion visits in 2023 alone, according to data from Katadata, Shopee’s position as a dominant marketplace is clear.
Understanding the best-performing categories for both seasoned sellers and those new to online retail can provide a roadmap for success. This article takes a closer look at the best-selling products on Shopee in 2024, how trends shape these categories, and practical strategies for launching a profitable business with minimal capital investment.
Fashion & Accessories: Shopee’s Bread and Butter
When it comes to sales volume, fashion and accessories dominate, accounting for nearly half—49%—of total purchases. Consumers flock to Shopee to buy everything from casual wear to formal attire, drawn by competitive pricing, frequent sales, and product diversity.
What makes fashion stand out on Shopee is the ease of access to local and international brands, giving customers a range of options tailored to their budget and style. Women’s fashion, in particular, sees the highest demand, with dresses, shoes, and accessories leading the way. This trend is further boosted by influencers who frequently promote fashion hauls on Shopee through social media and live streams.
How Sellers Can Benefit:
Aspiring entrepreneurs can focus on micro-niches, such as modest wear, athleisure, or sustainable fashion. Additionally, bundling outfits or offering limited-time discounts can attract budget-conscious consumers. Leveraging Shopee Live to engage with customers in real-time adds another layer of interactivity, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Beauty & Body Care: Riding the Self-Care Wave
Beauty and personal care products have consistently been top sellers on Shopee, accounting for 41% of total sales in 2024. With consumers prioritizing self-care more than ever, skincare, body care, and makeup products have become staples. Shopee’s frequent flash sales and bundled promotions allow shoppers to purchase high-quality products at competitive prices.
During the pandemic, the demand for skincare surged as people sought products to improve their well-being while spending more time at home. This trend has persisted, with eco-friendly and organic beauty products becoming particularly popular.
Business Opportunity:
Starting a beauty-focused dropshipping business can be a viable option, as suppliers manage inventory and shipping logistics. Sellers who specialize in trending products—such as anti-aging serums or K-beauty skincare—can attract a loyal customer base. Offering personalized skincare consultations via Shopee Live can further boost trust and drive conversions.
Electronics & Gadgets: The New Necessity
The surge in remote work and online education has cemented electronics and gadgets as essential items, with 35% of Shopee’s sales coming from this category. Smartphones, chargers, and accessories like earphones and power banks are among the platform’s best-sellers.
Beyond individual devices, consumers are increasingly looking for accessories that complement their tech-driven lifestyles. Gaming gadgets have also experienced significant growth, driven by the rise in esports and streaming culture. Shopee’s marketplace offers affordable alternatives, including refurbished gadgets, which appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
How Sellers Can Succeed:
Entrepreneurs entering this space should focus on product bundles, such as gaming kits with controllers, headphones, and portable chargers. Offering warranty-backed refurbished devices is another way to stand out. Sellers can also tap into promotional events like Shopee’s 11.11 and 12.12 sales, which attract millions of buyers.
Health & Hygiene: Sustained Demand for Wellness
While the urgency around pandemic-related products like masks and sanitizers has eased, the health and hygiene category still accounts for 28% of sales. Consumers continue to prioritize personal health by purchasing vitamins, supplements, and wellness products. Immunity-boosting supplements, in particular, remain in high demand.
Shopee’s health category also extends to personal care, such as essential oils, hygiene kits, and products for mental well-being. With consumers becoming more health-conscious, the market for preventive care solutions has expanded.
Strategic Insights:
Entrepreneurs can capitalize on this trend by offering personalized wellness kits, bundling supplements with health products. Subscription services for monthly deliveries can ensure recurring revenue while building long-term customer relationships. Sellers should also focus on educational content, such as blog posts or live Q&A sessions, to establish credibility and trust.
The Growing Appeal of Home Products and Travel Gear
Home products are becoming increasingly popular on Shopee, fueled by a growing preference for smart home appliances and minimalist décor. Products like kitchen appliances, cleaning tools, and storage solutions have gained traction, as consumers look for ways to enhance their living spaces.
Meanwhile, travel-related products are slowly making a comeback, accounting for 5% of sales. The rise in local travel and outdoor activities has driven demand for camping gear, travel organizers, and eco-friendly luggage. As consumers return to travel with a renewed focus on sustainability, there is room for sellers to offer compact, multi-functional travel accessories.
Starting a Business on Shopee with Low Capital
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Shopee provides a low-risk environment to launch a business. The platform’s built-in tools—like Shopee Live and free shipping promotions—make it easy to attract customers without significant investment. Below are a few business ideas that align with Shopee’s top-selling categories:
- Dropshipping Fashion and Accessories:
- Why It Works: No need to maintain inventory; suppliers handle logistics.
- How to Win: Focus on trends and offer exclusive discounts during sales events.
- Selling Personalized Beauty Boxes:
- Why It Works: Customized product bundles attract repeat customers.
- How to Win: Offer subscription plans for monthly deliveries.
- Tech Accessories Store:
- Why It Works: Constant demand for affordable tech add-ons.
- How to Win: Provide bundle deals and flash sales for new releases.
- Organic Baby Products Store:
- Why It Works: Parents prefer natural, high-quality products for their children.
- How to Win: Offer loyalty programs and educational content to build trust.
- Eco-Friendly Travel Gear:
- Why It Works: Consumers are prioritizing sustainability in their travel habits.
- How to Win: Collaborate with eco-conscious influencers to boost visibility.
Conclusion
Shopee’s vast and diverse marketplace offers boundless opportunities for sellers willing to adapt to consumer trends. Fashion and accessories, beauty products, and electronics remain dominant, while health and home products continue to grow in relevance. By aligning their offerings with these trends and utilizing Shopee’s marketing tools, entrepreneurs can successfully launch and scale their businesses with minimal capital investment.
Whether you’re starting with dropshipping, curating personalized product bundles, or offering sustainable travel accessories, success on Shopee hinges on understanding the platform’s trends and engaging customers through interactive channels like Shopee Live. As the e-commerce landscape evolves, businesses that remain agile and responsive to consumer needs will thrive in 2024 and beyond.
Sources
- Katadata (2023). Shopee’s Market Report: 2023 Performance Overview.
- Shopee Official Website (2024). Products and Trends Section.
- Shopee Mall (2024). Top Store Listings and Featured Products.
