'In the end, only the platform wins': Online seller shares his side of the story
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A seller has spoken up about the challenges faced by sellers on online marketplaces.
Stomper Tay shared that buyers often get away with irresponsible behaviour while sellers bear the costs.
The Stomper, who sells on Shopee and Lazada, told Stomp that he decided to share his perspective after reading reports about parcels being left at collection points and even at void decks.
Stomper earlier reported on how the operations of a Shopee residential collection point in Woodlands had been 'paused' after the owner posted notices with buyers' details on them.
In another report, Stompers raised concerns over unattended parcels left at void decks in Tengah and Tampines.
"Many buyers now feel they are kings or queens and can do whatever they want as companies like Shopee are on their side," he said.
He explained that when buyers fail to collect their parcels from collection points, the items are eventually returned to the seller.
"Even if sellers like us were to dispute some unreasonable issues, it will be a long procedure even if it is just for a few dollars," he said. "As such, many buyers just don't bother to collect their parcels from collections points if they don't have time or have forgotten. They need not pay anything.
"Parcels will be returned to sellers and we waste time and packing material.
"We are not sure who is paying for all the wasted delivery trips.
"Company policies make it a long process to request claims, and if you don't know how to apply, all these costs are charged to sellers."
He added that sellers also face rising courier charges each year, while platforms continue to roll out free shipping promotions to attract customers and outdo their competitors.
"If nothing is done to help these courier companies and if cost increases, sellers will suffer most as platforms will try all means to shift this to sellers as they want to keep their customers," he said.
"Buyers can happily return items for a refund without valid reasons, or even scam for parts, and still get their money back. This is encouraged to keep customers."
He warned that such practices could lead to long-term consequences.
"In the end, such a competitive strategy will only result in a lose-lose for all parties," he said. "Buyers will think they have nothing to lose at all, let them fight.
"However, once a single platform dominates the market, do you think you will still get free shipping and vouchers to claim?
"You wait lor... they need to recoup all the money they threw in to kill competitors.
"In the end, only the platform wins."
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