Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop have all recently raised their sales transaction fees, adding new charges that increase costs for merchants. These changes signal the platforms' aim to boost profitability and leverage their dominant position in the market by imposing higher financial burdens on sellers.

 

Shopee increased its transaction fee by 0.6–1 percentage point in mid-September, while imposing a new "Platform Infrastructure Fee" of 1 baht per order. Lazada followed by raising seller fees by 2 percentage points at the end of the month. TikTok Shop adjusted its platform fees starting October, introducing a Commerce Growth Fee of 5.35% for electronics and 6.42% for other categories, alongside an Infrastructure Fee, which is waived for sellers with fewer than 100 monthly orders.

 

Industry analysts note that these platforms are evolving beyond marketplaces to control payments, logistics, advertising, and insurance. TikTok Shop expanded its "Pay later" service, emulating Shopee and Lazada, to reach a larger user base. This move highlights the platforms' increasing grip on financial services, powered by data from over 30 million users.

 

Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, honorary president of the Thai e-Commerce Association, expressed concerns over the platforms' growing dominance, which poses risks to multiple sectors, including banking, finance, and logistics. The platforms utilize behavioural data to offer personalized promotions and expand across industries. Their proprietary e-wallets and "buy now, pay later" services threaten traditional banks, diverting transaction fees and offering more accurate credit assessments.

 

Retailers must rely on these platforms for visibility and promotions, often paying for placement. Platforms are also entering product markets with private-label offerings, challenging suppliers. Loyalty programs keep customers within the ecosystem, while platforms expand their logistics networks and media budgets steer towards these e-commerce giants, exploiting first-party data for targeted marketing.

 

As the platforms continue to grow, Mr. Pawoot advises businesses to collect their own first-party data and partner with banks and insurtechs to maintain competitiveness. He calls on the government to intervene and promote fair competition, warning that unchecked platform expansion could threaten traditional businesses. "These platforms are becoming Thailand's commercial backbone," he said, urging businesses to act to retain control over data and services.

 

Key Takeaways

• E-commerce giants are raising fees, adding new charges for merchants.
• Platforms expand into financial and logistic services, enhancing market control.
• Experts urge businesses to gather data and partner with financial entities.

 

Related stories:

PM Orders Continued Support for E-Commerce Activity in Thailand

Thailand and China Launch Joint E-Commerce Training Program

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-30

 

 

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

E-commerce giants are raising fees, adding new charges for merchants.

 

1-2% + a baht or 2 is still very manageable....

Get them hooked then jack up the pricing.Tried and true method

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

warning that unchecked platform expansion could threaten traditional businesses.

I think that ship has already sailed unfortunately.......

Strange, you'd think that this cost goes DOWN, with all the automation and AI and economies of scale and whatnot.

 

Could it simply be greed?

I've noticed that they jacked up the delivery costs.

Not from China but Thai sellers to me.

19 hours ago, bwanajohn said:

Get them hooked then jack up the pricing.Tried and true method

 

Tsn't ithis how they do with drugs.?

Buy less. 

17 hours ago, Caldera said:

Could it simply be greed?

 

Yes 100%