You have a product idea. You want to sell online. But where do you actually start an online store ?
This blog walks you through 7 simple steps to start an online store in Singapore in 2026 – from validating your idea to shipping your first order.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Validate Your Product Idea
Make sure people actually want what you’re selling.
- Run a small ad to a landing page asking for email signups
- Post in relevant Facebook or Telegram groups
- List a sample on Carousell or Shopee to test demand
Don’t spend money on inventory or a website until you have proof people will buy.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Model
|
Model
|
Best For
|
Startup Cost
|
|---|---|---|
|
Dropshipping
|
Testing niches, side hustles
|
Low
|
|
Reselling
|
Beauty, electronics, fashion
|
Medium
|
|
Private Label
|
Building a brand
|
High
|
|
Digital Products
|
Courses, templates, software
|
Low
|
Pro tip: Start on a marketplace (Shopee, Lazada) to test products, then build your own website once you know what sells.
Step 3: Register Your Business with ACRA
Register via BizFile+. Most online sellers choose:
|
Structure
|
Best For
|
Fee
|
|---|---|---|
|
Sole Proprietorship
|
Solo sellers, side hustles
|
From S$115
|
|
Private Limited (Pte Ltd)
|
Scaling, funding, partners
|
S$315
|
If you plan to scale, go Pte Ltd from the start – limited liability and tax exemptions.
Step 4: Understand Tax and Licence Obligations
- GST (9%) – Register only when annual turnover exceeds S$1 million
- Licence – Most products don’t need one. Exceptions: food, health products, cosmetics
Step 5: Build Your Online Storefront
|
Platform
|
Best For
|
Monthly Cost
|
|---|---|---|
|
Shopify
|
Direct-to-consumer brands
|
From S$29
|
|
WooCommerce
|
WordPress users
|
Free + hosting
|
|
Shopee / Lazada
|
Instant traffic, easy start
|
Commission-based
|
Don’t forget: Register a .sg domain, enable SSL, and comply with PDPA (privacy policy, consent for marketing).
Step 6: Set Up Payments
|
Method
|
Key Consideration
|
|---|---|
|
Credit/Debit Card
|
Transaction fees apply
|
|
PayNow
|
Low fees, widely used
|
|
Buy Now Pay Later
|
Higher conversion on large orders
|
Step 7: Set Up Shipping
Your online store is only as good as your shipping. Customers expect fast, affordable delivery with tracking.
How to Set Up Shipping
- Decide who pays for shipping (you or the customer)
- Set weight-based or price-based rules in your store
- Choose reliable couriers (Ninja Van, J&T, SingPost, DHL, FedEx, etc. )
Automate Shipping with EasyParcel
Connect your store, orders auto-import, labels print in bulk, couriers compare side by side – one dashboard for everything, start your ecommerce journey today.
How EasyParcel Automates Your Online Store Shipping
Step 1: Under “Integration” section, click on “Add Ecommerce App”, find your store app and click on “Install App”.
Step 2: Follow the instructions to connect your store.
Why Integrate Store with EasyParcel?
One Platform, All Shipments
Manage all your Xiaohongshu order deliveries from a unified dashboard – no more logging into multiple courier sites.
Reduce Manual Work
Orders sync automatically– no copying and pasting customer addresses.
Free Marketing Tools
Promote your store with every delivery—customize tracking pages, email, Air Waybill and SMS with your store's message.
Earn Reward Points
Accumulate points on every shipping dollar spent and redeem them for free gifts, vouchers, and exclusive rewards.
Best & Cheapest Rates
Instantly compare 60+ couriers side by side to find the most affordable option for every Xiaohongshu parcel.
Exclusive Parcel Protection
Safeguard your shipments with EasyCover parcel protection, providing full protection against loss.
