Why You Should Start A Shopify Store In Singapore And How To Do It Right

Shopify is one of the leading e-commerce creation platforms in the world. To date, there are 15,019 live Shopify stores in Singapore. Because of its success, many business owners have used the platform to sell and ship their products. 

But despite its widespread use, several people still haven’t tapped this market. If you are wondering how to start a Shopify store in Singapore, this article will give you the necessary information. This is an excellent avenue for business owners who want to sell their products online.

Key Takeaways:

• With over 15,000 live Shopify stores in Singapore, the platform is a proven choice for e-commerce success, empowering businesses to sell locally and internationally.
• Shopify simplifies store creation with intuitive tools, making it accessible even for users without web design experience. Professional assistance can further enhance Shopify store design and functionality.
• Adhere to Singapore’s GST requirements, including registration and reporting for qualifying businesses.
• Register your business with ACRA and comply with PDPA for data protection.
• Unlike Shopee, Lazada, and Carousell, Shopify excels in customisation, scalability, analytics, and brand control, making it ideal for long-term growth.

Starting a Shopify store in Singapore offers immense potential for building a scalable and professional e-commerce presence, mainly when supported by expert digital marketing strategies.

How to Start a Shopify Store in Singapore

Image Credit: Shopify

The primary reason why Shopify is more popular than other e-commerce platforms is its ease of use. It was challenging to set up in the past, but that has since changed. You do not have to be experienced in web design to create your Shopify in Singapore – all you need is a few clicks of the mouse and a little typing – although professional web design advice would go a long way.

The following is a detailed guide on how to create Shopify in Singapore.

1. Sign Up for Shopify

The first step in creating your Shopify store is signing up for an account on the platform. To do so, visit the Shopify website, click on the ‘Get Started’ button, and fill in the registration form. 

You need to choose a unique name for your Shopify store. Otherwise, Shopify will not allow you to purchase the domain.

Once you complete the first phase, you will need to specify the size of your Shopify store and how much you will sell. The last step in creating your account is providing your name, address, and contact information.

You also need to choose your Shopify plan:

Plan	Monthly Rate (SGD)	Key Features
Starter Plan	$7	Sell on social media and messaging apps Basic online store features
Basic Plan	$39	Professional reports Up to 1,000 inventory locations Suitable for new businesses
Shopify Plan	$132	Enhanced inventory management More staff accounts Comprehensive reporting tools
Advanced Plan	$531	Lowest transaction fees Advanced reporting tools Best for scaling businesses
Shopify Plus	Starts at $2,300	Custom solutions for enterprise-level businesses Advanced features for high-volume sales

Notes:

• All plans come with a 14-day free trial.
• Prices are subject to change and may not include additional costs for themes or third-party applications.

2. Add a Product to Your Shopify Store

After completing the signup process, you will be redirected to your new site’s admin panel. This is where you can customise your Shopify store and add products that your customers will purchase.

The ‘Add Product’ page lets you add details such as the name, description, price, and vendor. It is advisable to make the information as comprehensive as you can. Remember to click the save button after adding all the information.

It is worth noting that the images you use on your items impact the buyer’s decisions. Make sure that you select images that appeal to your target audience. You should not overlook the aesthetic appeal of your Shopify website. Another important consideration is that you can group related products into collections. For example, if you are selling electronics, you can set up separate pages for standard TV sets and smart TVs.

Moreover, you can make a product appear in different collections, making it easier for consumers to find them. When you create a group for your Singapore-based Shopify store, you can configure how products will be added. For instance, items that satisfy particular criteria can be added to your Shopify store automatically.

3. Customise the Look of Your Shopify Website

Shopify allows you to customise anything on your website, including themes, colours, and logos. Although this step can be quite complicated, the most crucial part is choosing the right theme for your Shopify store. The Shopify theme store has an abundance of options, both free and paid. While free themes are cost-effective, premium options are the way to go if you are keen on detail. 

Accessing the HTML and CSS elements of the paid themes allows you to make unlimited adjustments. If you are new to coding, you can seek assistance from the Shopify Experts page.  The Shopify Experts community has several pros who specialise in various design aspects, such as fonts, colour schemes, logos, and carousel slides. 

4. Set Up Your Domain

Once you choose your preferred theme and website design, the next step is to select a domain name to publish your site online. When you click on the ‘add a domain’ button, you will receive a prompt asking you to either create a new one or transfer an existing one. You will also need to specify your choice of Shopify payment plan.

You can buy a domain from Shopify directly or from a third-party provider and add it to your Shopify website. If you are uploading an existing name, remember to update your DNS records.

After activating the domain name, you should test whether it works. During this confirmation, ensure all sections of your websites are functional, especially the legal information, product details and shipping.

5. Activate Your Payment Processor

If you want to activate a payment processor for your Shopify store, click on the Payments tab located on the left side of the dashboard. Here, you can access various platforms, such as Authorise.net and Stripe. 

After choosing your payment processor, the most critical step is identifying the payment gateways to include on your Shopify website. Some of the factors that affect your choice in this regard are transaction fees, supported cards, and offsite checkout.

Regarding fees, you should choose the option that charges the lowest prices per transaction, allowing you to maximise your profits. 

It is also essential to select a processor that supports all the major card types, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Processors that redirect customers to a secure server to complete the checkout process offer more security but are also time-consuming. 

Localised Tax and Legal Setup for Starting a Shopify Store

Image Credit: IRAS.gov.sg

When setting up an e-commerce business in Singapore, ensuring compliance with the country’s tax regulations and legal requirements is crucial. These aspects can influence how your Shopify store operates both locally and internationally. 

Here is a detailed guide to navigating the Goods and Services Tax (GST), business registration, and data protection laws in Singapore.

Singapore’s GST Requirements

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services in Singapore. Whether selling locally or internationally through Shopify, businesses must adhere to the following guidelines:

• GST Registration:
  • Businesses with an annual taxable turnover exceeding SGD 1 million must register for GST with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). 
  • Voluntary registration is possible for businesses below this threshold, allowing them to claim input tax on business expenses.
• Charging GST:
  • For local transactions, a standard GST rate of 8% applies (set to rise to 9% from 2024). This must be reflected on invoices and receipts.
  • GST is not charged for international sales if the goods are exported and the export documentation is retained as proof.
• GST Reporting: GST-registered businesses must file regular GST returns via IRAS, summarising tax collected from customers (output tax) and tax paid on business purchases (input tax).
• Shopify GST Integration: Shopify supports tax calculations and compliance through its built-in tax settings. Sellers can enable automatic GST calculation for Singapore-based transactions and configure exemptions for international sales.

Legal Requirements for E-commerce Businesses

1. Business Registration with ACRA

All businesses operating in Singapore, including Shopify stores, must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

• Registration Types: Individuals can choose between sole proprietorships, partnerships, or private limited companies. Private limited companies are often preferred for e-commerce businesses due to their limited liability and potential for growth.
• BizFile+ Portal: Registration is completed via ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. Applicants need to provide:
  • A unique business name
  • Details of the business activities (e.g., e-commerce sales)
• A registered office address in Singapore
• Cost and Timeline: Registration fees start at SGD 115, and approvals are typically processed within one to two days.

2. Compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)

Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) governs how businesses handle customer data. Shopify sellers must implement practices to ensure compliance, mainly when collecting and processing customer information.

Obligations Under PDPA:

• Consent: Businesses must obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting personal data.
• Purpose Limitation: Data collected should only be used for specified purposes, such as fulfilling orders or marketing.
• Protection: Adequate security measures must be implemented to prevent data breaches.

Practical Steps for Shopify Sellers:

• Enable SSL certificates on Shopify to secure customer data during transactions.
• Draft a clear privacy policy outlining how data is collected, stored, and used. Shopify provides templates that can be customised to meet PDPA requirements.
• Limit access to customer data to authorised personnel only.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with PDPA can result in fines of up to SGD 1 million or more, depending on the severity of the breach.

Navigating tax and legal requirements in Singapore may seem complex, but Shopify’s tools and integrations simplify compliance. Consider consulting legal and tax professionals familiar with Singapore’s e-commerce laws for more detailed guidance.

Shopify vs. Other Local Platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Carousell) 

Image Credit: Shopify

When considering e-commerce platforms for starting a business in Singapore, Shopify stands out for several reasons compared to local platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Carousell. 

Here’s a detailed comparison highlighting why Shopify might be better for long-term brand-building.

Feature	Shopify	Shopee	Lazada	Carousell
Store Customisation	Highly customisable storefronts with various themes and options to reflect brand identity.	Limited customisation; focuses on listings rather than branding.	Similar to Shopee, with limited customisation options.	Basic listings with minimal customisation.
Customer Relationships	Direct communication with customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business.	Limited customer interaction, primarily transactional.	Similar limitations as Shopee.	Direct messaging with buyers is possible.
SEO Capabilities	Strong built-in SEO tools to enhance visibility on search engines.	Less focus on SEO; relies on platform traffic.	Similar to Shopee in SEO capabilities.	Basic SEO features; relies on platform exposure.
Payment Flexibility	Supports multiple local payment gateways (e.g., PayNow, GrabPay) for seamless transactions.	Limited payment options; primarily handles platform payments.	It offers various payment methods but has limited local options.	Cash transactions or bank transfers only.
Logistics Integration	Integrates with local shipping providers (e.g., Ninja Van, SingPost) for efficient fulfilment.	Built-in logistics support through the platform.	Similar logistics support as Shopee.	There are no built-in logistics; the seller manages shipping directly.
Scalability	Scalable from small startups to large enterprises with tiered plans and an extensive app ecosystem.	Primarily suited for small to medium businesses without scalability features.	Offers some scalability but less flexibility than Shopify.	Limited scalability; mostly peer-to-peer sales.
Analytics and Reporting	Comprehensive analytics tools for performance tracking and data-driven decisions.	Basic sales data is available but needs more depth in analytics.	Similar to Shopee, limited reporting features.	Minimal analytics relies on user feedback and sales history.
Support and Resources	24/7 customer support and extensive educational resources are available.	Limited support; primarily community-driven help.	Support is available but less comprehensive than Shopify’s.	Community-based support with limited official resources.

The comparison table above explains why starting a Shopify store in Singapore is better for your business. While local platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Carousell offer immediate access to large customer bases, they need more in-depth features for the long-term brand-building that Shopify provides. 

For businesses looking to establish a strong online presence in Singapore, investing in Shopify can lead to greater control over branding, customer relationships, and scalability as the company grows.

Let’s Start A Shopify Store in Singapore Today!

With its intuitive platform, extensive features, and localised support for Singaporean businesses, Shopify provides the perfect foundation for launching and scaling your online store.  Whether targeting the local market or reaching customers globally, Shopify equips you with the tools to succeed in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

Expert digital marketing is essential to maximising your store’s potential and driving traffic. Contact the specialists at MediaOne for a tailored strategy that enhances your brand visibility and boosts sales.  Let MediaOne help you turn your Shopify store into a thriving e-commerce success story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Singapore a great place to start a Shopify store?

Singapore is a global business hub with advanced digital infrastructure and a tech-savvy population. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for e-commerce targeting local and international markets. With growing online shopping trends, starting a Shopify store in Singapore positions you to capture significant market opportunities.

What makes Shopify the best choice for starting an online store in Singapore?

Shopify offers unparalleled ease of use, customisation, and scalability, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. Its seamless integration with local payment gateways like PayNow and GrabPay, coupled with tax tools to manage GST compliance, makes Shopify a top choice for Singapore-based entrepreneurs.

Do I need to register my Shopify store as a business in Singapore?

Singapore’s laws require all businesses to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Registration ensures your business operates legally and allows you to claim benefits like GST input tax if applicable. Most Shopify sellers prefer to register as private limited companies for scalability.

How do I comply with Singapore’s tax laws when selling on Shopify?

If your annual taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with IRAS. Shopify simplifies tax compliance by enabling automatic GST calculation for local sales and exemptions for international exports. Regularly filing GST returns is essential for compliance.

What strategies can help my Shopify store succeed in Singapore’s market?

To succeed, optimise your Shopify store for Singaporean shoppers by offering popular local payment options, ensuring fast delivery with trusted couriers like Ninja Van, and catering to multilingual audiences in English, Mandarin, and Malay. Investing in digital marketing can further enhance visibility and drive sales.