Common Mistakes Marketplace Sellers Make — and How to Fix Them 

Marketplace platforms like Shopee and Lazada make it easy for businesses to reach millions of customers. But success on these platforms requires more than just listing products. Many sellers, especially first-timers and SMEs, unknowingly make key mistakes that hold them back from reaching their full sales potential. 

In this guide, we’ll uncover 5 of the most common mistakes online sellers make on marketplaces — and how you can avoid them to run a more efficient and profitable store

Mistake #1 — Poor Product Listings 

Shoppers scroll fast. If your product listing doesn’t immediately grab their attention or communicate value, they’ll move on.

Common issues: 

• Low-quality or unprofessional product images 

• Missing product details (e.g., size, material, warranty) 

• No keywords in title or description 

Fix it: 

• Use high-resolution images on white backgrounds 

• Write clear, benefit-driven descriptions 

• Include key search terms customers might use (e.g., “wireless earbuds with mic”) 

Remember: Listings are your storefront. Make them count. 

Mistake #2 — Ignoring Customer Chats and Ratings 

Fast response time and customer trust are crucial for conversion and retention.

Common issues: 

• Delayed chat replies 

• Negative reviews left unanswered 

• No follow-up after delivery 

Fix it: 

• Set automated chat replies and assign staff or outsource for fast response 

• Respond to negative reviews professionally and resolve issues 

• Use post-sale messages to build loyalty and collect feedback

Mistake #3 — Mismanaging Stock and Fulfillment 

If you’re always out of stock, ship orders late, or make frequent mistakes, customers won’t return.

Common issues: 

• Overselling without real-time inventory sync 

• Manual fulfillment errors 

• Slow delivery or incorrect shipping info 

Fix it: 

• Use a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or work with a fulfillment partner 

• Sync inventory across platforms 

• Regularly audit SKUs and run inventory reports 

Pro sellers know that backend systems are as important as flashy promotions.  

Mistake #4 — Relying Too Heavily on Flash Sales 

Big campaigns like 9.9 or 11.11 are important — but relying on them alone is risky. 

Common issues: 

• Unsustainable discounts erode profit 

• No strategy for off-season sales 

• Inventory rushes causing fulfillment chaos 

Fix it: 

• Plan monthly campaigns with varied mechanics (bundles, BMSM, loyalty offers) 

• Use CPAS ads and store follower tools to build consistent traffic 

• Prioritize margin-focused promotions  

Mistake #5 — Trying to Do Everything In-House 

Running a store on Shopee or Lazada may look simple — until you face order issues, campaign setup confusion, or platform rule changes. 

Common issues: 

• No time to optimize listings or analyze performance 

• Burnout from trying to manage ads, stock, chat, and logistics solo 

• Lack of knowledge on how the marketplace algorithm works 

Fix it: 

• Partner with a Marketplace Management Specialist 

• Outsource parts of your operations: ad management, content, fulfillment 

• Use expert guidance to grow smarter, not harder 

👉 Explore how transcosmos Ecommerce Services help sellers manage Shopee and Lazada stores end-to-end. 

Final Thoughts — Mistakes Are Costly, But Avoidable 

Online selling is competitive — but also full of opportunity if you avoid the common pitfalls. The best sellers: 

• Treat their listings like digital storefronts 

• Invest in systems to ensure smooth operations 

• Respond to customers like they matter 

• Balance promotions with a margin strategy 

• Know when to call in the experts 

If you're looking to scale your marketplace performance while avoiding burnout, it might be time to work with a one-stop ecommerce partner that knows how to navigate Shopee and Lazada from A to Z. 

📈 Ready to improve your store’s performance? Discover our full range of Marketplace Solutions at transcosmos.