A Malaysian online store needs a clear catalogue, a reliable checkout and an order process your team can operate. Before choosing a custom build, compare a hosted platform against the payment methods, fulfilment rules and integrations your business actually needs.
Define the Buying and Fulfilment Flow
Map the journey from product selection to payment, packing, shipping, cancellation and refund. Decide whether you need retail and wholesale prices, minimum quantities, multiple warehouses or negotiated customer terms.
For each step, record which system owns the data and who handles exceptions. This prevents a polished storefront from creating extra manual work behind the scenes.
Malaysian Payment Methods
Assess FPX, DuitNow, cards and relevant e-wallets with your selected payment provider. Availability depends on the gateway, merchant eligibility, supported platform and onboarding approval.
Compare processing fees, settlement, refund support, chargebacks and integration costs using the provider’s current terms. A custom website still pays applicable gateway fees. Do not promise every payment method or a fixed refund time before confirming provider support.
SST and MyInvois Are Separate Questions
There is no single RM500,000 SST registration rule that applies to every online retailer. Treatment depends on the business activity, taxable goods or services, registration and applicable rules. Your accountant should confirm the rates and invoice treatment before they are configured in the store. Use Royal Malaysian Customs’ MySST resources for current guidance.
MyInvois is a separate HASiL requirement. Check the current implementation timeline and our software integration checklist. Software configuration alone does not certify legal or tax compliance.
Hosted Platform or Custom Store?
| Decision | Hosted platform | Custom store |
|---|---|---|
| Standard catalogue and checkout | Often a practical starting point | May be unnecessary extra work |
| Existing inventory connection | Check supported apps and APIs | Scope a supported integration |
| Unusual pricing or approval rules | Test available extensions | Can be built to the agreed rules |
| Running costs | Plan, apps and applicable payment fees | Hosting, maintenance and applicable payment fees |
| Handover | Platform accounts and export capability | Agreed code, accounts, documentation and licences |
Neither option is automatically better for Malaysia. Test the features you need and compare total costs. See Shopify vs custom e-commerce.
Shipping, Stock and Refunds
Confirm courier coverage, label access, tracking updates and API permissions. Test an unavailable delivery service and an address that requires staff review.
For stock syncing, establish one source of truth and a recovery path for delayed or duplicate updates. Real-time synchronisation across marketplaces depends on their APIs and access terms; it is not an automatic guarantee against overselling.
ETD Pricing and Project Scope
ETD e-commerce development starts from RM8,000. A written proposal defines the catalogue, checkout, admin tools and integrations. Hosting, third-party services, payment fees, maintenance and additional features are considered separately.
Ask for a demonstration of product editing, order handling, a failed payment, cancellation and a refund before acceptance. Your staff should be able to operate the agreed admin functions after handover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we offer B2B and B2C prices?
Yes, tiered pricing can be scoped around account roles, quantities and agreed payment terms.
Must we register for SST to sell online?
Selling online alone does not determine registration. Confirm your business activity and applicable rules with your accountant and Customs.
Can we keep selling on marketplaces?
Yes. We assess supported APIs and the stock workflow before proposing a marketplace connection.
