Seller's Outcry Against 'Slave' Treatment

A frustrated seller on Shopee has come forward with scathing criticisms regarding the e-commerce platform's stringent packaging requirements and its 'buyers are king' policy. The seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, reached out after seeing another report highlighting similar grievances from a fellow seller.

"Finally, someone is exposing Shopee's bad practices!" they exclaimed. "The reality is that we are treated like slaves, merely generating income for them. It is genuinely unfair!"

Unrealistic Packaging Requirements

One of the seller's primary concerns revolved around the unrealistic packaging guidelines imposed by Shopee. They detailed that all parcels must be triple-wrapped, utilizing bubble wrap and boxes that are adorned with 'fragile' stickers. "If sellers attempt to use better packing materials, like tube bubbles, Shopee will deny any claims for damages caused by their own courier service, Shopee Xpress," they argued.

The overwhelming aspect of these rules becomes evident when managing hundreds of orders. "It's ludicrous! The regulations are not meant to aid us in packaging correctly but instead serve to shield Shopee from being liable for any courier damage."

Loopholes in the Refund Process

The seller also pointed out a significant loophole in the refund process. When buyers receive damaged items, they are not required to provide a video of the unboxing process to validate their claims. Regardless of whether the damage occurred during shipping or if the buyer mishandled the product, a simple photo can suffice, automatically triggering a refund. "Many questionable cases have arisen, where we just have to absorb the losses and block the buyers from our store," lamented the seller. "Our profit margins are already razor-thin, and this kind of system only exacerbates our struggles."

They recounted a particularly egregious incident where an item was visibly damaged during shipping, apparently due to heavy parcels being thrown onto it. "Despite filing a claim, it was rejected without any reason provided. This isn't an isolated incident—95% of our claims get shot down without explanation. It's a frustrating and discouraging experience."

Fear of Retaliation and Short Dispute Windows

In a bid to protect their identity, the seller explained, "We're cautious about exposing ourselves because other platforms like Lazada are being 'killed' by Shopee's tactics. It's evident that Shopee isn't worried about sellers closing their accounts; they know we have no alternative."

Many sellers are grappling with similar issues, especially when it comes to buyers claiming faulty items after using them. "Once we receive these items back, we have a ridiculously short window—24 to 48 hours—to lodge a dispute," the seller explained. "If we miss that timeframe, that's it; we can't appeal. Shopee makes it incredibly challenging to reach out for assistance, as you're often faced with different agents each time you call, leading to confusion and frustration."

Shopee's Response to the Claims

In response to inquiries about these claims, a Shopee spokesperson stated, "We are dedicated to creating a fair and seamless shopping experience for both parties. Our policies are designed to enhance trust and satisfaction on the platform. The Return-Refund and Change of Mind policies serve to build consumer confidence, driving more sales and repeat purchases, ultimately benefiting sellers."

Shopee maintains that by creating a hassle-free experience, they help sellers attract buyers and foster customer loyalty. "We've refined our policies to ensure a balanced ecosystem, meeting the needs of both buyers and sellers," they insisted.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle of Sellers

However, the distraught seller remains skeptical about the efficacy of these assurances, as they and many other sellers continue to fight an uphill battle against what feels like a biased, seller-unfriendly system. Will Shopee heed the complaints of its sellers, or will they continue to prioritize buyer satisfaction at the expense of those who make their platform possible? The clock is ticking, and many are waiting for answers.