Amazon Alternatives in Thailand

Popular online shopping applications in Thailand

Lazada

Lazada is a e-commerce giant in Southeast Asia, offering retail from their warehouses as well as a third party marketplace, just like Amazon. Lazada is usually the go-to as it has everything under the sun, all the way from packets of Haribo to household appliances and everything in between.

One of the reasons why Lazada is reliable is the fact that major brands such as L’oreal and Samsung to name a few, have flagship stores in the e-commerce platform providing authentic goods with a guarantee. When buying higher value items, do look for the Laz Mall sign or the flagship stores of brands since Lazada also offers a local marketplace where individual sellers are able to list any items they want in their shop page.

This is one of the most popular online marketplaces for small local shops and independent brands in Thailand so you can really find almost anything you would desire without ever going to the markets or malls. Lazada is the easiest platform to use, and also offers several payment options such as cash-on-delivery or even the option to pay at a 7-Eleven.

Benefits 

• Widest range of products, including mobiles, tablets, home appliances, TVs, audio, home & living ,clothes, skincare, cosmetics .
• Best prices and fast delivery.
• Cash on delivery and effortless shopping.
• Earn coins with every purchase on Lazada, which can be used as cash to offset the cost of your next purchase, providing additional savings.
• Return products and receive a refund within 7 days if the products are not in good condition or are broken.
• Monthly Promotion Events, you will get the highest discounts across various products.

Points to consider

• Be careful of fake stuff: Some shops on Lazada might sell fake things. Before you buy something big, check the store's reviews and what other customers say to make sure it's real.
• Wait longer for deliveries on busy days: When Lazada has big sales, it might take longer for your stuff to arrive because lots of people are ordering. So, if you buy during these times, be ready to wait a bit longer than usual

Where to shop
You can download applications from the App Store, Play Store, or directly on the website.

Shopee

Shopee has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and is now the biggest e-commerce platform in Thailand and South East Asia in terms of monthly users. One of the main benefits of Shopee are the many discounts and coupons they give out to members on their platform as well as commonly offering free shipping within Thailand.

Shopee also have sale festivals relatively often offering big discounts on most items, however, due to the complexity and thecoupon elements of the platform, it might be a little bit harder to use than Lazada if you just want a no frills approach to order.

However, if you don’t mind spending a little bit more time browsing and collecting e-coupons and checking out sales, you might be able to get the best deals available online, even better than Lazada. Shipping is also fast and very efficient with many payment methods available just like lazada. 

 Benefits 

• Widest range of products as same as Lazada
• Best prices and fast delivery.
• Cash on delivery and effortless shopping.
• Collect Coupons to get the most discount and best price
• Return products and receive a refund within 7 days if the products are not in good condition or are broken.
• Monthly Promotion Events, you will get the highest discounts across various products.

Points to consider

• Complicated: Shopee can be harder to use than other shopping sites, so it might take more time to find what you want.
• Coupons: Getting discounts on Shopee might mean dealing with coupons, which can be confusing for some people.
• Policy Violations: Users who frequently break Shopee's rules may face bans, ranging from six months to a year, restricting their access to the platform.

Where to shop
You can download applications from the App Store, Play Store, or directly on the website.

JIB 

JIB is one of the leading specialty e-commerce platforms offering different kinds of IT products all the way to desktop PCs and laptops to a wide variety of peripherals and accessories.

Unlike Lazada and Shopee, JIB doesn’t sell cross-border, which means that there are no foreign sellers, however the prices are competitive and it is a trustable seller with a physical store in multiple locations. 

You can shop online on their website and receive the same price or maybe even cheaper with the same guarantee and return policies. They have both a website and an application on Google Play/App Store.

Benefits

• Extensive Branch Network: With over 140 branches nationwide, JIB provides convenient access to IT products for customers across Thailand.
• Specialized Hi-End Products: MINE stores offer a specialized selection of Hi-End performance products, including gaming gear, catering to enthusiasts seeking high-quality items.
• Fast Online Service: JIB Online offers swift delivery within 6 hours in Bangkok, ensuring prompt receipt of orders for customers in the capital city.
• Leading Online Computer Store: JIB Online aims to become the top online destination for computer products in Thailand, offering a wide range of IT products for online shoppers.
• Flexible Return Policy: Customers can return products within 30 days if they are damaged during general use, whether purchased in-store or online, providing peace of mind to shoppers.

Points to consider

• Staff might not know much about products because there are many branches and lots of employees. They may not be very professional.
• It's hard to get someone on the phone at busy branches. You might have better luck calling less busy branches instead.

Where to shop
Line, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Direct Website Access

Central Online

Central Group is the biggest retail company in Thailand with the highest number of department stores and malls in Thailand. It also owns convenience store brand familymart in Thailand. With the introduction of its online store, you can shop at the convenience of your house, it also offers a personal shopper service on request.

There are also more than one way to pick up your goods as you could look it up in one of the many central department stores if you want it on the same day. The biggest advantage of Central online is that you can use their “The One” loyalty program card just as you would at the department store to collect and redeem points.

Furthermore, Central online only sells products itself, with no third party marketplaces and sellers making it one of the most trustable websites, offering only authentic branded products. It also offers an express three hour delivery which is its unique selling point as compared to its much bigger rivals.

Benefits

• Shopping Convenience: Central Online lets you shop from home, accessing a wide range of products without going to physical stores.
• High-End Brand Name Products: You'll find familiar brand names from your home country, offering quality assurance and trust.
• Personalized Assistance: You can ask for a personal shopper service, getting tailored help for a better shopping experience.
• Pickup Choices: Choose from different pickup options, like same-day pickup at Central stores, for added convenience.
• Loyalty Program: Use "The One" loyalty card on Central Online to earn and redeem points, just like in-store, giving extra benefits to loyal customers.
• Quick Delivery: Enjoy express three-hour delivery, making Central Online stand out with fast and efficient service.

Points to consider

• Limited Product Variety: Central Online may have a limited selection of products compared to other online platforms, as they only sell items typically found in their department stores. If you are seeking specialized or niche products may not find them on Central Online.

Where to shop
You can download applications from the App Store, Play Store, Line Shopping application or, Direct Website Access

LINE Shopping

LINE Shopping is a mobile e-commerce alliance platform provided by LINE for shopping guides and reward points, offering consumers the ability to compare prices on major shopping websites and provide additional feedback, such as spending on specific merchants to earn LINE POINTS.

LINE Shopping is primarily for retailers or small businesses, such as those on Instagram, Facebook, or other social media platforms, that do not have their own apps. They can join LINE Shopping to expand their business to a variety of customers and you can easily shop and chat with the owner directly to make it more convenient for you to receive good service from the shops.

Benefits

• Convenience: Chat directly with sellers for inquiries, providing a seamless shopping experience like shopping in-store.
• Integrated Platform: Combines social shops using the MyShop tool in one place, making it easy to browse and shop.
• Diverse Payment Options: Offers various payment methods including credit cards, bank transfers, and Rabbit LINE Pay.
• Verified Accounts: Products come from shops approved as Verified Accounts, ensuring reliability and trustworthiness.
• Regular Promotions: Enjoy rotating discounted product collections and promotions regularly updated for shoppers.
• Responsive Customer Service: Accessible customer support for any queries or concerns during the shopping process.
• Variety of Products: they have a wide range of products from homemade brands to popular brands

Points to consider

• There are no official brand counters in LINE Shopping; only shops that sell brand-name products. This may raise concerns about authenticity. 
• LINE Shopping originates from Japan and is not yet available worldwide, currently serving only Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Where to shop
You can download Line applications first then you can directly go to Line Shopping

Shein

Shein is a popular online fashion retailer offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, and beauty products at affordable prices. With a vast selection of trendy and fashionable items, Shein caters to a diverse audience looking for the latest styles without breaking the bank.

Shopping on Shein is convenient and user-friendly. You can browse through various categories such as women's clothing, men's clothing, accessories, beauty, and more.

Benefits

• Stylish and Affordable: Shein sells trendy clothes and accessories at low prices, so everyone can find something they like without spending too much.
• Lots of Choices: Shein adds new stuff all the time, giving you plenty of options to pick from, no matter what you're into.
• Shipping Everywhere: Shein ships their stuff all around the world, so you can shop no matter where you live.
• Deals and Savings: Shein often has discounts and special sales, so you can save even more money on your favorite items.
• Easy Returns: If you don't like something you bought, Shein makes it easy to send it back within a certain time.

Points to consider :

• Size Problems: Sometimes, the sizes of Shein's clothes don't match up with what you'd expect, so it's a good idea to check reviews and size charts before buying.
• Quality Worries: Even though Shein's prices are low, some people worry about the quality of their products. Checking reviews and pictures from other customers can help you decide if it's worth buying.
• Shipping Delays: Depending on where you live, it might take longer than you'd like to get your order delivered.

Where to shop
You can download applications from the App Store, Play Store or Direct Website Access

Ali express

AliExpress is a popular online store for buying products at much cheaper prices than Amazon and other similar services. The store was founded in 2010 and is owned by Alibaba, a massive Chinese multinational company focusing on e-commerce and computing, and is one of the world's largest internet companies.

Unlike Amazon, the majority of merchants selling products on AliExpress are based in China and source all of their merchandise directly from Chinese manufacturers. This keeps costs down and means they can afford to offer free or very cheap shipping as well.

Benefits

• Wide Selection: AliExpress hosts an extensive range of products, from electronics and fashion to home goods and beauty items. You can find almost anything you need in one place.
• Competitive Prices: The platform is known for its competitive prices, often lower than what you’d find in local stores or other online retailers. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
• Global Shipping: AliExpress ships products worldwide, allowing you to access items from different countries. It’s especially useful for finding unique or hard-to-find products.
• Buyer Protection: AliExpress provides buyer protection, ensuring that your purchase is secure. If you don’t receive your order or if it’s significantly different from the description, you can open a dispute and get a refund.
• User Reviews: Product listings include reviews and ratings from other buyers. These can help you make informed decisions and choose reliable sellers.
• Flash Deals and Discounts: AliExpress frequently offers flash deals, discounts, and coupons. Keep an eye out for special promotions to save even more.

Points to consider

• Product Authenticity: Be cautious of counterfeit products on AliExpress, especially from non-Western brands. Research sellers and read product reviews to ensure authenticity.
• Shipping Duration and Tracking: Free shipping on AliExpress may take over a month, with no tracking available. Consider paying extra for faster shipping and tracking during checkout.
• Address Entry: Some locations may be missing from dropdown menus when entering your address on AliExpress. You can manually enter missing details in the text fields.
• No cash on delivery method in Thailand as of yet.

Amazon

Amazon is a global online marketplace offering a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, books, household goods, and more. Amazon has grown into one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms, serving millions of customers worldwide. As an expat living in Thailand, you might find yourself missing certain items from your home country. Thankfully, Amazon allows you to order directly to Thailand, bridging the gap between you and the products you miss. 

Ordering from Amazon in Thailand is easy. You can either use the desktop website or the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile device.

Shipping Costs and Customs Duties

While shipping costs can vary depending on the item and delivery speed, Amazon provides clear pricing and shipping cost estimates during the checkout process. Additionally, Amazon manages courier services and customs clearance, minimizing the hassle of potential customs duties upon delivery.

Benefits

• Customer-Focused Approach: Amazon cares about customers and offers many different products with good quality and excellent service.
• Good Prices: Amazon has many sellers and special deals, so you can find good prices and have an easy shopping experience.
• Easy Shopping: Amazon's website is easy to use, so you can find what you want quickly and buy it without any problems.
• Real Products: Amazon promises that the things they sell are real, so you can trust that you're getting what you paid for.
• Replacement Promise: If something goes wrong with what you bought, Amazon will give you a new one without any trouble.
• Quick Delivery: Amazon can send your stuff to your home fast, no matter where you live.
• Money-Back Guarantee: If you're not happy with what you bought, Amazon will give you your money back to make sure you're satisfied.
• Helpful Customer Service: If you have any questions or problems, you can call Amazon for free and they'll help you out as best they can.

Points to consider.

• Delivery Problems: Even though Amazon tries to make sure everything gets to you safely, sometimes things get lost or damaged on the way.
• Doubts About Product Quality: Since you can't see or touch the things you buy on Amazon before you get them, some people worry they won't be what they expected. This makes some people prefer to shop in person at traditional stores.

Where to shop
You can download applications from the App Store, Play Store or Direct Website Access

Best Price Tricks

For getting the best price or the biggest discounts in Thailand's online shopping, one trick is to pay attention to dates where the day of the month matches the month number.

For example, on March 3rd, April 4th, and May 5th, the day and month are the same number. These dates could offer the best prices for shopping, so it's worth keeping an eye out for them when planning your purchases.

However, be prepared to set an alarm for midnight! On these days, you'll likely be competing with millions of people, so brace yourself for potential delays in delivery

Thailand is very convenient when it comes to shopping, the delivery is really fast. If you need to experience local shopping, whether you find yourself in Samui, Bangkok, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai, our city helper is readily available to guide you through the local shopping experiences.