Shopee FBS vs a Private Warehouse in Singapore: Which Is Right for You?
Shopee’s Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS) offers low handling fees, same-day delivery and extra vouchers. For many sellers it is a good deal. It isn’t the right fit for every business, though. This guide compares Shopee FBS with a private fulfilment warehouse in Singapore, so you can choose the option that suits how you sell.
When Shopee FBS makes sense
If you sell mainly on Shopee and your stock sells within a month, FBS is hard to beat. Shopee gives each shipment 30 days of free storage, and packing materials are included in the handling fee. FBS items also get Shopee-sponsored vouchers, extra exposure on the Shopee homepage, and same-day delivery for orders made before 12pm (subject to delivery slot availability).
When a private warehouse in Singapore is the better choice
A private 3PL warehouse suits sellers whose business doesn’t fit the FBS model. Here are the main cases.
- You sell on more than Shopee. FBS only fulfils Shopee orders. Lazada, TikTok, your own website and B2B orders need another e-commerce fulfilment solution.
- Your stock moves slowly. FBS storage is free for the first 30 days, then it is charged per cubic metre each month and rises as stock ages. Flat-rate rack or space rental can cost far less for seasonal or slow-moving items.
- You want your own packaging. FBS packs every order in standard packing materials, so branded boxes and inserts aren’t an option.
- You have large or heavy items. FBS doesn’t handle items above 20kg or with a longest side above 120cm.
- You need flexibility. FBS requires you to book each inbound at least 3 days ahead, deliver within set inbound hours, pay for the first-mile delivery yourself and be present for the stock count. Singapore Fulfilment is more flexible on delivery and on how you send us stock.
- You sell B2B. Carton and bulk orders aren’t what FBS is built for.
Shopee FBS vs private warehouse at a glance
| Question | Shopee FBS | Private warehouse (Singapore Fulfilment) |
|---|---|---|
| Which sales channels? | Shopee orders only | Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, your own website and B2B |
| Storage cost | Free for the first 30 days of each shipment, then SGD 75 per cubic metre per month (31–60 days), rising to SGD 300 after 180 days | No free storage period; flat-rate rack or space rental |
| Packaging | Standard packing materials only | Your own branded boxes and inserts |
| Large or heavy items | Not handled above 20kg or with a longest side above 120cm | Suited to larger or heavier items |
| Sending stock in | Book at least 3 days ahead; set inbound hours; you pay for first-mile delivery | More flexible on delivery and how you send stock |
| B2B carton and bulk orders | Not what FBS is built for | Suited to carton and bulk orders |
FBS figures are from Shopee’s published FBS information and may change, so check the current rate card before you decide.
Tools that come with Singapore Fulfilment
Sellers who use our warehouse also get two tools that help with order fulfilment:
- Import Tracker follows your 1688, Taobao and Pinduoduo orders to Singapore and works out the landed cost per unit.
- Parcel Packer records every parcel with a barcode scan and photos, and a second person marks it inspected. When a buyer says an item was missing, you have proof.
To compare your margins on each platform, you can also use our free marketplace profit calculator.
Reach more shoppers with GrabMart
Our warehouse is connected to GrabMart, so brands stored with us can reach shoppers in Singapore’s West.
The best of both: use FBS and a private warehouse together
You don’t have to choose just one. FBS lets you put only some of your products on it, and many sellers put fast-moving Shopee items on FBS and keep the rest with us. Message us and we’ll help you work out the split.
Frequently asked questions
Does Shopee FBS fulfil Lazada or TikTok orders?
No. FBS only fulfils Shopee orders. Lazada, TikTok, your own website and B2B orders need another fulfilment solution, such as a private warehouse.
Can I use my own branded packaging with Shopee FBS?
No. FBS packs all orders in standard packing materials, so branded boxes and inserts aren’t an option. A private warehouse can pack your orders in your own packaging.
How long is storage free on Shopee FBS?
Each shipment gets 30 days of free storage. After that, storage is charged per cubic metre each month, and the rate rises as the stock gets older.
Is a private warehouse cheaper than FBS for slow-moving stock?
It can be. FBS storage fees rise as stock ages, while flat-rate rack or space rental can cost far less for seasonal or slow-moving items.
Can I use Shopee FBS and a private warehouse together?
Yes. FBS lets you put only some of your products on it, and many sellers put fast-moving Shopee items on FBS and keep the rest in a private warehouse.