Starting an online business in Malaysia with no budget is entirely achievable in 2025. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or looking for a side hustle, you can launch an online store without spending a single ringgit.
Many hesitate, thinking, “I don’t have capital” or “What if I fail?” But with today’s digital tools and platforms, you can start selling online with zero budget and minimal risk. Let’s explore how!
Step 1: Choose the Right Zero-Cost Business Model
The foundation of your no-budget online business is selecting a model that doesn’t require upfront investment:
Dropshipping
With dropshipping, you market products that suppliers ship directly to customers. You never handle inventory, eliminating storage costs and upfront product investments. Malaysian suppliers or platforms like Shopee and Lazada offer dropshipping opportunities.
Print-on-Demand
Design custom t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or tote bags without paying for inventory. When a customer orders, the print-on-demand company creates and ships the product, and you earn the profit margin.
Freelancing
Transform your skills into services—whether it’s content writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, or digital marketing. All you need is your existing skills and time.
Digital Products
Create and sell e-books, templates, online courses, or photography that customers can download instantly. Once created, these products can be sold repeatedly with zero production costs.
Affiliate Marketing
Promote other companies’ products through unique affiliate links and earn commissions on sales you generate. Many Malaysian and international brands offer affiliate programs with no joining fees.
Step 2: Set Up Your Free Online Store
You don’t need an expensive website to start selling online:
Social Media Storefronts
Turn your Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok account into a shop window. Post product images, prices, and ordering instructions. Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping are completely free to set up.
Free E-commerce Platforms
Marketplaces like Shopee, Lazada, and Carousell allow you to list products without any listing fees. You’ll only pay a small commission when you make a sale.
Free Website Options
If you want your own website, platforms like Strikingly, Wix (free tier), or Gumroad offer basic store functionalities without charging monthly fees.
Payment Methods
Use free payment options like DuitNow, bank transfers, or e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go and MAE. Cash on Delivery (COD) remains popular in Malaysia and builds customer trust.
Pro Tip: Create a comprehensive bio with your WhatsApp contact and a Linktree (free) to organise all your product categories and ordering information in one place.
Step 3: Source Free or Low-Cost Products
Finding products to sell without investment requires creativity:
Start With What You Own
Look around your home—unused clothes, books, gadgets, or handmade items can become your first inventory. Many successful Malaysian online businesses began by selling personal collections.
Pre-Order System
Take orders (and payment) from customers first, then use that money to purchase the products from suppliers. This eliminates the need for capital to buy inventory.
Consignment Arrangements
Partner with local artisans or small manufacturers who will provide products without upfront payment. You only pay them after selling their items.
DIY Products
Create handmade items using affordable materials or ingredients. Popular options include homemade beauty products, baked goods, jewellery, or crafts.
Digital Creations
Design downloadable planners, resume templates, social media graphics, or recipe books that require only your time and creativity to produce.
Step 4: Zero-Budget Marketing Strategies
Marketing doesn’t have to cost money when you leverage these platforms effectively:
TikTok Marketing
Create authentic, engaging short videos showcasing your products or services. Malaysian TikTok users love behind-the-scenes content, product demonstrations, and honest reviews.
Instagram and Facebook Reels
Similar to TikTok, these short-form videos can reach thousands of potential customers organically. Use trending sounds and local hashtags like #MalaysianMade or #SupportLokal to increase visibility.
Facebook Groups
Join active Malaysian buy-and-sell groups, community groups, or topic-specific groups where your target audience hangs out. Engage genuinely before promoting your products.
WhatsApp Marketing
Utilise WhatsApp Status to showcase new arrivals, create broadcast lists (with permission), or start a product-focused group to share updates with interested customers.
Content Marketing
Start a blog or YouTube channel offering valuable information related to your products. For example, if you sell skincare, create content about Malaysian skincare routines in our humid climate.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Canva for graphics, CapCut for video editing, and ChatGPT for writing product descriptions and marketing copy.
Step 5: Affordable Shipping Solutions
Shipping can make or break your online business, but there are budget-friendly options:
Cost-Effective Couriers
Compare rates among Ninja Van, Pos Laju, J&T Express, and other couriers to find the most affordable option for your package size. Ninja Van offers competitive rates for small parcels, making it ideal for new online sellers starting with minimal products.
Self-Drop vs. Pickup
Save on pickup fees by dropping off packages at courier outlets yourself. Ninja Van has numerous drop-off points across Malaysia, including 7-Eleven stores, making it convenient even without transportation.
Optimise Packaging
Use free packaging from recycled materials or request free packaging from courier services. Ninja Van provides free packaging materials for their regular shippers.
Combine Orders
Encourage customers to purchase multiple items to maximise shipping efficiency. Offer bundle deals that make combined shipping more attractive.
Marketplace Shipping Discounts
When selling through Shopee or Lazada, leverage their subsidised shipping rates to offer competitive delivery prices to customers.
Step 6: Scale Your Zero-Budget Business
As your business generates income, reinvest strategically:
Reinvest Profits
Use your first earnings to upgrade from free tools to paid options with more features, such as a Shopify store or professional product photography.
Micro-Influencer Collaborations
Partner with nano-influencers (1,000-5,000 followers) who might promote your products in exchange for free items rather than payment.
Expand Product Range
Use customer feedback to identify high-demand products and gradually expand your offerings based on actual market response.
Automate Processes
As you grow, invest in time-saving tools like chatbots for customer service, scheduling apps for social media, or inventory management systems.
Explore Affordable Logistics Partners
As order volume increases, negotiate better rates with courier services like Ninja Van, which offers special packages for growing online businesses with increasing shipping needs.
Start Your Zero-Budget Online Business Today!
Starting an online store in Malaysia with no money is not just possible—it’s happening every day. The digital economy has democratised entrepreneurship, allowing anyone with determination and creativity to succeed.
Every successful e-commerce brand started small. Begin with what you have, leverage free tools, and focus on providing value to your customers.
Ready to turn your idea into reality?
Set up your free store today, and when you’re ready to scale, affordable shipping solutions like Ninja Van can help you deliver exceptional customer experiences without breaking your budget.
Want to learn more? Watch our podcast below to discover how Ninja Van’s O-M-O 3PL solutions are helping small businesses achieve big success!
