Product • 26 August, 2025
Consumer Trends 2025: Why Users Prefer Non-Platform Shopping Models?
1. E-commerce 2025: The Transformation in Shopping Habits
E-commerce is entering a new phase of development where consumer behavior is rapidly changing to adapt to technology and personalization needs. According to Statista reports, the global e-commerce market is expected to reach $7.4 trillion by 2025, with Vietnam being one of the fastest-growing regions in Southeast Asia with estimated revenue of $20.5 billion.
A notable trend in 2025 is the rise of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sales models, bypassing traditional e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, or Tiki. Consumers increasingly prefer shopping directly from sellers through independent platforms or dedicated websites, skipping the large "online marketplaces."
So what's driving this trend? And why is the non-platform shopping model becoming the top choice in the near future? Let's analyze to understand better.
This shift not only reflects changes in consumer preferences but also shows how small and medium enterprises are seeking business autonomy. With support from tools like PayME Shop, direct selling has never been easier and more effective. This article will clarify the main reasons behind this new consumer trend, along with the role of platforms like PayME Shop in shaping the 2025 e-commerce market.
2. What Makes Non-Platform Shopping a Hot Trend?
The direct shopping model from sellers is gradually replacing dependence on large e-commerce platforms thanks to practical benefits it brings to both consumers and businesses. Here are four main factors driving this trend.
2.1. Competitive Pricing Through Lower Costs
One of the biggest reasons consumers prefer non-platform shopping is that prices are usually cheaper compared to traditional e-commerce platforms.
No Commission Fees: Platforms like Shopee, Lazada, or Tiki typically charge commission fees of 5-15% depending on the product category, plus additional service fees like advertising or shipping. When buying directly from sellers via their own websites or platforms like PayME Shop, customers don't have to bear these additional costs, leading to more competitive selling prices. For example, a shirt priced at 250,000 VND on Shopee might only cost 220,000 VND when purchased directly from the supplier.
Optimized Operational Costs: Businesses selling directly can cut intermediary costs, allowing them to focus resources on product quality and service. This not only benefits customers but also helps businesses maintain higher profits in the fiercely competitive landscape.
With Vietnamese consumers – where price remains the deciding factor in 62% of shopping decisions (according to Nielsen), this model is clearly winning favor.
2.2. Personalized Shopping Experience: Closer to Customers
Unlike large e-commerce platforms where customers often interact more with the platform than the brand, direct shopping provides superior personalized experiences.
Direct Brand Interaction: When buying through private websites or sales links from PayME Shop, customers can chat directly with sellers via Zalo, Messenger, or email. This interaction helps build close relationships, replacing the distant feeling of shopping through platforms where all communication goes through intermediaries.
Special Offers and Care: Brands selling directly can easily design exclusive promotional programs, such as discounts for loyal customers or special occasion gifts. For example, a fashion store can send a 50,000 VND voucher to existing customers via message, something e-commerce platforms rarely allow since customer data belongs to them.
According to a Deloitte study, 59% of consumers are willing to spend more if they receive personalized shopping experiences. This is exactly the advantage that non-platform models provide.
2.3. Escaping Risks and Dependencies on E-commerce Platforms
While large e-commerce platforms provide ready-made customer bases, they also come with limitations and risks that both consumers and businesses want to avoid.
Strict Policies: Shopee and Lazada apply stringent regulations on refunds, returns, and seller rankings. Some small businesses have faced difficulties when their accounts were locked or their display rankings were reduced without clear reasons. Consumers also sometimes worry about complex return processes through platforms, while direct purchases are usually simpler.
Algorithm Dependency: Sellers on e-commerce platforms are often controlled by product display algorithms. Without heavy investment in advertising (Shopee Ads, Lazada Sponsored), their products may be "buried" among thousands of competitors. Direct shopping through links or private websites helps businesses better control customer approach without depending on third parties.
This trend reflects the increasingly high autonomy needs of both sellers and buyers in the e-commerce market.
2.4. Trust and Transparency: Core Values of 2025 Consumers
Modern consumers don't just buy products but also buy trust and transparency from brands.
Trust in Product Origin: According to McKinsey surveys, 73% of consumers say they trust more when buying directly from sellers rather than through platforms – where counterfeit and fake goods remain concerns. When buying through private websites or platforms like PayME Shop, customers can easily verify brand information, warranty policies, and assess quality.
Better After-Sales Service: Direct purchasing allows sellers to provide better post-purchase care, from technical support to quick returns. This contrasts with e-commerce platforms where after-sales processes are often complex and dependent on general policies.
This trend toward transparent consumption is driving businesses to shift to D2C models to meet customers' increasingly high expectations.
3. PayME Shop: Partnering with Direct Sales Trends
PayME Shop is one of the outstanding solutions supporting businesses and individuals to leverage the non-platform shopping trend in 2025.
Quick Online Store Creation: With PayME Shop, you can set up an online store in just minutes without going through intermediary e-commerce platforms. This helps businesses save time and costs while maintaining full control over business operations.
Diverse Payment Methods: PayME Shop integrates modern payment forms like bank cards, e-wallets (Momo, ZaloPay, PayME), bank transfers, and QR Codes. This flexibility not only enhances customer experience but also increases transaction completion rates.
Effective Marketing Tools: The platform provides individual product links that are easy to share via social media (Facebook, Zalo, Instagram) or advertising (Facebook Ads, Google Ads). Sellers can also store customer data to deploy remarketing campaigns and build long-term relationships.
PayME Shop is not just a sales tool but also a bridge helping businesses directly reach customers, maximizing the rising D2C trend.
4. Non-Platform Shopping – The Future of E-commerce
The non-platform sales model is reshaping how consumers and businesses interact in the 2025 e-commerce market. With competitive pricing, personalized experiences, autonomy, and transparent trust, this trend is not just an option but is becoming the new standard.
Consumers are increasingly concerned with the real value of products and services rather than depending on large e-commerce platforms as before. In this context, businesses need to quickly adapt, leveraging platforms like PayME Shop to optimize revenue, enhance customer experience, and build sustainable brands.
If you're considering transitioning to the D2C model, 2025 is the ideal time to start. With technology support and solutions like PayME Shop, directly reaching customers has never been easier and more effective. Embrace the trend to avoid being left behind in this potential-filled e-commerce race!
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