Why We Built Orderla Commerce

 When we first launched Orderla.my, the goal was clear: help micro and small businesses set up online stores that work beautifully with WhatsApp. No complexity. No friction. Just a fast and easy way to start selling online.

That mission connected with thousands of sellers. In the last 5 years, merchants using Orderla.my have sold over RM100 million worth of products.

But as the ecosystem grew, we started seeing something interesting:
a new group of sellers with slightly different needs.

A New Segment Emerged

Orderla.my (Quick Commerce) continues to be great for direct-to-consumer sales — especially for food stalls, home-based sellers, and new entrepreneurs.

But we started seeing merchants who needed more:

• Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)

• Tiered pricing for wholesale and bulk sales

• The ability to upload multiple product images

• A more polished customer experience with logins and saved addresses

• Tools to support teams and staff roles

• Less reliance on WhatsApp and more focus on evergreen channels like email

• The ability to sell and deliver digital products automatically

They weren’t “outgrowing” Orderla — they just needed more control, structure, and flexibility.

The Why: Serving Sellers Ready to Level Up

Instead of sending these merchants to other platforms, we built Orderla Commerce — a more powerful version of Orderla designed for more operationally complex businesses.

It still keeps what made Orderla great: fast setup, clean UI, and merchant-first simplicity.
But now, it also supports the workflows that serious sellers need.

What Makes Orderla Commerce Different

Here’s what sets Commerce apart:

• More product images to better showcase offerings

• Customer accounts with order history and saved delivery addresses

• MOQ and tiered pricing for B2B or bulk buyers

• Team/staff access with permission control

• Advanced stock and checkout logic

• Affiliate system — so merchants can grow through community promoters

• Digital product support with automatic delivery via email (e.g. ebooks, files)

• Evergreen communication via email to reduce reliance on WhatsApp

• And on the horizon: a dedicated mobile app

Sell Digital Products — Seamlessly

Orderla Commerce isn’t just for physical products. It’s also built to support digital goods, like:

• Ebooks

• PDF resources

Once a customer places an order, the system automatically sends the file to their email — no manual follow-up needed. This makes it easy for creators and educators to monetize their work at scale.

Promote and Earn: Built-in Affiliate System

Another powerful feature is the affiliate system.

Merchants can set up their own program and let influencers, customers, or resellers promote their products — while earning commission on successful sales.

The system:

• Generates unique affiliate links

• Tracks referrals and orders in real-time

• Provides detailed reports for both merchants and affiliates

It’s a win-win way to grow sales organically.

The Response So Far

We rolled out Orderla Commerce to early users like Tradisi Leluhur, Nyenyak Spectacles, Cats Hometown, Anis Ashikali and others. They challenged the product, shaped its direction, and proved that this was a needed evolution.

What we’re seeing:

• Higher order values with MOQ and tiered pricing

• Better customer experience with login + saved addresses

• Sales boosted by affiliates and promoters

• Growing demand for digital product delivery

• Teams running smoother operations with better staff access

What’s Coming Next

Orderla Commerce is just the beginning.

We’re currently building:

• Seamless POS and inventory tools

• Plug-and-play extensions for automation, loyalty, and CRM

• A native mobile app to give merchants and buyers an even better experience

Our vision is simple:
To help sellers grow — with the tools and flexibility they actually need, without making them jump through hoops or start from scratch on another platform.

If you’re ready to take your store to the next level, Orderla Commerce is built for you.

e-Invois di Malaysia: Apa yang Perniagaan Perlu Tahu

Sistem e-Invois (electronic invoice) di Malaysia semakin menjadi keperluan utama bagi perniagaan, terutama bagi perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (SME). Pelaksanaan e-Invois ini adalah sebahagian daripada inisiatif kerajaan untuk mempercepatkan pendigitalan dan meningkatkan kecekapan pematuhan cukai. Dalam artikel ini, kita akan membincangkan siapa yang terlibat, bagaimana e-Invois berfungsi, dan langkah-langkah persediaan bagi SME.

Siapa yang Terlibat dalam e-Invois di Malaysia?

Pelaksanaan e-Invois di Malaysia melibatkan beberapa pihak utama:

1. Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN) – Bertanggungjawab dalam mengawal selia dan melaksanakan sistem e-Invois bagi memastikan pematuhan cukai yang lebih baik.

2. Perniagaan dan SME – Semua syarikat, termasuk SME, perlu bersedia untuk mengadaptasi sistem ini bagi urusan jual beli.

3. Penyedia Perkhidmatan Teknologi (Software Providers) – Penyedia perisian yang membangunkan sistem e-Invois bagi membantu perniagaan dalam pemprosesan dan penghantaran invois secara digital.

4. Pelanggan dan Pembekal – Pihak yang terlibat dalam transaksi perniagaan perlu menerima dan memproses e-Invois.

Bagaimana e-Invois Berfungsi?

Secara asasnya, e-Invois berfungsi melalui proses digital tanpa perlu menggunakan invois bercetak. Berikut adalah proses umum e-Invois:

1. Penciptaan Invois – Syarikat mencipta invois menggunakan sistem e-Invois yang disambungkan dengan sistem LHDN.

2. Pengesahan LHDN – Invois yang dihasilkan akan dihantar secara automatik ke LHDN untuk pengesahan dan rekod.

3. Penghantaran kepada Penerima – Setelah disahkan, e-Invois dihantar kepada pelanggan dalam format digital.

4. Rekod dan Pemantauan – Semua invois disimpan dalam sistem untuk rujukan dan audit masa hadapan.

Bagaimana SME Perlu Bersedia?

Bagi memastikan peralihan kepada e-Invois berjalan lancar, SME perlu mengambil langkah-langkah berikut:

1. Memahami Keperluan Perundangan – SME harus memahami keperluan dan garis panduan yang ditetapkan oleh LHDN mengenai e-Invois.

2. Menggunakan Perisian yang Sesuai – Pastikan sistem perakaunan atau perisian yang digunakan menyokong integrasi e-Invois.

3. Latihan dan Kesedaran – Latih kakitangan mengenai penggunaan e-Invois dan perubahan dalam proses perniagaan.

4. Integrasi dengan Sistem Sedia Ada – Jika syarikat sudah menggunakan sistem ERP atau perakaunan digital, pastikan ia boleh disambungkan dengan sistem e-Invois.

5. Menguji dan Menyesuaikan Proses – Lakukan ujian untuk memastikan sistem berjalan lancar sebelum peraturan e-Invois dikuatkuasakan sepenuhnya.

Kesimpulan

Pelaksanaan e-Invois di Malaysia adalah satu langkah ke hadapan dalam mendigitalisasikan urusan perniagaan dan memastikan pematuhan cukai yang lebih cekap. SME perlu bersedia dengan memahami keperluan sistem, memilih perisian yang sesuai, dan melatih kakitangan untuk memastikan peralihan yang lancar. Dengan persediaan yang betul, e-Invois boleh membantu perniagaan meningkatkan kecekapan operasi serta mengurangkan risiko ketidakpatuhan cukai.

Jika anda seorang pemilik perniagaan, sekarang adalah masa yang sesuai untuk mula bersedia! Jangan tunggu sehingga saat akhir untuk menyesuaikan diri dengan sistem e-Invois ini.

Quick Commerce vs. E-Commerce: What’s the Difference?

In today’s digital economy, online shopping has evolved into multiple models, each catering to different consumer needs. Two of the most prominent models are quick commerce (q-commerce) and e-commerce. While both operate through online platforms, their key differences lie in delivery speed, product range, and business model. In this blog, we’ll explore how quick commerce and traditional e-commerce compare and which one is best suited for different use cases.

What is E-Commerce?

E-commerce (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It includes various business models such as:

• B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Online retail stores like Amazon and Lazada
• B2B (Business-to-Business): Platforms like Alibaba connecting businesses
• C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Marketplaces like eBay and Shopee’s pre-owned sections

E-commerce businesses typically have a wide product selection, from electronics to fashion and home appliances. Orders are usually processed within a few days to weeks, depending on factors like inventory availability and shipping logistics.

Examples of E-Commerce Platforms

• Amazon – A global marketplace with millions of products
• Lazada & Shopee – Popular Southeast Asian e-commerce platforms
• Zalora – A fashion-focused online store

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What is Quick Commerce (Q-Commerce)?

Quick commerce, also known as on-demand or instant commerce, is an evolution of e-commerce focused on ultra-fast deliveries. Unlike traditional e-commerce, which relies on warehouses and long shipping times, q-commerce operates through local fulfillment centers (dark stores) or partnerships with nearby retailers.

Customers expect delivery times between 10 to 60 minutes, making q-commerce ideal for:

• Groceries & essentials – Fresh food, beverages, and household items
• Pharmacy products – Medicines, supplements, and health essentials
• Last-minute needs – Gifts, pet food, and personal care items

Examples of Quick Commerce Platforms

• Gopuff – Delivers snacks, drinks, and household items in under 30 minutes
• Zapp – A UK-based q-commerce service offering fast essentials
• Foodpanda Mart & GrabMart – Grocery and convenience store deliveries in Southeast Asia

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Key Differences Between Quick Commerce and E-Commerce

Feature	E-Commerce	Quick Commerce (Q-Commerce)
Delivery Speed	1 day to several weeks	10 to 60 minutes
Product Range	Wide variety (electronics, fashion, furniture, etc.)	Essentials (groceries, medicines, daily use items)
Business Model	Warehouses and regional shipping	Local fulfillment centers and dark stores
Order Size	Large cart size (bulk purchases)	Small, frequent orders
Customer Expectation	Convenience and variety	Speed and urgency

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Which Model is Best for Your Business?

Choosing between e-commerce and q-commerce depends on your business goals and target audience.

✅ Choose E-Commerce if:

• You sell high-value or non-urgent products (electronics, fashion, furniture)
• You focus on global or nationwide sales
• You want to scale with lower operational costs

✅ Choose Quick Commerce if:

• Your business focuses on immediate consumption needs (groceries, medicine, daily essentials)
• You target urban areas where customers prioritize speed
• You can operate local fulfillment centers for rapid dispatch

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The Future of Online Shopping: Hybrid Models

Many businesses are now combining e-commerce and q-commerce to meet customer demands. For example:

• Amazon Prime Now – A hybrid approach offering both traditional e-commerce and same-day delivery
• Lazada & Shopee Express – Faster delivery options for selected items
• Supermarkets launching q-commerce – Tesco, Carrefour, and 7-Eleven now offer ultra-fast grocery deliveries

As consumer expectations evolve, businesses that integrate both models will have a competitive advantage in the online retail space.

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Final Thoughts

Both e-commerce and quick commerce play crucial roles in today’s digital shopping experience. While e-commerce provides a broader product range and cost efficiency, q-commerce caters to instant gratification and convenience. The best approach depends on your business type, logistics capabilities, and target audience.

Are you planning to launch an e-commerce or q-commerce business? Let us know in the comments!

Behind the Scenes of Orderla: Our Development Methodology

At Orderla, we strive to deliver exceptional solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to simplify their online sales processes. Our journey has been filled with innovation, collaboration, and continuous refinement. Here’s a closer look at the development methodology that powers Orderla’s growth and excellence.

1. Customer-Centric Ideation

The backbone of Orderla is our dedication to solving real-world problems faced by SMEs. Before building any feature, we engage directly with our users to understand their challenges. Through surveys, interviews, and live feedback sessions, we ensure that every feature aligns with the needs of our customers.

Our approach prioritizes:

- Identifying pain points in the SME sales process.

- Building solutions for WhatsApp-based sellers.

- Offering tools that simplify workflows and boost productivity.

2. Feature Ideation and Conviction

Before diving into development, we ensure that each proposed feature aligns with our product vision and market needs. This involves:

- Assessing whether the feature complements our existing offerings.

- Evaluating if the market would find it valuable.

- Ensuring it addresses a clear user problem.

This conviction helps us focus on features that truly matter to our users.

3. Sketch and Planning

Once a feature idea is approved, we move into the planning phase. This involves:

- Creating rough sketches or wireframes to visualize the feature.

- Outlining the technical requirements and design considerations.

- Setting clear goals and timelines for implementation.

4. Try Hack: Quick Development Sprint

To validate the feasibility of a feature, we run a quick development sprint. This phase is all about:

- Building a basic prototype to test core functionality.

- Exploring potential challenges and solutions.

- Iterating rapidly to refine the idea.

5. Agile Development Framework

We’ve adopted Agile as our core methodology to stay flexible and responsive to changes. Agile allows us to:

- Break down large tasks into manageable sprints.

- Deliver updates in small, iterative releases.

- Continuously improve based on user feedback.

This iterative process ensures that Orderla evolves in sync with our customers' needs, allowing us to launch impactful features faster.

6. Finalization and Debugging

After a successful prototype, we move into the finalization phase:

- Refining the feature to meet design and usability standards.

- Debugging to ensure smooth functionality.

- Preparing the feature for broader testing and deployment.

7. Collaborative Teamwork

Our team thrives on collaboration. From brainstorming sessions to cross-functional stand-ups, we bring together developers, designers, and product managers to tackle challenges collectively. Key collaboration tools and practices include:

- Using tools like Notion for project management.

- Weekly stand-up meetings to track progress.

- An open communication culture to share ideas and feedback freely.

8. State-of-the-Art Technology

We believe that great technology drives great experiences. Orderla is powered by a robust stack that includes Laravel for the backend and React for the frontend, ensuring a seamless and scalable platform. Key highlights of our tech stack:

- Laravel: Provides us with a secure and efficient framework to handle backend logic and database management.

- React: Enables a responsive and dynamic user interface for an enhanced user experience.

- Stripe Integration: Allows us to provide secure subscription payments with trial periods, ensuring smooth transactions.

9. Focus on Scalability and Performance

As Orderla grows, our system must keep up with increasing user demand. To future-proof the platform, we’ve built scalability and performance into our development process:

- Optimizing database queries for faster load times.

- Using cloud infrastructure to scale on demand.

- Regular load testing to ensure system reliability during peak usage.

10. Continuous Testing and Quality Assurance

Bugs and errors can compromise user experience, which is why we emphasize rigorous testing. Our QA process includes:

- Automated testing for routine tasks.

- Manual testing for complex workflows.

- Beta testing with select users before a major release.

This ensures that every feature is polished and ready for real-world use.

11. Data-Driven Decision Making

Analytics play a critical role in shaping Orderla’s roadmap. By analyzing user behavior, feature usage, and feedback, we can make informed decisions about what to prioritize next. Tools like Google Analytics and in-app user tracking give us actionable insights to guide development.

12. User Feedback Loop

We believe the best ideas come from our users. Orderla incorporates feedback at every stage through:

- A dedicated support channel for users.

- Monthly feedback sessions to collect suggestions.

- A roadmap that’s influenced by customer priorities.

13. Iterative Launches and Improvements

When launching new features, we follow a phased approach:

1. Prototype Development: A small-scale version of the feature for internal testing.

2. Beta Release: Limited rollout to gather early feedback.

3. Full Launch: After incorporating user feedback and testing rigorously.

4. Post-Launch Updates: Continuous improvements based on usage data and suggestions.

14. Finally Deploy and Let People Know

Once a feature is fully tested and refined, we deploy it to our live environment. But our work doesn’t stop there. We make sure our users know about the new feature through:

- Email newsletters announcing the update.

- Social media posts with tutorials and use cases.

- In-app notifications guiding users to explore the new functionality.

This ensures that our users can immediately benefit from the latest enhancements while staying engaged with the platform.

15. Commitment to Innovation

At the core of Orderla’s development is our commitment to innovation. Whether it’s developing a QR ordering system, introducing subscription coupons, or creating affiliate mechanisms, we’re always looking ahead to deliver more value to our users.

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Looking Forward

As we continue to build Orderla, our focus remains on delivering solutions that empower SMEs to thrive in a competitive digital landscape. Our development methodology, rooted in collaboration, innovation, and user-centricity, ensures that we’re always ready to adapt, grow, and meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re shaping the future of online commerce for SMEs!

How I Successfully Maintain Orderla: Lessons in Passion and Timing

Running and maintaining a platform like Orderla has been an incredible journey filled with challenges, growth, and rewarding moments. While no business is without its hurdles, several key principles have guided me in successfully keeping Orderla thriving and relevant in a competitive market. One of the most important factors? Starting at the right time.

1. Right Time, Right Solution

Orderla was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when businesses were grappling with uncertainty, and traditional sales channels were disrupted. For many merchants, Orderla wasn’t just another option or a “vitamin” to enhance their business—it was a painkiller that addressed their most urgent need: a reliable sales channel when physical stores and markets were closed.

We were fortunate to launch at the right time, providing merchants with a lifeline to keep their businesses running. While luck played a role, it was our ability to respond quickly and effectively to the crisis that solidified our place as a trusted platform.

2. Passion: The Driving Force

Passion is at the heart of everything I do with Orderla. It’s not just a platform; it’s a mission to empower merchants to grow their businesses effortlessly. This passion fuels my motivation during tough times and helps me stay committed to the long-term vision.

When you truly care about what you’re building, every challenge becomes an opportunity to improve. Passion ensures that even the smallest detail in the platform receives the attention it deserves.

3. Loving What You Do

Maintaining Orderla is more than a job—it’s something I genuinely love doing. From brainstorming features to solving technical issues, every task feels fulfilling because I know it contributes to something bigger.

Loving what you do allows you to stay consistent and pour your heart into every aspect of your work. This energy is contagious, inspiring the team and creating a positive impact on our users.

4. Listening to Customers

Customers are the backbone of any business. At Orderla, we make it a point to actively listen to feedback from our merchants. Whether it’s through reviews, direct conversations, or support tickets, every piece of input is valuable.

By truly understanding their needs and challenges, we can adapt and provide solutions that make a real difference. This approach has not only built trust but also helped shape the platform into what it is today.

5. Taking Action to Improve

Listening to feedback is only half the battle; acting on it is what drives success. At Orderla, we prioritize creating action plans to address issues and enhance the platform.

Regular updates, bug fixes, and new features are a result of this proactive mindset. For example, when users requested better analytics, we introduced advanced reporting tools to empower merchants to make data-driven decisions.

Improvement is a continuous process, and taking actionable steps ensures that the platform stays relevant and valuable.

6. Effective Marketing: Letting the World Know

Even the best platform won’t succeed if people don’t know about it. Marketing has been instrumental in Orderla’s growth. Through social media campaigns, email newsletters, and collaborations, we’ve been able to reach more merchants and showcase the value we offer.

Our strategy isn’t just about promotion—it’s about storytelling. By sharing success stories from our merchants, we inspire others to join and build their businesses with us.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining Orderla requires a balance of passion, dedication, strategic thinking, and the ability to seize the right moment. Launching during the pandemic was a stroke of luck, but it was our response to the needs of merchants that turned that timing into long-term success.

By staying connected to our purpose, listening to our customers, and continually improving, we’ve created a platform that merchants trust and love.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through consistent effort, a willingness to adapt, and a genuine desire to make a difference. I’m excited for what the future holds for Orderla and look forward to continuing this incredible journey.

Let’s keep growing together!