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Pakistan’s ecommerce market is growing rapidly, with the State Bank of Pakistan reporting that the sector crossed PKR 100 billion in online transactions in recent years. Affordable internet, mobile penetration, and platforms like Daraz, Shopify, and social commerce have made it possible for anyone to start an online store. But success depends on more than “just launching a website.” You need a clear process: from choosing the right products to handling payments, logistics, and marketing. This guide walks you through each step with local context, practical examples, and expert insights.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Model

Before creating your store, decide how you’ll sell online:

• Dropshipping → You don’t hold inventory; suppliers ship directly to customers. Lower risk, but less control.
  
  

• Own Inventory → You stock products yourself. More profit margin, but requires upfront investment.
  
  

• Marketplace Selling → Start on Daraz, OLX, or Amazon (Pakistan) instead of building a standalone store.

Many beginners in Pakistan start on Daraz to test the market, then move to Shopify or WordPress/WooCommerce for independence.

Step 2: Register Your Business (Optional but Recommended)

While many small sellers start informally, registering your business builds trust and allows you to work with larger partners.

• SECP Registration → For formal company setup.
  
  

• FBR NTN → Required for tax filing.
  
  

• Bank Account / Payment Gateway → Easier once you’re registered.
  
  

Even if you start small without registration, plan for it as you scale.

Step 3: Pick Profitable Products

Not every product sells well online. Do proper product research:

• Use Google Trends Pakistan and Daraz Best Sellers to spot demand.
  
  

• Look at TikTok trends (many products go viral first there).
  
  

• Focus on lightweight, high-margin items (easier to ship in Pakistan).

A client selling home décor pieces (lightweight, unique designs) scaled faster than someone selling heavy kitchen appliances due to logistics challenges.

Step 4: Build Your Online Store

You don’t need to be a coder to start an ecommerce store in Pakistan. Popular options:

• Shopify → Easy to set up, international quality, paid in USD.
  
  

• WooCommerce (WordPress) → Flexible, open-source, cost-effective.
  
  

• Daraz Seller Central → Start with no upfront cost, but higher competition.
  
  

Keep design simple, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading.

Step 5: Set Up Payments

Pakistan has multiple options for ecommerce payments:

• Cash on Delivery (COD) → Still the most preferred method in Pakistan.
  
  

• Bank Transfer / Easypaisa / JazzCash → Useful for digital-first customers.
  
  

• International Gateways (Stripe/PayPal alternatives) → Limited availability, but can be managed with local fintech partners if targeting global customers.
  
  

Step 6: Logistics & Shipping

Fast delivery can make or break your store. Partner with reliable couriers:

• Leopards Courier
  
  

• TCS
  
  

• Call Courier
  
  

• Trax
  
  

Many offer COD collection services, meaning they collect cash from customers and deposit it into your account.

Step 7: Market Your Store

Even the best online store won’t succeed without visibility. Focus on:

• Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat)
  
  

• Google Ads / SEO for long-term organic growth
  
  

• Influencer Marketing – micro-influencers in Pakistan can drive affordable sales
  
  

• WhatsApp Marketing – very effective for re-engaging customers

A small clothing store in Karachi grew its sales by 60% using TikTok influencer partnerships instead of relying only on Facebook Ads.

Step 8: Build Trust with Customers

Pakistani buyers are cautious with online shopping. Build credibility by:

• Showing real product photos and videos.
  
  

• Offering easy returns/exchanges.
  
  

• Using customer reviews/testimonials.
  
  

• Being active on WhatsApp for customer support.

Final Thoughts

Starting an online store in Pakistan is not difficult—but scaling it requires consistency, trust, and smart marketing. Don’t chase only “viral” products; focus on building a reliable brand that customers return to. As an ecommerce consultant helping brands in Pakistan, I’ve seen entrepreneurs succeed when they follow a structured process instead of guesswork. This guide exists to give beginners a clear, actionable roadmap tailored to the Pakistani market.