How to Start an E-Commerce Business in Pakistan – A Step-by-Step Guide
Ecommerce or online business in Pakistan is growing rapidly, and if you have ever thought about starting your own online business, this is a perfect time! Whether you want to sell clothing, gadgets, home decor, fashion, handmade crafts, or digital products, e-commerce offers various opportunities.
But where do you start? Do you need a major investment? How to start an eCommerce business in Pakistan? Which eCommerce platform is best for you in this competitive market?
If you are asking these questions to yourself, you are in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting an eCommerce business in Pakistan step by step.
What is E-Commerce?
E-commerce (electronic commerce) an Online Business simply means buying and selling products online through Internet. This could be anything from physical goods (like clothes, home decor, skin care and electronics) to digital products (like e-books, themes, plugins and online courses).
Difference Between E-Commerce and E-Business
Many people confuse e-commerce with e-business. Here’s a simple difference:
E-commerce: Buying and selling online via the internet (Amazon, Daraz, Alibaba, eBay, Shopify stores).
E-business: Any business that uses the Internet for its operations, including marketing and customer service.
What is an E-Commerce Business?
An eCommerce business is an online store where you can sell products or services directly to customers. It operates through an eCommerce website, store or marketplace like Daraz or Shopify.
Types of E-Commerce Business Models
- B2B (Business to Business) – Selling to other businesses (e.g., Alibaba).
- B2C (Business to Consumer) – Selling to customers (e.g., Daraz, Amazon).
- C2C (Consumer to Consumer) – Individuals selling to each other (e.g., OLX, Facebook Marketplace).
- White Label E-Commerce – Selling products made by manufacturers but under your own brand.
What is an E-Commerce Website?
An eCommerce website is your online store where customers can browse and buy products.
Key Features of a Successful E-Commerce Website:
✔️ User-Friendly Design – Easy to navigate.✔️ Fast Loading Speed – Nobody likes slow websites.
✔️ Mobile Responsiveness – Most customers shop from phones.
✔️ Secure Payment Methods – Trust is important.
✔️ SEO Optimization – Helps your store rank on Google.
Want a quick start? You can use eCommerce website templates for a ready-made design, or contact us for a new ecommerce store or website!
You may want to read these posts :
How to Start an E-Commerce Business in Pakistan (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Choose Your Business Niche
- What will you sell? Clothing, electronics, handmade crafts, or digital products?
- Research market demand and competition.
- Find suppliers if needed.
Step 2: Select the Right E-Commerce Platform
Which eCommerce platform is best in Pakistan? Here are your options:- Daraz – Best for beginners who don’t want to create their own website.
- Shopify – A powerful platform for a professional online store.
- WooCommerce – Great if you want full control over your store.
- Local options – Priceoye, Telemart, and Goto.
Step 3: Register Your Business Legally
To avoid future problems, register your eCommerce business:- Get a National Tax Number (NTN) from FBR.
- Register with SECP for a proper company setup.
- Open a business bank account for transactions.
Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store
- Use eCommerce website design services or website templates.
- Add product images, descriptions, and prices.
- Enable payment methods like JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and Bank Transfers.
Step 5: Manage Delivery & Logistics
How will customers receive products? Use courier services like:- TCS
- Leopard Courier
- BlueEx
- Pakistan Post (for low-cost delivery)
Step 6: Promote Your Store & Get Customers
No customers = No sales! Use these marketing strategies:- SEO Optimization – Helps you rank on Google.
- Social Media Marketing – Use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Paid Ads – Run Facebook & Google Ads for traffic.
- Influencer Marketing – Partner with local influencers.
How to Start an E-Commerce Business Without Investment?
Don’t have money to invest? No problem! Here are three ways to start for FREE:1. Drop-shipping
- Sell products without keeping stock.
- The supplier ships directly to customers.
2. Affiliate Marketing
- Promote products from Amazon, Daraz, or AliExpress.
- Earn a commission on each sale.
3. Sell Digital Products
- Create e-books, online courses, or printables.
- Sell them on your eCommerce store or Gumroad.
Which E-Commerce Platform is Best in Pakistan?
Choosing the right platform depends on your business model:
| Platform | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Daraz | Beginners, marketplace selling | Free to start |
| Shopify | Full control, professional stores | Paid ($29/month) |
| WooCommerce | Self-hosted, custom sites | Free (Hosting required) |
| Facebook, Instagram Shops | Small businesses | Free |
How to Start a Local E-Commerce Business in Pakistan?
A local eCommerce store targets customers inside Pakistan. Here’s what you need:
✔️ Partner with local influencers for promotions.
✔️ Find trending local products (e.g., Pakistani clothing, organic skincare, mobile accessories).
✔️ Offer local payment methods like EasyPaisa, JazzCash, and COD.
✔️ Use Urdu and English marketing to reach more people.✔️ Partner with local influencers for promotions.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth Starting an E-Commerce Business in Pakistan?
💡 Absolutely YES! E-commerce is booming in Pakistan, and with the right strategy, you can build a successful online business.