With the development in technology the online shopping in Pakistan has also changed in the past few years especially after the COVID-19 the people of Pakistan started moving towards online shopping and prefer shopping using their phones and laptops rather than visiting actual stores. This big shift has opened up an amazing chance for anyone who wants to start an ecommerce business here.
According to recent stats, Pakistan’s ecommerce revenue is expected to hit around $5.9 billion by 2025, and by 2028, over 17 million people will be shopping online. Plus, mobile shopping alone will make up more than half of all sales!
No matter if you are a student, or a freelancer, or a business owner, it’s the best time for you to start your own e-commerce business in Pakistan. Now I’ll provide you a simple and step-by-step guide to start your own online business in Pakistan, even if you have no experience.
Why E-Commerce is Booming in Pakistan
Ecommerce is growing very fast in Pakistan and it’s becoming a big part of people’s life. After COVID, more people got used to buying things online because it’s easy and saves time and now they like to shop from home without any difficulty. Especially youth prefers to shop using their phones and laptops. Not in cities but the people in villages also shop using the internet to buy clothes, electronics, and groceries. Many new online stores are opening every month, and even old businesses are moving online to reach more customers. This shows that Pakistan’s online market has a big future.
Here are some reasons why ecommerce is growing so quickly in Pakistan:
- More people are using smartphones and internet every day
- Websites like Daraz have made online shopping very simple
- Government is supporting digital payments and online businesses
- People now trust mobile wallets like JazzCash and EasyPaisa
Steps to Start an Ecommerce Business in Pakistan
Starting an ecommerce business in Pakistan is a big task, but when you break it into small steps, and start by following these small steps it becomes much easier. Lets you guide through the complete step-by-step process. These steps are written in simple words, based on real experience and trusted information. If you’re a student, a housewife, or job holder looking for a side business, this guide will help you start your own online business.
1. Choose a Niche That Works
The first step for starting your e-commerce business is to choose the Niche means what you want to sell. A niche means the type of products you want to sell. It’s important to pick something that people want to buy. For example, fashion, kitchen items, mobile accessories, or even health products. Search the market most demanded products with low competition. You can even look at Daraz or OLX to see what’s trending. It’s better to sell something unique or useful. For example, many students in Pakistan are starting small stores selling stationery or customized gifts online.
2. Build a Simple Business Plan
Once your niche is clear, it’s time to plan your business. A business plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Just write down:
- What are you selling?
- Who will buy it?
- How will you market it?
- What’s your budget?
- Where will you get the products from?
Even a one-page plan can guide you in the right direction.
3. Register Your Business Legally
If you want to grow big and build trust with customers, it’s better to register your business.
Here’s how to do it in Pakistan:
- Register with SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan) – this is optional at the start, but recommended.
- Register with FBR – Get your NTN (National Tax Number). You’ll need this if you want to run Facebook ads or open a business bank account.
- Register with your local Chamber of Commerce if needed.
Legal registration gives your business more trust and can help you open a bank account and work with local courier and payment services easily.
4. Choose an Ecommerce Platform
You need a place where people can see your products and place orders. There are three main options:
- Create your own website using platforms like Shopify
- Use WooCommerce with WordPress to build your own website
- Sell on marketplaces like Daraz, or OLX (no website needed)
- Use social media platforms like Facebook Shop or Instagram Store
My suggestion: If you’re just starting out, begin with a Daraz seller account or Facebook page as well as Instagram page. Once you grow, then make your own website.
5. Source Your Products
Next, you need to decide where to get your products from. You have following options:
- Buy from local wholesale markets (like Shah Alam Market in Lahore or Bolton Market in Karachi)
- Import from China using Alibaba or AliExpress(but this needs more budget)
- Make your own products if you’re into handmade items or crafts
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, local manufacturing businesses are increasing online sales by 18% annually. Many successful sellers in Pakistan started small—buying just 10-20 items and testing what sells before going big.
6. Set Up Payment Methods
To receive payments, you need easy and trusted options. In Pakistan, these are most popular:
- Cash on Delivery (COD) – still the most preferred by buyers
- JazzCash & Easypaisa – easy to set up for bank transfers
- Bank transfer – for bulk or repeat customers
- HBL Konnect and UBL’s UPayments
Most customers still prefer Cash on Delivery (COD) to verify orders to avoid fake ones, but online payments are growing fast, especially among younger shoppers.
7. Plan and Arrange Delivery (Logistics)
After someone places an order, you need to deliver the product. In Pakistan, you can work with courier companies like:
- TCS
- Leopards Courier
- TRAX
- CallCourier
They offer ecommerce solutions where they pick up the parcel from your home and deliver it to the customer.
8. Launch Your Store or Website
Now it’s time to go live. Now that everything is ready, you can launch your store. If you’re using Shopify or WooCommerce, make sure your website is:
- Easy to use on mobile
- Has product images, prices, and descriptions
- Has clear contact details
If you’re using Facebook or Instagram, post regularly, use stories and reels, and reply to messages quickly. If you’re selling on Daraz, keep your listings clear with good photos and prices mentioned.
9. Start Marketing Your Business
Once your store is live, it’s time to tell people about it. In Pakistan, the best ways to promote your ecommerce store are: Here are the best methods in Pakistan:
- Facebook and Instagram Ads: Target the right age and city.
- WhatsApp Marketing: Share deals in groups or status.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): If you have a website, use Google-friendly keywords.
- Influencer marketing – Many small pages on TikTok and Insta promote products for low cost
I once helped a friend start with just Rs. 5,000 in ad budget. She sold handmade jewelry on Instagram and got her first 10 orders in just one week by running Instagram story ads. So, Start with a small ad budget. Even Rs. 1000 on Facebook can bring good results if your product photos and offers are attractive.
10. Track Your Progress and Keep Improving
Once your business is running, keep an eye on:
- What products are selling?
- Which ads are working?
- Are customers happy?
Keep testing new ideas, offers, and promotions. Slowly build your brand and trust.
Best Ecommerce Platforms to Use
Choosing the right platform for your ecommerce business is just like choosing the best market place for your physical store. It should be strong, reliable, and match your needs. In Pakistan, there are three main types of platforms you can choose from: self-hosted, hosted, and online marketplaces. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Platform Type | Platform Names | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Self-hosted | WordPress + WooCommerce | Full control, low monthly cost | Needs technical setup | People with basic tech knowledge |
| Hosted | Shopify, Wix | Easy to use, quick setup | Monthly fee, limited control | Beginners with budget |
| Marketplaces | Daraz, OLX, Facebook Marketplace | Built-in customers, free to start | High competition, less branding | People who want to start fast |
Legal and Tax Considerations
When you start an ecommerce business in Pakistan, it’s important to keep things legal from day one. Here are the basic legal steps in a simple table:
| Requirement | Details |
| NTN Registration | Register with FBR to get your National Tax Number. Mandatory. |
| SECP Registration (Optional) | For private limited companies. Not necessary for sole proprietors. |
| Income Tax for Online Sales | File taxes if you earn income online. Even freelancers need to file. |
Challenges to Expect (and How to Overcome Them)
Running an ecommerce store in Pakistan has its own unique problems. But the good news is, all of them have solutions if you plan smartly. Here’s a simple table to help:
| Challenge | Solution |
| Cash on Delivery Problems | Offer prepaid discounts or use reliable courier services like TCS or TRAX |
| Fraud & Return Scams | Use order verification and clear return policies |
| Low Customer Trust | Build trust with reviews, real photos, and live chat support |
| Delayed Deliveries | Partner with fast logistics and always give a tracking number |
Tips for Growth and Success
Starting is just the first step. To grow, you need a few smart habits. These tips can help you build a strong brand, not just a simple store:
- Don’t just sell products. Build a brand that people recognize and trust.
- Answer questions fast, solve issues quickly, and always be polite.
- Ask customers for reviews. Happy customers will often leave a review if you ask politely. It builds trust for new buyers.
- In Pakistan, Facebook and WhatsApp groups are very powerful. Use them to talk to your audience and make loyal buyers.
Conclusion
Starting an ecommerce business in Pakistan looks difficult but actually not, once you take first step everything starts making sense , now after reading this you know how to choose the right platform, handle the legal stuff, deal with common challenges, and grow your store the smart way. Pakistan’s online market is growing super fast, and according to Statistcs, it’s expected to reach $5.9 billion by 2025. So, if you’ve been thinking about starting any e commerce business in Pakistan it’s the best time for you to start. Start small, stay consistent, and grow step by step — Pakistan’s online world is full of opportunities just waiting for you!
