If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could earn something from home” you’re not alone.
Over the past few years, more and more Pakistanis have started shopping (and selling) online. From Instagram stores to Daraz shops, regular people are turning their phones into full-time income. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy degree, office, or big investment to get started.
With over 124 million broadband users in Pakistan and rising smartphone access, the ecommerce industry is growing fast. In fact, it’s expected to cross Rs. 100 billion in just a few years.
So if you’re wondering how to start ecommerce business in Pakistan, this is the right time. Whether you’re a student, a housewife, or just tired of your 9–5, starting online is one of the smartest ways to build something of your own.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do it step by step, with real examples and zero fluff.
Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Sell
The first step is obvious, but also tricky what should you sell?
Think about:
-
What people need or want
-
What’s missing in your area or online
-
What you can afford to source or make
Some real examples:
-
A girl in Bahawalpur started selling Korean skincare on Instagram after noticing people in her city didn’t have easy access.
-
A university student in Islamabad began offering affordable handmade journals and planners she sold out within weeks.
Not sure what to pick? Start with products you already know something about. It’s much easier to sell something you believe in.
Step 2: Research the Market: But Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy software to do market research. Just grab your phone and start checking:
-
What are people already buying on Daraz or OLX?
-
How much are sellers charging?
-
What kind of packaging, delivery, and offers are they providing?
-
Can you do it better, faster, or cheaper?
Also, talk to people. Ask your friends, family, or even local shopkeepers what they think is in demand. Real opinions can teach you more than Google ever will.
Pro Tip: Use Facebook groups like “Ecommerce Pakistan Official” or “Women in Business Pakistan” to see what others are doing and what customers are asking for.
Step 3: Register Your Business (Optional but Smart)
Many people skip this part, especially in the beginning and that’s okay. But if you’re serious about building a proper online business, it’s worth it.
Here’s what registering gives you:
-
You can open a business bank account
-
You can accept digital payments
-
It builds customer trust (especially when you’re scaling)
What you need to do:
-
Decide a name
-
Register with SECP as a sole proprietorship or private limited company
-
Apply for NTN from FBR
Estimated cost: PKR 3,000 to 6,000 if you do it yourself or hire a basic consultant.
Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store
Now comes the fun part creating your online shop. You have 3 main options:
1. Sell Through Marketplaces
Best for beginners.
-
Daraz: Huge traffic, easy to set up
-
OLX Mall: Growing fast
-
Export sites: Amazon, Etsy (good for handmade or exportable goods)
You don’t have to worry about website setup or payment systems here. Just upload your product info and start selling.
Downside: They take a percentage of each sale.
2. Sell on Social Media
This is where most small businesses in Pakistan start. Instagram and Facebook are goldmines — especially for fashion, beauty, or handmade items.
Tips:
-
Take clear, natural photos (no heavy editing)
-
Use local influencers (even nano influencers work)
-
Post regularly and use local hashtags like #KarachiFashion or #IslamabadDeals
3. Build Your Own Website
If you’re ready to look professional and grow faster, create your own store.
Platforms to use:
-
Shopify (easy to use, international, paid monthly)
-
WooCommerce + WordPress (more control, cost-effective)
-
Webx.pk (made in Pakistan supports local payments)
Just make sure your website is mobile-friendly. According to DataReportal 2024, over 60% of web traffic in Pakistan comes from mobile phones.
Step 5: Set Up Payment and Delivery
This part scares a lot of new sellers but it’s really not that hard.
Payment Methods:
-
Cash on Delivery (COD): Still the most trusted method in Pakistan
-
Digital wallets: JazzCash, Easypaisa, SadaPay
-
Payment gateways: PayFast.pk, EasyPay (integrates with websites)
Delivery Options:
-
Leopards, TCS, BlueEx, Rider, and PostEx all offer ecommerce shipping and COD
-
You can also try Trax or Swyft for faster urban deliveries
Tip: Always compare rates and try out 2–3 couriers before settling. Some work better in cities, others in rural areas.
Step 6: Market Your Store
No one will buy from you if they don’t know you exist.
You don’t need a massive budget. Start with:
-
Facebook and Instagram ads (start with PKR 500/day)
-
WhatsApp stories (seriously underrated for sales!)
-
Collaborate with micro-influencers (even ones with 3k–10k followers)
-
Run flash sales or giveaways to create buzz
Did you know?
More than 45 million people in Pakistan use Facebook. And over 22 million use Instagram. (Source: Statcounter, 2024)
That’s your free advertising platform right there.
Step 7: Learn, Adjust, Repeat
Your first few weeks or months might feel slow that’s normal. But every sale teaches you something.
Use free tools like:
-
Google Analytics (track visits and sales)
-
Canva (for social media posts)
-
Trello or Notion (to keep track of tasks or stock)
Always talk to your customers. Ask them what they liked, what they didn’t. Use their feedback to fix problems and improve fast.
Real Example:
Faiza from Lahore started selling baby clothes from her home. After six months, she realized people wanted matching mom-and-baby sets. She added that option and now makes over PKR 200,000/month with 90% of sales coming from Instagram and WhatsApp alone.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Business — It’s a Mindset
Starting an ecommerce business in Pakistan isn’t just about selling products online. It’s about creating a new way of living where you’re in control of your time, your money, and your future.
Yes, there will be ups and downs. Some days you’ll get no orders. Some weeks might feel slow. You’ll make mistakes with couriers, spend money on ads that don’t work, or deal with annoying customers. It happens to everyone.
But here’s what matters: you keep going.
Because once you get the hang of it when you make your first sale, when a stranger trusts your brand, when you pack an order with your own hands it hits different. It’s empowering. It’s proof that you can do something on your own terms.
The truth is, there’s never been a better time to start ecommerce business in Pakistan. More people are shopping online. More tools are available for beginners. And more buyers are looking for local, reliable sellers just like you.
It doesn’t matter if you start small. What matters is that you start.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent.
If you’re still reading this, take it as a sign. Stop waiting for the “right moment” it won’t come. Your time is now. Even if you start with just one product on Instagram or a WhatsApp broadcast list, that’s enough. The rest will grow with time, effort, and experience.
Thousands of people in Pakistan are doing it every day some with barely Rs. 5,000 in their pocket. And you can too.
So make that product list. Create that Instagram page. Talk to a supplier. Post your first story.
Because your ecommerce journey doesn’t start when you get 100 orders.
It starts when you decide to believe in yourself.
FAQ: How to Start Ecommerce Business in Pakistan
1. Do I need to register a company to sell online?
Not always. You can start informally on social media. But registration helps you accept bank payments, work with bigger partners, and grow legally.
2. How much money do I need to start?
You can start with as little as PKR 5,000–10,000 if you sell on social media and use COD. A full website setup may cost more (around PKR 20,000–50,000 depending on design and hosting).
3. What are the most profitable ecommerce products in Pakistan?
Clothing, electronics, cosmetics, baby items, and health-related products do really well. But even niche items can be profitable if marketed right.
4. What’s the easiest platform to use?
Instagram for fast testing and Shopify for a clean, beginner-friendly online store.
5. Can students or housewives do ecommerce from home?
Absolutely. Many small ecommerce stores in Pakistan are run by students, mothers, and even full-time workers in their spare time.
For more info visit the main website Technofies.com
