The Best Platform to Start E-commerce in Pakistan
Starting an e-commerce business in Pakistan? First, you need to understand that there are two ways to do it: dependent e-commerce and independent e-commerce. Let’s break it down simply so you can decide which one suits you best.
1. Dependent E-commerce (Selling on Third-Party Platforms)
This is when you sell your products on existing platforms like Amazon, Daraz, Shopify, or eBay. You don’t own the platform, but you use their marketplace to sell your items. Here’s what you need to know:
- Less control: The platform sets the rules. If they change their policies, your business could be affected.
- Fees and commissions: You have to pay a percentage of your sales as commission.
- Easier setup: You don’t need to build a website, just create an account and list your products.
- Built-in audience: Platforms like Daraz and Amazon already have customers searching for products, which can help you get sales faster.
- Risk of account suspension: If the platform thinks you’ve violated their rules, they can block your account anytime.
2. Independent E-commerce (Your Own Website)
This is when you create your own online store instead of relying on third-party platforms. Big brands like Apple, Samsung, and Nike don’t sell through other platforms; they have their own websites. If you want full control over your business, independent e-commerce is the way to go.
- Full ownership: You control everything—pricing, customer service, and branding.
- No commission fees: Unlike Amazon or Daraz, you keep 100% of your profits.
- More effort required: You have to handle everything from website creation to marketing and customer service.
- Higher earning potential: If done right, independent e-commerce can be more profitable in the long run.
How to Start Your Own Independent E-commerce Business in Pakistan
If you want to build your own e-commerce website, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Create Your Website
Gone are the days when website development was complex. Now, you can build an online store easily using platforms like:
- WordPress + WooCommerce (Most customizable option)
- Shopify (Best for beginners but has monthly fees)
- ShopEngine (Good for Pakistani sellers)
- Wix or Squarespace (Easy drag-and-drop website builders)
Step 2: Choose the Right Products
Not every product sells well online. Do market research and pick products that are in demand. Some high-selling categories in Pakistan include:
- Clothing & fashion (Especially Pakistani brands)
- Mobile accessories & gadgets
- Health & beauty products
- Home & kitchen items
- Dropshipping products (No inventory needed)
Step 3: Market Your Products Effectively
Once your website is ready, you need to bring traffic to it. Here’s how:
- Social Media Ads: Run targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Google Ads: Get visitors from Google when people search for products.
- Influencer Marketing: Partner with Pakistani influencers to promote your products.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Optimize your website so it ranks on Google search results.
- Email Marketing: Build a list of customers and send promotions regularly.
Which Platform is Best?
If you want a quick and easy start, dependent e-commerce (Daraz, Amazon, etc.) is fine. But if you are serious about long-term success, independent e-commerce (your own website) is the best option.
It requires effort, but it also gives you full control over your business. There’s no shortcut to success. Learn, test, and grow your e-commerce business with the right approach.
Good luck!
