Hello there fellow dropshippers.
It’s another day at Markaz, where our team’s been rummaging through your insightful questions.
Speaking of which, a lot of times we get asked something to the tune of how to start Shopify store in Pakistan or something like how to work on Shopify from Pakistan.
To be honest, we appreciate the concern and do as much as we can to give answers centered around many things associated with different angles of Shopify.
However, it’s just professional advice. At the end of the day, you’re expected to put in the hours, believe in yourself, and have a positive middle attitude centered around long-term success.
Having said that, this post highlights some of the basic stuff associated with how to start Shopify store in Pakistan, Shopify pricing Pakistan, and the possible challenges you may or may not have.
So, let’s get started.
Shopify is a leading cloud-based e-commerce platform that enables individuals and businesses to create their own online stores with ease. It offers a user-friendly interface, allowing users to set up and manage their stores without extensive technical knowledge. With various subscription plans starting at $29 per month, Shopify caters to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises.
The platform provides essential features such as product management, payment processing, and marketing tools, making it a comprehensive solution for online selling. Additionally, Shopify supports multiple sales channels, including social media and in-person sales through its point-of-sale system. For those looking to understand how to start a Shopify store in Pakistan, the platform’s intuitive design and extensive support resources make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the e-commerce market efficiently.
By leveraging Shopify’s capabilities, users can focus on growing their business while the platform handles the technical aspects of running an online store.
Shopify is increasingly popular among entrepreneurs in Pakistan, with over 30,000 active stores leveraging its capabilities to sell products online. The platform offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of setting up an e-commerce store, making it accessible for those without technical expertise. Pakistani merchants benefit from various features, including customizable themes, multiple payment gateways, and integration with local payment methods like JazzCash and Easypaisa.
Despite challenges such as the unavailability of Shopify Payments in the region, workarounds like third-party payment applications are available. As more individuals explore how to start a Shopify store in Pakistan, the platform continues to transform the local e-commerce landscape, empowering businesses to reach global markets efficiently.
Shopify, on its own, is just an online e-commerce portal with tons of integrations, customization options, and vice versa.
That way, any Pakistani entrepreneur such as you, who’s looking for ways on how to start Shopify store in Pakistan, can get started with multiple different approaches.
For instance, take a look below at different aspects of setting up a Shopify website in Pakistan.
You can start Shopify store in Pakistan as a dropshipper.
This approach would entail that you do not have any existing inventory, you are looking for the minimum risk factor, and you do not have an initial investment to make.
Top it off with the fact that you are just getting started on learning how to earn from Shopify in Pakistan, after breezing through some inspirational content on YouTube.
The dropshipping approach is one of the safest methods since it also doesn’t require from you to have an existing inventory of products at your home, a warehouse, or anywhere nearby.
In this approach, you’ll need a strong supplier network, all over Pakistan, from where you can source those products and then deploy them on your Shopify website.
That’s the easy part.
Your Shopify store’s marking, SEO, and other campaigns come later.
Now, let’s pause here and move on to the next alternative approach associated with how to start Shopify store in Pakistan, or how to work on Shopify from Pakistan.
The reseller approach to setting up a Shopify store is another method where you are looking to independently set up your own website.
Products are sourced from suppliers, just like the way we described above, and you get to make a substantial profit margin, the same way as dropshippers do.
Technically speaking, there’s no major difference between dropshipping and reselling. Both are essentially the same thing with tons of similarities.
There’s no need to stockpile any items; you just need to have a solid marketing strategy so that your Pakistani Shopify store gets enough eyeballs to see those wining products that you have listed on the website.
Here’s where Markaz.App comes in.
How so?
Markaz connects resellers and dropshippers with suppliers, allowing users to select from a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and accessories.
It’s a great way of kickstarting your Shopify business/ website in Pakistan, without the hassle of any backchannel negotiations with vendors, suppliers etc.
Everything is already vetted by the Markaz team, and they do so with product listing too.
There are over 150,000 products listed on Markaz, actively populating different product categories.
We do our best to only hunt winning products that you can potentially resell or dropship through your social network, phone contacts, emails, or your very own Shopify website.
Key Features of Reselling with Markaz
The most interesting part – i.e. if your questions weren’t answered earlier, is appended below.
This is where we talk about the actual method of how to work on Shopify from Pakistan, or how to sell on Shopify from Pakistan at a very basic and introductory level.
That being said, if you are already a seasoned seller in the Pakistani market as a dropshipper, a brand owner, or a reseller, we’d love to hear from you. In case you have any feedback on what we have shared so far, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
When your store setup is underway, consider these tips for choosing a domain name:
Integrating local shipping options into your Shopify store can significantly enhance your customer experience, especially if you cater to a local audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up local shipping effectively.
If you want to offer local pickup as an option:
To effectively hunt for products for your Shopify store in Pakistan, consider the following strategies:
By employing these strategies, you can effectively identify and source profitable products for your Shopify store in Pakistan.
And there you have it, essentially most of the important information on how to start a Shopify store in Pakistan.
Other than that, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The investment required to start a Shopify store in Pakistan varies based on the chosen plan and additional expenses. The Shopify Starter plan costs approximately $5 per month, making it an affordable entry point. However, most new merchants opt for the Basic plan, priced at around $25 per month, which offers more comprehensive features like unlimited product listings and multi-channel selling capabilities.
Additional costs include domain registration, which typically ranges from $10 to $30 annually, and potential transaction fees if using third-party payment gateways. For those looking to set up their store professionally, setup services may cost around PKR 48,000 for a basic store configuration.
Overall, initial investment can range from approximately PKR 10,000 to PKR 50,000, depending on the chosen plan and additional services. It’s essential to consider these factors when planning your budget for starting a Shopify store in Pakistan.
To work on Shopify in Pakistan, follow these essential steps:
To start working on Shopify in Pakistan, the first step is to create an account. Visit the Shopify website and click on the "Start Free Trial" button. You'll need to provide your email address, create a secure password, and choose a unique store name that reflects your brand. After filling out your business details, including address and phone number, you'll gain access to the Shopify dashboard. This user-friendly interface allows you to manage your online store efficiently. Take advantage of the free trial period to explore features and functionalities before committing to a subscription plan.
Once your account is set up, it’s time to customize your store. Shopify offers a variety of themes, both free and paid, that you can choose from based on your brand's aesthetic. After selecting a theme, use the drag-and-drop editor to modify layouts, colors, fonts, and images. Add essential pages like About Us, Contact Us, and FAQs for improved customer engagement. Ensure your product listings are visually appealing by using high-quality images and detailed descriptions that highlight features and benefits. A well-customized store enhances user experience and increases the likelihood of conversions.
Setting up payment methods is crucial for facilitating transactions on your Shopify store in Pakistan. While Shopify Payments is not available in the region, you can integrate local payment gateways such as JazzCash or EasyPaisa. To do this, navigate to the "Payments" section in your Shopify dashboard and select your preferred payment provider. Follow the prompts to link your bank account and configure settings like currency options. Offering multiple payment methods can enhance customer trust and convenience, ultimately leading to higher sales and improved customer satisfaction.
Localization is essential for catering to your target audience in Pakistan. Begin by adjusting your store settings to display prices in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). This can be done in the "General" settings of your Shopify dashboard under "Store Currency." Additionally, consider enabling Urdu language support if you aim to reach a broader audience that prefers local languages. You can also implement local shipping options by integrating with local courier services for faster delivery times. These adjustments create a more relatable shopping experience for customers and can significantly boost sales.
Effective marketing is key to driving traffic and sales in your Shopify store. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your products through engaging posts and targeted ads. Implement SEO strategies by optimizing product descriptions with relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility. Consider running email marketing campaigns to keep customers informed about promotions and new products. Additionally, collaborate with local influencers for greater reach within the community. A well-rounded marketing strategy will help you attract potential customers and establish a strong online presence in Pakistan’s competitive e-commerce landscape.
Setting up a Shopify seller account in Pakistan is a straightforward process that enables entrepreneurs to launch their online stores. First, visit the Shopify website and sign up for an account by providing your email, creating a password, and selecting a unique store name.
It’s essential to include a Pakistani business address during registration to tailor the platform to local requirements.
Once your account is created, you can customize your store by selecting themes and adding products with detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Although Shopify Payments is not available in Pakistan, you can integrate local payment gateways like JazzCash and EasyPaisa for seamless transactions.
Additionally, ensure that you set the currency to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) for convenience. After configuring payment methods and shipping options, you can start marketing your store through social media and other channels. By following these steps, you can effectively establish a successful Shopify seller account in Pakistan and tap into the growing e-commerce market.
Starting a Shopify dropshipping business in Pakistan requires a moderate investment, primarily for subscription fees and initial setup costs. Here’s a breakdown of the expected expenses:
Overall, an initial investment of approximately PKR 50,000 to PKR 100,000 is recommended to cover these essential costs and provide a buffer for unforeseen expenses as your business grows.
Yes, Shopify can be profitable in Pakistan. The platform has seen significant growth, with a 117% increase in the number of Shopify stores year-over-year as of Q3 2024, indicating a thriving e-commerce environment.
There are currently over 30,000 active Shopify stores in the country, primarily in sectors like apparel, beauty, and home goods, which highlights diverse market opportunities.
Entrepreneurs can leverage Shopify's user-friendly interface and local payment integrations to reach a broader audience. Additionally, the low barrier to entry allows many to start dropshipping or selling digital products without substantial upfront investment.
Marketing through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook further enhances visibility and sales potential.
Moreover, Shopify's adaptability to local market dynamics and its various features make it an attractive option for Pakistani merchants. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, those who effectively utilize Shopify's tools and strategies can achieve profitability in this growing market.
To work on Shopify from Pakistan without any initial investment, you can take advantage of the platform's free trial options. Here’s how to get started:
By following these steps, you can effectively work on Shopify from Pakistan without upfront investment while assessing its viability for your business.
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