How to start Shopify store in Pakistan? Guide [2024]

Starting an online store has never been easier, and Shopify is one of the best platforms to help you get started. Whether you want to sell your own products or explore dropshipping, Shopify offers a user-friendly system for building and managing an online store. Here’s a detailed guide on how to start a Shopify store in Pakistan.

1. What is Shopify?

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows anyone to create an online store and sell products. It is a complete platform for running an online business, providing everything from website design to payment processing. You can sell physical products, digital goods, or services.

2. Why Start a Shopify Store in Pakistan?

Starting a Shopify store in Pakistan is an excellent way to tap into the global online market. The key benefits include:

• Ease of Use: Shopify is simple to set up and manage, even for beginners.
• Customizable: You can choose from a variety of themes and add features through apps.
• Global Reach: Sell products not only in Pakistan but worldwide.
• Flexible Payment Options: Shopify integrates with various payment gateways, making transactions easy.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Shopify Store in Pakistan

Here’s how you can set up your Shopify store:

a. Sign Up for Shopify

Go to Shopify’s website and click on the “Start Free Trial” button. You’ll need to provide basic details like your email, password, and store name.

b. Choose a Shopify Plan

After the free trial, you’ll need to select a paid plan. For beginners, the Basic Shopify plan is a good start. As your business grows, you can upgrade to more advanced plans with additional features.

c. Choose a Domain Name

You can buy a custom domain through Shopify or use a third-party domain provider like GoDaddy. Your domain should be unique and reflect your brand.

d. Select a Theme

Shopify offers both free and paid themes. Choose a theme that suits your products and brand. You can customize the theme to fit your style using Shopify’s editor.

e. Add Products

To add products, go to the “Products” section of your Shopify dashboard and click on “Add Product.” Include product descriptions, images, pricing, and stock details.

f. Set Up Payment Methods

In the “Settings” tab, go to “Payments” and select the payment gateways you want to use. Popular options for Pakistan include:

• 2Checkout
• Payoneer
• Stripe (through a third-party solution)
• Bank transfers and cash on delivery (COD)

g. Set Up Shipping

In the “Shipping” settings, you can configure shipping rates for local and international deliveries. Consider using local couriers like TCS or Leopards for delivery within Pakistan.

h. Launch Your Store

Once everything is set up, you can publish your store by clicking the “Launch” button. Now you’re ready to promote your store and attract customers!

4. Shopify Store Ideas: Dropshipping or Private Label?

There are different business models you can use with Shopify. Two popular options are dropshipping and private label.

a. Dropshipping

With dropshipping, you don’t need to stock products. Instead, you partner with a supplier who handles inventory and shipping. You only purchase products after customers order from your store.

• Pros: Low upfront costs, no need for storage.
• Cons: Lower profit margins, limited control over product quality and shipping times.

b. Private Label

Private labeling involves selling products manufactured by a third party but branded with your label. You have more control over the product, but you’ll need to invest in inventory and storage.

• Pros: Higher profit margins, full control over branding and quality.
• Cons: Higher upfront costs, need for inventory management.

5. Promoting Your Shopify Store

To generate sales, you need to promote your Shopify store. Here are a few ways to do it:

a. Social Media Marketing

Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your products. You can run paid ads targeting specific audiences to increase visibility.

b. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Optimize your product descriptions and website content for keywords like “how to start a Shopify store in Pakistan” to rank higher on search engines like Google.

c. Email Marketing

Collect customer emails and send out newsletters and promotions. Shopify integrates with email marketing tools like MailChimp to help you manage campaigns.

6. How to Earn Money with Shopify in Pakistan

With Shopify, you can earn money in various ways:

• Sell Physical or Digital Products: Whether it’s clothing, accessories, or digital downloads, Shopify helps you reach a global market.
• Offer Services: If you have skills like graphic design, writing, or marketing, you can sell services through your store.
• Dropshipping: With minimal upfront investment, dropshipping allows you to start selling without holding inventory.

7. Payment Options in Pakistan

While PayPal is not widely available in Pakistan, you can still receive payments through alternatives like:

• 2Checkout: One of the most popular options for receiving payments from international customers.
• Payoneer: Another widely used service that allows you to withdraw funds to your local bank account.
• Stripe (via third-party): Some third-party services allow Stripe integration for Pakistan-based merchants.

8. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Starting a Shopify store in Pakistan can come with challenges such as:

• Payment Processing: Limited payment gateway options can be an issue. Overcome this by using services like 2Checkout and Payoneer.
• Shipping Costs: Shipping can be expensive for international orders. Work with local and international courier services to offer competitive rates.
• Currency Issues: Set your store currency to USD or another widely accepted currency to avoid issues with conversions.

Also Check: Online Business Opportunities in Pakistan

Conclusion

Starting a Shopify store in Pakistan is an excellent opportunity to build an online business. With the right strategy—whether through dropshipping or private label—you can reach customers both locally and globally. Follow the steps above to set up your store, promote it effectively, and start earning money online.