How to Start an Ecommerce Business in Pakistan (2026)

Pakistan’s e-commerce market is projected to reach roughly $11–12 billion in 2026, with over 85% of orders now placed from mobile devices. Here’s a practical, current guide to starting an online business in Pakistan.

1. Choose Your Niche

Research demand using tools like Google Trends, and study what sells well on established Pakistani marketplaces. Focus on a specific category rather than trying to sell everything — a focused store is easier to market and build trust in.

2. Register Your Business Legally

Unlike the US (which uses an EIN), Pakistani businesses register for an NTN (National Tax Number) through the FBR’s IRIS portal. This is required for tax compliance and is generally free to obtain online.

3. Choose Where to Sell

You have two main options: sell on an existing marketplace, or build your own store.

Top Pakistani Marketplaces (2026)

  • Daraz — Pakistan’s largest marketplace, roughly 35% market share, widest reach across categories
  • PriceOye — leading electronics marketplace
  • OLX — classifieds (cars, property, electronics)
  • Telemart — omnichannel electronics and appliances (online + physical stores)
  • Sapphireonline — leading fashion retailer
  • Naheed — grocery and daily essentials

Selling on a marketplace like Daraz gets you instant access to traffic and logistics support, but with intense price competition and less control over branding.

Building Your Own Store

  • Shopify — fastest to set up, strong mobile experience, good built-in SEO
  • WooCommerce — best long-term control and cost efficiency for WordPress users, strong SEO customization via plugins like Rank Math

Building your own store costs more upfront in time and setup but gives you full control over branding, customer data, and profit margins.

4. Set Up Payments

Local payment gateways like JazzCash and Easypaisa are essential for Pakistani customers, alongside cash-on-delivery, which still accounts for a large share of transactions nationwide.

5. Plan Your Logistics

Next-day and two-day delivery are now standard in major cities. Partner with courier services (TCS, Leopards, M&P, or marketplace-provided logistics if selling on Daraz) and be transparent about delivery timelines, especially for orders outside major cities where logistics remain more challenging.

6. Market Your Store

  • Social commerce (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) is a major growth channel for Pakistani sellers, especially for fashion and lifestyle products
  • SEO matters even for marketplace sellers — optimized product titles and descriptions improve on-platform discoverability
  • Paid ads on Meta platforms remain a common and effective channel for new store owners with a modest budget

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a registered business to sell online in Pakistan?

You can start informally on social media or a marketplace, but registering for an NTN is required once you’re generating consistent income, for tax compliance.

Is Daraz or building my own store better for a beginner?

Daraz is generally easier to start with since it provides built-in traffic and logistics. Your own store (Shopify/WooCommerce) makes more sense once you want full control over branding and margins.

How much does it cost to start an e-commerce business in Pakistan?

Selling on Daraz can start with minimal investment beyond your product cost. Building your own Shopify or WooCommerce store typically costs more upfront for hosting, design, and marketing.

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