How to start an online store in Pakistan (2026 guide)

1. Decide what to sell

Start with something you can source reliably and ship affordably. Fashion, beauty, home, and accessories all do well online in Pakistan. Validate demand before you commit to stock: check what is selling on local marketplaces and social media, and start with a small, focused range rather than a huge catalog.

2. Choose your ecommerce platform

Your platform is the foundation of the store, so pick one that fits the local market. The things that matter most are local payments, pricing in rupees, and a setup you can manage yourself without a developer.

• Local payments for card and cash on delivery, without a clunky redirect.
• PKR pricing, so your platform cost does not move with the dollar.
• A no-code builder, so you can launch and edit the store yourself.

If you have used Shopify or are comparing options, see our guide to the best Shopify alternative in Pakistan.

3. Set up payments (card and cash on delivery)

Two payment methods cover almost every order in Pakistan: debit and credit cards and cash on delivery. Offer both. Cards let customers pay upfront and reduce failed deliveries, while cash on delivery is what a large share of buyers still expect. The best experience keeps card entry on your own site instead of redirecting the customer away to a slow third-party page.

4. Sort out delivery and fulfilment

Partner with a courier that covers your target cities and offers cash-on-delivery remittance. Agree on rates, pickup, and return handling before you launch. Keep your packaging simple and consistent, and set clear delivery expectations on the product page so customers know when to expect their order.

5. Launch and grow

Launch with a tight range, clear photos, and honest descriptions, then drive traffic from Instagram, TikTok, and word of mouth. Watch what sells, restock your winners, and expand from there. The goal is momentum: get real orders, learn, and iterate.

Storelala is built to make all of this effortless, and it is launching soon. Get early access to start selling online in Pakistan.