Start making secondary source of income with your own ecommerce business in Pakistan. Starting a secondary source of income is always a great idea, and eCommerce is the perfect platform to do so. Pakistan, being an emerging market, has a lot of potential when it comes to eCommerce businesses. In this blog, we will discuss how you can start making a secondary source of income with your own eCommerce business in Pakistan.

1. WHAT IS ECOMMERCE?
2. HOW TO GET IN THE E-COMMERCE MARKET IN PAKISTAN?
3. HOW CAN YOU START SELLING?
4. WHICH PRODUCTS WOULD WORK?
5. FORMULA TO CHOOSE A PRODUCT
6. WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
7. WHAT SHOULD BE THE PRICING STRUCTURE?
8. ACQUIRE PRODUCTS
9. USING THE RIGHT SALES CHANNEL
10. MARKETING THE PRODUCT
11. DIGITAL MARKETING:
12. INFLUENCER MARKETING:
13. SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING:
14. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PAID MARKETING AND ORGANIC MARKETING WHAT WORK BEST
15. DO YOU REQUIRE YOUR OWN WEBSITE?
16. WHAT IS A PO CYCLE?
17. HOW DESCRIBING IT WILL HELP IN YOUR NEW VENTURE?
18. IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE (PRE-SALES AND POST-SALES)
19. CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURIER SERVICE

WHAT IS ECOMMERCE?

eCommerce, or electronic commerce, refers to buying and selling goods and services over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of online transactions, including:

1. RETAIL: Selling products directly to consumers through online stores or platforms.
2. WHOLESALE: Businesses selling products in bulk to other businesses.
3. MARKETPLACES: Platforms where multiple sellers can list their products or services, like Amazon or eBay.
4. DIGITAL PRODUCTS: Selling items like software, e-books, music, and online courses.
5. SERVICES: Offering services such as consulting, design work, or subscription-based models online.eCommerce involves various components, including online storefronts, payment gateways, digital marketing, and supply chain management. It’s a rapidly evolving field that leverages technology to make transactions more convenient and accessible.

HOW TO GET IN THE E-COMMERCE MARKET IN PAKISTAN?

To get started in the ecommerce market in Pakistan, there are a few things you can do. First, you need to identify a niche and the products you want to sell. You can start by conducting market research and identifying gaps in the market that you can fill.

You can then acquire the products through

• Wholesalers
• Manufacturers
• Or drop shippers

Next, you need to set up your ecommerce website or marketplace storefront. You can use platforms like Shopify, Daraz, or Amazon to set up your online store. You should focus on branding and creating a user-friendly shopping experience to attract customers.

Finally, you need to market your ecommerce business through social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and other digital marketing techniques. You can also partner with influencers, resellers, or other businesses to help promote your products and expand your reach. In this blog we will be touching all these points in some detail. I will try my best to make it as simple as possible and pointing out only the most important subjects. You can always contact me and I would love to improve the blog or provide you with any consultation.

Let’s summarize:

ecommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services online.

It is a growing market in Pakistan with great potential for growth. To taste a piece of this market, entrepreneurs and businesses should identify a niche, acquire products, set up an ecommerce storefront, and market their business effectively.

Types of eCommerce Businesses

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF ECOMMERCE BUSINESSES:

• B2B (BUSINESS TO BUSINESS)
• B2C (BUSINESS TO CONSUMER)

B2B eCommerce businesses deal with businesses as their customers, while B2C eCommerce businesses deal with individual customers.

In this blog, we will be focusing more on the B2C (Business to Consumer) aspect of eCommerce businesses. This means that we will be discussing how to sell products directly to individual customers through online platforms.

B2C eCommerce businesses are popular because they offer a convenient shopping experience for customers. Online shopping allows customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own home. This makes it easier for businesses to reach a wider audience and for customers to access a wider range of products.

SOME POPULAR TYPES OF B2C ECOMMERCE BUSINESSES INCLUDE:

1. Retail eCommerce – selling products directly to customers through an online store
2. Marketplace eCommerce – providing a platform for other businesses to sell their products
3. Subscription eCommerce – offering regular deliveries of products or services to customers
4. Service-based eCommerce – providing services online such as digital marketing or consulting services

In this blog, we will focus on how to start a B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan, which includes identifying the right products to sell, acquiring them, branding, pricing, marketing, and customer service.

By focusing on B2C eCommerce businesses, we can provide more targeted and relevant information to entrepreneurs and businesses looking to enter this market. It is important to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of selling directly to individual customers, and we will address these in our discussion of various aspects of B2C eCommerce businesses in Pakistan.

HOW CAN YOU START SELLING?

Starting an eCommerce business in Pakistan is quite easy. The first step is to identify what you want to sell. It can be anything from clothes, accessories, electronics, or any other product that you think would work. This is called selecting a niche for your business.

WHICH PRODUCTS WOULD WORK?

When it comes to eCommerce businesses, there is no hard and fast rule as to which products would work. However, some products that have worked well in Pakistan include clothes, accessories, gadgets, and food items.

It is important to conduct market research to identify gaps in the market and find out what customers are looking for. Researching to find the hot selling items on bigger eCommerce giants (Ali Baba, Amazon, Daraz, etc.)

One way to find hot selling items is to visit websites like Alibaba, Amazon, and Daraz. These websites have a vast collection of products, and you can see which products are selling well.

HERE IS A FORMULA TO CHOOSE A PRODUCT:

Identify a Niche: Start by identifying a niche that has a high demand but low competition. This will help you stand out in the market and attract customers.

Conduct Market Research: Do it manually or Use Machine Learning bots to research which products are currently selling well in your chosen niche. Look at factors such as pricing, product type, and customer reviews.

Analyze the Competition: Look at what your competitors are offering and see if there is a gap in the market that you can fill.

Determine Profitability: Calculate the profitability of each product by factoring in the cost of goods, shipping, and marketing. This will help you determine which products are worth selling.

Test Your Products: Before launching a full-scale product line, it is important to test your products to see how they perform. You can start by selling a small batch of products to see how they are received by customers.

By automating the process and using ML and bots to gather information, you can quickly and efficiently find hot selling items and use them to grow your B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan.

ACQUIRE PRODUCTS:

Once you have identified the products you want to sell, the next step is to acquire them. Acquiring products is a crucial step in the process of starting a B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan. Once you have identified the products you want to sell, you can acquire them by either buying them in bulk or starting drop shipping.

If you choose to buy products in bulk, you can usually get them at a cheaper price. However, this may involve a larger investment upfront, and you will need to store the products until they are sold. On the other hand, drop shipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. This can be a cost-effective way to start your business, as you only purchase products from your supplier after you have made a sale.

It is important to note that in Pakistan, acquiring products such as sports items and clothing may be cheaper but involve risks due to the current situation in Pakistan’s struggling economy. This may cause disruptions in the supply chain and impact the quality of the product. As an alternative, you can consider sourcing products from China, which is a bigger market and has better quality control. This will ensure a continual supply of high-quality products and provide you with multiple options to choose from.

When acquiring products, it is important to find a reliable supplier who can provide you with quality products at a competitive price. You can use platforms such as Alibaba to connect with suppliers and negotiate deals.

By acquiring products from a reliable source, you can ensure that your customers receive high-quality products that meet their expectations, which can help to build your brand and increase customer loyalty.

Branding

WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Branding is a crucial aspect of any B2C eCommerce business. It is the way you create a unique identity for your business and make it stand out in the market. Branding techniques can include logos, slogans, website design, packaging, and marketing strategies that differentiate your business from your competitors.

Effective branding can help you establish your business in the minds of your customers and create a positive reputation for your brand. It is a way to build trust and confidence in your products and services, and to make your business more memorable and recognizable.

To create a strong brand identity for your B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan, it is important to consider your target audience, your competition, and your unique selling proposition. You can then create a logo, slogan, and visual design that reflects your business’s values and appeals to your target market.

Branding also involves creating a consistent message across all of your marketing channels, including social media, email marketing, and advertising. By creating a cohesive and recognizable brand image, you can increase the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and build brand recognition and loyalty.

Overall, branding is an essential part of building a successful B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan. By creating a strong brand identity, you can establish your business in the minds of your customers and build a positive reputation for your brand, which can ultimately lead to increased sales and revenue.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE PRICING STRUCTURE?

When it comes to setting the right price for your products in your B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

Cost: This includes the cost of acquiring the product, shipping and handling, overhead expenses, and any other costs associated with running your business.

Competition: Look at the prices your competitors are charging for similar products to get an idea of what the market is willing to pay.

Demand: Consider the demand for the product and how much customers are willing to pay for it. If the product is in high demand, you may be able to charge a higher price.

Profit margin: You need to make sure you’re making a profit on each sale, so it’s important to set a price that covers your costs and leaves room for profit.

Once you’ve taken all these factors into consideration, you can use the following formula to calculate the ideal price for your product:

Price = (Cost + Markup) x Volume

The formula Price = (Cost + Markup) x Volume is used to calculate the ideal price for a product in a B2C eCommerce business.

Cost: This is the total cost of acquiring the product, including shipping and handling fees, any overhead expenses, and any other costs associated with running the business.

Markup: The markup is the percentage of profit that you want to make on each sale. This is added to the cost of the product to determine the selling price.

Volume: The volume is the number of products you expect to sell. This is multiplied by the selling price to determine the total revenue generated from the product.

Markup is the percentage of profit you want to make on each sale, and volume is the number of products you expect to sell. By using this formula, you can set a price that is both competitive and profitable for your B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan.

However, it’s important to also consider the market conditions and economic situation in Pakistan, as well as the purchasing power of your target audience. You may need to adjust your pricing strategy accordingly to remain competitive and appeal to your customers.

USING THE RIGHT SALES CHANNEL

Choosing the right sales channel for your eCommerce business in Pakistan is crucial. It is important to decide whether to sell through marketplaces like Daraz or to set up your own online store. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Marketplaces like Daraz are popular in Pakistan and have a large customer base, making it easier to reach a wide audience. These marketplaces take care of many aspects of running an eCommerce business, such as payment processing, shipping, and customer service. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business, such as sourcing products and marketing.

On the other hand, setting up your own online store gives you greater control over your eCommerce business in Pakistan. You can create a unique brand identity, choose your own payment gateway, and have complete control over the customer experience. However, setting up and managing your own online store can be more complex and time-consuming.

Ultimately, the decision to use a marketplace or set up your own online store depends on your business goals, budget, and resources. You should research and evaluate different sales channels to determine the best fit for your B2C eCommerce business in Pakistan.

MARKETING THE PRODUCT

Marketing is a key factor in the success of any eCommerce business in Pakistan. It is important to choose the right marketing strategies that will help you reach your target audience and increase sales. Here are some common marketing strategies for B2C eCommerce businesses in Pakistan:

DIGITAL MARKETING:

Digital marketing involves promoting your products online through channels such as search engines, social media, and email marketing. You can use techniques like search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website’s visibility on search engines, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to drive traffic to your website, and email marketing to promote your products to your email list.

INFLUENCER MARKETING:

Influencer marketing involves partnering with popular social media influencers to promote your products. In Pakistan, there are many popular influencers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube that can help you reach your target audience.

Reseller Marketing: Reseller marketing involves partnering with other retailers or resellers to sell your products. This is a great way to expand your reach and increase sales, especially if you are a new eCommerce business in Pakistan.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING:

Social media marketing involves promoting your products through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This is a great way to build brand awareness, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website.

It is important to choose the right marketing strategies that will help you reach your target audience and increase sales. You can use a combination of these marketing strategies to achieve your business goals. However, it is important to track your marketing efforts and adjust your strategies accordingly to get the best results. In the future, I would discuss more on these points and how to use an effective Marketing Calendar.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PAID MARKETING AND ORGANIC MARKETING – WHAT WORKS BEST?

Paid marketing, also known as paid advertising, involves paying for advertising space on search engines, social media platforms, and other websites to promote your products. This method includes pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, display advertising, and social media advertising. Paid marketing is a faster way to get your product in front of potential customers and can be useful if you want to target a specific audience or promote a new product.

Organic marketing, also known as inbound marketing, involves non-paid methods such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and social media management. This method involves creating and sharing valuable content with your audience to attract them to your website and products. Organic marketing is a slower process but can be more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.

Both paid and organic marketing have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option depends on your marketing goals, budget, and target audience. Paid marketing is useful for promoting new products or services and targeting specific audiences, while organic marketing can be useful for building brand awareness and engaging with your audience.

DO YOU REQUIRE YOUR OWN WEBSITE?

Having your own website can be a valuable asset for your eCommerce business. A website gives your brand a unique identity and provides customers with a better shopping experience. It can also improve your brand authority and credibility.

With your own website, you have complete control over your eCommerce store. You can customize your website according to your branding and business needs. You can also add features that are specific to your business and customers, such as loyalty programs, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations.

Additionally, having your own website can give you a competitive edge in the market. It allows you to stand out from other eCommerce businesses that rely on marketplaces like Daraz or Amazon. It also helps you build a loyal customer base and generate repeat business.

While having your own website can be beneficial, it requires additional investment and resources. You need to have a dedicated team to manage your website and ensure that it is up to date and secure. You also need to invest in marketing to drive traffic to your website.

In summary, having your own website can be an excellent way to improve your eCommerce business’s brand authority, increase your sales, and stand out in the market. However, it requires additional investment and resources, and you should carefully evaluate your business needs and budget before deciding to create your own website.

 WHAT IS A PO CYCLE?  HOW DESCRIBING IT WILL HELP IN YOUR NEW VENTURE?

The PO cycle or the purchasing cycle is the process that businesses go through to acquire products from the suppliers. It includes several steps, such as identifying the products, sourcing the products, placing the order, and receiving the product. By understanding and implementing the PO cycle effectively, you can streamline your business operations, ensure you always have the products in stock, and avoid any potential delays or issues in the supply chain. Having a well-established PO cycle will help you make informed decisions, reduce any risks, and maintain a steady flow of inventory. It can be an essential component of your eCommerce business, helping you to optimize your operations and maximize profits.

IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE (PRE-SALES AND POST-SALES)

Providing excellent customer service is crucial in the success of any eCommerce business. Before a customer makes a purchase, they may have questions about the product, shipping, or returns. Providing prompt and accurate pre-sales support can help address any concerns the customer may have and provide a positive buying experience.

After the sale, it is essential to provide excellent post-sales support, including timely shipping and delivery, tracking information, and prompt resolution of any issues or concerns that may arise. This helps to build customer loyalty and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

In addition, positive customer experiences can lead to word-of-mouth marketing, which can drive more sales and help to grow your business. By investing in customer service, you can set yourself apart from competitors and build a loyal customer base.

To make the process more efficient, you can use free tools like chatbots to automate responses to customers, centralize all customer inquiries in one place, and provide timely assistance. This can save you time and resources while ensuring that your customers get the support they need.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURIER SERVICE

Choosing the right courier service is essential as it affects your delivery times and customer satisfaction. You can use services like TCS, Leopard, and other reliable courier services.