The main ways to sell online
Model | Example | What you control |
|---|---|---|
Marketplace | Daraz, Amazon | Listings and stock; the platform brings buyers |
Own store | Shopify, WooCommerce | Brand, prices and data; you bring the traffic |
Social selling | Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp | Direct contact; payments and delivery by hand |
Ecommerce in Pakistan
The US International Trade Administration reported Pakistan’s ecommerce revenue at US$5.4 billion in 2024 and noted that cash on delivery is still the main way online orders are paid (trade.gov). It names Daraz among the leading ecommerce sites in the country.
For a new seller, that means planning for cash on delivery, returns and courier costs from day one, not treating them as extras.
Skills it takes
- Product research: finding what sells, at what price and margin.
- Listings: titles, photos and descriptions that match what buyers search.
- Marketing: ads, social content and email or WhatsApp follow-ups.
- Operations: stock, packing, couriers, returns and customer messages.