How to Start a Shopify Store in Pak: Why It’s the Best Choice for Your Business
Starting an online business in Pakistan has never been easier, but choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming.
If you are wondering how to start a Shopify store in Pak, you are already on the right track. Shopify has become the go to solution for Pakistani entrepreneurs, from dropshippers in Lahore to clothing brands in Karachi. It removes the technical headaches and lets you focus on selling. In this guide, we’ll explore why Shopify is the best e-commerce platform in Pakistan, how to set it up step-by-step, and how you can handle payments and delivery locally.
Why Shopify is the Best Ecommerce Platform in Pakistan
When you look at the e-commerce landscape, Shopify stands out because it is built for non-techies. You don't need to be a coder to build a professional brand.
Easy Setup & Beginner-Friendly Dashboard for Pakistani Stores
The biggest hurdle for new sellers is complexity. Shopify solves this with a drag-and-drop interface. You can manage orders, add products, and track sales from a single, clean dashboard. It’s intuitive enough that anyone with basic computer skills can use it.
Reliable Hosting and Fast Loading Store
In Pakistan, internet speeds can fluctuate, so having a lightweight, fast-loading site is crucial for keeping customers. Shopify is a hosted platform, meaning its servers (which are world-class) handle the speed and security for you. You don't need to buy separate hosting or worry about your site crashing during a sale.
Built-In SEO Features for Better Ranking
Traffic is the lifeblood of any online store. Shopify comes with built-in SEO tools that help your store rank on Google. You can easily edit meta tags, alt text for images, and site structure to ensure your local customers find you when they search for products.
24/7 Support and Global Tools
Stuck at 2 AM trying to update a product? Shopify’s 24/7 customer support is legendary. Plus, it gives you access to global tools that allow you to sell not just in Pakistan, but internationally, handling currency conversion automatically.
How to Start a Shopify Store in Pakistan (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you are searching for how to start a Shopify store in Pakistan, here is the exact blueprint to get your business live.
Create Your Shopify Account
Visit Shopify.com and sign up for the free trial. You only need an email address, a password, and a store name. Pro tip: Don't overthink the store name; you can change your domain later.
Choose a Theme and Customize Your Store
Shopify’s theme store offers free and paid designs. Pick a theme that fits your niche (e.g., fashion, electronics). Use the editor to upload your logo and change colors to match your brand identity.
Add Products and Set Up Collections
Upload high-quality images of your products. Write detailed descriptions, including prices in PKR. Organize these products into "Collections" (categories) like "Men's Wear" or "New Arrivals" to help customers navigate easily.
Connect a Payment Gateway in Pakistan
This is often the trickiest part, but we will cover payment gateways for Shopify in Pakistan in detail below. For setup, you will go to Settings > Payments and select a provider that operates in Pakistan (like COD or third-party credit card processors).
Launch Your Store
Once your products are up and payments are set, remove the password protection from your store (found in Online Store > Preferences) and go live!
Need Professional Help? If setting up a store feels daunting, Qonkar offers expert digital solutions tailored for Pakistani businesses. They can help streamline your Shopify setup, ensuring your store is optimized for sales from day one.
How Shopify Works in Pakistan – Payment & Delivery Explained
Shopify works in Pakistan similarly to other countries, with local tweaks.
You don’t need to buy local hosting – Shopify provides high-speed cloud servers.
Pakistani merchants can use payment gateways for Shopify in Pakistan, like COD, bank transfer, or Safepay.
Shipping zones can be set for local & international deliveries.
Shopify Hosting & Servers
You do not need to buy local hosting in Pakistan. Your monthly Shopify subscription covers high-speed cloud hosting. This ensures your store is accessible globally with 99.9% uptime.
Shopify Payments vs Third-Party Gateways
Shopify has its own payment processor called "Shopify Payments," but it is not available in Pakistan yet. Therefore, Pakistani merchants must use third-party gateways or manual payment methods (like Bank Transfer or COD) to accept payments.
How Shopify Handles Local + International Orders
Shopify allows you to set up "Shipping Zones." You can create a zone for Pakistan with specific delivery rates (e.g., TCS or Leopards Courier rates) and a separate zone for international shipping if you plan to export.
Shopify Dropshipping in Pakistan Step-by-Step Guide
Dropshipping in Pakistan is booming because you don’t need inventory upfront.
When a customer orders, the supplier ships directly to them.
Best Shopify dropshipping apps in Pakistan:
- DSers
- CJ Dropshipping
- Oberlo
Low Investment and No Inventory Needed
With dropshipping, you don't keep products in a warehouse. When a customer buys from your store, you purchase the item from a third party (usually via AliExpress or local suppliers), who ships it directly to the customer.
Best Shopify Dropshipping Apps
Apps like DSers or CJ Dropshipping integrate directly with Shopify. They automate the process, so you can focus on marketing rather than logistics.
Product Delivery Options in Pakistan
For local dropshipping (sourcing from Pakistani wholesalers), you will likely use local couriers. For international dropshipping, standard shipping times apply, so transparency with your customers about delivery times is key.
Shopify vs Competitors: Why It’s the Best E-commerce Platform in Pakistan
When debating the best e-commerce platform in Pakistan, the main contenders are usually Shopify, WooCommerce, and local custom sites. Here is why Shopify wins.
Shopify vs WooCommerce
WooCommerce (WordPress) is free but requires you to manage hosting, security, and plugins yourself. If your site breaks, you have to fix it. Shopify costs a monthly fee but handles all the technical maintenance for you, which saves time and money in the long run.
Shopify vs WordPress
WordPress is a blogging platform first, ecommerce second. Shopify is dedicated purely to ecommerce. The checkout process on Shopify is optimized for higher conversion rates right out of the box.
Shopify vs Local Pakistani Platforms
Local platforms may offer cheaper rates initially, but often lack the app ecosystem, reliable servers, and design flexibility that Shopify offers. Shopify scales with you as you grow from 10 orders to 10,000 orders a month.
Payment Gateways for Shopify in Pakistan – Complete Guide
Finding reliable payment gateways for Shopify in Pakistan is a top concern. Here is the current landscape.
Available Payment Gateway Options
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Cash on Delivery (COD): The most popular method in Pakistan. You can set this up as a "Manual Payment" method in Shopify settings.
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Bank Transfer: Allow customers to transfer funds directly to your local bank account.
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Third-Party Processors: Services like PayFast, Safepay, or 2Checkout allow you to accept credit/debit cards.
How to Integrate a Payment Gateway
To integrate a card processor, you will need a merchant account with the provider. Once approved, you simply enter your API keys into the Shopify Payments section.
Best Payment Gateway for Shopify in Pakistan
For most beginners, Cash on Delivery (COD) is the best starting point because Pakistani customers trust it the most. As you grow, integrating a card processor like PayFast is recommended to capture international or digital-savvy local clients.
Why Shopify Is the Right Choice for Pakistani Entrepreneurs
Fast Growth Potential
Shopify is built to scale. You won't have to migrate to a new platform when your business explodes in popularity.
Dropshipping + International Selling
Whether you want to sell leather goods to the USA or gadgets to Lahore, Shopify handles multi-currency and international shipping rules effortlessly.
Zero Technical Skills Needed
You focus on your product and marketing; Shopify handles the code.
Qonkar Tip: Scaling a business requires more than just a store; it requires a strategy. Qonkar can assist in scaling your operations, offering support that bridges the gap between technical setup and business growth.
Shopify in Pakistan: FAQs & Common Questions Answered
Is Shopify available in Pakistan?
Yes, Shopify is fully available in Pakistan. You can sign up, create a store, and sell to customers locally and globally.
Can I do dropshipping in Pakistan with Shopify?
Absolutely. Shopify dropshipping in Pakistan is a popular business model. You can source products internationally (AliExpress) or locally and sell them through your Shopify store.
Which payment gateway works best for Shopify in Pakistan?
For local sales, Cash on Delivery (COD) is the best option due to customer preference. For card payments, Safepay and PayFast are reliable local integrations.
Is Shopify good for beginners in Pakistan?
Yes. Its user-friendly interface makes it the best ecommerce platform in Pakistan for those with no coding knowledge.
How much does it cost to run a Shopify store in Pakistan?
The Basic Shopify plan starts around $19-$25/month (depending on current offers). You will also need to budget for a domain name (approx. $14/year) and any paid apps you choose to use.