Last Updated on: 6th October 2023, 06:18 am
Dropshipping is a popular eCommerce model that entrepreneurs around Pakistan, and all over the globe, use to start their online businesses.
With platforms like Shopify, launching a dropshipping business has never been easier. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to create a Shopify Store to start dropshipping in Pakistan, even if you are a beginner.
What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. Therefore, the seller doesn’t handle the product directly.
Now, let’s dive into the process of setting up your Shopify store for dropshipping in Pakistan.
Read also: What Is Dropshipping? Complete Overview with Amazon | eBay | Etsy
Create Shopify Store
1. Sign Up for a Shopify Account
To sign up for Shopify, go to Shopify’s official site and click on “Start free trial” on the main page. Enter your email address, create a password, and choose a store name.
Remember, the store name must be unique and reflect your brand. After submitting your information, you’ll need to answer a few questions about your business scope. Once you complete this process, you’ll land on your Shopify admin panel.
2. Customizing Your Store
Under the “Online Store” tab within the Shopify admin panel, you can select “Themes” to get started.
Shopify comes with a default theme, which is simple and easy to navigate, making it perfect for beginners.
If you want to stand out, browse through the Shopify Theme Store for free or paid themes. Choose a theme that aligns with your brand identity and install it. Don’t worry; you can always preview a theme before confirming your decision.
Read also: How To Create ETSY Seller Account Australia? Start Selling Etsy Australia
3. Add Products to Your Shopify Store
To add products manually, go to the “Products” tab in your Shopify admin menu. Click “Add Product” and input relevant details like title, description, pricing, and images. As a drop-shipper, you will get these details from your supplier.
If you want to import products in bulk, consider using a dropshipping app like Oberlo. Oberlo integrates with Shopify and simplifies the job by letting you import products directly from suppliers into your Shopify store.
4. Set Up Payment Methods
You can set up your payment methods under the “Settings” tab in your Shopify admin menu. Click on the “Payment Provider” option.
For Pakistani users, Shopify provides different third-party payment providers like 2Checkout and PayTabs to receive debit or credit card payments.
Remember to review the terms and conditions of your chosen payment gateway, considering factors like transaction fees, payout duration, and customer support responsiveness.
5. Setting Up Shipping
To set up shipping, go to “Settings,” then “Shipping and Delivery.” As a beginner, you might find it easier to use flat shipping rates, where you charge the same shipping fee regardless of the order.
You can explore weight-based or value-based shipping options as you grow.
A popular option among dropshippers is offering free shipping and including shipping costs in the product’s price. It can help attract more customers as people love the idea of free shipping.
6. Store Launch
Before you launch your store, thoroughly test all its functionalities. Place test orders to ensure that the checkout process, payment system, and order fulfillment are working correctly.
Once you’re confident that everything is in order, head over to the “Online Store” setting, then “Preferences,” and untick the “Storefront password” option. This makes your store live to the public.
Remember, the key to a successful Shopify store is refining and optimizing. Constantly use analytics to tweak your store. Take customer feedback seriously and make necessary adjustments. With time and consistency, your Shopify store will be set for success in the Pakistani market.