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How to Start an Online Store From Home, Step by Step

How to start an online store from home in the Gulf: pick a product, check the licence, open your store and find your first customers, in four short steps.

DThe Dekkan Merchant team1 min read
How to Start an Online Store From Home, Step by Step
In short

Pick one product, confirm the licence in your country, then open your store and share it with your first customers. You can build and preview the store before the licence is ready, but take orders only after it.

Step 1: Pick one product

Start with one thing you do well, such as sweets, perfume or handmade gifts. Work out the full cost, including materials, packaging, delivery and your time, before you set the price.

Step 2: Check the licence

Most Gulf countries ask for a commercial registration or an e-commerce licence before you take orders. Check with the authority in your country before you take your first order.

Step 3: Open your store

1. Create your account on the register page. 2. Pick a ready design, and add your products with clear photos and prices. 3. Set your delivery areas, fees and payment methods. Cash on delivery and bank transfer work in every supported country. Cards and Apple Pay work for UAE stores only.

Step 4: Find your first customers

- Share your store link with the people closest to you. - Put the link in your Instagram profile. - Reply quickly, and state prices and delivery clearly. - Ask your first customers for a photo or a short review.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to start?

On Dekkan Merchant the first month is free and no credit card is needed. Current prices are on the pricing page.

Can I sell from home without a shop?

Often yes. Several Gulf authorities have a route for home businesses, such as the eTrader licence in Dubai and the commercial register for home business in Oman. Check the conditions in your country.

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The Dekkan Merchant teamWe write about everything we ship, and anything that helps you sell. We check the facts against official sources before we publish.

Sources

Facts checked on

  1. Dekkan Merchant: plans and pricing
  2. UAE Government Portal: eCommerce
  3. Gov.om: Create Commercial Register for Home Business