كيف تبني متجر إلكتروني يخدم مناطق نائية داخل السعودية

Sahl Tuesday,24 Jun 2025

In many villages and remote areas within Saudi Arabia, people have become heavily reliant on online stores for their daily needs, especially since shopping options in these areas have become limited or almost non-existent. This raises the important question: How do you build an online store that serves these segments?
Not only do you need to provide products, but also deliver them effectively and build genuine customer trust in these areas. In this blog, we will explain the most important points that will help you launch a store that professionally serves remote areas within the Kingdom.
1. Understand the nature of the local market in remote areas
Before you begin, you must study the needs of the areas you intend to serve. For example, some villages or towns need household appliances, while others prefer groceries or simple electronics.
Ask yourself:
• What are the most in-demand products in this area?
• Is there a real need or just a passing interest?
• Do customers prefer cash on delivery?
Tip: Conduct a simple survey on Snapchat or Twitter targeting residents of these areas. This will give you a real and realistic insight. 2. Choosing the right shipping company for these areas
The biggest challenge isn't in selling, but in delivering. Most large shipping companies deliver to major cities, but some local or emerging companies have effective shipping solutions for villages and remote areas.
Look for companies such as:
• SMSA - Aramex (but check if they deliver to remote areas)
• Zajil - Naqi - Caribou (for some domestic services)
• Or, arrange with an independent delivery driver or a local company that provides this service.
Important point: You must have a shipping page that clearly states that you deliver to remote areas and that includes a realistic expected delivery time.
3. Activate the Cash on Delivery option
Many people in rural areas don't have a credit card or don't like to use it. This is where cash on delivery comes in as a convenient and secure option.
The benefits of cash on delivery include:
• Increases customer confidence
• Reduces basket abandonment
• Significantly expands your customer base
Note: Make sure you use a payment gateway that offers this option in a structured manner and is linked to your chosen shipping company.
4. Design a simple and easy-to-use store
Often, shoppers from remote areas don't have fast internet or extensive technical expertise. Therefore, your store design should be:
• Lightweight and fast-loading, even on slow connections
• Easy to use and navigate
• Clear in product presentation, pricing, and payment options
Avoid overly visual effects or heavy images.
5. Clearly explain your shipping and return policy
Customers from remote areas need to know before ordering:
• How long will shipping take?
• Can I return the product if it doesn't suit me?
• Who pays the return shipping?
Clarity here builds trust and encourages customers to come back to you again.
6. Use easy communication methods like WhatsApp
Many customers in these areas prefer to communicate via WhatsApp or direct phone calls instead of email or on-site chat.
Link your store to a "Contact us on WhatsApp" button
Make your response quick, clear, and simple.
This gives the impression that you're close to them and understand them.
7. Offer Special Offers for Remote Areas
How about offering an offer like:
"Free delivery for orders from areas outside major cities!"
or
"10% discount for residents of villages and hamlets!"
This way, you'll not only generate sales, but also build loyalty and expand your reach through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Serving remote areas within the Kingdom isn't easy, but it's a great opportunity that many people overlook. If you know how to deliver your products and make your experience simple and clear, you'll gain a loyal and dedicated customer base that won't face much competition.
The "Sahl" platform can help you build an integrated online store that serves your customers and suits every region within the Kingdom, from large cities to the smallest hamlets. If you'd like to get started, contact us and be the first to professionally serve this segment.