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Sahl Wednesday,25 Jun 2025

Many people in Saudi Arabia want to start an online store, but one question stops them: "I don't have the capital. Can I start?"
The simple answer is: You can start, but you must use the right methods.
E-commerce has become much easier today than before, and you can enter it without spending huge sums on products, inventory, or website design.
In this blog, we will provide you with practical and proven methods for starting your store with virtually no capital, as well as some tips to help you avoid unnecessary costs.
1. Minimize costs as much as possible
The first thing you need to do is identify your essentials and avoid items you can do without at the start.
Don't start by designing an expensive website, purchasing large quantities of products, or subscribing to paid services.
In the beginning, the goal is to test the market and determine which products are actually in demand.
2. Use dropshipping business models
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products from suppliers without storing them yourself.
This means you display the product in your store, and if an order comes in, the supplier ships it directly to the customer.
Advantages of dropshipping:
• You don't need to buy inventory.
• You don't incur shipping or storage costs.
• You can try out many products and see what works.
Examples of dropshipping sites:
• AliExpress
• Spocket
• Oberlo (for Shopify)
• And some local suppliers in Saudi Arabia
3. Take advantage of ready-made templates and free websites.
You don't need to design a website from scratch.
You can use platforms such as:
• Easy: Create a ready-made online store in a short time and at a nominal price (and sometimes even free offers).
• Shopify, Zid, or Ecwid: Platforms that provide ready-made stores without coding.
Some platforms offer a free trial period, during which you can try out the products and start selling.
4. Free marketing is the most important thing.
Without a budget, marketing should be smart and free as much as possible.
Here are some ways:
• Use your Instagram and TikTok accounts to showcase products.
• Create educational or entertaining content related to the products.
• Take advantage of WhatsApp or Telegram groups that are interested in your field.
• Ask your friends to support you by promoting your store.
The more honest and natural your communication is, the greater your chances of selling, even without advertising.
5. Request cash on delivery to avoid payment gateways.
If you can't sign up for an online payment gateway initially, offer a "cash on delivery" option.
Some shipping companies, such as SMSA and Zajil, offer this service, which is an excellent start if you only deal with customers within Saudi Arabia.
However, you must be aware that cash on delivery carries a higher risk, so choose products that won't cause you losses if the customer doesn't receive them.
6. Develop your store gradually.
You don't need to build a massive project from the first week.
Start simple. Focus on one or two products, test the market, and then develop the store step by step with each profit you make.
Some people started selling a single product from home, and today they have stores that deliver throughout Saudi Arabia!
Just because you don't have the capital doesn't mean you can't enter the world of e-commerce. The opportunities exist, and the means are available.
All you need is a little research, persistence, and choosing the right ways to reduce costs.
The "Sahl" team can help you build your store at reasonable costs and guide you to the option that best suits your budget.
Get started today, and make the first step the simplest.