وش الفرق بين البيع داخل السعودية والبيع خارجها

Sahl Tuesday,08 Jul 2025

1. Why is it important?
Many e-commerce store owners in Saudi Arabia start selling locally, and then wonder: Should I expand my business and sell outside the Kingdom?
Before you decide, you must understand the basic differences between the local and international markets in terms of regulations, costs, delivery, and even shopping culture.
2. Shipping and Delivery
Within Saudi Arabia:
Shipping is easier and faster. You can rely on companies such as SMSA, Zajil, Naqel, and others. Delivery usually takes one to three days, and shipping costs are fixed and known.
Outside Saudi Arabia:
Shipping is more expensive and requires additional paperwork, such as customs invoices and permits. Delivery can take from one to two weeks depending on the country. Sometimes, customers are asked to pay customs fees upon receipt of the shipment, which can be annoying.
3. Payment Methods
Locally:
Customers prefer bank transfer, Mada, or cash on delivery. Gateways like Tamara and Tabby for installments have become increasingly popular.
Internationally:
You need payment gateways that support Visa/MasterCard or PayPal. Some countries refuse to deal with stores that are not officially licensed in their country.
4. Taxes and Regulations
Inside Saudi Arabia:
You must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if your annual income exceeds a certain threshold. There are clear regulations from the General Authority of Zakat and Income Tax.
Outside Saudi Arabia:
Each country has a different tax system. You may be surprised by tax requests from countries like the European Union or the United States, especially if your sales exceed a certain threshold.
5. Buying Culture and Customer Expectations
Locally:
Saudi customers appreciate quick communication and expect excellent quality and prompt delivery. They also place great importance on returns and exchanges.
Internationally:
Each country has its own tastes and expectations. For example, customers in Europe prefer clarity and accuracy in descriptions, and any simple error is considered fraud.
6. Total Costs
Local selling is often less expensive:
• Cheaper shipping
• Well-known taxes
• A unified currency (the Saudi Riyal)
• Payment gateways optimized for the local market
International selling, however, requires more planning, especially with currency differences and fluctuating shipping and exchange rates.
7. Customer Service and Support
Locally:
You can easily provide support in Arabic via WhatsApp or phone. Prompt response means customer satisfaction.
Internationally:
You must provide support in at least English, and you must take into account the time difference between you and the customer. This requires a ready and knowledgeable team.
8. What is most suitable for your store?
If you are just starting out, selling within Saudi Arabia is the safest and least risky option. You can build a local customer base, gain a better understanding of the market, and then begin your expansion.
If you have a product in demand in Gulf countries or globally, and you can manage shipping, payment, and international support, you can try selling outside the Kingdom, but with measured steps.
Selling within Saudi Arabia is easier and less expensive, and is suitable as a start-up for any online store. However, international expansion is an excellent long-term option, provided you are prepared for it in terms of shipping, payment, and technical support.