Is it possible to start an online store in partnership with a friend

Sahl Wednesday,16 Jul 2025

Many people consider starting their business with a friend, especially in the world of online stores, because it's less expensive and easier to launch. But the important question is:
Is it possible to start an online store in partnership with a friend? And will the partnership be successful?
The answer: Yes, it is possible. But only if you manage the partnership professionally and clearly from the beginning. In this blog, we will review the most important points that will help you build a successful partnership with your friend and open an online store that generates income and profits for both of you.
1. Distribute roles from the beginning.
The most important point in a partnership is that each person knows what they are responsible for:
• Who handles sourcing and communicating with suppliers?
• Who manages social media accounts?
• Who follows up on orders and shipping?
• Who manages financial matters and the budget?
Distributing tasks reduces friction and increases productivity.
2. Agree on everything in writing.
Even if your friend has been close to you for years, you should agree on important matters in writing, such as:
• Each partner's share of profits.
• How decisions are made.
• What happens if one of you withdraws?
• How are costs and expenses distributed?
This doesn't undermine trust, but rather protects the relationship and the project.
3. Define a clear vision for the store.
Do you want to sell specific products, such as clothing or electronics? Or do you want to focus on local products, such as incense or handmade designs?
Having a clear goal will make it easier for you to develop marketing strategies, choose the appropriate platform, and interact with customers.

4. Leverage your strengths.
If one of you is skilled at design and marketing, and the other knows how to manage orders and calculate costs, you are a perfect match.
A successful partnership is always built on complementarity, not duplication.
5. Use project management tools.
There are simple tools that help you communicate and track your work, such as:
• Trello or Notion to organize tasks.
• Google Sheets to track sales.
• WhatsApp Business to respond to customers.
These tools make things easier for both parties and keep everything clear.
6. Be Prepared for Challenges
In any partnership, differences of opinion, work pressure, or even personal issues arise.
But what differentiates a successful partnership from a failed one is:
• How you handle disagreements.
• Your ability to discuss things calmly.
• Your willingness to compromise sometimes for the good of the store.

7. Plan for Growth From the Start
Even if you start small, think ahead:
• Will you expand the team?
• Will you expand delivery to more areas?
• Are you considering bringing in an investor or continuing as a joint venture?
Having a growth plan gives you a long-term vision for the project.
Opening an online store in partnership with a friend is an excellent idea if planned properly.
Friendship alone isn't enough, but with clear roles, a clear agreement, and mutual respect, you can build a successful and profitable store and enjoy the journey together.
If you and your friend are serious about starting a store, you can contact Sahal Company, and they will help you build a professional store that matches your vision.