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July 10, 2025
Starting an online store in Saudi Arabia no longer requires huge capital investments. Thanks to dropshipping, print-on-demand, digital products, and social commerce, aspiring entrepreneurs can launch a profitable e-commerce business with minimal upfront costs.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a small business owner looking to expand online, this guide will walk you through how to start an online store in Saudi Arabia with a low investment.
✔️ Best low-cost e-commerce business models
✔️ How to register your online business legally
✔️ Step-by-step guide to setting up your store
✔️ Affordable marketing strategies to grow sales
✔️ How to accept payments & manage logistics
We are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring your long-term success in Saudi Arabia. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to post-incorporation support.
✅ Yes, but it depends on your business model and long-term goals.
If you’re selling as an individual (on WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok), you may be able to operate informally at first. However, if you want to scale your business, build trust, and avoid legal issues, you’ll need to register your business and obtain the proper licenses.
💡 Tip: If you’re a small-scale seller, register your business with Maarouf (Saudi Arabia’s trusted e-commerce verification program) to build trust before applying for a full license.
✅ Startup costs vary depending on your business model, but you can start an online store for as little as SAR 500 – 5,000.
| Business Model | Initial Cost (SAR) | What’s Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Dropshipping | 500 – 3,000 | Website domain, Shopify subscription, Facebook/Instagram ads |
| Print-on-Demand | 1,000 – 5,000 | E-commerce store setup, design tools, samples for product testing |
| Social Media Selling (No Website) | 0 – 1,000 | WhatsApp Business API, Instagram Shop setup |
| Selling Digital Products | 500 – 2,500 | Online store setup, payment gateway fees, content creation |
📌 Additional Costs (If Scaling Up):
✅ The best payment gateways in Saudi Arabia include:
| Payment Gateway | Best For | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mada | Local transactions | 1.5% – 3% per transaction |
| STC Pay | Mobile payments, digital wallets | 1.5% – 2.5% per transaction |
| PayTabs | Secure credit/debit card payments | 2.5% – 3.5% per transaction |
| HyperPay | Customizable payment solutions | 2% – 4% per transaction |
| Apple Pay | iPhone users, seamless checkout | Varies (based on gateway) |
| Visa/Mastercard | International transactions | 2% – 5% per transaction |
📌 Why Offer Multiple Payment Options?
| Category | Best-Selling Products |
|---|---|
| Fashion & Apparel | Modest fashion, abayas, sportswear, luxury brands |
| Beauty & Skincare | Halal cosmetics, organic skincare, K-beauty products |
| Electronics & Gadgets | Smart home devices, gaming accessories, phone accessories |
| Home & Kitchen | Minimalist decor, Arabic calligraphy wall art, coffee machines |
| Fitness & Wellness | Gym equipment, weight loss supplements, smartwatches |
| Digital Products | Online courses, stock photos, NFTs, business templates |
📌 Best Opportunity: Cross-border e-commerce – Saudi consumers love international brands (especially in fashion, beauty, and luxury goods).
💡 Tip: Focus on high-margin products to keep your business profitable, especially if starting with a low budget.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce industry is booming, creating massive opportunities for small business owners.
📌 Insight: Even with a small budget, you can start selling online and scale as you grow!
Choosing the right business model is crucial for keeping costs low while maximizing profit potential.
📌 Best Niches: Electronics accessories, fashion, home decor, pet supplies.
💡 Tip: Use AliExpress, Spocket, or CJ Dropshipping for suppliers.
📌 Best Niches: Saudi-themed apparel, Arabic calligraphy art, personalized gifts.
💡 Tip: Use Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble to get started.
📌 Best Niches: Arabic learning guides, business templates, online coaching.
💡 Tip: Use Gumroad, Etsy, or Teachable to sell digital products.
📌 Best Niches: Handmade jewelry, fashion, beauty, organic skincare.
💡 Tip: Use WhatsApp Business & Instagram Shopping to sell directly to customers.
Even if you’re starting small, it’s important to legally register your business to operate in Saudi Arabia.
📌 Cost: Registering a small online business can cost SAR 2,000 – 5,000, depending on structure.
💡 Tip: If you’re only selling through social media, you may not need a full CR – Maarouf registration may be enough.
Once your business is registered, follow these steps:
🔹 Best Platforms for Saudi Online Stores:
💡 Tip: If you’re starting with no budget, use Instagram Shop or WhatsApp Business before launching a full store.
🔹 Popular Payment Methods in Saudi Arabia:
📌 Tip: Offering multiple payment options boosts conversions by 30%.
🔹 Best Platforms to Source Products:
🔹 Most Saudi online shoppers use mobile – Make sure your store is mobile-optimized.
🔹 Use Arabic keywords & localization to rank in Google searches.
🔹 Offer fast & free shipping, as delivery speed influences purchase decisions.
✅ It depends on your niche, marketing strategy, and pricing.
| Marketing Strategy | Estimated Time to First Sale |
|---|---|
| Influencer marketing collaboration | 1 – 7 days |
| Instagram/Facebook ads (SAR 500+ budget) | 1 – 14 days |
| SEO & organic traffic | 30 – 90 days |
| Word-of-mouth & WhatsApp marketing | 7 – 30 days |
📌 Fastest Way to Get Your First Sale: Run a flash sale or limited-time discount and promote it on social media & WhatsApp groups.
❌ Mistake #1: Not Validating Your Product Idea
✔ Solution: Use Google Trends, Amazon, and Instagram insights to find in-demand products.
❌ Mistake #2: Relying Only on Paid Ads
✔ Solution: Build an organic audience via social media, WhatsApp groups, & content marketing.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Customer Service
✔ Solution: Use chatbots & quick response times to increase trust.
