Online Business Ideas in Pakistan without Investment

The world of online retail has opened up endless opportunities for retailers to sell their products worldwide. 

Two of the most popular online marketplaces for retailers are AliExpress and Markaz. Both platforms offer various features, tools, and advantages to help retailers succeed. 

However, it can be difficult to determine which platform is the right fit for your business. 

In this article, we'll compare selling on AliExpress and Markaz and help you decide which one is right for your business. We’ll start by introducing both, then move on to the signup process, features, and then lastly, their advantages and disadvantages. 

Are you ready to dive in?

Let’s go then!

Read more: Selling online in Pakistan; benefits & challenges [+ top products to sell online]


Markaz

Start your very own online reselling business with Markaz App.


What Is AliExpress?

AliExpress is a Chinese e-commerce platform that allows retailers to sell their products to customers all over the world. It is a part of the Alibaba Group, which is one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. 

AliExpress is known for its low prices and wide range of products and as of January 2021, it had 528 million users.

What Is Markaz?

Markaz is a social commerce platform based in Pakistan that connects buyers and resellers. It offers a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and household goods. Markaz is known for its easy-to-use platform and strong community of resellers.

Did you know that Markaz has over a million downloads and 8500 reviews on Google PlayStore?

Selling On Aliexpress Vs Markaz: Sign-Up Process

When it comes to online marketplaces, AliExpress and Markaz are two popular platforms where you can start selling your products. Both Aliexpress and Markaz offer straightforward sign-up procedures for sellers. 

Let’s take a closer look at the processes!

AliExpress

If you’re wondering about how to sell on AliExpress, here’s the process:

  • Opening an AliExpress Account:
  • Go to the 'Join' page on AliExpress
  • Select your country of business (only sellers from Russia, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, Brazil, and Mainland China can currently register)
  • Enter your company contact information, VAT number, and operating license
  • Enter the details of a company legal representative
  • Verify your email address through a link sent to your email
  • Enter your company information, including company type, name, address, email, and phone number, as well as your tax registration number and certificate details
  • Enter personal details for the company legal representative, including full name, email address, phone number, nationality, date of birth, and passport or identity card number
  • Wait for acceptance from AliExpress, which typically takes two to three working days

Registering Your Store:

  • Choose the product categories that best match your store items
  • Download the merchandise list for each category and select the products you will sell
  • Confirm your setup and payment plan by selecting the appropriate annual fee option
  • Set up your shop identity and details, including creating a brand for your store and filling in-store information
  • Add your sales products based on the categories and lists chosen earlier
  • Specify minimum order quantities, discounts, delivery costs and time, returns policy, and product location.

Markaz

After looking at how to sell on AliExpress, let’s take a look at how to sell on Markaz:

  • Downloading the app from the Google Play Store
  • Create an account and fill in important details about yourself, including your name and email address.
  • Authenticate your phone number or email address to protect the security of your account. 
  • Voila! You’re set to become a reseller!

Read more: How to Earn Money Online in Pakistan Free at Home with the Markaz App

Selling On Aliexpress Vs Markaz: Features

Selling products online has become easier than ever before, thanks to the rise of e-commerce platforms like Aliexpress and Markaz. 

If you're looking to start selling on either platform, it's essential to understand the features that each offers. 

Below we'll compare the features of Aliexpress and Markaz, giving you a better understanding of which platform is best suited for your business needs.

AliExpress

Some of the features that make AliExpress a popular choice for retailers include:

1. Wide Range Of Products: 

AliExpress offers a vast range of products, from electronics to fashion, home goods, and more. This variety makes it easy for retailers to find products that align with their business niche.

2. Low Prices: 

One of the reasons why seller on AliExpress like it so much is due to its competitive pricing. The platform offers products at low prices, which can help retailers increase their profit margins.

3. Buyer Protection: 

AliExpress offers a buyer protection program that protects customers from fraud and ensures that they receive their orders. This program can help seller on AliExpress to build trust with their customers and increase sales.

4. Ease Of Use: 

AliExpress is easy to use and offers a straightforward process for retailers to list products and fulfill orders. Additionally, the platform offers support in multiple languages, making it accessible to retailers from around the world.

Did you know that by 2030, AliExpress wants to have 30 million international customers?

Markaz

1. Zero Investment Platform

One of the biggest advantages of selling on Markaz is that it's a zero-investment platform. This means that retailers can start selling on the platform without any upfront costs or fees. 

Markaz takes care of the entire process from listing products to order fulfillment and shipping. The platform only charges a commission on successful orders, which means that retailers only pay when they make a sale.

2. Empowering Women

In addition to being a zero-investment platform, Markaz also supports women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The platform provides training and support to women who want to start their own businesses. 

This program helps women gain financial independence and create opportunities for themselves and their families. By selling on Markaz, retailers can contribute to this cause and support local women-owned businesses.

3. Fastest Growing Community

Markaz has a strong and growing community of buyers and sellers in Pakistan. With over 90% of cities in Pakistan covered by the platform, retailers have access to a large customer base. 

Additionally, the platform's community-based approach fosters collaboration and interaction between sellers and buyers. This can help retailers build relationships with their customers and grow their businesses.

Read more: How To Earn Money Online In Pakistan For Students?

Selling On Aliexpress Vs. Markaz: Pros And Cons

Deciding which platform to use to sell your products online can be challenging. With so many options available, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. 

Now, we'll compare Aliexpress and Markaz, two popular online marketplaces, and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

By the end of the article, you'll have a better understanding of which platform is the right choice for you.

1. Initial Investment

Markaz is a zero-investment platform, which means that retailers don't need to pay any fees to start selling on the platform. This makes it an attractive option for retailers who want to start a business without having to invest any money upfront. 

AliExpress, on the other hand, requires retailers to pay a fee to open a store on the platform, which can be a barrier to entry for some businesses.

2. Product Range

AliExpress has a vast range of products, from electronics to clothing to home goods. As a retailer, you can find almost anything you need to sell on AliExpress. However, the sheer number of products can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to stand out among the competition.

Markaz, on the other hand, offers a more curated selection of products. While the product range is not as vast as AliExpress, it is still diverse enough to offer plenty of options for retailers. 

Additionally, Markaz's product range is specifically tailored to the Pakistani market, making it an ideal choice for retailers looking to expand in Pakistan.

3. Cost

One of the biggest advantages of AliExpress is its low prices. As a retailer, you can find products at wholesale prices, which allows you to sell them at a lower price point and attract more customers. However, low prices can also mean lower profit margins.

Markaz offers competitive prices, but they are generally not as low as AliExpress. However, Markaz offers a range of benefits that can make up for the slightly higher prices, such as a strong community of resellers and high-quality products. Markaz also offers special discounts and deals to resellers, allowing you to save money on your purchases.

Read more: 6 Ways to Increase Profit Margin for Your Business

4. Shipping and Delivery

AliExpress offers a range of shipping options, including free shipping, but the delivery times can vary widely. Some products can take weeks or even months to arrive, which can be frustrating for customers.

Markaz, on the other hand, offers fast and reliable shipping options. The platform has partnerships with top courier companies, which ensures timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Markaz also offers free shipping for orders over a certain amount, which can be a great way to attract more customers.

5. Community

One of the biggest advantages of Markaz is its strong community of resellers. As a retailer, you can connect with other resellers and learn from their experiences. Additionally, Markaz offers a range of resources, such as online courses and tutorials, to help you succeed as a reseller.

AliExpress, on the other hand, does not have a strong community of resellers. While there are plenty of sellers on the platform, it can be difficult to connect with others and share knowledge.

6. Seller Eligibility - How To Sell On AliExpress From Pakistan

AliExpress only allows businesses in a limited number of countries to join and Pakistan is not one of them. So if you’re wondering about how to sell on AliExpress from Pakistan, just know that you can’t and it would be best if you looked at other options like Markaz.

Markaz is based in Pakistan and welcomes Pakistani sellers to register and sell on their platform. Not just that, it especially encourages students and women to become more financially independent so there is no limit on age, gender, etc either.

Read more: 5 Low Investment Business Ideas in Pakistan

Conclusion

As a retailer, choosing the right online marketplace to sell your products is crucial to your success. 

Both AliExpress and Markaz offer unique features and advantages to help retailers reach their target audience. 

By comparing the two platforms, you can make an informed decision on where to sell your products. 

Whether you choose AliExpress or Markaz, both platforms offer excellent opportunities for retailers to expand their businesses and reach a global audience.

Let us know which one you end up choosing!


Markaz

Start your very own online reselling business with Markaz App.


FAQs

Where are the best sellers on AliExpress?

When you are on the category page, you can sort the items by the number of orders to locate the top sellers. Above the product selection at the top of the page are the sort filters.

How much is the seller fee on AliExpress?

You just pay for each product you sell on AliExpress. Commissions range from 5% to 8%, depending on the type of goods.

Which country is No 1 in e-commerce?

Taobao, Alibaba.com, and Tmall, three e-commerce divisions of the Alibaba group, dominate the largest e-commerce market in the world, which is China.