If you’re thinking about starting an online store in Pakistan, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: How much will it cost? Whether you’re a small business owner looking to sell handcrafted items or a retailer wanting to take your shop online, understanding the costs involved in ecommerce website development in Pakistan is essential.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can plan your budget without surprises.
Why Ecommerce is Booming in Pakistan
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand why investing in ecommerce makes sense right now. Pakistan’s digital economy is growing at a fast pace. With increasing internet penetration, mobile phone usage, and a young tech-savvy population, online shopping is becoming the norm.
More people are turning to ecommerce for convenience, better deals, and a wider variety of products. If you’re not online yet, you’re missing a huge part of the market.
Ecommerce Website: What Are You Really Paying For?
Developing an ecommerce website isn’t just about getting a domain and slapping on some product photos. It involves several moving parts. Each of these comes with its own cost:
1. Domain Name and Hosting
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Domain Name: This is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourstore.pk).
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Cost: PKR 2,000–5,000/year
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Web Hosting: This is the server space where your website lives. For ecommerce, you’ll need reliable, secure hosting.
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Cost: PKR 10,000–25,000/year for shared hosting; more for VPS or dedicated servers.
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2. Design and User Experience (UI/UX)
A good ecommerce website must be visually appealing and easy to navigate. This includes:
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Homepage design
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Product listings
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Shopping cart
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Mobile responsiveness
You can choose between:
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Template-based design (e.g., using Shopify or WordPress with WooCommerce)
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Cost: PKR 25,000–50,000
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Custom design (tailored to your brand)
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Cost: PKR 80,000–200,000+
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Custom design is more expensive, but gives you more flexibility and a unique brand identity.
3. Website Development (Frontend and Backend)
This is the technical side—building the site, adding functionalities, and ensuring it works well. Features like:
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Product filters
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Customer login
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Inventory management
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Payment integration
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Order tracking
The complexity of these features affects the price.
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Basic ecommerce site: PKR 50,000–100,000
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Advanced ecommerce with custom features: PKR 200,000–600,000+
4. Payment Gateway Integration
You need to allow customers to pay via card, mobile wallets, or bank transfer. Common options in Pakistan include:
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JazzCash
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Easypaisa
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HBL Konnect
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Bank integrations
Some gateways charge a setup fee; others take a small cut per transaction.
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Cost: Setup may range from PKR 5,000–30,000; transaction fees apply per sale.
5. Product Management and Upload
Do you have hundreds of products? They need to be uploaded, with good images, descriptions, and prices.
You can do it yourself, or hire someone to handle it.
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Cost: PKR 5,000–50,000, depending on the volume.
6. SSL Certificate and Security Features
Customers want to know their information is safe. An SSL certificate adds a layer of security and is a must for ecommerce.
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Cost: Free with some hosting plans, or up to PKR 5,000/year for premium SSL
You may also want extra security measures like firewall protection and backup systems.
7. SEO and Digital Marketing Setup
An ecommerce site isn’t useful if no one can find it. You’ll need:
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On-page SEO (optimizing product pages)
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Meta titles and descriptions
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Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel setup
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Initial SEO setup cost: PKR 15,000–40,000
Ongoing digital marketing will be a separate, recurring cost.
8. Maintenance and Support
Websites are not a one-time project. You’ll need regular updates, bug fixes, and possibly new features.
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Monthly maintenance: PKR 5,000–20,000/month
Total Cost Estimate (Based on Different Business Sizes)
Here’s a rough idea based on your business type:
| Business Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Startup/Small Business | PKR 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Growing Brand | PKR 150,000 – 400,000 |
| Large Ecommerce Platform | PKR 400,000 – 1,000,000+ |
These are ballpark figures. The actual cost depends on your goals, scale, and the team you hire.
DIY vs Professional Help: What’s Right for You?
If you’re tech-savvy and have time, you could build a basic ecommerce store using platforms like:
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Shopify
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Wix
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WooCommerce (on WordPress)
But for a scalable, secure, and professional site, working with a local developer or agency in Pakistan might be your best bet.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a portfolio, client references, and a detailed quote before hiring.
Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
Some expenses may not be obvious at first:
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Renewal of domain and hosting each year
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App or plugin fees (some ecommerce platforms require paid add-ons)
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Legal policies (privacy, return policy setup)
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Training your staff to manage the website
It’s best to factor these into your initial planning.
Final Thoughts
Ecommerce website development in Pakistan doesn’t have to break the bank, but it also shouldn’t be rushed or under-budgeted. Think of your website as a digital storefront—it deserves the same care and investment as a physical shop, maybe even more.
Start with a clear vision of what you want, get multiple quotes, and don’t forget to budget for long-term growth and marketing. Whether you’re selling clothes, electronics, or handmade jewelry, a good ecommerce site can help you reach customers all across Pakistan—and beyond.
