7 Steps for Starting an e-commerce Business from Scratch in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Choose an e-Commerce Business Model
There are 2 main types of eCommerce business models that you can opt for. You can go with either a single vendor or a multi-vendor eCommerce store. You can also choose either a single product line or have multiple product lines based on your business budget.
Choosing a single-vendor marketplace only involves 2 entities— a single seller who is selling products/services to multiple customers. By using this e-commerce model you’ll be having more control over the inventory.
On the other side, a multi-vendor marketplace enables multiple vendors to sell their products/services to various customers. This model gives you security in terms of making a sale. It also helps you deal with demand fluctuations and helps prevent a disruption in the supply process.
Step 2: Build your Brand
Once you’ve chosen your business model and the product or products you want to sell, as well as the target audience you want to reach, the next big step is to come up with the perfect name for your brand.
Your brand name should be:
ü Unique
ü Easy-to-remember
ü Short
ü Reflect your brand personality
Moreover, you should come up with a finalized design for your store design and business logo.
Step 3: Register your e-Commerce Online Business
It is one of the most critical parts of building your e-Commerce business from scratch in KSA. You need to register and complete all the legal formalities as below steps:
Step 4: Open a Bank Account
Once your company is officially registered, you will need to open up a bank account in the official name of your company
Step 5: Build your online store!
Your two options to proceed:
OR
2. Subscribe with GS1 Pre-built Online Platform. These platforms offer you readymade, easy-to-use templates designed according to your brand.
Step 6: Product Branding with GS1 Barcodes
This step is essential to carrying out a successful e-Commerce business in Saudi Arabia. You need to set up a barcode for your product.
GS1 barcodes combine various data to create a prefix that's unique to your company. This includes your company name, the country your number was licensed, and the product. This prefix guarantees authenticity, that the number you're using is licensed to your brand
GS1 ensure that your products can be sold through traditional retailers and online marketplaces, correct product identification is key. Universal Product Codes, or UPCs, are a prime example of GS1 standards — standardized global identifiers which enable products to be sold, reordered, and tracked through complicated supply chains.
“ Top 3 Benefits of Adopting GS1 Standards”
ü Standardized Supply Chain Communication
ü Transparency and Traceability
ü Visibility to Meet Supply Chain Demand
Step 7: Promoting your Online Store
It’s time to promote your online store and attract customers to make purchases. With the help of GS1 Consultants your product is Marketplace ready!