How to Start an Online Shop in Bangladesh

Launching an online shop in Bangladesh is more accessible than ever. With affordable hosting, payment gateways, and local delivery options, entrepreneurs can start selling online with modest investment. This guide outlines the core steps from planning and product presentation to payments, delivery, and customer support.

Choose your product mix and supplier strategy
Begin with a clear product plan: what will you sell, who is the target customer, and where will you source inventory? For many new sellers, starting with a narrow product selection simplifies photography, descriptions, and inventory management. Decide whether you'll hold stock (inventory model) or use dropshipping or just-in-time sourcing.

Website platform and store setup
Choose a platform that matches your skills and budget. Options include hosted marketplaces, managed e-commerce platforms, WordPress + WooCommerce, or a custom Laravel shop. For quick setup, WooCommerce or Shopify-like services are fast, but ensure you can integrate local payment gateways. If you need more control and local integrations, a self-hosted solution gives flexibility.

Payments and local gateways
Integrate trusted payment providers that support local banks and cards, mobile financial services (bKash, Nagad), and card payments via local gateways. Work with payment providers that offer easy onboarding and clear settlement terms. Also present cash-on-delivery (COD) as an option — COD remains popular in many areas and boosts conversions for first-time customers.

Shipping and delivery partners
Select reliable shipping partners with good last-mile coverage. Compare rates and service levels for door-to-door delivery. Start with a simple shipping rule set: flat-rate within city, higher rate for inter-district, and automated shipping calculation for complicated rules. Display expected delivery time clearly to reduce disputes.

Product photography and descriptions
High-quality photos and short, useful descriptions increase purchase likelihood. Use clean backgrounds, consistent lighting, and multiple angles for each product. Include dimensions, materials, and clear pricing. For clothing, provide size charts. For electronics, explain warranties and return policies.

Inventory and order management
Track stock levels and prevent overselling by syncing inventory with your store. For manual operations, keep a daily reconciliation routine. As order volume grows, consider simple inventory management tools or integrations with marketplaces.

Customer support and returns
Offer clear contact options: phone, chat, and an email form. Define a transparent returns and refund policy and display it on product pages. Respond quickly to queries — fast support reduces cancellations and negative reviews.

Marketing and acquisition
Start with low-cost channels: a Google Business Profile, local Facebook groups, and organic social posts showing products and in-store activity. Run small targeted ad campaigns to test product-market fit. Use promotional tactics like introductory discounts, bundle offers, and free shipping thresholds.

Legal and regulatory considerations
Register your business as required, and comply with tax reporting and invoicing rules. For online payments, implement clear invoices and maintain transaction records. Display terms and privacy policy on your site.

Scaling tips
When sales grow, automate where possible: move to an integrated payment reconciliation workflow, use courier automation, and consider a small fulfillment partner. Monitor unit economics — shipping cost and returns can quickly affect margins.

Conclusion
Starting an online shop in Bangladesh requires careful planning across product selection, payments, shipping, and customer service. By focusing on clear presentation, reliable delivery partners, and excellent customer support, small sellers can build a sustainable online business without large upfront costs.