An online store costs more than a normal business website, because it has to do more: show products, take orders, accept payments and tell you what to pack and send. Prices in Pakistan vary a lot, and the cheapest quote is rarely the full picture.
This guide explains what drives the cost of an online store, gives rough market ranges in Pakistani rupees, and lists what to ask before you agree to a quote. For a simpler business website, see our general guide on website cost in Pakistan.
Typical price ranges
These are rough market ranges, based on figures published by Pakistani agencies and hosting companies in 2025 and 2026. They differ from source to source, so treat them as a guide and not a quote:
- Small online store (a limited number of products, standard checkout): often from about PKR 80,000.
- Larger store with many products, filters, accounts and custom features: commonly PKR 100,000 to 200,000, and more for custom systems.
- Domain and hosting: yearly costs, usually separate from the build.
Some agencies add 18% GST to the price they first mention, so always ask whether the number you were given is the final amount.
What changes the price of an online store
1. Number and type of products
Ten products with a photo and a price are simple. A thousand products with sizes, colours, stock levels and categories need a proper catalogue, an import method and more testing. Ask whether adding products is included, and who will do it.
2. How customers pay
Most Pakistani stores offer cash on delivery. Many also want card, JazzCash or Easypaisa payments. Each online payment method needs an account with the provider, setup, testing and sometimes fees charged to you. Ask which methods the quote covers and who opens the accounts.
3. Delivery and orders
Decide how delivery will work: one flat charge, charges by city or weight, or a courier you already use. Also decide how you will receive orders. A simple email or WhatsApp alert may be enough at first, while a busy store needs an order dashboard.
4. Design and mobile experience
Most shoppers in Pakistan browse on a phone. A store that is slow or awkward on mobile loses sales. A template is cheaper and faster, while a custom design costs more but can match your brand and your customers' habits. Our guide on why websites are slow explains why speed matters here.
5. Photos and product descriptions
Good photos and clear descriptions sell products. If you need the developer to write text or edit photos, expect that to add to the price. Preparing content yourself can save time and money.
6. Search visibility
A store nobody finds does not sell. Ask whether basic search setup is included: page titles, descriptions, a sitemap and Google Search Console. Ongoing work to rank higher is separate. See how long SEO takes for an honest timeline.
Questions to ask before you agree
- Which payment methods are included, and who sets up the provider accounts?
- How many products are included, and who adds them?
- Can I add and edit products and prices myself after launch?
- How are orders delivered to me (email, WhatsApp, a dashboard)?
- Is GST, hosting, the domain and business email included in the price?
- Will the domain and the store be in my name, with all logins handed to me?
- What support do I get after launch, and what do updates cost?
Make sure the domain and store accounts are registered in your name. If a developer owns them, moving later can be difficult.
Do you need a full store yet?
If you sell only a few products, a simple website with WhatsApp ordering may be enough to start with, and you can add a full checkout later when orders grow. A store you cannot keep up with is worse than a simple site that you can run well.
Planning an online store?
Tell us what you sell, how customers pay and how you deliver, and we will suggest the simplest setup that fits. See our pricing and web development service, or email hello@auravestudio.com.