Pakistan’s e-commerce sector is on the rise, positioning itself as the 46th largest e-commerce market globally in 20231, according to the International Trade Administration. It brought US$5.2 billion worth of value in the same year, driven by electronics and media markets. These make up 34.1% of total sales, reported by e-commerceDB2.
Although cash on delivery (COD) is the most popular payment method, making up 94% of transactions in 2022, the data portal revealed that digital payments via Visa (68%) and Mastercard (64%) are steadily growing3. Additionally, consumer spending on mobile apps has surged by US$11 million in 2023, as revealed by Pakistan's Digital 2024 We Are Social report4.
These trends lay the ground for profitable dropshipping businesses in Pakistan. You can learn more about how to dropship in Pakistan with our guide here, but before getting started, you will need to first find profitable products that will sell. This guide will help you.
How to do proper product research for dropshipping?
Finding the best dropshipping products for your business requires thorough research, especially in a competitive market like Pakistan. Here’s how you can narrow down products with strong potential:
1. Identify winning products online
To discover trending products for dropshipping, tools like Dropship.io can be incredibly useful. These platforms allow you to monitor top-selling items across major e-commerce stores, including local players like Daraz, PriceOye and Bagallery. You can have real-time access to revenue data, helping you identify which products are performing well and which may not be worth investing in.
Keeping tabs on what influencers talk about on social media can also help you spot emerging trends. Influencers often introduce new products, creating demand through their followers. By observing what's gaining traction in the local culture, you can curate a product selection that not only aligns with current trends but also appeals to your target market.
It is helpful to note that some products have consistent demand, while others spike during certain seasons. For example, electronics and apparel in Pakistan tend to see higher sales during November’s mega-sales events, such as Daraz’s 11.11 campaign, according to a report by Data Darbar5. Understanding such online shopping trends will help you stock the right products at the right time.
2. Spot trends with keyword research tools
Keyword research tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush and Google Trends are valuable resources for identifying promising dropshipping products. These tools provide insights into search volume and competition, so you can understand what potential customers are actively looking for online. For instance, if you spot a rise in searches for "affordable smartphones in Pakistan," it could indicate an opportunity to offer budget-friendly electronics that meet this demand. Cross-referencing this keyword data with the best-selling products on e-commerce platforms allows you to build a list of items that align with current consumer interests, increasing the likelihood of sales.
3. Analyze the competition
Studying your competitors' offerings can reveal untapped opportunities in the market. Start by evaluating their product selection, pricing strategies and promotional techniques. Are they excelling in some categories but overlooking others? For example, if competitors dominate mid-range smartphones but offer limited accessories, you could step in by selling phone cases, chargers or screen protectors.
Also, pay attention to how they engage with customers on social media and through their websites. Analyze their customer interactions and reviews to identify what works and where there’s room for improvement. Observing local platforms like Daraz and PriceOye will give you a deeper understanding of the market’s competitive landscape, helping you refine your strategy and find your niche.
4. Study supplier reliability
Your dropshipping business depends on reliable suppliers, and fortunately, the world is your oyster when it comes to sourcing. Whether your suppliers are based in Pakistan or abroad, working with a trusted shipping partner ensures smooth fulfillment. With reliable logistics, you can offer a seamless shopping experience for your customers, regardless of where your products are sourced from.