Re: how to start selling from Pakistan

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

The original poster wants to sell products in the UK while fulfilling orders from an overseas warehouse. Multiple respondents confirm this is feasible and commonly done in eCommerce.

Key considerations highlighted:

  • Customs & VAT: Orders shipped from overseas are treated as imports. Sellers must decide between Delivered Duty Paid (seller covers taxes) or Delivered Duty Unpaid (customer pays upon delivery, which may reduce conversions). UK VAT registration may be required if annual sales exceed £90,000.

  • Shipping times: UK customers typically expect 2-5 day delivery. Overseas fulfillment often takes 7-21 days, so clear communication about timelines is essential. Express shipping options (DHL, UPS, FedEx) can help meet expectations.

  • Returns management: Returning items to overseas warehouses is costly and inconvenient. Solutions include establishing a UK returns address via third-party logistics providers or offering refunds without requiring returns for low-value items.

  • Transparency: Being upfront about delivery times, costs, and potential customs fees helps maintain customer trust and satisfaction.

The discussion remains open with no specific resolution, though practical guidance has been provided.

Summarized with AI on October 24. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hello I want to sell my products is the UK. I live in UK as well but my warehouse is overseas is it possible that I ship the items to UK when I get the orders

8

Hello @Westcoast1611 ,

I hope you are doing well!

Yes! It is possible to sell the products in UK from overseas warehouse from Pakistan. Many UK-based sellers do this by fulfilling from overseas warehouses, but there are some important points you’ll need to keep in mind:
Customs & Import Duties

  • Since your warehouse is outside the UK, every order shipped in is treated as an import.

  • Who pays duties/VAT?

    • If you ship with Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) → you (the seller) cover import taxes upfront and the customer gets the package without extra charges.

    • If you ship Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) → the customer gets a notice to pay import VAT & handling fees before delivery (can hurt conversions).

2. VAT Registration

  • As you live in the UK and sell to UK customers, you likely need to be VAT registered (if your sales exceed £90,000/year; optional below that).

  • You’ll then charge UK VAT at checkout and remit to HMRC.

Shipping Times & Customer Expectations

  • UK customers expect fast delivery (often 2–5 days).

  • If your overseas shipping takes 7–21 days, you must:

    • Communicate it clearly on product pages and checkout.

    • Or use faster shipping options (DHL Express, UPS Worldwide Saver, FedEx).

4. Returns

  • Returns to an overseas warehouse can be expensive and inconvenient.

  • Many sellers:

    • Offer a UK returns address (can be a 3PL or returns consolidation service).

    • Or refund without return for low-cost items.

9

yes its possible you can ship your products to your customers just give them time

13

Yes, that’s definitely possible! Many UK-based sellers operate with overseas warehouses and ship items once they receive orders. You’ll just need to make sure your shipping times, import duties, and customer expectations are clearly communicated on your website or store. Also, if you’re planning to attract more local customers, consider using the best SEO services to help your products rank higher in UK search results — that way, shoppers can easily find and trust your brand.