Selling online in Egypt: a practical guide from the first product to cash on delivery

Short answer: to sell online in Egypt you need four things: a product people want, a store with your products and prices behind one link, a payment method customers trust (cash on delivery first), and delivery to the customer's door. This guide walks through all four, with tips to reduce returned orders.

Why cash on delivery matters in Egypt

Most online shoppers in Egypt still prefer to pay cash when the order arrives, especially from a store they are buying from for the first time. Offering COD raises orders, and you can accept cards and wallets alongside it.

Steps

1. Pick a product that sells online — one whose photos sell it, with margin for shipping and returns.
2. Open an online store instead of selling only in messages: how to create an online store in Egypt.
3. Set up payments: COD is on by default; add cards and wallets with your own Paymob or Kashier account — see the payment gateways guide.
4. Set up delivery: your own areas and fees, or connect Bosta, Aramex, Mylerz or ShipBlu — see shipping carriers.
5. Reduce returns: confirm every order before shipping, describe sizes and materials precisely, photograph honestly, and show delivery cost before checkout.
6. Get your first customers: share your link, add Facebook and TikTok pixels before advertising, and offer a first-order coupon.

FAQ

Do I need a commercial registration to sell online?

To trade formally in Egypt you register your activity (commercial registration and tax card), and some payment gateways and carriers require them for a merchant account. Rules change, so check with an accountant or the tax authority. Opening a store on Elmatajer does not require a commercial registration.

What if a customer refuses the delivery?

Mark the order cancelled or returned and the stock comes back automatically. Confirming orders before shipping prevents most of this.