How to find profitable dropshipping products in Pakistan

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.

Top dropshipping product categories to consider in Pakistan 

Based on 2023 annual spending data from Pakistan's Digital 2024 We Are Social report⁶, here are some of the top product categories to consider for dropshipping:

1. Electronics

Electronics dominate online sales in Pakistan, with an annual spending of US$3.22 billion, making it the largest category. This is not surprising, since customers often find better deals and a wider range of options online than in physical stores. Given the increasing number of mobile phone users (over 193.3 million in 2024, according to the Pakistan Telecommunications Agency)⁷, budget smartphones and accessories like phone cases, chargers and screen protectors are prime dropshipping products to sell. 

2. Fashion and apparel

With US$1.06 billion spent on fashion in 2023 alone, this category offers a great opportunity for dropshipping entrepreneurs. By the end of 2024, Pakistan’s apparel market is expected to reach US$5.81 billion⁸, with women’s apparel leading the way at US$2.44 billion, as Statista data indicate. The fashion category benefits from a trend-driven consumer base that values competitive pricing and the ability to shop multiple brands online. Popular items to consider for dropshipping include ready-to-wear clothing, traditional garments like shalwar kameez, and accessories such as handbags and jewelry. 

3. Beauty and personal care

Beauty and personal care products accounted for US$321.6 million in online sales in 2023, with expected growth in the coming years⁹. Items in trend include skincare products, makeup and hair care essentials. What makes this category thrive online is the convenience of comparing products, reading reviews and accessing deals that aren’t available in physical stores. Dropshipping beauty products, particularly those that cater to local skincare needs, could attract a loyal customer base.

4. Home and living

Pakistan, the home and living category is seeing substantial growth, with household essentials generating US$130.2 million annually and furniture bringing in US$84.64 million. The home décor market alone is expected to generate US$216.90 million this year, according to Statista¹⁰. This is paired with a projected annual growth rate of 4.47% over the next five years. Popular products in this category include decorative pieces, furniture, kitchen appliances and bedding, with online shoppers possibly appreciating the wider selection and customization options that may not be available in physical stores. 

5. Health and wellness

Annual spending on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals in 2023 reached US$111.2 million, but this is only one small part of the picture. According to Statista reports, the broader Health & Fitness market is expected to grow to US$2.07 million by 2029¹¹, while the rapidly expanding Digital Fitness & Well-Being market is projected to generate US$267.10 million this year¹². Popular items include wearable fitness devices, fitness trackers and other digital health solutions that cater to the increasing demand for health-conscious lifestyles. These products thrive online as customers value the convenience, privacy and wide range of options available for health and wellness, often not found in local stores.

Connect with a reliable shipping partner

To complete your dropshipping setup, having a reliable shipping partner to handle import and export logistics is essential. DHL Express helps you seamlessly bring products from international suppliers to Pakistan and deliver them to your customers. Get fast, dependable delivery and competitive shipping rates when you open a business account with DHL Express.