How to create an online store in Egypt
Launch a branded shop buyers can trust, add products, choose payment options that fit Egypt (including cash on delivery when you need it), and run orders from one desk. This guide uses GrowVai as a bilingual store and order platform — WhatsApp drafts are optional follow-up, not the product category.
Create your seller account
Sign up on GrowVai and start on the free plan. You do not need to buy hosting or install WordPress to open a shop. See /pricing for plan limits when you grow.
Set store name and bilingual basics
Choose a clear store name, default language, and enable Arabic and English if you sell to both audiences. Keep Arabic in Modern Standard Arabic for public copy.
Add your first products
Add name, price in EGP, photos, and a short description for each product. A small clear catalog converts better than an empty or messy shop link.
Configure payment options
Turn on the payment methods your buyers use — cash on delivery, gateway where enabled, InstaPay, or bank transfer / payment link. Cash on delivery is one option, not the whole product. Deeper setup: /guides/cod-for-online-sellers.
Share your shop link
Put the shop URL in your Instagram bio, stories, and chats so buyers land on one branded catalog instead of scattered messages. Instagram-focused path: /guides/instagram-sellers-storefront and /for/instagram-sellers.
Run orders from the order desk
Confirm new orders, update status, track collections, and optionally open a WhatsApp click-to-chat draft for follow-up. GrowVai does not send Cloud API messages for sellers.
Know pricing before you scale
Start on the free plan to launch. When order volume or limits grow, compare Growth and Pro on /pricing — upgrade only when the desk and catalog need more capacity.
Migrating from chats or another tool
You do not need a full data migration to start. Recreate your best-selling products on GrowVai, switch your bio and story links, and run new orders on the desk. Keep old chats for history until the new shop is live. GrowVai is your own branded store — not a marketplace you “list into.”
FAQ
How long does it take to launch a GrowVai store?
Many sellers can publish a basic shop the same day: account, a few products, payment options, and a shareable link. Depth (photos, policies, shipping notes) can grow after you start taking orders. Pricing teaser: free plan to start — details on /pricing.
Do I need a company registration to start?
GrowVai lets you start a shop and take order requests on the free plan. Legal and tax requirements in Egypt depend on your activity and size — check official guidance for your case; GrowVai is not a law firm.
Is GrowVai a marketplace?
No. You get your own branded shop and order desk. Buyers shop your catalog — GrowVai is not a multi-seller marketplace, dropshipping network, or affiliate program. Egypt hub: /ecommerce-platform-egypt.
Can I offer cash on delivery?
Yes. Enable cash on delivery as one of your payment options and track collection from the order desk alongside other methods you turn on. Full guide: /guides/cod-for-online-sellers. Instagram sellers often pair COD with a bio-link shop — see /guides/instagram-sellers-storefront.
How do I move from Instagram DMs to a real store in Egypt?
Launch the shop, list the products you already post, put one URL in your bio, and take orders on the desk. Audience page: /for/instagram-sellers. Cash on delivery stays optional via /guides/cod-for-online-sellers.