Seeking flexibility and greater control over investments, the opening of virtual stores has gained prominence among entrepreneurs in Brazil. According to data from the 10th edition of the survey “Profile of Brazilian E-Commerce,” conducted by BigDataCorp, there are over 1.9 million virtual stores in the country. Although the market was initially dominated by major players like Amazon, Mercado Livre, and Magalu, the landscape has diversified. The survey also indicates that 45.79% of virtual stores are managed by a single entrepreneur. Another 40.47% have fewer than 10 employees, and the vast majority offer up to 10 products.
The current scenario offers a favorable environment for those looking to start a business with low production costs. For 2025, the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm) projects that the sector will achieve revenues exceeding R$ 230 billion, with an average ticket of R$ 539.28. Lucas Castellani, CEO of Cartpanda, an ecosystem dedicated to digital entrepreneurs, highlights that the growth of e-commerce reflects the acceleration of digital transformation.
“Today, entrepreneurs need an efficient sales platform, varied payment options, and an engaged audience. Additionally, a presence on social media has become a strategic differentiator. Nowadays, purchases are made directly via mobile devices, whether through apps or websites, literally placing commerce in the palm of the consumer’s hand. This greatly facilitates sales conversion, making the process much faster and more accessible,” adds the executive.
Given the market boom, Castellani shares 4 tips for those who want to start their own business with low investment. See below:
1- Initial Investment
Setting up an online store can be affordable even with a limited budget. The initial investment varies depending on the size of the business, but for those who want to start lean, it’s possible to get the idea off the ground with around R$ 1,000 to R$ 2,000. This amount can cover essential items such as choosing the platform (some have free or affordable plans), domain registration, hosting, and initial digital marketing actions.
2 – Platform Choice and Focus on Omnichannel
When choosing an online platform, prioritize those that offer complete solutions and integration with other tools in your digital ecosystem. Features like optimized checkout, customizable templates, technical support, and expansion functionalities are important differentiators. Platforms like Cartpanda, for example, offer all of this in one place, simplifying business management and growth from the start.
Additionally, think omnichannel: being present on different channels expands your reach and improves the customer experience. Your store should be connected to social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as email, which serve not only as showcases but also as channels for engagement, sales, and promotion sharing.
3 – Market Niche
Choosing a market niche is essential. The tip is to align your interests with audience demand and observe trending topics, such as sustainable products, wellness, pet supplies, technology, and personalized items. Research consumer behavior, analyze the competition, and focus on solving specific pain points for a well-defined audience. Segmented niches tend to generate more engagement and loyalty, making it easier to build a strong and relevant brand.
4 – Metrics and Results
Keep an eye on indicators like conversion rate (how many visitors make a purchase), average ticket (average purchase value), CAC – Customer Acquisition Cost, ROI – Return on Investment, and cart abandonment rate. With these metrics, you can identify what’s working, adjust campaigns, and improve the customer experience to boost sales.
