In search of flexibility and greater investment control, opening online stores has gained prominence among entrepreneurs in Brazil. According to data from the 10th edition of the "Brazilian E-Commerce Profile" survey conducted by BigDataCorp, there are over 1.9 million online stores in the country. Although the market was initially dominated by major players like Amazon, Mercado Livre, and Magalu, the reality has diversified. The research also shows that 45.79% of online stores are managed by a single entrepreneur. Another 40.47% have fewer than 10 employees, and in 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. By 2025, the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm) projects that the sector will reach a revenue of over 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 is a reflection of the acceleration of digital transformation.
"Currently, the entrepreneur needs an efficient sales platform, a variety of payment options, and an engaged audience. Additionally, presence on social media has become a strategic differentiator. Today, purchases are made directly via mobile phones, whether through apps or websites, putting commerce literally in the consumer's hand. This greatly facilitates sales conversion, making the process much faster and more accessible," concludes the executive.
Faced with the market rise, 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 is possible to turn the idea into reality 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 – Choice of platform and focus on omnichannel approach
When choosing an online platform, prioritize those that offer comprehensive solutions and integration with other tools in your digital ecosystem. Resources such as optimized checkout, customizable templates, technical support, and expansion features are important differentiators. Platforms like Cartpanda, for example, offer all of this in one place, making business management and growth easier from the start.
Furthermore, think omnichannel: being present on different channels broadens your reach and improves the customer experience. Your store should be connected to social networks such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as Email, which serve not only as showcases but also as channels for relationship building, sales, and sharing promotions.
3 – Market niche
Choosing a market niche is essential. The tip is to align your interests with the public's demand and observe trending topics, such as sustainable products, wellness, pet shops, technology, and personalized items. Research consumer behavior, analyze the competition, and focus on solving specific pain points of a well-defined audience. Segmented niches tend to generate more engagement and loyalty, facilitating the creation of a strong and relevant brand.
4 – Metrics and results
Keep an eye on indicators such as conversion rate (how many visitors make a purchase), average ticket (average value per purchase), CAC – Customer Acquisition Cost, ROI – Return on Investment, and cart abandonment rate. With these metrics, you identify what is working, adjust campaigns, and improve the customer experience to boost sales.
