Want to start with little? Start your online store with only R$ 1.000

In search of flexibility and greater control of 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”, held by BigDataCorp in the country, there are more than 1.9 million virtual stores. Although the market was initially dominated by major players such as Amazon, Mercado Livre and Magalu, the reality has diversified.The survey also points out that 45,79% of virtual stores are managed by a single entrepreneur. Other 40,47% have less than 10 employees, and even offer large products.

The current scenario offers a favorable environment for those seeking to start a business with low production cost. By 2025, the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm) projects that the sector will achieve a turnover higher than 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, varied payment options and an engaged audience. In addition, the presence in social networks has become a strategic differential. Today, purchases are made directly by mobile, either by applications or websites, putting commerce literally in the palm of the consumer's hand. This greatly facilitates the conversion of sales, making the process much more agile and accessible”, adds the executive.

Faced with the market high, Castellani shares 4 tips for those who want to start their own business with low investment.

1-Initial Investment

Setting up an online store can be affordable even on a limited budget. The initial investment varies depending on the size of the business, but for those who want to start lean, you can get the idea out of the paper with about R$ 1,000 to R$ 2,000. This amount can cover essential items such as the choice of platform (some have free or affordable plans), domain registration, hosting and the first digital marketing actions.

2 ^ Choice of platform and focus on omnichannel
 

When choosing the online platform, prioritize those that offer complete solutions and integration with other tools in your digital ecosystem. Features such as optimized checkout, customizable templates, technical support and expansion features are important differentials. Platforms such as Cartpanda, for example, offer all this in one place, facilitating the management and growth of the business from the beginning.

Also, think omnichannel: being present in different channels extends your reach and improves the customer experience. Your store should be connected to social networks, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, in addition to Email, which work not only as showcases, but also as channels of relationship, sales and sharing promotions.
 

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Choosing a niche market is essential. The tip is to align your interests with the demand of the public and observe trends in high, such as sustainable products, well-being, pet shop, technology and personalized items. Research consumer behavior, analyze the competition and focus on solving specific pains 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 buy), 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 drive sales.