How to Invest in a UK E-commerce Store from Pakistan (Without Running It Yourself)

Quick answer: Investors in Pakistan usually get into UK e-commerce in one of three ways: running a store themselves, paying an agency a monthly fee to run it, or partnering with an agency that takes a share of profit only. In all three, the marketplace accounts and the UK company should be in the investor's own name. Returns are never guaranteed, so compare the models by who carries the risk.

Searches like "tiktok shop uk", "ebay uk" and "seller amazon uk" are among the top e-commerce searches from Pakistan. Many of those searching want the income without learning marketplace operations themselves. Tekovex manages UK stores for investors, and our client stores have passed £1 million in UK sales. Here is how the options compare.

The three ways to invest

• Do it yourself: lowest cost, highest effort. You handle sourcing, listings, customer messages and account health, often across a UK time difference.
• Pay an agency a monthly fee: the agency runs the store, and you pay the fee whether the store makes money or not.
• Profit-share partnership: the agency runs the store with no service charge and takes an agreed percentage of profit. It only earns when the store is profitable, so its incentive matches yours.

What you need as the investor

• A UK limited company: £100 to register online. Every director must verify their identity with Companies House, and overseas directors can do this with a biometric passport.
• Marketplace accounts in your own name: eBay, Etsy, Amazon or TikTok Shop. Never buy or rent someone else's account; marketplaces link and suspend them.
• A UK business bank account for payouts.
• Stock or product budget: for a private label or dropshipping catalogue.
• A UK accountant for company filings and VAT.

Some marketplaces add extra rules. TikTok Shop UK, for example, needs a UK stock location and a UK residential proof of address for the main account holder. Check each platform's requirements before you choose.

Private label or dropshipping?

• Private label: your own brand, made by a supplier and stored in the UK. It needs more money up front, but gives better margins and a business you can sell later.
• Dropshipping: a UK supplier ships each order. It needs less money up front but has thinner margins, and your delivery times depend on the supplier.

Risks to understand before you invest

• Account restrictions: new accounts that grow too fast can be restricted (for example eBay's MC011 review), which pauses sales and payouts.
• Fees and ad costs: these can take 15–30% of revenue before stock costs.
• Stock risk: private label stock that doesn't sell ties up your money.
• Rule changes: platforms change fees and policies often. Etsy's August 2026 ban on natural animal fur items is one recent example.

Questions to ask any agency before you sign

• Will the accounts and company be in my name, with my own login?
• How is "profit" defined, and which costs come off first?
• Can I see live sales dashboards, not screenshots?
• What happens to the store and stock if we stop working together?
• Can you show results from stores you run now?

Frequently asked questions

Can I invest in UK e-commerce from Pakistan?

Yes. Most investors set up a UK limited company, open marketplace accounts in its name, and either run the store themselves or partner with an agency.

Is investing in an e-commerce store safe?

No investment is risk-free. Account restrictions, fees and unsold stock are the main risks, so start with a budget you can afford to lose.

How does a profit-share e-commerce partnership work?

The agency runs the store with no service charges and keeps an agreed percentage of profit. It earns only when the store is profitable.

Which marketplace is best for new investors?

eBay is usually easiest to start on. TikTok Shop can grow faster but has stricter UK setup rules.

Invest with Tekovex

Tekovex runs UK stores on eBay, Etsy and TikTok Shop for investors, using private label and dropshipping. Tekovex works with investors on a percentage-of-profit basis, so we earn when your store is profitable. Other stores can also choose a fixed fee or monthly retainer. See our pricing page. Our client stores have passed £1 million in UK sales. Book a free consultation.