How to start online sales in Serbia: A complete guide from the website to the first order
Online sales in Serbia are truly booming. More and more entrepreneurs are recognizing the potential of the e-commerce market and deciding to launch their own online shop. If you are considering starting online sales, this complete guide will help you understand all the steps – from website development to realizing your first order.
Why Start Online Sales in Serbia?
The e-commerce market in Serbia is constantly growing. According to the latest research, more and more citizens are shopping online, and the pandemic has further accelerated the digitization of purchasing habits. Online sales allow for:
- Operation 24/7 - Your shop runs non-stop
- Wider target audience - Reaching customers across Serbia
- Lower costs - Compared to a physical store
- Easier scaling - Simple expansion of assortment
- Better analytics - Precise tracking of results
Step 1: Defining the Business Model and Assortment
Before you start with the technical aspects, determine what you will sell and how. Will you keep inventory or work on a dropshipping model? What is your target segment? What is the competition like?
Key Questions:
- What is your niche?
- Who are your ideal customers?
- What is your competitive advantage?
- What will be the product price range?
Step 2: Business Registration
For legal operation of an online shop in Serbia, the following is required:
Legal form of business:
- Flat-rate company (up to a certain annual income)
- Entrepreneur (the most popular option for small e-commerce businesses)
- LTD (Limited Liability Company)
Activity Code: The most commonly used is 47.91 - Retail trade via mail order houses or internet.
VAT: You do not have to be immediately registered for VAT, but when the annual turnover exceeds a certain amount (currently 8 million dinars), registration is mandatory.
Step 3: Development of a Professional Online Website
Your website is your digital storefront and the most important tool for success. There are several options:
E-commerce Platforms:
- WooCommerce (WordPress plugin) - The most popular choice in Serbia
- Shopify - International platform with a monthly subscription
- Magento - For larger shops with complex needs
- Custom solutions - Tailored development for specific requirements
What a Good Online Shop Must Include:
Technical aspects:
- Responsive design (mobile version)
- Fast page loading
- SSL certificate (https://)
- Secure checkout page
- Integration with payment systems
User experience:
- Intuitive navigation
- High-quality product photos
- Detailed product descriptions
- Search system
- Filters by categories, price, colors...
- Cart and wish list
- User account
Legal aspects:
- General terms of use
- Privacy policy
- Return policy
- Information about the company (contact, registration number, VAT ID)
Step 4: Payment and Delivery - The Essence of Online Sales
Payment Methods in Serbia:
Cash on Delivery (the most popular method): The customer pays the courier upon package collection. This method is still the most common in Serbia because it builds trust.
Online card payment: Integration with banks via payment gateway:
- Banca Intesa - WebPay
- Raiffeisen Bank - PaySpot
- Komercijalna Bank
- Other banks with POS terminals
Mobile payment:
- mCASH
- IPS QR code
Delivery Organization:
It is necessary to conclude a contract with courier services:
- Post Express (Pošta Srbije)
- AKS
- BEX
- D Express
- City Express
Delivery Tips:
- Negotiate prices when volume increases
- Enable shipment tracking
- Clearly state delivery deadlines
- Offer multiple options (standard/express delivery)
Step 5: Marketing and Promotion of the Online Shop
Without quality marketing, the best shop will not have visitors. Here is the strategy:
SEO Optimization (Search Engine Optimization)
Optimize the website for Google search:
- Keyword research relevant to your niche
- Optimization of titles and meta descriptions
- High-quality content on product pages
- Blog with useful articles
- Website speed optimization
- Link building strategy
Google Ads (PPC Advertising)
Paid ads that appear in Google search - a fast way to bring in first customers while working on organic SEO.
Facebook and Instagram Advertising
Visual products work especially well on social media:
- Targeted ads based on demographics
- Retargeting (re-engaging website visitors)
- Product catalog
- Instagram Shopping
Email Marketing
Build an email address base and send:
- Newsletter with news
- Special offers and discounts
- Personalized recommendations
- Automated emails (abandoned cart)
Content Marketing
A blog on your website with useful content builds authority and brings free traffic.
Step 6: Analytics and Optimization
Google Analytics
Free tracking tool for:
- Number of visitors
- Traffic source
- User behavior
- Conversions (percentage of buyers)
Google Search Console
Tracking website performance in Google search and identifying technical issues.
A/B Testing
Test different versions of pages, titles, images, and prices to optimize conversions.
Step 7: Customer Support and Feedback
Quality customer support is key to building loyalty:
- Live chat on the site (can also be a chatbot)
- Email support - respond within 24 hours
- Phone - good for more complex inquiries
- FAQ section - answers to the most common questions
- Social media - quick replies to messages
Reviews and Ratings
Allow customers to leave reviews. Positive ratings build trust and increase conversions.
Step 8: From the First Order to the Repeat Order
Strategy for first-time orders:
- Easy checkout process - fewer steps
- Free shipping (for the first order or above a certain amount)
- Discounts for first-time buyers (code for 10-15% discount)
- Social proof - display reviews, number of customers
- Money-back guarantee - reduce customer risk
How to retain customers:
- Loyalty program with points
- Personalized offers
- Exclusive discounts for existing customers
- Quality product and service (the basis of everything)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor photo quality - Invest in professional photography
- Lack of information - Describe products in detail
- Slow website - Optimize loading
- Complicated ordering process - Simplify checkout
- Poor communication - Be transparent about deadlines and availability
- Lack of mobile optimization - Over 60% of buyers use a phone
- Neglecting analytics - Make decisions based on data
Why Choose Global Dizajn for Your Online Shop?
At Global Dizajn, we understand the specifics of the Serbian market. Our team has many years of experience in developing e-commerce solutions that work. We provide:
- Complete development - From strategy to launch
- SEO optimization - Your website at the top of Google search
- Integrations - Payments, delivery, CRM systems
- Education - We train you for independent management
- Support - We are here even after launch
Your success is our success. Contact us and schedule a free consultation about launching your online shop.
Conclusion
Starting online sales in Serbia has never been more accessible. With the right strategy, a quality website, and good marketing, the path from the first order to a successful business requires only consistency and work. The digital market is growing, and the time to start your online business is right now.
Start today - your future customers are already looking for you online.
Contact Global Dizajn for a free consultation regarding the development of your online shop.