1. Pick a product with nearby demand
Start with what people around you already buy. The categories that tend to move well from home are affordable and easy to deliver.
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Food, desserts, and made-to-order treats
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Phone accessories
- Gifts and personalized items
2. Take advantage of charging in dollars
Because the country uses the dollar, there are no conversions when buying from foreign suppliers. Still, calculate shipping and import taxes carefully before setting your price.
3. Decide how you'll get paid
Offer two or three options and always explain them the same way. The most common ones among small sellers are simple to use.
- Bank transfer
- Cash on delivery
- Card payment links
- A deposit for made-to-order items
4. Organize deliveries by zone
Separate deliveries within the San Salvador metro area from shipments to other departments. Publish the cost and delivery days per zone, and consider meeting points on fixed days to save time.
5. Show everything in one link
Instead of answering prices one by one, share a catalog with photos, prices, and availability. Customers choose on their own and message you on WhatsApp with the order ready.
6. Get your first customers
First sales come from trust. Post on your status, join buy-and-sell groups in your town, and ask every customer for a photo or review when they receive their order.
7. Keep your business in order from day one
Record every sale and expense, and once sales are steady, ask an accountant about the steps to formalize. Rules change, so always look for up-to-date official information.
Selling online in El Salvador starts with something simple: a good product, an organized catalog, and deliveries you keep. Everything else improves along the way.