In today’s fierce competition in global e-commerce, the Middle East market has emerged and become a treasure land that major e-commerce platforms are vying to develop. Among them, the Souq e-commerce platform, which has a large user base and impressive traffic, has undoubtedly become a shortcut for Chinese sellers to enter the Middle East market. This article will introduce in detail how to successfully enter the Souq platform and seize this market with unlimited potential.
1. Introduction to Souq e-commerce platform.
Souq, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the Middle East, has more than 6 million active users and up to 10 million visits per month. After years of deep cultivation in the Middle East market, Souq has built its own logistics system Q Express and payment system PayFort, which enables the user experience to be continuously optimized. Since Amazon’s acquisition, Souq continues to operate as an independent brand and has received full support from Amazon. Its position in the Middle East e-commerce field is unshakable. If Chinese e-commerce companies want to expand into the Middle East market, entering Souq is undoubtedly an efficient and feasible way.
2. Steps to enter the Souq platform.
1. Register a Souq account.
Registering a Souq seller account is the first step to join, but for individuals, direct registration is relatively complicated because you need to provide information such as Middle Eastern ID card, phone number, delivery address, bank card number, business license, etc. For domestic small and medium-sized sellers, it may not be realistic to obtain this information, so they usually choose to register an account through an agent. At present, there are many ways to register as an agent, mainly including the following four categories:
Agency points under large state-owned enterprises: These agency points work directly with Souq to help introduce Chinese sellers.
Logistics company agency points: Logistics companies register accounts locally and provide them to e-commerce sellers. This method usually includes logistics services and overseas warehousing services.
Middle East partners: Conduct e-commerce business with partners in the Middle East.
Purchase second-hand accounts: Purchase registered Souq accounts from other sellers.
Each registration method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is impossible to simply judge which one is the best. Prices, risks, and required documents vary depending on the method. Sellers can choose according to their own circumstances.
It should be noted that the registration price of different channels is also different. The first type of agency point has relatively low risk and high price, usually between 20,000 and 30,000 yuan; the second type of agency point price is slightly lower, generally below 10,000 yuan; the third and fourth types have higher risks but the lowest price. Sellers should weigh the pros and cons according to their own situation and choose the channel that suits them.
It is also worth mentioning that after Amazon acquired Souq, the platform also began to invite sellers to settle in China, and the threshold for settlement may be lowered in the future.
2. Product selection.
When entering the Middle East market, sellers need to pay attention to local cultural taboos. For example, alcohol and e-cigarettes are prohibited from entering the local customs. If there are female patterns on the product packaging, the clothes cannot be too exposed. Therefore, when selecting products, make sure that the products will not violate local culture and regulations.
3. Upload products and descriptions.
Uploading products and descriptions is equivalent to putting products on the shelves in a supermarket. Souq requires product images to have a white background. You can choose to upload products in batches or individually, and the product descriptions will be automatically translated into Arabic. Just enter the English description and the platform will automatically translate it into the target language, making the product information easier for local users to understand.
4. Logistics.
Logistics is crucial in the process of entering the Souq platform. First, the goods need to be shipped from China to Souq’s warehouse. Accounts purchased from different channels may have different logistics requirements. If you choose to purchase an account from a logistics company, logistics services are usually included, but be sure to ensure that the goods are delivered to the Souq warehouse in a timely manner to avoid the risk of your account being blocked.
The second logistics link is local delivery. Souq stipulates that local delivery can only be carried out through their own couriers, so there is no need to think too much about this link.
5. Customer service.
Unlike other e-commerce platforms, Souq sellers cannot communicate directly with customers. There is no email contact method similar to Taobao’s Aliwangwang or Amazon. Customers can only leave messages on product listings or stores, and sellers can reply on this basis. Unless customers complain, there is no direct communication with customers.
In summary, entering the Souq e-commerce platform is a promising opportunity for Chinese sellers, but they need to carefully choose the right channels, comply with local laws and cultural practices, provide product information that meets the requirements, and pay attention to details such as logistics. Only by fully understanding and smoothly executing these steps can you succeed in the Middle East market.