What makes a store in Lebanon different
Copying a store designed for Europe or the US usually fails here, for practical reasons:
- Payment. Many customers still prefer to pay cash on delivery, others pay with a wallet like Whish, and only some pay by card. A store has to offer the right mix from day one. The payments guide covers each option in detail.
- Order confirmation. Failed deliveries cost money. A quick WhatsApp confirmation before dispatch cuts down on orders nobody is home to receive.
- Addresses. Many Lebanese addresses are descriptive ("near the pharmacy, third floor"). Checkout should ask for a building, floor, and landmark, and a phone number the driver can call.
- Customers abroad. Lebanese living in Dubai, Paris, or Montreal often order for family in Lebanon. They need to pay by card and enter a delivery address in Lebanon.
- Language. Product names, filters, and checkout should work in English and Arabic, and in French if your customers expect it.
What I build
- A product catalog with variants (sizes, colors, weights), stock levels, and clear prices.
- A checkout that offers cash on delivery, wallet payments, and card payments where your business can accept them.
- Delivery rules: zones, fees, free-delivery thresholds, and minimum order values.
- Order emails and a simple dashboard to see, confirm, and fulfil orders.
- Discount codes, bundles, or a build-your-own box when your products suit it.
- Product pages written and structured so they can rank on Google, with proper photos and descriptions.
Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom store?
There’s no single right answer, and I’ll recommend whichever fits your business:
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Most product stores that want to manage everything themselves | Monthly fees, and paid apps for extra features |
| WooCommerce | Stores that already use WordPress or want full control of hosting | Updates and security need regular care |
| Custom-built store | Unusual ordering flows, like boxes, subscriptions, or B2B pricing | Higher upfront cost, so it needs a clear reason |
Example: Flavva
Flavva sells Lebanese-inspired hummus and dips in Quebec. Fresh food needs delivery rules and dietary details to be clear before checkout, so the store is built around a 12-cup box builder, prices in local currency, a free-delivery threshold, verified reviews, and badges for vegan, halal, and gluten-free products, in English and French. The same thinking applies to a store in Lebanon: build the checkout around how your customers order, not around a template.
Cost and timeline
Online stores usually start from about $3,000. The final price depends on the number of products, the payment methods, delivery rules, and languages. A typical store takes four to eight weeks. See what a website costs in Lebanon for the full breakdown, including yearly running costs.
Questions people ask
Can my store accept card payments?
Usually, yes, but it depends on how your business is set up. Lebanese businesses can accept cards through a local bank or processor, and businesses with a company abroad have more options. I’ll help you choose before we build the checkout.
Do I need to keep stock numbers in the store?
It helps. Showing what’s in stock prevents orders you can’t fulfil. If you sell from a shop as well, we can keep stock in one place.
Can customers order on WhatsApp instead?
Yes. Some stores work best with a "send this order on WhatsApp" option next to the normal checkout. It’s often a good first step for businesses that already sell through WhatsApp.
Will I be able to add products myself?
Yes. You get an admin panel to add products, change prices, and manage orders without needing me.