Online shoppers in Egypt expect to pay the way they already pay: by card, through local wallets and instalment providers, or in cash on delivery. They also expect Arabic, fast mobile pages and clear delivery times. Getting these basics right matters more than any feature list.
Choosing the platform
- Shopify: quickest to launch, hosting and updates handled for you, monthly fees and app costs; best for standard catalogues.
- WooCommerce: flexible and familiar if you already use WordPress, but you are responsible for hosting, updates and plugin security.
- Custom (for example Next.js with a commerce backend): full control over checkout, pricing rules, B2B accounts and integrations; higher build cost, lower long-term limits.
Payments in Egypt
Most Egyptian stores combine an online card gateway (local providers such as Paymob, Fawry, Kashier or Geidea), mobile wallets, instalment options and cash on delivery. Use the gateway's hosted payment page or embedded fields so card data never touches your server; that keeps your PCI DSS scope small. Cash on delivery needs order confirmation and fraud rules to keep return rates down.
Shipping and operations
- Integrate a courier (local carriers such as Bosta, Aramex or Mylerz) to create shipments and tracking automatically.
- Set delivery zones, fees and promised times per governorate.
- Connect stock and orders to your accounting or ERP system to avoid overselling.
- Send order updates by SMS, email or WhatsApp.
Security and data protection
Online stores are prime targets for card skimming, account takeover and fake orders. Protect the admin with two-factor login, keep plugins updated, set a Content-Security-Policy on checkout pages, and test business logic such as prices, coupons and stock before launch. Egypt's Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020) also sets rules for how customer data is collected and stored.
Timeline
A secure store with a standard catalogue, payments and shipping usually takes 5–8 weeks. Large catalogues, product configurators, B2B pricing, marketplace features or ERP integrations add time and are best delivered in phases.
Shoppers forgive a plain design. They don't forgive a checkout that fails or a card that gets stolen.