Complete Checklist for Launching an Online Business in Lebanon 2026
Want to start an online business in Lebanon but don't know where to begin? This is your complete checklist from idea to first sale — step by step.
Phase 1: Preparation & Research (Week 1-2)
- [ ] Decide what to sell — product or service
- [ ] Research competition — who's selling the same thing?
- [ ] Define your target audience
- [ ] Calculate initial costs
- [ ] Set your prices — in USD ($) of course
- [ ] Choose a business name — simple, memorable
- [ ] Verify the name is available on Instagram
Phase 2: Legal Foundation (Week 2-3)
- [ ] Decide if you need commercial registration
- [ ] Register with municipality if required
- [ ] Understand your tax obligations — 11% VAT
- [ ] Write store policies — returns, exchanges, privacy
- [ ] Set up basic accounting — even a spreadsheet
Phase 3: Digital Infrastructure (Week 3-4)
- [ ] Open Instagram Business account
- [ ] Set up WhatsApp Business with catalog
- ] Register on Luulwa — [luulwa.com/en/lb
- [ ] Set up Facebook page
- [ ] Take professional product photos (4-5 per product)
- [ ] Write product descriptions — Arabic and English
- [ ] Prepare Instagram highlights
Phase 4: Payment & Delivery (Week 4)
- [ ] Open OMT account
- [ ] Download and activate WhishMoney
- [ ] Decide on cash-on-delivery policy
- [ ] Partner with delivery company (Toters / Yalla / personal)
- [ ] Define delivery zones and prices
- [ ] Set free delivery threshold ($30+)
- [ ] Prepare packaging materials
Phase 5: Launch & Marketing (Week 5-6)
- [ ] Post first 9-12 Instagram posts
- [ ] Daily stories about preparation
- [ ] Share on Lebanese Facebook groups
- [ ] Tell friends and family — word of mouth is powerful in Lebanon
- [ ] Prepare launch offer — discount or free delivery
- [ ] Start small Instagram ad ($5-10/day)
- [ ] Post first listing on Luulwa
Phase 6: First Sale & Beyond
- [ ] Follow up first order personally
- [ ] Ask customer for review or photo
- [ ] Share on your account (with permission)
- [ ] Analyze: where did the customer come from?
- [ ] Improve based on feedback
- [ ] Double down on what worked
Startup Budget (Realistic for Lebanon)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Instagram + WhatsApp + Luulwa | Free |
| Photography (phone + lighting) | $0-20 |
| Packaging (first batch) | $20-50 |
| Initial inventory | $100-500 (varies) |
| First month ads | $50-150 |
| Total | $170-720 |
📍 Register on Luulwa and start today
🔍 See what's selling in Lebanon



