Article content:
Do you want to repeat the success of a well-known Chinese goods chain? Great idea! But between launching your own business and earning a profit, there are many steps. If you already know which niche you will choose, what will become a hit, and have allocated the starting capital, DiFFreight will explain the intricacies of opening a physical and online store in Ukraine.
Opening a physical location involves significant initial investments. But everything starts with registering an individual entrepreneur (FOP). Now this can be done not only through a lawyer or in the CNAP, but also online via the Diia portal. Choose the correct KVED code (or several if you sell a variety of goods).
Since January 1, 2022, FOPs of groups 2 and 3 must have a cash register or software RRO (cash register software), in other words, online cash registers.
Of course, for offline trading, you need to rent a space:
To operate legally, prepare documents:
At least one employee is required to run the store — a sales consultant. Accounting services can be outsourced. Also, at the start, advertising is mandatory to attract the first customers.
Monthly store expenses include: rent, utilities, cash register maintenance, accounting, employee salaries, and promotion costs.
Opening a physical or online store is already not easy, and when planning shipments from China, even more problems arise. Some of them can be solved at the start by collaborating with DiFFreight:
| Problem | Risk to Business | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| High cost of goods when purchasing wholesale from Ukrainian suppliers | Low margins. Difficult to stand out among competitors and offer attractive prices to customers | Purchase goods directly from China, avoiding intermediary overpayments |
| Hard to find a reliable supplier in China | Poor-quality goods, high defect rate, supply disruptions, financial losses | We organize supplier searches in China according to business requests. We check reliability, order test batches, and conduct inspections |
| No place to store batches in China during consolidated shipments | Shipment delays, need to place large orders. Business misses trends and potential profit | Warehouse services in China: use DiFFreight’s warehouse in Foshan. Additional options include quality check, repackaging, and shipment consolidation for regular dispatch |
| Expensive logistics | Financial losses on delivery, reducing store profit | We offer transparent and competitive rates. Sea and air delivery from China to Ukraine is available |
| Customs clearance | Delays at the border, fines, confiscation | We provide customs brokerage services: your import will be correctly processed for legal sales through any channel |
| Significant advertising expenses | Loss of income, low marketing effectiveness | We launched the first Instagram marketplace where we review and crash test our clients’ products. Participation in the DiFFline program is free! |
The first step is registering an FOP. Beginners are suited for group 2 with simplified taxation. Your annual turnover can reach up to 6,627,000 UAH, and the number of employees up to 10. Correct KVED code — 47.91. Next — choose a sales platform.
A simple start without significant investments. With proper promotion, thousands of buyers will learn about your store. Often, the dropshipping model is used on social media, which requires even less capital. Since Instagram Shopping and TikTok Shop features are currently unavailable in Ukraine, everyone sells through a business account.
Cons:
A ready seller account with analytics and marketing tools, connected payments, and sometimes delivery (fulfillment). The main advantage of marketplaces is high traffic, which guarantees rapid growth of your customer base.
Disadvantages:
Your own online store provides maximum functionality but requires significant investment. There are two ways to open an online store for Chinese goods:
Even with online sales, a warehouse is needed to store and process orders: labeling, packaging, shipping to customers. Small businesses can start at home, but eventually, it is worth investing in a separate space.
Opening your own online or physical Chinese goods store is a multi-stage process without guaranteed success. But with a well-thought-out strategy, starting capital, and DiFFreight support, you can confidently move toward your goal while avoiding common mistakes. Call or write to book a consultation with international trade experts!
Start by choosing a niche — decide what you’ll sell: electronics, clothing, home goods, or cosmetics. Then find reliable suppliers on Alibaba, 1688, or Taobao.
Look for manufacturers with verified ratings, certificates, and good reviews. Always request product samples before placing bulk orders to check quality.
You’ll need to register a business entity (sole proprietorship or LLC), sign a supplier agreement, and prepare customs documents like invoices and packing lists. Some categories may also require conformity certificates.
You can create your own website (Shopify, Prom.ua), sell through marketplaces (Rozetka, Amazon, eBay), or promote via social media (Instagram, TikTok). Test different channels and focus on the most profitable ones.
Valid:
