Recent content by Majid Paracha

  1. Majid Paracha

    Import duty and VAT

    While the VAT delay is frustrating, it gave us time to refine our strategy and align better with partners. We have now received our VAT reference number and based on current progress, we expect to start importing from early 2026.
  2. Majid Paracha

    Import duty and VAT

    Yes, that is our understanding as well. We already have a UTR, so this appears to be an HMRC verification delay rather than a new allocation and we are doing it through a company. There has not been much movement yet it is still pending. On the brand side, we are in a good position. The supply...
  3. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    @Paul Kelly ICHYB managing FBA comes with strict rules and policies. With a 3PL we might pay a bit more, but it also gives us better coordination, certain control and flexibility, which is important as we set up operations for both B2B and B2C. Please feel free to correct me.
  4. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    @fisicx Yes sir, you guys are tough but that is exactly the point of this forum? Appreciate the straight talk.
  5. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    @AmazonGeek we did look into FBA and at the moment it does seem a bit complicated for us. of course, it is clearly a better option for visibility and reaching more customers. A few 4PL companies are offering services to set up FBA for you and handle the backend operations. We are still in...
  6. Majid Paracha

    Import duty and VAT

    @Customs Geek You are absolutely right that really clarifies things. May I ask what the next step is and how long the process usually takes from here?
  7. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    @Paul Kelly ICHYB I agree that Amazon can just be seen as part of our early marketing cost, and it works well with most 3PL systems. Our 3PL also mentioned they can support Amazon orders with extra services, so that makes the channel even more doable for us. Your point about not relying fully...
  8. Majid Paracha

    Import duty and VAT

    Yes, the wait really does feel long. From the update we received, they are holding things because of the UTR. What I am not fully clear about is that we already have a UTR, so I am wondering if they need a different one or if it is just an internal process on their side. Once that’s sorted, they...
  9. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    @AmazonGeek Thank you so much for your feedback .I really appreciate it. This is by far the most helpful response I have received so far. To share a bit about our approach, we have collected and studied many samples to develop our own brand, focusing on creating a product that truly adds value...
  10. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    I completely agree with your perspective. Salt is just one product, and the market for it is highly saturated something which I have witnessed firsthand over my five years in the salt business, seeing both supply and demand sides closely. That is why our approach is not to focus solely on salt...
  11. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    That is exactly why I joined this forum, to ask questions, get feedback, and understand aspects I might be overlooking. I would really appreciate any recommendations or advice you could share on the best way to present our products effectively.
  12. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    Ideal B2C Customer: Our products are versatile and generic, making them suitable for a wide range of customers, who value quality at reasonable prices. People focused on natural, high-quality and minimally processed food ingredients for daily use. Rather than focusing solely on one time sale...
  13. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    Thank you for your insight. Our expertise and current focus are in B2B, and we are already exporting to the UK. At the same time, we would like to reach customers directly and channel traffic through our website or other platforms, eventually directing them to Amazon, where they can purchase...
  14. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    @fisicx You make a very valid point the marketing strategy really does come first which we are working on. I am looking into different platforms to see which one aligns best with the direction I choose. I am aware the Himalayan salt category is quite saturated on Amazon, which is why I am also...
  15. Majid Paracha

    Best Platform for a Food Business – Amazon or Shopify?

    Hi everyone, I am setting up small business selling food products like rice, Himalayan salt, and seasonings, and I am trying to decide the best platform to launch on for B2C. Should I start selling on Amazon to reach customers quickly, or set up my own Shopify store to focus on building a brand...
See more
Top Bottom
Community
Articles
Menu