Home business in big business. Around the world, more of us than ever have taken the plunge and become the boss, selling all manner of goods online. It’s easy to see why.

The global eCommerce market is worth an estimated USD 9trn and set for annual growth of around 15% between now and 2027. And home sellers are now much better placed to stake a claim in this enormous market.

Where once home businesses were limited in their size and scope, there are now no such obstacles. Thanks to outsourcing, it’s possible to run a large, international business from the comfort of your couch. Marketing, finance, sales, and logistics are accessible to all.

Getting started is easy too. With the support of a local expert, you could be up and running and ready to trade within a matter of days. All you need is something to sell.

In this article, we’ll look at the steps you need to take to start a home business in the UAE – and how outsourcing can help you make a big impression.

How to start your business from home

The first step in launching your home business is to talk to the experts. At Set Hub, we can assist you with every step of the company formation process, including licensing and visas.

But before we get that far, there are a few initial tasks to check off. First, you need to choose a name for your new home business.

Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. You should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting.

Next, you’ll need to outline your business activities. Here, you’ll need to stipulate everything that you wish to sell. Failure to declare any activities could lead to problems further in the process.

At this stage, you’ll also need to decide on the type of business you wish to set up. When working from home, you can either apply for a freelance permit or set up a free zone company. Neither option requires you to have an official commercial premises.

We can help you with each of these steps. And with these decisions made, it’s time to apply for a license for a home-based business in the UAE.

Whether you’re starting out as a freelancer or establishing a full free zone company, you’ll need to provide the following documentation:

• A completed application form.
• Articles of incorporation (if necessary).
• Passport copies for all shareholders.
• Brief descriptions of intended business activities.

 

At this stage, we can also help you apply for your visas. This includes your residency visa, visas for company employees and visas for domestic staff such as housekeepers or drivers.

Benefits of outsourcing shipping and logistics

With your company up and running, it’s time to equip it with the tools to help it succeed. And outsourcing is a great way to do this. For trading businesses, outsourcing your transportation and logistics can be particularly powerful. Here’s why:

It saves you money

Third-party logistics companies already have everything you need, from warehousing to dispatch and job management systems. When you outsource, you can make use of these facilities with no upfront investment.

It increases your network
As a home business, you’re unlikely to have access to vast supply chains and dedicated shipping solutions. When you outsource, you get access to that network immediately.

It’s scalable

Working with a logistics provider allows you to scale your operation to meet demand. And, as you only pay for what you use, you’re not wasting money when you’re not running at full capacity.

It’s lower risk
When you work with a logistics company, much of the risk of transporting goods is transferred to them. Any issues with damage in transit or vehicle paperwork are now in the hands of a logistics expert – one less thing for you to worry about as a small business owner.

To make matters even easier, many logistics providers offer packages specifically designed for home businesses selling online. Aramex, for example, offers ecommerce businesses access to its expansive network and global logistics expertise.

Its ecommerce solutions cover the whole cycle of orders, from the moment a customer checks out on a website until the final delivery.

Services include:

• Pick & pack service at fulfilment centres
• Door-to-door service from sellers to customers
• Cross-border deliveries at competitive rates and timely transit times
• Customs clearance for MFN services
• Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service
• Personalized delivery options
• Return service through Aramex’s reverse logistics network
• Payment on Delivery service
• User-friendly mobile app that allows for the convenient scheduling of delivery, settling charges, live tracking and service delivery ratings

Start your home business with Set Hub

If you’re armed with the right knowledge, starting a home business in Dubai doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.

To help you to ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a company formation specialist such as Business Incorporation Zone when establishing a new company in the UAE.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling your license application, Set Hub can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits, and visas applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.