33-Year Old Businessman Asks Youngsters to Start Businesses Instead of Getting Jobs

“A small business can take care of generations,” says Atif Riaz, a 33-year-old from Arifwala, who now lives in Lahore.

Atif is one of the many businessmen in Pakistan who have successfully bridged the gap between physical stores and e-commerce. Originally an accountant, Atif started a small kid’s apparel business a few years ago in Lahore.

Initially, Atif would buy products from wholesalers, dealing with them directly. However, over time, he has altered his business model. He created a digital footprint for himself by setting up an online store on Daraz, the leading online marketplace in Pakistan.

“After I joined Daraz, my sales increased and I decided to continue my online business alongside my offline business,” he says.

After setting up his e-commerce retail shop, Atif stopped procuring products from wholesalers. Now, he produces clothes himself in a rented cottage industry. The reason for doing this: he can ensure the quality of his products is good and the prices are low.

Atif’s advice to youngsters in the country is simple; instead of getting a job, they should establish their own enterprises. “A job takes care of a family, a small business can take care of generations.”

For more sellers stories from Daraz, click here.