Nice — here’s a practical, step-by-step guide you can follow right now to start selling your paintings online (tailored for someone based in Pakistan but useful anywhere). I’ll also include quick templates, pricing tips, and promotion tactics so you can take action today.

Step-by-step guide to start selling paintings online

1) Decide exactly what you’ll sell

• Originals, commissioned portraits, limited-edition prints, or digital files? Pick 1–2 product types to start so your listings and pricing stay consistent. (You can add more later.) Sell on Amazon

2) Prepare 6–10 sale-ready pieces (or samples)

• Have a small, consistent collection: same style/series or complementary pieces. That helps buyers see a coherent brand. Shopify

3) Photograph your work professionally

• Shoot in daylight, use a neutral background, show closeups and context (on a wall). Upload high-res files and include one image with scale (ruler/chair). Good photos massively increase sales. Shopify

4) Price your work (simple, fair method)

• Two common approaches:
  1. Surface-area formula: (height × width in inches) × rate per sq. in (starter example: $1–$5/ sq in depending on experience). ArtConnect+1
  2. Cost + time + margin: Materials + your hourly rate × hours + 20–40% margin.
• For prints: price them at ~10–50% of the original depending on edition size. Artisthu

5) Choose where to sell (local + international strategy)

• Local marketplaces: Daraz, OLX, Facebook Marketplace, and local art marketplaces (e.g., Pakistan Art Hub). These make shipping and local buyer trust easier. Wise Market+2Pakistan Art Hub+2
• International platforms: Etsy, Saatchi Art, Fine Art America, your own Shopify/Wix store for better margins and branding. Many sellers combine a store + marketplaces. Shopify+1

6) Create compelling listings (template)

• Title: short + searchable (e.g., “Original Acrylic Landscape — 40×30 cm — Coastal Calm”)
• Description: medium, includes size, medium, mounting/hanging instructions, story/what inspired it, care instructions, and shipping/returns.
• Add tags/keywords (style, subject, medium, colors). Use a consistent SKU system. Shopify

7) Decide payments & legal basics

• Offer easy payment methods (local: bank transfer, Easypaisa/ JazzCash; international: PayPal, Stripe, or platform payments). Check platform payout timings and fees. Keep simple invoice templates for customers. Sell on Amazon

8) Packaging & shipping (make it safe + professional)

• Use acid-free paper, corner protectors, bubble wrap, and a sturdy double-wall box. Include a “Certificate of Authenticity” for originals. Calculate precise shipping costs and include them in listings or offer flat-rate local shipping. Sell on Amazon

9) Launch marketing (low cost, high impact)

• Instagram / Reels / TikTok: post process videos, before/after, and reveal clips — these drive discoverability. Use stories + highlights for pricing, commissions, and reviews. Trekell Art Supplies
• WhatsApp / Facebook groups: share to local buyer groups and friends/family.
• Email list: collect emails (even just a simple form) and send new-work announcements and offers. Shopify

10) Offer commission work & limited editions

• Commissions bring steady income; prints scale sales without more painting time. Limit print editions to keep originals valuable. LitCommerce

11) Customer service & returns

• Reply fast (within 24–48 hours), photograph packaging before shipping (proof), and write a clear return/refund policy. Good service = repeat buyers and referrals. Sell on Amazon

12) Measure & iterate

• Track views, messages, conversion rate, and top-selling channels. Double down on what works (e.g., if Instagram converts best, post there more). Shopify

Quick startup checklist (first 7 days)

1. Select 6 sale-ready pieces.
2. Photograph + edit images (6–10 shots per work).
3. Decide pricing for each piece (use area formula / cost method). ArtConnect
4. Create profiles on 2 local platforms (Daraz/OLX/Facebook) + Etsy or your Shopify store. Wise Market+1
5. Prepare packaging materials and a certificate template.
6. Post 3 social posts (process + finished work + listing link). Trekell Art Supplies

Example price calculation (easy)

• Painting size: 40 × 30 cm → convert to inches: 15.75 × 11.8 ≈ 186 sq in.
• Rate: $2 / sq in → 186 × $2 = $372 → convert to local currency (use current exchange rates when listing). Add materials & margin if using cost+time method. ArtConnect+1

Listing copy — short example you can copy/paste

Title: Original Acrylic Landscape — 40×30 cm — “Coastal Calm”
Description: Original acrylic on stretched canvas, 40×30 cm (unframed). Painted in 2025. Signed on the back and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Ready to hang (d-rings attached). Local delivery / nationwide shipping available. For commissions or prints, message me. Shipping: flat ₨X local; international shipping quoted on request.

Low-cost marketing ideas that work

• Share one short process Reel/short every 2–3 days (time-lapses perform extremely well). Trekell Art Supplies
• Partner with a local café or coworking space to show 5 pieces and leave business cards with QR codes linking to listings.
• Run a small Boosted Post on Facebook/Instagram for a top piece (target local city).
• Offer 10% off for first 10 buyers to create urgency.

Scaling options (next 3–12 months)

• Add limited-edition prints (use a local print shop or print-on-demand). LitCommerce
• Build your own website (Shopify/Wix) for brand control and lower fees. Shopify+1
• Approach micro-galleries or participate in local craft markets and pop-ups.

Useful resources I relied on for this guide

• Shopify / e-commerce art selling guide (step-by-step and store options). Shopify
• Local Pakistani marketplaces list (Daraz, OLX, etc.). Wise Market+1
• Pricing methods and surface-area formula resources. ArtConnect+1
• Social media selling & content strategy for artists. Trekell Art Supplies
• Amazon Sell / shipping & product listing basics (useful for logistics). Sell on Amazon