Did you know that the eCommerce platform Noon seller lab is currently ranked as the second most popular eCommerce website in the entire UAE? It comes in just after Amazon UAE, which means that it’s quite popular as a selling platform in the region.
And now you can sell on the noon platform as well! Noon’s seller support program is called the noon “Seller Lab.” Accessing this program provides you with everything you need to succeed from in-house training to online video tutorials, available materials, tools, and more.
The so-called “lab” is something they have created to help companies, whether small or large, sell their products successfully. The “’lab” is a space where you can access all the resources you need to start and grow your business. This is what makes it the best tool for sellers!
Here’s what to know about how to sign up for the Seller Lab on noon, how to make the most out of it, and a few tips on what other legal tasks you need to finish before being able to operate your seller account online.
What Is the Noon Seller Lab?
Also called Seller Labs, this special section of noon provides UAE sellers with training on how to:
- List and manage their products
- Optimise their listings for better visibility
- Process orders quickly and efficiently
- Use market insights to make smart decisions about pricing and promotions
In addition, the lab area of the seller’s portal provides a platform for sellers to connect with each other and share best practices.
This means that whether you’re just getting started or you are an experienced seller looking to take your business to the next level, the noon Seller Lab can help you reach your goals.
Aside from tutorial videos, you can access the Seller Toolbox where you can track your success and enjoy full visibility on all items in your stock. All noon sellers can also enjoy access to powerful reporting tools and dashboards.
These reports include every single detail of your company’s sales revenue, the number of units that have been sold and even the delivery status of your products.
You can use these reports to make informed decisions about your business and ensure that you are always on top of your game. In short, with the Seller Lab on noon, you have everything you need to succeed as a seller.
The eCommerce Market in the UAE
Let’s take a step back. Are you new to eCommerce? If you’re not currently selling on noon then you might be wondering if entering the UAE eCommerce market makes sense.
The eCommerce market in the United Arab Emirates has been growing rapidly in recent years, with more and more businesses making the switch to online sales. In fact, it grew so much in 2020 that the market jumped a whopping 53% to total a record $3.9 billion in sales.
The UAE is now home to a number of leading eCommerce platforms, including Amazon, Souq, and yep, you guessed it, noon.
What’s behind the growing popularity of eCommerce in the UAE? It’s due to a number of factors, including the convenience of online shopping, the wide range of products available, and competitive prices.
The country’s young and affluent population, along with its high level of internet penetration, has also made it an attractive market for online retailers.
Platforms such as noon that are offering helpful seller’s tools have also made it easier than ever to succeed as a seller with little experience.
Can you expect this growth to continue so that you’re able to enter the market and be successful too? Yes. The eCommerce market in the UAE is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as more and more businesses embrace the advantages of selling online.
How to Apply for an eCommerce License in the UAE
If you’re ready to start selling on noon so you can access the noon Seller’s Lab then you’ll first need to get a business license. More specifically, you’ll need a business license that allows you to engage in eCommerce activities.
The eCommerce license in the UAE is a specialized business permit that allows a company to operate its business electronically via the internet. This means that it’s a little different from a traditional business license in Dubai as it has different requirements and conditions.
If you want to set up an eCommerce business in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain an eCommerce license from the Department of Economic Development.
In order to start an eCommerce business in Dubai, you have to submit the following documents (or work with a business setup company in Dubai that can help you gather and submit these documents on your behalf):
- Passports copies of all the people who will operate the eCommerce business
- Visas copies of all the people who will operate the eCommerce business
- Copies of the sponsors’ Emirate IDs
- Local service agreement
- Civil works agreement
In some cases, you’ll also need to get a NOC, which is a No Objection Certificate. This is basically a letter stating that no other organisations or agencies have an objection to you setting up your business.
If you’re not sure where to get some of those documents then we suggest working with a business setup specialist as mentioned above.
It might seem like it’s simple enough to do alone, but by ensuring that you have everything you need, you can avoid delays and ensure that your business is up and running as quickly as possible.
What Are the Fees for Being a Seller on Noon Lab?
Now that you have your eCommerce license, you’re going to create a noon account to become a seller. First, however, it’s important to understand the fees you’ll have to pay.
When you list an item for sale on noon, you will be charged a sales commission. The amount of the commission depends on the type of product you are selling.
The fees and commissions for each type of sale also vary depending on the selling model you choose. Note that you’ll choose this when you set up your account to sell your products on Noon. You can choose from:
- Fulfilled by noon (FBN) or
- Fulfilled by Partner (Cross-Dock FBP or Direct Ship FBP)
When you opt for the Fulfilled by noon selling model, noon will fulfil your orders. This makes it the cheapest option. You’ll pay 6% of the selling price with a minimum of AED 2 per item and a maximum of AED 6 per item. This includes VAT.
If you opt for one of the selling models that is fulfilled by a partner then you have two choices:
- Cross-Dock FBP: The fee you pay for choosing this model is 12% of the selling price with a minimum of AED 2 and maximum of AED 12 per item (this includes VAT)
- Direct Ship FBP: The fee you pay for choosing this model is 9% of the selling price with a minimum of AED 3 and a maximum of AED 9 per item (this excludes VAT)
There are also weight handling fees that apply if an item is over 25kg but these fees are usually between AED 2-4.
How to Start Selling on Noon Seller Lab
In order to open a selling account on noon, you will need to start by creating your customer profile at noon.com. To do that, simply follow these helpful steps.
Create a Noon Seller Labs Account
Creating a noon Seller Labs account is quick and easy. Just go to the website and click on “Register.” Then, fill out your information and create a username and password. Once you’re registered, click here to submit copies of the following registration documents.
Provide Your eCommerce License
Remember that eCommerce license you applied for? Now it’s time to submit it! Before you’re allowed to sell, you will have to upload your eCommerce business license via the link above.
Once noon has approved your license, you can register for a noon Seller Lab account and begin listing your products.
Upload Your Documents
Via that same link above, you’ll need to also upload documents that include your:
- Passport
- Residency visa or residency identification (if you’re a foreign seller)
- VAT certificate
Additionally, if you’re selling health and beauty products, note that you’ll be required to submit more documentation. This includes proof of purchase of your products, the distribution authorisation letter, and potentially a manufacturer certificate.
Enter Bank Details
You need to provide your bank account details in order to get started with selling on noon Seller Lab. Now, this is important so listen up!
Your bank account details need to be listed with the same information provided in the eCommerce license. This information will be used to deposit your earnings from sales made on noon Seller Lab.
For this, you’ll need your:
- Your full name
- Bank branch
- IBAN
- Swift code (for UAE & Egypt)
- Bank account number (you can get assistance with opening a UAE bank account)
Once your documents have been approved, the necessary paperwork will be done and then it should only take a week for you to be open and selling online!
Choose a Selling Model
As mentioned above, offers you the opportunity to use two different selling models. You can use one or both at the same time so long as each model has its own inventory. Once your account is open, you’ll have to select which model or models you’d like to sell under.
Fulfilled by Noon (FBN)
When you choose Fulfilled by noon (FBN), you can ship your products to noon and they will store them in their fulfilment centre, pick and pack them, and deliver them to your customers on time and with a great delivery experience.
All you have to do is manage your prices and promotions.
FBN also allows you to benefit from same-day delivery in Dubai for all morning orders. And in the rest of the Emirates, orders will reach your customers within 24 hours of placing the order.
Cross-Dock (FBP)
The cross-docking operations model will be suspended from the third quarter of 2022. However, if you’re currently interested in signing up and enjoying the benefits before it’s retired, you can stock items in your own facility via Cross-Dock.
You’ll accept orders upon receiving email notifications, then all orders will be collected from your facility by noon’s logistics team and taken to the customer fulfilment centre where they’ll be packed and delivered to customers with a great customer experience.
List Your Products
Seller Lab provides free onboarding training to help you start selling your products at noon. You can request the monthly training calendar at the following email seller@noon.com and register for a session on the date that is most convenient for you.
These training sessions will help you understand the noon sales process and master the use of all of its tools.
As a starting point though, it’s worth browsing noon’s product database. It has everything you need to create your listing instantly, with just a few mouse clicks.
Add the price and stock quantity (noon will take care of the rest), then enter barcodes or specs for each item you need. There’s no coding required!
Customers can find what they want quickly by browsing through noon’s catalogues which are updated daily, so there will always be new products on sale.
Get Help Starting Your eCommerce Business
Now that you understand the benefits of creating a noon account and accessing the noon Seller Lab, it’s time to start thinking about forming a business in the UAE.
At DUQE, that’s exactly what we’re here to help you with. We are a free zone in Dubai designed for hustlers, doers, and innovators looking to disrupt markets and build businesses in the UAE. Our business setup specialists are ready to help you build your online empire.
Get in touch to inquire about our services and see how we can help you thrive.