Running an Online Business in Trinidad? Here’s the Real Truth No One Tells You

Everyone talks about ‘starting an online business in Trinidad’, but let’s talk about what actually happens after you launch.

1. It’s More Than Just a Good Product

Let me say this loud for the people in the back: A quality product is the bare minimum. You need it. But once you’ve nailed that down, put it to the side and multiply your focus on branding and marketing by ten.

Too many small businesses pour everything into the product and then wonder why no one is buying. It’s not because the product isn’t good; it’s because no one knows why they should care. Customers can’t read your mind. It’s up to you to tell them why your business is special.

Use every platform you can: your website, Instagram, packaging, product page to answer the question: Why us? Why should they buy from you over anyone else?

2. Focus on the Experience, Not Just the Sale

When I built Every Ingredient, I didn’t obsess over sales; I obsessed over experience.

I wanted people to feel good shopping with me. From easy ordering and sustainable packaging, to WhatsApp support and our Recycle & Save program, everything was designed to build trust and brand loyalty. Not just for a one-time sale, but for a lasting relationship.

Customers want to feel like they’re part of something more than just a transaction. They want to know their purchase is making an impact. Sustainability, accessibility, and thoughtful design all add up to an experience they’ll return to and talk about.

3. Stop Making Online Shopping Inconvenient

Here’s the hard truth: many online businesses in Trinidad are unintentionally making it hard to shop with them.

Delivery fees that cost more than the item, outdated websites, only offering cash payments, limited info… It’s like asking customers to jump through hoops. Imagine walking into a store and being told there’s an extra $20 fee just because they’re renting the space. That sounds ridiculous, right? But that’s exactly what we’re doing online when we tack on “online shopping fees.”

Let’s stop passing on our pain points to the customer. Offer multiple payment options. Make your support and info easily accessible. Treat your online store like a real storefront where people can browse, ask questions, and leave happy.

4. Convenience Is the New Currency

People are busy. They don’t want to message ten pages or drive to Trincity Mall just to get one item. They want to browse, click, and be done.

That’s why I invested in making my site user-friendly, added cash AND card options, and offered free delivery. Because convenience sells. And more importantly, convenience retains.

If you’re launching your business, ask yourself:

• How easy is it to order from me?
  
• Would I shop here if I weren’t me?

5. Your Weaknesses > Strengths

You can’t do everything yourself. Trust me, I tried

Here’s the truth: knowing your weaknesses is even more important than knowing your strengths. It lets you compensate, delegate, and get creative, especially when funds are tight.

For me, content creation is a weak spot. I’m not a “talk to camera” person. Reels? TikTok voiceovers? Not happening, not even if you paid me.

And that’s okay.

We all have blind spots, whether it’s emotional branding, social media, networking, or strategy. The mistake is ignoring them out of fear, ego, or insecurity.
Because when you ignore your weaknesses, they quietly chip away at your growth.

If hiring help isn’t an option right now, get strategic. Lean into your strengths and find creative ways to bridge the rest. It might mean getting resourceful, rethinking how you show up, or using platforms that work with your style instead of against it.

My workaround? This blog.
It lets me connect in a way that feels real and sustainable. Sure, it might not go viral, but it builds something better: community.

Because trial and error on a tight budget? Risky.
The best ROI? Learning from other people’s mistakes before they become yours.

6. Emotion Sells, But Value Keeps

Let’s be real, people don’t always buy based on logic. They buy because something makes them feel something. That’s why emotional branding works so well, even when the product isn’t revolutionary.

Think of luxury brands. People buy a Porsche not just because it’s “safe” but because of how it makes them feel. The same goes for small businesses. Create a brand that connects emotionally. Then back it up with real value. That’s the sweet spot.

7. Don’t Just Advertise, Create Content

Please don’t turn your business page into a 24/7 ad machine. No one wants to be sold to all day. Your audience wants to be entertained, informed, or inspired. Would you follow someone who only posts ads? Probably not.

Instead, create content that reflects your brand values: tips, behind-the-scenes, and relatable moments. Then slide the sale in naturally. It’s all about balance.

8. The Future Is Coming (Are You Ready?)

T&T is way behind when it comes to e-commerce. While the rest of the world is experimenting with AI and automation, we’re still messaging Instagram pages and meeting up at mall entrances.

But here’s the exciting part: UPI digital payments are coming to Trinidad soon. (source)

If you’ve never heard of it, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a fast, secure, and practically free digital payment system that transformed India’s economy. We’re talking over 650 million transactions every single day, beating out Visa globally in volume. That’s not just a trend, it’s a revolution. People are paying for everything from rent and groceries to fruits and vegetables on the roadside, all from their phone, in seconds. (source)

Now imagine that power in T&T. No more running to the ATM. No more asking if a small business takes card. It means even the doubles vendor by the Savannah could accept payments with a QR code; no terminal, no fees, no friction.

If you’re a business owner, now is the time to prepare. Because once this rolls out, the businesses that are ready will thrive, and those who aren’t may get left behind.

9. Make Your Customers Feel Like Investors

Here’s a mindset shift that changed everything for me: I started thinking of my customers as investors. They spend their money with me, and in return, I give them value not just in product, but in experience and growth.

Every time I make sales, I reinvest back into the business. New website features. Better packaging. Easier ordering. My goal is to improve Every Ingredient every month. It’s like a quarterly performance review with you as the boss. That’s why I write these posts because transparency builds trust. Check out my post: 3 Months of Progress? You Decide.

Just Start (But Do It Right)

“The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.”

You don’t need a million dollars to start an e-commerce business. In fact, it’s one of the lowest-cost, lowest-risk businesses you can launch, perfect as a side hustle while working or studying.

But treat it like a real business from day one. Don’t cut corners. Plan well. And think beyond profit. Think about creating something that matters, something that adds value to people’s lives.

You’ll never have perfect conditions. Start anyway.

Build convenience. Build connection. Build community.

You’ve got this.

Final Note: I’m Still Figuring It Out Too

I know I just gave you a whole list of advice, but here’s the truth: I haven’t mastered all of this. Far from it.

There are days I fall behind, ideas I haven’t fully brought to life, and areas I know I need to work on (just take a look at my TikTok page).

But that’s the point of this journey. We learn, we grow, and we keep building.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

So whether you’re just starting or stuck in the messy middle, know you’re not alone.
We’re figuring it out together.

If this helped you, I’d love it if you subscribed to the blog. I post every Wednesday and Sunday, sharing real experiences, updates, and behind-the-scenes insights from running my business here in Trinidad & Tobago. If you found this helpful, share it with someone who’s thinking of starting too, and feel free to comment on what topics you’d like to hear.

Thinking of diving deeper into emotional branding, or prepping your business for UPI? Those are coming soon, so stay tuned.

Let’s grow together.

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