How To Optimise Your E-commerce Business Internationally

01 March, 2018

E-Commerce Destinations

International e-commerce is a growing market. Research from Pitney Bowes Inc. found that around 40% of consumers have purchased goods online from another country. By 2020, the value of cross border e-commerce is forecast to reach US$1 trillion. However, while the market is thriving – and growing – it also presents a number of unique challenges for any e-commerce business looking to expand internationally. These pain points can cause real issues, and can sometimes even catch online retailers by surprise.

How can I overcome my international delivery challenges?

 

Higher Shipping Costs

Inevitably, it will cost more to send items over a greater global distance than to ship locally. This often means passing some, or all, of the cost over to customers, which many businesses find difficult to do. Higher shipping costs are a reality for every enterprise shipping overseas and being able to manage this successfully is a crucial part of optimising an e-commerce venture for global success.

Rules and regulations

Crossing international borders means taking into account the rules and regulations of the jurisdiction that you’re shipping into. Deliveries within the EU are fairly simple for European retailers but once a business begins shipping to other destinations there is a lot more to consider. Many countries have some unusual restrictions on what can be sent into the country, for example, and customs documentation can be complex.

Fees and taxes

Another consequence to sending goods across international borders is that they may then attract fees and taxes. These are most often payable by the customer before they can collect the sent item. Many countries have thresholds below which there will be no fees or taxes to pay but these can be low and tend to differ from location to location.

New call-to-action

 

Related Asendia Insights
21/10/2024

The Power of Personalisation: Boosting E-Commerce Sales for Wellness &…

In the bustling e-commerce landscape, standing out and connecting with consumers on a personal level has never been more crucial.

For Health & Beauty

21/10/2024

Embracing the Eco-Conscious Consumer: A Path to Sustainable Beauty &…

Environmental consciousness is at an all-time high, and the beauty and cosmetics industry is facing a transformative shift.

Today’s Health & Beauty

03/07/2024

Markets to Watch: Tapping into the E-commerce Goldmine of the US & Canada

With both countries’ large demographics, highly-paid populations and their interconnected infrastructure networks, shipping to both the USA and Canada is…