Do you want to improve your e-commerce business? Then international sales could be the right option for you. Below are some of the challenges and how to overcome them.
Thanks to an extensive international shipping network, it has never been easier for online businesses to open their doors to the world. And the good news is that there is a hungry market of global consumers looking to buy products from foreign brands.
The company Overseas Express is an exclusive member of the Eurodis network, which gives us the possibility of flexible, simple and affordable delivery of your packages by road and outside the borders of Croatia.
Figuring out how to sell internationally is a challenge, but being aware of the common pitfalls and properly preparing for any challenges as well as taking the right steps to overcome them is key to the success of your business.
A recent survey found that in the past year, 57% of online shoppers made at least one purchase from a company based in another country.
Before you decide to sell internationally, it is important to consider some of the obstacles you may face. For example, there are international shipping challenges that must be addressed first if your business – and your customers – want to have a seamless experience. In a vast and diverse world containing multiple languages and cultural nuances, you will almost certainly encounter certain difficulties.
1. Selling in the wrong market
Selling to the wrong market can quickly lead to disastrous results. For example, selling swimwear in countries where winter conditions prevail most of the year will not work. Additionally, you need to consider the economy in the countries you sell to. A cell phone that sells for $1,000 in the US won't sell for that price in places with lower average incomes or higher poverty rates.
It is extremely important to do your research to learn more about the international market you are targeting. Make sure you have a good understanding of the local market, its legalities and culture before launching a product. Local market research should include: market size, local economy, projections of potential challenges and current solutions.
2. Realistic cost calculation
While selling internationally can often be extremely profitable for e-commerce businesses, it's important to have a realistic idea of what costs to expect. International shipping costs are higher than domestic shipping. Taxes and other fees may be added on top of shipping costs. The best way to avoid overspending on international shipping is to do a good job of researching all the international costs and fees you'll be charged. Once the estimated postage is calculated, it is much easier to make a decision about whether international sales are financially viable for your business.
3. Adaptation to the target audience
Localizing your business means adapting it to your target market. This includes accurate translations on your website and in marketing materials. Many companies, even large corporations, have made this mistake. Remember the American Dairy Association's successful slogan, "There's Milk?" When translated into Spanish, the slogan became: "Are you breastfeeding?" The same thing can happen with product names and descriptions.
Using local translation services that know local colloquialisms is a must. Marketing in places where other languages are spoken requires more than Google Translate. If customers can't understand your product or are offended by it because of an inadequate translation, they probably won't buy it.
4. Local representation
When consumers call or otherwise contact a company, they prefer to speak with someone who speaks their language and where there are no barriers to communication. Users feel that someone from the same speaking area understands them more than someone who does not speak their local language. For the above reason, a local dealership can distinguish one e-commerce business from another.
For those working in e-commerce, international sales can be a profitable venture when done right. Being aware of major international sales issues gives your business the best chance for success. If you have a good understanding of your market and the consumer base you are targeting, international sales can take your business to the next level, and we are here to deliver your products to your customers safely and on time. You can find international shipping prices in our price list.