International Sales: Expand Your eCommerce Business Across Borders

If your eCommerce store is established and doing well, expanding your customer base is probably something that has been on your mind. While a local audience is a great place to start, you might be missing out on growth opportunities by restricting where you sell your products. Providing global eCommerce has become more attainable than ever as internet access continues to expand. Before you jump in, consider the logistics and what steps you need to take in order to be successful selling outside of your country.

Look At Supply And Demand:

When expanding to another country, make sure that there is a need or want for your product. If your product is something that is not currently sold there, look at the reasons why. Find your target market and see what they think about your product and brand. International audiences will not respond exactly like domestic audiences, so be aware of changes in communication style, language, and anything that might be unique to that area and culture. If you already have potential competitors, check out how they have been doing, how they advertise and communicate, and how their products might differ from yours. Before entering a new market, make sure that you have a strong value proposition so you come in with your best foot forward. If you want to test out how your products before you fully commit to selling them on your website, try listening to them on a website like Amazon or eBay. This allows you to start on a large, trusted platform and is a lower cost than if you were to run test sales on your own.

Adapt To Your Market:

It is very important that you make it easy for your new international customers to interact with you. Create a site optimized for their country, make sure that they have the appropriate language options, and list prices in their currency. It is also wise to research the culture to make sure that your advertising efforts and sales approach are appropriate for your audience. Do not offend your audience by not understanding what is and isn’t acceptable to them, but instead embrace their culture and make their experience with you enjoyable.

Know The Rules:

Be aware of the laws wherever you are selling your products. Make sure that you are compliant, and not missing any details that could get you in legal trouble. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to know the laws and follow them. Even though it is not the most exciting aspect of expanding your market, it is important to show respect by complying with their laws. Be aware of all of the costs that might come with selling your products, and be prepared financially.

Create Connections:

Entering a new market can be intimidating, so see what partnerships you can build. Influencers can be a good way to boost your brand if they are available in the country you are selling in. Otherwise, see if you can partner with another brand or get endorsements from local experts in your industry. This is not a necessary step but can help give you credibility and grow your audience more quickly!

Expanding your business internationally can be a great experience if done correctly. Not only will you have the potential to greatly expand your customer base, but you’ll also have the opportunity to build new connections and learn about other markets. Remember to be mindful and respectful of your audience, no matter where you choose to take your business. And if you would like a safe and secure payment process no matter where you are selling, please reach out to us at vendors@bmtmicro.com.