Are you in the process of scaling your online store? That’s incredible! eCommerce stores can start shipping internationally is a big game changer and calls for new advancements in your operations. You’re making the world your stage, so some potential headaches are expected.
To start shipping internationally, you need to support foreign shoppers on your website, learn customs regulations, and connect with an international shipping partner. Remember that customers are very likely to return for a second purchase if they get a positive experience the first time. So you want to ensure your capabilities allow for that.
These capabilities require proper planning and insights, all of which this article covers.
Read on.
Make your website international
To start shipping internationally, you want foreign and non-English shoppers to be able to use your online store. Here are capabilities your website must now feature:
● Multiple languages
There are indeed English speakers worldwide, but chances are some are more comfortable with their native language. One study shows that about 40% of customers won’t buy if the website isn’t in their native language.
So if you could support the languages of your target countries, you will likely get more traffic and conversions. Adding Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese is advisable as multiple countries speak these. If you’re targeting a particular country, say Japan, it’s helpful to add Japanese.
● Multiple currencies
Your store should display prices in a user’s local currency to make things easy. Shoppers aren’t comfortable always converting to know an item’s value based on their local currency.
● Multiple payment methods
Online shoppers all over the world make payments digitally. However, preferred payment methods vary from country to country. In some parts, most people use PayPal and Debit cards. In the US, almost everyone uses a credit card. So to start shipping internationally, you must consider the variety of payment methods available in your target country and integrate them into your website.
You don’t have to add all; just the most preferred and popular payment gateways that work best for your target countries. While doing so, maximize security, so you and your customers feel safe.
● Reliability
Having reliable infrastructure comes into play when taking your online store international. You have to consider the distance and transportation methods available to each destination so you can announce a specific delivery timeframe. Customers wouldn’t like to wait over two weeks to receive their orders when you have stated a general 7-day timeline on your website. So ensure that expectations are very clear for each destination.
Furthermore, ensure your site is mobile-friendly because the infrastructure in some countries may be limited to mobile devices alone.
Get abreast with international shipping regulations
International shipping requires compliance with local trade laws and customs regulations of the destination countries, so ensure you do your homework. Goods might be seized at the border if you are not compliant. Therefore, knowing what goods are considered dangerous or illegal in your targeted countries is important.
That said, no one likes calculating duty fees and tax on every item, so it’s often best to have an automated system for that. It also helps if your customers can see the cost breakdown at checkout.
Additionally, get up to speed with the paperwork required for international shipment. These may include waybills, invoices, certificate of origin, packing list, export declaration, etc.
One important shipping regulation most international traders don’t know, but you can take advantage of, is duty drawback. Duty drawback allows you to claim a refund of up to 99% of duty and taxes paid on imported merchandise if such merchandise is to be destroyed or exported again. Note that you’ll be dealing with a lot of export, import, and returns now, so procuring a duty drawback service is advisable so you don’t lose money unnecessarily on duties.
Partner with a reliable shipping partner
Having updated your website and international shipping knowledge, the next thing you need to ship internationally is a shipping partner. Many international freight forwarders exist, including FedEx and DHL, but ensure you do your homework on which works best for you.
Ensure risk management, confirm their range of services, and check licenses and permits. A good provider will also allow automated shipping fee calculations, notifications, and package tracking. Additionally, ensure they can execute door-to-door delivery in the host country to ensure maximum convenience for your customers.
Market yourself as a global online store
If your local online store decides to go international, you need the world to know. So you have to get the word out there to build your international customer base.
Announce your new shipping areas loud and clear using your website homepage, newsletters, and social media. Explain the policies upfront, so customers know what to expect. This helps to build trust. For effective marketing, target each destination country using sales techniques and language tailored to their locale.
You’re all set! You can now sit back and watch your website flooded with foreign visitors. Using data analytics, ensure you keep track of things to know where you may be lacking. Constant improvement is key to continuous growth.
