Whether you’re selling erasers or carburetors, we can probably guess one of your biggest business concerns: finding and attracting new customers.
The good news is that a world of potential customers is out there, just waiting to buy what you’re selling. You just have to think a little more globally.
If you have any doubts that selling internationally is a real opportunity for your business, just look at the numbers: according to a Forrester Research, cross-border B2C e-commerce is expected to more than double to reach $629 billion by 2022.1 And with broadened Internet availability, buyers in developing – and even established – markets will have better access to businesses that sell products online all over the world. Businesses just like yours.
Like any new venture, selling internationally requires you to do your homework. Your first step is to learn who your international customers are, what they buy, and how they shop.
Next, start thinking about how you’ll get paid. And as you research payment providers, consider how your buyers prefer to pay, and a payment provider’s reputation.
Of course, selling internationally brings a whole new set of rules. Once you’ve decided where you’ll sell, take the time to look into specific rules and regulations for that country. A few key areas to consider:
The best practices you already apply to shipping are even more important when selling internationally.
Set clear delivery expectations. International shipping can take longer and cost more for customers, so it’s vital to keep them in the loop. Give accurate delivery estimates based on country and list shipping costs in an easy-to-find place.
Establish a return policy, and when putting your policy together, consider:
When you sell products online, you have several options for entering the international market, including:
Your future customers are waiting.
Like traveling abroad, selling products online abroad is an adventure we highly recommend. It has the potential to expose your business to new countries, cultures, and most importantly, customers.
In partnership with three expert business owners, the PayPal Bootcamp includes practical checklists and a short video loaded with tips to help take your business to the next level.
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