Establish support and shipping services
Potential customers need to have confidence they’ll receive good customer service, especially when dealing with a seller in a different country. The first step to great customer service is to proactively address the main concerns international customers might have. Make sure that your policies on international shipping, delivery, returns, and payment are clear and easy to find on your site – if possible in the customer’s local language.
Contact
Make it easy for customers to contact you, whether by phone or email. Specify if you offer a telephone helpline and whether help is available in local language. If you can afford it, a 24-hour local-language customer helpline is ideal.
Shipping services
Choosing the right global shipping service can make international selling much easier for you. Most of the large shipping companies (e.g., DHL, UPS, and FedEx) offer service packages that include handling, customs and excise documentation, and shipping calculators. Other companies offer complete cross-border solutions that go beyond shipping services – such as integrating in-country taxes, duties, and international shipping prices – so buyers know the total cost of their purchase before completing their check out. Some services also help tailor your website for international markets.
Delivery policy
Regardless which shipping solution you choose, customers need to know what to expect for delivery and returns. Make sure that your delivery policy is clear and easy to find on your website. Include all charges, if applicable, and remind your customers they will be responsible for paying duties.
Make sure you state the estimated delivery times for each country you sell to. If your delivery service offers online shipment tracking, remember to mention this as it gives added comfort to your customers.
Finally, consider offering free delivery once a customer order reaches a certain threshold, in order to encourage additional sales.
Returns policy
Offering free delivery will help boost customer confidence, but you should also set out a clear policy for returns. At a minimum, your returns policy should cover the following:
- Refunds: Set out the circumstances under which a refund would occur, and what the nature of the refund will be, e.g. full money back. Ensure this complies with the local law.
- Time limit: Set out the period within which returns will be accepted, e.g. within 28 days of the item being delivered.
- Restocking, return delivery, or other fees: If there are restocking fees or return delivery charges, this should be specified clearly.