ExecutiveChronicles | What You Need to Know About International Online Selling | According to a 2022 report, the global e-commerce market is growing rapidly and sales are expected to exceed $7 trillion by 2025. This growth is being driven by various factors, including the rise of mobile commerce, the growth of emerging markets, and the increasing popularity and technological evolution of online shopping. The rise of global e-commerce is being aided by the rise of new payment methods, such as mobile payments and cryptocurrency. These new payment methods are making it easier for consumers to pay for goods and services online, which is helping to fuel the growth of e-commerce.
Given this trend, the growth of e-commerce can provide more opportunities for women worldwide to grow their own businesses. Women can play a more significant role in the e-commerce space, and this trend is likely to continue as more people shift their shopping habits to online channels. As such, if you’re one of the many female entrepreneurs looking to better leverage these online selling platforms, here are some things you need to know:
Rules and Regulations
When selling online, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to your business. These can vary depending on the platform you’re using, the products you’re selling, and the country in which you’re located. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to expensive penalties or even a loss of your account. That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and regulations before starting your online selling business. You can do so by researching the requirements for your particular industry and checking with the platform you’ll be using to ensure that you’re meeting all their standards. You can also speak with experienced online sellers who use the same platform or seek the advice of an attorney.
The Language
If you’re going to sell internationally, it’s important that you know the language of the countries you’re selling to. Although devices, browsers, and some online selling platforms can provide translations, knowing a few words and phrases in the local language of your target market can significantly boost your customer services and help you better form relationships with your customers. This will make it much easier for you to communicate with your customers and understand their needs. It will also help you to avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to problems down the road.
Be Aware of Cultural Differences
When you’re selling internationally, you need to be aware of cultural differences, as a misunderstanding could easily lead to offense. There are a few simple tips you can follow to avoid accidentally offending a customer:
- Take the time to learn about the customer’s culture and customs, especially those related to speech and expressions.
- Be respectful and humble in your interactions. This will show that you’re interested in building a rapport with the customer rather than simply making a sale.
- Be prepared to apologize if you do accidentally offend the customer. A sincere apology will go a long way toward managing the situation.
With enough research, you can ensure that your customer interactions are always respectful and culturally sensitive.
Finding an International Courier
In a global economy, it is vital to be able to send products quickly and efficiently to customers around the world. Air cargo is one of the most popular methods of shipping, and it is important to choose a reputable air cargo company that can provide reliable service as well as a wide international reach that can deliver to and from different countries and continents. For example, if you need to deliver a package from Australia to the Philippines, you would also have to consider the delivery time, which is often determined by transit time, the volume of goods to be transported, and what delivery option you choose. This means your customer will likely receive the item after several business days unless you opt for express services if they’re available. This is why you can use courier services that offer air cargo from Australia to the Philippines to have a fast and reliable delivery of the product you’re selling. Doing so can ensure that your products reach their destination on time and in perfect condition.
Be Prepared for Returns
When selling internationally, you need to be prepared for returns. This can be challenging, especially since it’s an international transaction. That’s why you should develop a fair and reasonable return policy that considers the delays this can cause. Additionally, you should ensure that any shipping and return costs are clearly communicated to the customer at the time of purchase so that there is no confusion.
When selling internationally, it’s necessary to go the extra mile to plan and be better equipped to maintain the operations of your business. Likewise, knowing how to better handle unexpected situations can ensure you’re always prepared to deliver excellent customer service and avoid potential problems.
Photo: Contributed
