How do you sell across borders and channels using e-commerce platforms?

Steps to Identify platform: -Identify Suitable technology based on available skills -Check the cost to implement the technology -Review support model if platform is provided by 3rd party -check add-hock expenses for upgrade, more space etc. -Social media support is vital to reach more consumers

This is a critical decision for any business. I can’t over state this. Shopify is the default for many, as it’s a robust system that anyone can use, has a big partner eco system, which means lots of people who can help. However you do have less control, so not a firm favourite with web developers. WooCommerce is good if you have a very reliable and easy access to a developer. 9/10 times it’s Shopify for me.

When you are planning to sell your products across borders, you have to pick the path of least resistance, when it comes to technology. International selling its own set of challenges, and I always recommend letting technology be not the challenge, you should be spending your time with. Steps to go from Local to Global Store - Find the right ecommerce agency, who specializes in the digital business and can help you against many known pitfalls at the very start of the journey. - Streamline your platform, and if you are not dealing with a complicated product or service, Shopify is a NO brainer, its relatively easy to set up, the eco system provides you all required feature set - Hire good customer support & fulfillment team Sell More..

These can be the way forward steps ??Offer multilingual support and localized content to cater to different regions. Use local currencies and payment methods. ??Monitor sales data and customer behavior across different regions and channels. Use this data to adapt your strategies and improve performance.

This is a big mistake I see brands make. They start in one English speaking country and then move into others quickly expecting similar results. Often this doesn’t happen. Issues are technical and cultural. Technical like preferred payment methods, currency payment collected in, language translations (automation isn’t great here yet). Cultural, what matters to customers per country. Expected delivery times, U.K. next day, Australia 2 days etc. Most brands will perform better in their home country (conversion rate is a key number here). So don’t expect similar results if you just turn on ads in a new country. I’ve made that mistake. Shopify has a feature called “Markets” which tackle the technical, but you have to tackle culture.

Adapting to local preferences when you set out for cross border selling is the most important factor after technology platform. You should watchout for following: - Do not spread yourself too thin, when you launch, have a full focus on particular country, so you can customize for their requirements. - Have separate buckets of budgets for each country, or it will never reap the rewards you desire - Bring the flavor f your target country on to your store, by putting periodic seasonal banners, festivity discounts & greetings, color scheme, separate newsletter list with focused content. A good ecommerce strategist will be able to help you navigate your journey much faster, do not shy to talk to one or several to get the insights.

Tracking inventory levels is just a basic requirement. The challenge to solve is what locations to keep your stock to match deliver time expectations and manage delivery costs. Usually start fulfilling orders from one stock location, if and when you get traction keep stock closer to where your customers are.

When you are at the initial selling stage, and do not have capacity or a large number of orders, it makes absolute sense to keep your inventory at one local place, and ship it on demand using different courier or ecommerce logistics companies. Indeed, in the beginning the logistic cost will be higher, but it gives you freedom from any additional burden of huge inventory cost or large shipments. You also are protected from product expiry in foreign territory and keep sending the fresh batches as and when they are created.

There is lots of content on technicalities of building your brand. But what you need to tackle is, what does your brand stand for in each country? For example the US often doesn’t care if a product is Australian made, but can work well in Australia.

A good way to start is use Google Analytics to see where your site is getting organic/SEO traffic from. You might have a group of customers ready to buy from you. Don’t forget that just because the U.K., Australia and US speak the same language each culture is different. Adjust your messaging and operations to match, don’t assume.

Here are some more points to consider that can help you when selling across borders: 1. Research Markets: Study target regions’ preferences and demand. 2. Localize Content: Translate, adapt, and price for each market. 3. Diverse Payment: Offer varied payment methods. 4. Efficient Shipping: Set up reliable international shipping. 5. Know Regulations: Understand import/export rules and taxes. 6. Optimize Website: Speed, mobile-friendliness, and UX matter. 7. Tailored Marketing: Craft culturally relevant campaigns. 8. Explore Channels: Use marketplaces, social media, etc. 9. Customer Support: Offer multilingual assistance. 10. Continuous Adaptation: Adjust strategies based on feedback. 11. Cultural Awareness: Respect customs and values.