These days, ecommerce stores are becoming increasingly popular due to the convenience and ease of shopping online. With the rise of cross-border ecommerce, more and more businesses are offering international shipping to customers around the world. By offering international shipping, you can open up your business to a much larger market and increase your sales significantly. In this guide, we will discuss why it is beneficial to offer international shipping through your ecommerce store.
• Increased Sales
One of the main benefits of offering international shipping is that it can significantly increase your sales. By offering international shipping, you can expand your reach to customers around the world, giving you access to a much larger customer base than if you only sold domestically. This can result in a dramatic increase in sales, as customers from all over the world can purchase your products, even if they are not in the same country as you.
• Improved Brand Awareness
Offering international shipping can also help you to improve the awareness of your brand. As customers around the world are able to purchase your products, they will become familiar with your brand, even if they have never heard of it before. This can be a great way to increase brand recognition and loyalty, as customers will be more likely to purchase from you in the future.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction
Offering international shipping is also beneficial for customer satisfaction. By allowing customers from all over the world to purchase your products, you can ensure that they will be able to receive their items in a timely manner, no matter where they are located. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction, as customers will be more likely to return to your store for future purchases.
• Cost Savings
Another benefit of offering international shipping is that it can result in cost savings for your business. By using international shipping services, you can often reduce the cost of shipping, as you will have access to lower rates and better discounts than if you were to ship domestically. This can result in significant savings for your business, which can help to increase your profitability.
• Improved Customer Insights
Finally, offering international shipping can help you to gain valuable insights into your customer base. By tracking shipments and orders from around the world, you can gain a better understanding of where your customers are located, what products they are purchasing, and other important information. This can be extremely helpful for your business, as it can allow you to tailor your marketing and product offerings to better meet the needs of your customers.
But offer international shipping through your ecommerce store can be a difficult task. To help you, here are 10 things to do for offering international shipping through your ecommerce store:
But offer international shipping through your ecommerce store can be a difficult task. To help you, here are 10 things to do for offering international shipping through your ecommerce store:
1. Choose the right shipping provider
When it comes to offering international shipping through your ecommerce store, the most important decision you can make is choosing the right shipping provider. It is important to select a shipping provider that offers reliable service, competitive rates, and a wide range of shipping options to meet your customers’ needs. Take the time to research different shipping providers and compare their rates and services to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
2. Understand international customs and taxes
When shipping internationally, it is important to understand the customs and taxes that may apply to your shipments. Each country has its own laws and regulations about customs and taxes, and it is important to understand these laws before you start shipping internationally. Research the laws for each country you plan to ship to and be sure to include any applicable taxes and duties in your shipping rates.
3. Offer free shipping
Offering free shipping can be an effective way to attract international customers. Customers are more likely to purchase from your store if they know they won’t have to pay extra for shipping. Free shipping also helps to reduce the total cost of the purchase, making it more attractive to customers. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust your pricing structure to account for the cost of offering free shipping.
4. Offer competitive shipping rates
When offering international shipping, it is important to offer competitive rates to ensure your customers will choose your store over your competitors. Research the rates of other stores that offer international shipping and try to match or beat their rates. You should also consider offering a discount for customers who purchase multiple items, as this can be an effective way to encourage customers to make larger purchases.
5. Use tracking and delivery confirmation
When shipping internationally, it is important to include tracking and delivery confirmation with every shipment. This will help to ensure that customers receive their orders promptly and that you are able to track any issues that may arise. Additionally, tracking information can be used to provide customers with updates on their orders, which can help to build trust and loyalty.
6. Communicate with customers
When shipping internationally, it is important to maintain communication with your customers. Let them know when their orders have shipped and provide them with updates on the status of their orders. Additionally, it is important to be available to answer any questions or concerns they may have. This will help to build trust and loyalty, which can encourage customers to make repeat purchases.
7. Streamline your shipping processes
If you want to offer international shipping through your ecommerce store, it is important to streamline your shipping processes. Automating the process of packing and shipping orders can help to reduce costs and ensure orders are shipped promptly. Additionally, you should consider investing in a shipping software that can help to reduce errors and ensure orders are shipped correctly.
8. Offer multiple shipping methods
When shipping internationally, it is important to offer multiple shipping methods. Customers may prefer a certain shipping method over another, so offering multiple methods can increase the chances of a sale. Additionally, offering multiple shipping methods can help to ensure that customers receive their orders in a timely manner.
9. Provide clear shipping information
When offering international shipping, it is important to provide clear shipping information to your customers. Make sure to include details such as estimated delivery times, shipping costs, and any applicable taxes and duties. Additionally, provide customers with a way to track their orders so they can stay up to date on their orders’ progress.
10. Prepare for returns
When shipping internationally, it is important to prepare for returns. Research the return policies of the countries you are shipping to and be sure to include this information on your website and in your shipping policy. Additionally, make sure to include any applicable taxes and duties in your return policies. By preparing for returns, you can help to ensure a smooth process for your customers.
There are many benefits to offering international shipping through your ecommerce store. By offering international shipping, you can increase your sales, improve brand recognition, and save on costs. Additionally, you can gain valuable insights into your customer base, allowing you to better serve their needs. In the end, offering international shipping can be a great way to expand your business and increase your profits.
There are many benefits to offering international shipping through your ecommerce store. By offering international shipping, you can increase your sales, improve brand recognition, and save on costs. Additionally, you can gain valuable insights into your customer base, allowing you to better serve their needs. In the end, offering international shipping can be a great way to expand your business and increase your profits.
