{"id":74964,"date":"2023-04-10T09:41:18","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T13:41:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/?post_type=insight&#038;p=74964"},"modified":"2025-05-14T03:52:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T07:52:31","slug":"getting-started-in-cross-border-e-commerce","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/insights\/getting-started-in-cross-border-e-commerce","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started in Cross-Border E-commerce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"interior-page-block-area\">\n\t\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Expanding into cross-border e-commerce means reaching new markets that allow you to grow your business overseas. Global e-commerce was once only practical for major brands, but with improved logistics and cost-containing strategies, it\u2019s now an accessible option for any business that wants to grow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>In 2022, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/867991\/cross-border-e-commerce-share-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cross-border e-commerce was projected to account for&nbsp;22% of e-commerce shipments<\/a>, amounting to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cedcommerce.com\/blog\/cross-border-ecommerce-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$3.5 trillion<\/a>. With new markets to reach, are you ready to expand into cross-border e-commerce? Keep reading to learn more about strategies and challenges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_small\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Warsaw_automation_doTERRA-aspect-ratio-47-30-564x360.jpg, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Warsaw_automation_doTERRA-aspect-ratio-47-30-1128x720.jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_large\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Warsaw_automation_doTERRA-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Warsaw_automation_doTERRA-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\">\r\n<\/picture>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-cross-border-ecommerce\"><strong>What is cross-border e-commerce?<\/strong><br><br><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Cross-border e-commerce is when online retailers sell goods to customers in different countries other than their own. Today, we see this abound with marketplace sellers on Etsy, Amazon, Google Shopping, and eBay. Mega retailers and solo entrepreneurs can compete globally in cross-border e-commerce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>If you\u2019re looking at expanding your business or wanting to move into new markets, selling in other countries can be a great way to improve your brand awareness, open new revenue streams, and reach a new customer base before your competitors do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>The benefits of moving into international e-commerce may be just what your business needs. But before you offer international order fulfillment, there are some key things you need to know to succeed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>First, let\u2019s start with the challenges and risks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-challenges-of-cross-border-ecommerce\"><strong>Challenges of cross-border e-commerce<\/strong><br><br><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>You\u2019ll want to consult your accountant and a legal advisor before you begin selling internationally. This is because there are taxes and customs that will impact your business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Here are some key things to be aware of and to discuss with your advisors when deciding if international e-commerce is right for you and which countries you want to sell in:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-list-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Taxes.<\/strong> Every country has different tax laws and regulations. These will impact your pricing, shipping costs, and more significantly, your own tax reporting.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Foreign currency exchange and tariffs.<\/strong> Each country or region (like the European Union) has their own currency and some have tariffs. These will impact the price of your goods and ultimately, your profit. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, and you\u2019ll need to be able to track each currency in real-time.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unseen costs.<\/strong> There can be unseen costs that impact international selling, such as different payment methods, fees for card processing, and banking fees.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fraud<\/strong>. Payment fraud is an ever-present threat in e-commerce no matter where you do business. But when you\u2019re dealing with international orders, payment methods, and customers, you\u2019ll want to make sure your anti-fraud prevention strategies are up to date and capable of protecting you in the event of fraud.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-border fulfillment.<\/strong> Shipping internationally will cost more if you do not have fulfillment centers located in regions closer to the customer. Working with a global fulfillment partner that has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/insights\/uncovering-radials-sites-halle-germany\">distribution centers in the regions<\/a> where you want to sell can be an effective solution.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shipping.<\/strong> Every country has its own import\/export laws, tariffs, and taxes. All of which impact shipping. You\u2019ll want to work with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/ecommerce-fulfilment\/transportation-management\">shipping partner that is adept at international shipping<\/a> and who will navigate all the various regulations and information on your behalf.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>This may all seem daunting; keep in mind that you can work with a third-party logistics company like Radial, that has a global presence and decades of experience in navigating international e-commerce on behalf of retailers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>After you have a solid understanding of the challenges and risks involved and you\u2019ve decided which countries you will be selling in, you\u2019ll need to determine how you want to reach those markets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_small\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/halle_external_switch-aspect-ratio-47-30-564x360.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_large\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/halle_external_switch-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/halle_external_switch-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\">\r\n<\/picture>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Radial Europe\u2019s Halle fulfillment center, strategically located in central Germany, offers an ideal hub for serving customers across Europe and beyond.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cross-border-ecommerce-strategies\"><strong>Cross-border e-commerce strategies<\/strong><br><br><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>What is the best way to reach a new customer base in another country? Typically, it\u2019s through localization (which is adapting your e-commerce marketing and brand to meet the needs of the local culture and region) and through regional marketplaces (local equivalents to eBay and Amazon).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-list-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Localization <\/strong>enables you to relate to your new customer base in a way that resonates with them culturally, linguistically, and according to their preferred consumer behavior. Examples would be updating product images and marketing copy to reflect the culture and language of a specific country or region.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regional marketplaces<\/strong> give you the opportunity to use a platform that your customer base is already browsing and lets you begin competing immediately. Examples of regional online marketplaces include Alibaba, AliExpress, and Rakuten.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>You may find it is best to use both approaches \u2014 create a localized version of your e-commerce website or app, and also launch a store on a regional marketplace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-deliver-great-customer-experiences-to-international-customers\"><strong>How to deliver great customer experiences to international customers<\/strong><br><br><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>No matter where your customers are located, they expect a great customer experience. International customers want convenience, competitive pricing, accurate product descriptions, trustworthy reviews and ratings, and fast, reliable, low- to no-cost shipping and return options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Here\u2019s how to ensure their experience meets their expectations:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-list-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Address the trust issue<\/strong>. Online shopping across borders always creates some doubts about an e-commerce business\u2019s trustworthiness. Make sure to display your badges from credible associations, post honest reviews and ratings, and have a way for customers to reach a human for support.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Respect the culture.<\/strong> You may not understand why your customers think the way they do or have different values and preferences, but that doesn\u2019t matter. Respect their ways and beliefs, and be mindful of the differences. Pay close attention to how your brand relates to them.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Offer shipping options that meet their expectations.<\/strong> You may need to get insight on this from major carriers or a third-party logistics partner that provides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/ecommerce-fulfilment\/transportation-management\">carrier management services<\/a>.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make it convenient.<\/strong> The burden for adopting new payment methods or social media (the majority of the world uses WhatsApp, for example) should rest on you, not your new customers.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be personal<\/strong>. No matter the size of your e-commerce business, providing a human touch can help build trust and connection with your cross-border customers. Make sure they can reach a human for customer support and if possible, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/insights\/unboxing-its-all-about-how-you-make-them-feel\">include a hand-written note in your packaging<\/a>.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_small\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/09\/Halle-person-font-box-paper-564x360.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_large\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/09\/Halle-person-font-box-paper.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/09\/Halle-person-font-box-paper.jpg\">\r\n<\/picture>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-partner-with-an-international-ecommerce-fulfillment-provider\"><strong>Partner with an international e-commerce fulfillment provider<\/strong><br><br><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Getting started or expanding in international markets can be daunting. One of the best ways to get up-to-speed quickly and make sure you are addressing key matters is to partner with a third-party logistics provider like Radial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Radial offers a full range of global e-commerce solutions to support retailers with fulfillment and transportation services.<br><br><br><strong>Follow Radial on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/radial-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RadialEurope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>&nbsp;and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/radialeurope\/\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":73781,"template":"","insight_type":[],"solution":[399],"class_list":["post-74964","insight","type-insight","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/74964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/insight"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/74964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75279,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/74964\/revisions\/75279"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/73781"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"insight_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight_type?post=74964"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/solution?post=74964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}