12 tips for international eCommerce business

The main tips all eCommerce sellers need to utilize to have a successful, international business.
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Last update:

July 25, 2023
Ecommerce is one of the largest and most productive businesses in the world. Many people believe that it is very simple and easy to develop, but the real truth is completely different. As a matter of fact, eCommerce business is one of the hardest types out there. Today, we will present to you the main tips all eCommerce business owners need to utilize in order to have a successful, international business.

1. Your website must be optimized for global purposes

Many of you already have a website that sells specific items or stuff. It is usually optimized for a specific shopper from a specific country. But, if you want to be successful on a global scale, you will need to change your website.

In simple terms, a website must be optimized for users from all parts of the glove. It must provide prices in their currency, it must be available in their language and it must be suitable for their culture. Yes, it is a massive amount of work and it is mandatory to change. You will have to apply any time soon.

2. Understand different markets

Not all markets are the same. In fact, each one is special and comes with different requirements. For instance, some clients may need a specific payment method. In some cases you won’t be able to ship a product you are selling to other countries. 

The goal here is to understand all of that and provide a product that is completely available for a market you are selling it. There is no need in selling toys in India that cannot be shipped there, for example.

3. Accept as many payment methods as possible

In order to be a successful seller, you do need specific payment methods to accept. PayPal, Skrill, bank wire transfer, cheques, and eWallets in general are mandatory. Credit and debit cards are mandatory as well. Business cards, which can facilitate in-person transactions and networking, are also worth considering for a comprehensive payment approach. Now, check out and see which payment options are available on a market you try to sell items. Accept those payment methods first. 

4. Adjust marketing for each market specifically

One marketing strategy won’t help you here. You need at least 5 different ones. You need to provide specific and suitable marketing campaigns to each market specifically. BY using this simple rule, you will be able to take advantage of most sales and be able to sell more to more people.

A separate tip is to look at your rivals and check out their marketing strategies and their success rate. Only then you can promote your business to the max and expect massive results and improvements.

5. Use clever shipping solutions

You need to use modern shipping solutions to maximize your efficiency. One of them is ShipSaving, a platform that helps you with your invoices, item management, shipments and so much more. Despite the fact it is loaded with options, it is incredibly easy to use and suitable for all businesses. 

6. Focus on small and easy to ship items

Did you know that a horse feeder will cost $140 per unit? But, sending it to a specific country can be more expensive than a complete unit. For example, sending it to Israel will cost you $150 which is extremely high. 

The goal here is to sell small, compact, and easy to ship and send items to all markets across the world. You will maximize the profit and you will be able to develop your business even more. 

7. Learn about the laws

Each and every country in the world has different, specific laws. This means that shipping all products, in all amounts to all countries simply isn’t possible. The best example is Vietnam. You will sell calendars and you will find a client out there who needs a massive amount. But, you cannot send more than 100 calendars to Vietnam from any country. It is against the law.

What we are trying to say here is that each country will have different limitations. In order to be successful in your business, you need to understand those limitations and make sure you don’t break the law.


8. Take a look at shipping costs

Shipping in the same country is generally affordable and straightforward. However, shipping in other countries usually isn’t. If you send a single parcel in your country, the fee may be $10. If you send the same parcel to another country, the fee may be $60. 

The problem is obvious. A buyer may refuse the parcel simply because the cost is much higher than he hoped and saw. The solution is to use tools from major shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS, and others and calculate the cost of shipping to the desired location. By using this trick you can offer a precise cost to the buyers at any given moment. 

9. Always be and stay legal

For a successful international business, you must be and stay a legal business owner. Your transactions must be clear and visible, you must sell legal items across the world and you must be able to maintain this transparency as long as possible, period. Selling illegal items will have a negative effect on your business.

10. Mobile users are the key

Yes, you will need to support mobile users and allow them to buy your products as well. More shoppers use smartphones and tablets to buy online, so they should be your priority. These days, websites are primarily designed and developed for mobile devices and then optimized for computers and laptops. Even with a slow laptop, you should have no problems browsing an online store.

Don’t forget about ads and campaigns that are specifically designed for smartphones. They are different from the ones for computers and they obviously have a different audience. In addition, if you target younger shoppers, you must use all of the above even more due to the fact they are the most common smartphone users.

11. Collect and use database

This step is more important if you are planning to launch a new website or websites in the future. You will have a database of clients and potential users which can be used to promote a new business. Anyway, having a massive client and customer database can help you ‘’serve’’ new offers and projects more successfully. 

12. Always use social media

One of the best ways to promote your business and gain access to a massive number of customers is to use social media. They can be used for free and they can help you create and improve brand awareness, boost the sales and so much more. We don't have the space to list all of the advantages. Of course, social media ads are even more powerful and even more successful in gaining new customers than anything else.

The Final Word

There is no single tip or trick that will help you gain a superb e-commerce business. Instead, all of these tips should be used and when combined, they will have massive success in your business, help you grow, and help you gain far more profit. 


Written on:

June 14, 2021
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