Income-generating opportunities exist for an e-tailer that’s bold enough to expand into new markets abroad, yet significant entry barriers are deterring many small players from attempting this.

For an SME expanding abroad, following advice should be considered:

Select new markets carefully – Start small, look to neighboring markets first and then expand from there.

Be proactive about regulatory challenges – SMEs need to be proactive and adaptable when it comes to regulatory challenges. They should enlist expert help in handling customs procedures and invest in supply chain optimisation.

Localisation is key to success – Online retailers should prioritise seamless local payment methods, multilingual communication and tailored marketing for successful cross-border engagement.

How can cross-border ecommerce firms balance customer demand for affordability and convenience with the need to minimise the carbon footprint of the fulfilment process?

Eco-credentials are no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – With new customer expectations and regulations, implementing eco-friendly practices in fulfillment, shipping and packaging is becoming crucial for both customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.

What are the latest trends in how and why customers make purchasing decisions? What are their priorities? What channels do they prefer?

Convenient delivery is vital – With 71% of European consumers saying they would choose one online store over another because they offered flexible delivery options, ecommerce firms must offer competitive services in all markets they operate in.

With a good understanding of the opportunities, careful planning and the right partnerships, e-tailers can reap the rewards of international ecommerce.

Key is that you don’t have to do it alone – companies should collaborate with partners who can help them on their journey, so they draw upon the best possible expertise. Trusted partners can help companies streamline shipping, reduce complexity and enhance the customer experience.

E-tailers that neglect this key aspect of their business are doing themselves – and their customers – no favours. How can international operators ensure that it’s working as cost-efficiently as it can?

Don’t forget returns – With 90% of online shoppers checking a merchant’s return policy before purchase, creating efficient and customer-centric returns processes is vital. Companies should consider consumer habits in each market, utilise local return hubs and leverage technology to make the returns process smoother.