The rapid expansion of eCommerce has transformed the retail landscape beyond recognition, giving customers all over the world access to an incredible array of products and offerings. It has also given businesses a multitude of opportunities for growth.
If you own a business, you already know the importance of not just attracting clients, but also being visible in this competitive landscape. Getting the attention and exposure you need is key to boosting your business. But is it enough to get noticed?
In the early days of establishing your business, visibility is everything. But as you grow and evolve, so does the need for expansion. In the last six months, 57% of customers have made an overseas transaction online. Your business has the potential to reach clients all over the world thanks to incredible developments in eCommerce—but only if you have the fulfillment capabilities to actually deliver. So if you want to build your business, widen your consumer base, and expand beyond your borders, you must be able to offer international shipping to your customers.
This can be daunting at first, and it does present some challenges. But our global village is becoming increasingly interconnected, and that makes going global so much more than a luxury or a strategy. It makes it a necessity.
The good news is that international expansion has never been easier or more accessible. If it’s approached thoughtfully and strategically, expanding to non-native markets holds incredible opportunities for growth.
Here are 5 reasons why you need to start shipping internationally right now.
1. Online shopping isn’t going anywhere
In 2021, it was projected that there would be 2.05 billion global digital buyers. With a global population of over 7.7 billion people, roughly 25% of the world's population shops online! This figure is predicted to reach 2.14 billion by 2022 if current trends continue.
That's a lot of new customers! If you’re unable to offer international shipping, you might be losing a significant amount of revenue—revenue that you can then reinvest into your business.
There was a time when only large businesses reaped the benefits of international shipping. But now that anyone anywhere can sell and buy online, small businesses have unprecedented access to a global customer base.
We're scaling the pinnacles of the digital era. Information spreads quickly, and the internet offers us new materials and new products on a regular basis. People all over the world now find it easier and faster to shop online, with access to a wider range of products than they can ever hope to find in-store. And if your business provides a product that consumers can’t find in their own country, you might just be in possession of the winning ticket. Offering international shipping to these customers presents you with a tremendous opportunity for growth.
2. Catering to international customers keeps you in the race
You're probably not the only business selling a specific type of product in your country, and even if you are, another business will eventually catch up and offer similar goods. But there could be a real demand for your product elsewhere (minus the competition)–and if you’re unable to deliver internationally, you’re missing out on a real opportunity for growth. Availability is the key to success, and making your products available to international customers who have no access to them holds undeniable benefits for your business.
The numbers don’t lie. Global B2C eCommerce sales are expected to hit $4.5 trillion by 2022–nearly double the $2 trillion achieved in 2018–and global B2B eCommerce sales are predicted to climb from $7.7 trillion in 2018 to $17.6 trillion over the same time period. This expansion will only increase as global technological infrastructure improves. More people will be able to make online purchases as they gain access to new technology, and that can only mean one thing: even more prospective customers (and money).
3. International shipping is not as expensive or difficult as you might think
If you've always avoided overseas shipping because it seemed too expensive, it's time to reconsider. With new shipping alternatives becoming available all the time, you have more competitive and more flexible options than ever before. And if you include the cost of delivery in your prices, you’re able to completely prevent international shipping costs from eating into your profits.
International shipping is also easier than ever; eShipper has simplified it so that you don’t have to worry about navigating customs or managing cross-border and international logistics, returns, and tracking. With flexible shipping solutions and exclusive rates right at your fingertips, you have all the tools you need to go borderless.
4. International shipping is undeniably profitable
Profit is one of the most compelling reasons to send your products worldwide. International shoppers try to save on shipping costs by purchasing more items at once, giving you the opportunity to move stock and boost sales.
Keep in mind that the products you offer are most likely more expensive abroad; in fact, that’s a major reason why most companies do better in foreign markets. Making your products available to international customers drives them to make their purchases from your store (and adding more products to their cart to reduce overall shipping costs).
In fact, retailers that provide premium international shipping services grow 60% faster than those that do not. And since today’s customers want quicker delivery speeds than ever before, providing premium fulfillment logistics–especially high-speed, time-definite international shipping services–will help you meet these customer expectations.
5. You can make connections and gain a better understanding of your customers' requirements
Expanding your reach brings endless possibilities. Delivering worldwide gives you the opportunity to reach a wide range of customers and serves as valuable market research for physical expansion. It’s your chance to test new markets and get a real insight into how lucrative they can be.
Having a presence around the world can even spark an idea for a product you might create, or bring to light that one of your products should be removed from your portfolio. It also allows you to connect with other business owners and forge relationships that have the potential to boost your revenue or completely transform your business.
Make international shipping a breeze by partnering with eShipper
When done correctly, international shipping can bring value to your customers while making your business significantly more profitable. That’s why you need a shipping and fulfillment solution that can provide rapid, dependable international delivery and meet the shipping times your clients demand and expect.
What’s your international expansion plan? If you don't have one yet, it’s time to get started. With eShipper, you’ll get the expert advice you need to map your journey towards a profitable worldwide presence. Our international shipping services give you access to:
Exclusive international rates
Flexible shipping services
Fully tracked, faster shipping
Easy pick-ups and drop-offs
Quick, stress-free customs clearance
So why stop at domestic shipping? Why cap your growth potential? Connect with us to find out how we can help.
