Selling internationally is challenging, but if you succeed there are so many benefits. PayPal is one vendor that has lots of experience selling online and resources to help small businesses do just that.
Selling beyond your borders takes your ability to appreciate and understand another market, new cultures and customs.
It’s also important to understand the technical nuances of selling outside of a US Market. What are the local laws, shipping rules and regulations. It’s also important to understand how you get paid — or not.
If you’re looking to sell in China or Internationally, check out these two free books from PayPal.
“How to Sell Internationally”
There’s a world of potential customers out there, just waiting to buy what you’re selling. You just have to think a little more globally.
If you have any doubts about the possibilities for your business, consider this: A recent McKinsey study estimates that 1.8 billion people will enter the consuming class by 2025, spending $30 trillion annually — or 50 percent of the world’s consumption.
PayPal’s How to Sell Internationally guide outlines five critical elements that merchants can take to start selling globally:
- Gathering market intelligence
- Making it easy for customers in target markets to pay
- Researching taxes, duties, customs, and regulations
- Developing clear delivery and return policies
- Looking toward future growth
“Selling Into China”
The rise of China’s middle class is one of the most important economic stories of our time: according to Pew Research, middle income earners jumped from 3 percent to 18 percent from 2001 to 2011[2], and with this growth has emerged a consumer class with discretionary income to spend. As China transitions from decades of rapid economic growth (10 percent growth rate over the last 30+ years) to a more sustained pace of development (currently at 7 percent, it’s still more than twice the global average), it’s never been a better time for businesses around the world to consider China as a key investment opportunity for increasing global sales.
Merchants that can effectively understand the Chinese marketplace — the demographic composition and purchasing habits of its diverse consumer class, as well as navigating business operation processes such as international logistics — will be well positioned to reap the rewards.
Aimed at online companies around the world who are looking to open their doors to business in China, the Selling Into China guide addresses key resources, tips and insights including:
- Top product categories dominating cross-border commerce in China now, and where the most growth opportunity is for the future
- A merchant-readiness checklist of important considerations for selling into China
- Demographic profiles of China’s haitao shoppers (those who buy online overseas)
- An overview of the often-complex world of international shipping and logistics — including tips for navigating China’s customs and duties regulations
- A guide of important agencies, organizations and other resources to consult for information on expanding international sales
- Insights from companies who’ve had success selling into China
Republished by permission. Original here.
Image: PayPal
Martin Lindeskog
I will show this article to my friend who will start a new online venture, selling t-shirts with special slogans, catering to international customers.
Charly
Great article, but. There is a big BUT. Not every country where Paypal is in business, people use it. Many countries have a very specific payment behavior. This should be considered before entering the market. In europe for example – many people like to get a invoice and pay it then. Or Switzerland, 1/3 of the population uses a yellow postcard from post bank and they want to use it as well. Paypal is fine in general, but only a good alternative and nothing more. The local payment should be concidered always!