online shopping experience

6 Tips for a better online shopping performance

With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping has become a convenient and popular way for people to purchase goods. However, with so many online stores competing for consumers’ attention, providing an exceptional shopping experience is essential to stand out.  

In this blog, we will discuss tips for optimizing the online shopping experience on your website and how we can help you attract, retain more customers and grow your business.   

So, whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your existing online store, this information is relevant to your business, so let’s get started and take it to the next level! 

 

1. Create a responsive website design  

With so many different devices and screen sizes available, creating a website that looks and functions properly on any device is essential. One of the primary benefits of responsive design is that it provides a better user experience. When a website is easy for customers regardless of their device, it can improve engagement and reduce bounce rates. 

 

2. Provide detailed product information  

Giving detailed product descriptions, including size, material, and care instructions on your online shop, improves the customer experience, increases trust, reduces returns and complaints, improves SEO, and gives the online shop a competitive advantage. It is an essential aspect of any successful online shop; neglecting it can lead to lost sales and missed opportunities. 

 

3. Display relevant product images 

Relevant and meaningful photos are essential for the success of an online shop, as they make the website more visually appealing, easier to navigate, and allow customers to understand better how the products will look physically. This reduces the risk of dissatisfaction, improves user experience and trust, and ultimately increases sales.   

 

4. Simplify check out process  

Make the checkout process as simple as possible by reducing the required steps and fields. Use auto-fill to speed up the process for returning customers. Also, for your international customers, use a cross-border solution like BorderGuru Cross-Border to simplify their purchase and delivery process by allowing them to pay for shipping and landing costs when checking out.   

Implementing all this will create a better shopping experience for the customer, reduce cart abandonment, and increase sales.   

 

5. Share Social proof  

Highlighting your online store’s customer reviews, ratings, and social media mentions can help you build trust and credibility with potential customers. It can also be helpful to gain more loyal customers, as other people’s opinions on a product influence most people, leading to higher sales. 

 

 

6. Create rich content 

Creating rich, relevant material about your brand and products is very important, as it communicates their value to your potential customers. It provides storytelling that can help customers understand how your products fit into their lives and why they need them.   

Ultimately, providing engaging and informative content to customers can build trust, increase visibility, and drive more sales.  

If you want to check more ideas to increase conversion rate, check our blog here  

 

Now that you have the ideas and inspiration to optimize your online shop, are you ready to take your fashion and lifestyle brand to the next level?   

Millions of potential customers worldwide are ready to discover your unique products. BorderGuru Cross-Border is your best partner to reach all these customers in 200 countries. It helps you to make it possible to diversify your customer base, leading to sales growth.   

Contact us now and begin your international journey successfully!

 

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Top 5 E-commerce trends in 2023

It is an exciting time to be involved in the ever-changing e-commerce industry! 

With the rapid growth of online shopping, we’ve seen some interesting new trends emerge in the past few years and 2023 is the best year to implement them. Here are our top five most relevant trends in e-commerce in 2023: 

1. Personalized customer experience  

There is no better way to deliver a superior customer experience than personalization. With consumers’ limitless brand options, they look for brands that will stand out by fulfilling expectations and making their end customers feel appreciated.  

Some examples could be personalized marketing, email campaigns, and targeted ads that resonate with the end customer. This successful tactic increases customer engagement, loyalty, and sales. To implement personalized customer actions, businesses need to collect data, process it, and focus on the information that reveals customer preferences and buying patterns.  

You can learn more ways to increase online store conversions in our blog.
 

2. Seamless Online Shopping Experience 

This is crucial for e-commerce stores, as the second customers encounter a bad experience with your online shop, they look elsewhere. Providing excellent customer experience ranges from quick loading, content quality, usable search box to checkout experience and delivery. 

For your business to increase international sales and avoid cart abandonment, providing a seamless shopping and shipping experience is essential. Customers appreciate businesses that avoid headaches and deliver orders quickly without extra surprise fees. You can offer this and more with a cross-border solution like BorderGuru that guarantee landed costs, competitive shipping fees, on-time delivery and customer service in several languages for international customers.  

To learn more about the impact of high extra fees on the cross-border online shopping experience, visit our blog here 

 

3. Mobile shopping 

With many consumers worldwide adopting mobile phones and using them to buy online, providing an excellent user experience on these smaller devices is crucial to continue growing your business. Mobile e-commerce will account for 42.9% of e-commerce sales by 2024 (Insider) 

Make sure the content of your website is optimized for smaller screens and that it can be loaded quickly not to lose your customers’ attention and miss out on sales.  

 

4. Social commerce and automatic marketing 

Digital media continues to be the best way to attract new generations.  

Automatic marketing refers to using AI and tools to collect the data needed to create value and optimized ads for businesses to increase brand awareness and sales.   

The best way to capitalize on this trend is to create strategies depending on your target market and make sure that your brand and products are visible where your customers spend time searching and scrolling to make an online purchase.   

 

5. Sustainability 

In e-commerce, it is no longer just the price that decides. There is currently a high wave of consumers worldwide who are more aware and concerned about the impact of businesses on the environment and communities. The growing number of people who buy items from brands actively trying to make a significant change in how they do business to reduce adverse effects is essential to move toward growth and success.   

Read more of the actions you can take to become a sustainable fashion and lifestyle e-commerce brand here 

 

As you can see, there are several key trends and technologies that you should keep in mind if you want to stay ahead of the competition in the e-commerce industry. Considering these elements and understanding how to use them effectively will enable you to keep up with the ever-evolving industry and remain successful for years. 

Learn more on this blog about Otto Marketplace experts’ thoughts and expectations on the 2023 e-commerce and marketing trends. Perhaps this can give you more assurance on what you could do for your business to thrive and grow from this year forward.  

 

BorderGuru, a single partner, to help you achieve your international goals. Diversifying your market will allow you to gain new customers that can convert into loyal ones, increasing your sales.

Contact us now and see how easy it is to become our partner and take advantage of everything we offer you to grow your brand internationally successfully.

 

Logistik-Center der Hermes Germany GmbH in Mainz

Hermes Sustainable Logistics Center to Revolutionize Parcel Delivery in Germany

Hermes Germany, a leading provider of parcel logistics, is building a new sorting and distribution center in Thiendorf near Dresden. This move is in response to the increasing demand for parcel delivery services, particularly during the holiday season. The new logistics center will significantly increase Hermes’ capacity to handle shipments, enabling faster and more efficient regional deliveries.

Scania and Mercedes trucks carrying containers with the Hermes logo - BorderGuru

Hermes Germany is part of the Otto Group, a global retail and services company based in Hamburg, Germany. The company has been providing parcel delivery services in Germany for over 40 years and is known for its reliable and customer-oriented approach to logistics. Today, Hermes operates a network of over 15,000 ParcelShops, 1,500 parcel lockers, and several sorting and distribution centers throughout Germany. With its innovative approach to logistics and focus on sustainability, the company has become a trusted partner for many businesses and individuals in Germany.

The new sorting and distribution center in Thiendorf is strategically located near Dresden and Leipzig, making it an ideal hub for servicing several areas in the greater Dresden area. The facility covers an area of 68,500 square meters and includes an 8,850 square meter logistics hall with a high-performance conveyor and sorting technology. Initially, the location will be able to process up to 60,000 shipments per day, with a plan to process up to 200,000 shipments per day eventually. The logistics center will employ around 100 people to ensure smooth operations at the facility.

 

Hermes Germany designing “Parcel delivery of the future”

The logistics center construction is being implemented by the Bremen-based company group Peper & Söhne in cooperation with Goldbeck Nord GmbH. The new building is designed to be sustainable and energy-efficient, with a gold certificate from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen e. V. (DGNB). The roof of the logistics hall will have a photovoltaic system measuring around 3,100 square meters, which will provide power for up to 40 planned electric charging points for electric vehicles. All other roofs of the administrative buildings will be greened. The logistics center will also feature an office, a social wing, and a porter’s building, in which a Hermes ParcelShop will be located.

The new logistics center in Thiendorf will enable Hermes Germany to increase its capacity and provide faster and more efficient parcel delivery services in the region. With its focus on sustainability and innovative approach to logistics, Hermes is poised to become a leader in the parcel delivery industry in Germany. The new logistics center is expected to begin operations in time for the Christmas season in 2023.

 

How is BorderGuru related to Hermes?    

BorderGuru, powered by Hermes, is also a member of the Otto Group. With these two giants behind us, we can provide your business and end customers with the best international shopping and shipping experience worldwide.   

BorderGuru Cross-Border is your best solution to reach your international customers regardless of their location.   

With our Cross-Border solution, you can sell in up to 200 countries, offering visitors customs-cleared orders and competitive shipping rates at checkout. With this solution, we also handle all the complexities of cross-border sales.    

Contact us now and see how easy it is to become our partner and take advantage of everything we offer to grow your business successfully.   

Online shopping, internet purchases and e-commerce concept, mode

The Effects of High Extra Fees on Cross-Border E-commerce

E-commerce is one of the sales channels that continues to grow immensely. However, additional fees such as shipping, taxes and duties have also increased. When selling online, these are inevitable and, in some cases, can hurt business profits. The good news is that there are ways to minimize the adverse effects these can have on e-commerce businesses.   

Learn more about the impact of high extra fees and how your store can reduce it, keeping customers happy. 

Effects of high shipping, tax and duties fees  

Let’s start by stating the facts. Cart abandonment is inevitable, and some reasons are simply a natural effect on how users browse websites; for example, window shopping, price comparison, looking for gifts, etc. This trend is also seen in retail stores, so it is not inevitable, but also not unusual behavior. According to the Baymard Institute, There is a rate of 69.99% cart abandonment that does not consider the reasons mentioned, but other reasons that can be fixed to reduce the impact on cart abandonment.   

As we can see in the chart below, the reason with the highest percentage is “extra costs too high shipping, tax, fees,” so we are focusing on this. If you want to learn more about other reasons and measures you can take to reduce cart abandonment, visit our blog. 

So why is this the reason that contributes most to cart abandonment? In the end, this also means losing potential sales and profits. Well, it is a fact that no one likes to pay extra surprise fees over the product price shown on the website. Now we as consumers know that shipping, taxes and duties fees exist. Still, if they are not communicated on the website, we can be discouraged, abandoning the shopping cart and looking elsewhere.    

 

What can you do as an e-commerce business to lower the impact of high extra fees on cart abandonment?  

Here are some tips to enhance the shopping and shipping experience and avoid unhappy customers and missing potential sales.  

1- Strategize and find the right shipping solution for your business and customers. 

Looking at the various options available and finding the right solution to offer you a competitive shipping price and reliable delivery service is the basis for how your business can reduce shipping costs to avoid cart abandonment. Do not be afraid to look at options even if you already work with a carrier. After all, it is about finding what works best for your business and customers.   

BorderGuru is part of Hermes, a global logistics champion based in Germany, which offers competitive cross-border shipping rates for online stores. We are a reliable service that shows a specific delivery time at the checkout, depending on the destination. We are not a broker; we are a one-stop-shop solution focused on online stores, consolidating thousands of online orders from different stores and shipping them to 200 countries worldwide. Reaching a specific volume to get a good deal is not a problem with BorderGuru.   

Find out more about the measures you can take to reduce shipping costs in our blog. 

2- Be transparent about shipping, taxes and duties fees (live rates) 

Free shipping is not always possible, but it is also not the only way to encourage consumers to buy from you. It is essential and much appreciated by consumers when e-commerce stores are transparent and clear about the shipping and import fees. Especially now, as online shopping is more common than ever, there are many options for consumers to buy from. BorderGuru Cross-Border can quickly help you calculate shipping, taxes and duties fees at checkout (live rates) and guarantee them, clearing orders customs. This will let your customers know exactly what they are paying for and build trust, avoiding cart abandonment.  

3- If possible, add the shipping cost to the final product price 

This is part of developing the best strategy for your business and customers. Adding the shipping costs to your final product price and communicating this to your customers as “free shipping” could encourage them to buy from you rather than from your competitors. But remember that there are taxes and duties to pay for cross-border shipping, depending on product, volume and destination. Be clear when communicating this in your shipping policy. The best way not to discourage your customers is to use a guaranteed Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service so they do not have to worry about surprise fees at delivery.   

Our cross-border solution can help you offer guaranteed DDP without additional costs for your business. Learn more about the benefits of DDP in our blog.    

4- Avoid confusion by having a clear shipping policy  

An excellent way to avoid misunderstandings and conflict with customers is to have a clear shipping policy that is easy to find and refer to. In this way, customer service can better deal with discontent, leave a good impression and create loyal customers. In the end, remember that their reviews are very important for brand perception and that shipping problems are common, so the goal is to avoid losing customers.   

Here are some questions your shipping policy should have and answers to. These will also facilitate your customer service team job.  

We can conclude that high extra fees significantly impact cart abandonment, resulting in companies losing potential conversions and profits. Make the necessary changes now to meet the needs of your business and customers, remain competitive and continue to grow.   

At Borderguru, we are more than ready to discuss our solution, which will help your business sell cross-border conveniently for you and your customers. Contact us now to make your international goals possible!   

Young people and small business, hispanic woman at work as fashion designer and tailor, looking at sketches of new collection in atelier

6 Ways the Fashion Industry Can Respond to Inflation in 2023

Prices are rising. Interest rates are increasing. Brands across the fashion industry have less margin due to rising prices across most categories. Since the fashion industry has long buying and merchandizing cycles, fashion businesses that take action now to address these factors will be most successful in the short- and long term.

Consider consumer spending trends, regional inflation effects, and your business model when planning the 2023 strategy for your fashion business. We’ve identified six key actions you can take to optimize your approach.

What are consumer spending trends in 2023?

Overall, consumers are spending less and selecting more value-conscious options.

  • Current Consumer Spending Trends

According to the most recent Consumer Pulse Survey, 37 percent of consumers plan to spend less on discretionary items. Seventy-four percent report trading down when they shop.

  • Risks of Ignoring Current Consumer Spending Trends

Without a clear strategy to address the current economic climate, you could negatively affect your margins and performance for years to come. Here’s what to do to optimize your fashion business for success in 2023.

How is inflation affecting various markets worldwide?

Although inflation affects the world, regional factors often affect fashion brands. Your business will need to consider its regional exposures to develop the most effective strategy for 2023.

  • Inflation in the United States

In an attempt to reduce inflation, the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates in the United States. Private sector wage increases in the US outpace those in other regions, which may indicate inflation will continue longer than in other areas.

  • Inflation in Europe

In Europe, increasing energy prices significantly affect inflation. These effects may change quickly when the results of the war in Ukraine resolve. Fashion businesses with costs in US dollars and sales in euros will also need to consider the effects of currency fluctuation.

  • Inflation in Asia

Although Asia is not experiencing inflation to the extent of other regions, economic growth is slow. Rising US interest rates and high commodity prices also affect the region’s financial health.

  • Inflation in Latin America

Some Latin American countries are experiencing little inflationary risk. Others are implementing strong monetary responses to mitigate inflation’s effects.

How is inflation affecting the fashion industry?

Inflation affects various fashion businesses in different ways. Generally, fashion businesses affected most by disposable income are experiencing the most significant impacts.

  • Effects on Luxury and Affordable Luxury Brands

Many luxury and affordable luxury brands remain relatively unaffected by current inflation. LVMH, which owns Christian Dior, Fendi, and Givenchy, reported 20% organic revenue growth in the first nine months of 2022.

  • Effects on Premium Brands

Premium brands are affected by both inflation and consumer income. Value-conscious consumers select value, off-price and private label options instead of premium brands. Higher-income consumers generally continue selecting premium brands.

  •  Effects on Value Brands

There are several opportunities for value brands as consumers become more price-conscious. Consider offering more private-label products instead of brand-name. Meet shifting consumer demands by implementing an agile product design strategy.

  •  Effects on Discount Brands

Discount brands will likely see demand increase, especially from lower-income consumers. Consider purchasing low-cost inventory from retailers experiencing economic pressure.

6 Ways Fashion Brands Can Respond to Inflation and Current Economic Conditions

Although inflation is rising and consumer spending is falling, you can take steps now to position your fashion business for success.

Strategy 1: Maximize productivity in three key areas.

As prices rise, productivity becomes increasingly important. Make sure you examine these key areas:

● Review cost bases and supply and distribution networks. Look for opportunities to increase efficiencies.

● Reduce distribution overhead. Relocate distribution centers or use third-party logistics and supply-chain-as-a-service providers.

● Define key performance indicators (KPIs) that track customer behavior so that you can respond quickly to behavioral changes.

Strategy 2: Update your assessment and category strategy.

Consumers are increasingly value-conscious. For 67 percent of customers who tried a new brand, the value was the reason they switched. Be sure to consider the following to respond to consumer behavior effectively:

● Revise assortments and review entry-level price points.

● Increase private-label offerings.

● Use data to drive decision-making. Determine where customers are price-sensitive, and develop a response.

Strategy 3: Reprice strategically.

Sweeping price increases across all categories can decrease customer trust. Consider the following targeted approaches instead:

● Offer personalized promotions and loyalty incentives.

● Reprice by customer and product segment.

● Consider absorbing some higher costs in the short term.

Strategy 4: Review discounts and promotions.

Use data to guide decisions about pricing and promotion. Be sure to utilize data for the following:

● Manage inventory surplus and margins effectively.

● Analyze perceived value.

● Determine which attributes are valuable to consumers and make decisions accordingly.

Strategy 5: Upgrade your labor model.

Review your business model to find savings opportunities for labor costs are increasing. Ensure you examine the following:

● Labor allocation and scheduling

● Employee experience

● Recruitment and talent analysis

Strategy 6: Grow internationally without additional investment.

Many online stores focus on selling only to markets in the US and Canada. Take advantage of a worldwide market and increase growth by:

● Avoid hefty shipping fees and extended shipping times with BorderGuru’s low express shipping rates.

● Eliminate hassles at customs by seamlessly calculating and paying customs and duties seamlessly in real-time at the point of sale.

● Simplify customers’ shopping experiences and increase sales with simple checkout processes, no matter the customers’ locations.

Next Steps for the Fashion Industry in 2023

Current inflation and economic uncertainty affect the fashion industry. Fashion businesses that utilize short-term strategy, flexibility, and fast decision-making will be the most successful.

Ready to explore frictionless global logistics and expand your international reach? Book a call to learn more about BorderGuru and how you can convert your international traffic into loyal customers now

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6 Ideas to Maximize Your Online Sales on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, also known as the most lovable holiday, is around the corner. In the last few years, it has become a very profitable date for e-commerce in the US and worldwide.  

This particular Day was initially celebrated mainly by couples, but over the years, it has evolved into friendships, family, pets and self-love. Every year millions of dollars are spent on gifts such as flowers, cards, chocolates, jewelry and apparel.   

Here are some ideas for your business to maximize sales on Valentine’s Day worldwide, so go and spread love while you get your online shop ready to succeed!  

1- Get your website and social media themes ready   

To fully immerse your brand into this holiday, your website and social media must be fully decorated with Valentine’s themed colors and ensure that they are consistent with your brand and content. Great content that can be put up on social media and the website are gift ideas, Valentine’s inspired outfits or makeup ideas, a decorated banner that clicks on unique Valentine’s products or content, a concise Valentine’s Day message around the website and social media. Make it easy for your audience to buy from you what they need for this Valentine’s.  

2- Start your marketing early   

Do not wait until the last minute to promote your unique Valentine’s products and discounts. Remember that the best way to maximize sales is to strategize how you want to promote your brand and products. Planning will help you make the most of the days before February 14; once the Day comes, it will be easier for customers to remember you. So, start sending emails, newsletters, social media content, advertising, etc. now, and you have a higher chance of a successful holiday sale.    

3- Offer limited edition products   

We all like limited-edition products, which makes us all feel special. This creates a sense of urgency to have Valentine’s effects that not everyone will have. If your brand can do this, it is a great marketing strategy that can help you get more sales. As a reminder, if you decide to do this, promote it as a limited edition. Make sure your audience knows it and it can be easy to find.   

4- Run limited-time discounts   

This is another excellent marketing strategy and is popular, as brands tend to do so in the most profitable celebrations. Do not miss out on this, and make sure your brand promotes special discounts/specials. For example, some brands offer discounts, and others a gift for every X amount spent. Check and plan what works best for you and your target audience. The goal is to make the most of the holiday to increase sales and brand awareness.   

5- Do not forget to target singles   

Valentine’s Day was initially popular with couples to show their love for each other. Still, now more people celebrate more than just romantic relationships, such as friendships, valentines, family, pets and self-love. It is crucial to maximizing sales to promote a message and related products. For example, if you sell skincare, you can encourage pampering self-care or spa day with girls. The idea is not to miss out on these potential sales.   

6- Promote shipping deadline for customers to receive orders on time for the holiday   

As an e-commerce brand, shipping during this holiday is very important and goes hand in hand with your early marketing. Since it can be a busy delivery date, communicating in advance the deadline for customers to receive their orders on time for the holiday will create a sense of urgency and trust due to transparency. Be careful not to make false expectations about the shipping time, as your customers will appreciate your clarity.   

 

Our BorderGuru Cross-border Solution can help you be transparent about your shipping, taxes and duties, and delivery time, as everything is calculated and displayed at checkout. Our solution can help you reach millions of potential customers worldwide, as we are available in 200 countries.   

Are you ready to succeed on Valentine’s Day? Contact us now to discuss your international goals and get started.   

 

Recession_2023

How to thrive during the 2023 economic downturn

It’s a new year full of opportunities for personal and professional growth. As we know, inflation has become a trending topic, but do not be discouraged. E-commerce will continue to grow, and so will the opportunities. As shown in the graph below, e-commerce will continue to grow to $5.42 billion in 2025.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although 2023 does come with its own set of challenges, we must have a strategy set up with a strong partnership that understands the international market.   

Here are some strategies your brand can implement to remain competitive during this challenging time.   

Supply Chain 

  • Plan to hold more inventory  

The Russia-Ukraine war has caused many disruptions to the supply chain, leaving companies with difficulties meeting consumer demands.  

For this reason, it is key for brands to carefully analyze the amount of inventory needed to keep their best sellers available and customers happy without overstocking. Keep in mind that consumers are more price sensitive at the moment, so having available the products they want from you will keep them from going elsewhere.  

  • Variety of Suppliers 

With how the economy impacts the price of primary resources and transporting goods, it is essential to diversify your supply chain more than ever. You can get your products from multiple suppliers, countries, or, if possible, from closer to home. This way, you can find ways to be more cost-effective. Since 2022, around 31% of Shopify merchants have started doing so.  

  • Lower return rates 

Returns are inevitable in e-commerce, and the rate depends on the market. In some countries, people are more used to returning unwanted items than others. However, there are ways to reduce the return rate, helping you grow customer satisfaction and lower expenses. This is because when you get a returned item, it costs to transport, replenish or dispose of it.  

Some ideas are to be transparent about how the item looks, its size, pictures with diverse models, trustworthy customer reviews, and videos showing how the product looks or how to use it.  

Customer Loyalty  

Customer loyalty is the key to success beyond mere survival. Here are some ideas to keep the cash flowing while ensuring customer loyalty.   

  • Price strategically 

In the case of prices, this has increased due to inflation, leaving brands no choice but to improve their product prices. In some cases, brands can lock their prices for a certain period to get as many sales as possible, but this is not always sustainable. This is why brands must focus on investing in customer loyalty. If brands build strong customer relationships in the long run, it pays off more and is more sustainable for the business. It is cheaper to sell to a returning customer than a new one. There is also a higher possibility of a loyal customer completing a transaction 60-70% than a new customer 5- 20%.   

For example, loyal customers are more willing to keep buying from you if you need to increase prices due to the current economic situation. Around 40% would do so, even if there were cheaper options. They can also help you gain new customers, as 60% are willing to recommend a brand to which they are loyal. 

  • Upgrade online store shopping and shipping experience  

As competition for consumer attention increases and becomes more challenging, finding ways to differentiate your brand, products, and online shop from competitors is essential. Here are some measures you can take to improve your online store’s shopping and shipping experience.  

    • User experience   

Your online store should always work best and provide the best possible user experience. To improve it even more, you could display your products in a way that looks like a window shop, which inspires your users to buy from you. Also, communicate clear information about your brand and products. It is important to emphasize the value that differentiates your brand from competitors. Of course, do not forget that your website must load in less than 3 seconds on any device. Otherwise, you will miss potential customers. 

    • Social commerce  

Now more than ever, integrating social media with your online store to provide a more cohesive online shopping experience is essential. Many consumers, especially from generation Z (1997-2012), visit social media to look for products rather than search engines. They also prefer to contact brands via social media rather than by email or phone. To capitalize on this opportunity, your brand should offer real-time chats and a shoppable button that takes you to the product on the website to complete the transaction. You can also take advantage of live shopping or shoppable videos.   

    • Cross-border solution  

Although the economic situation is global, it affects each country differently. Therefore, to have higher chances of growing, reaching more customers worldwide is the answer. Selling internationally comes with hurdles, so working with a cross-border solution like BorderGuru will help you achieve your goals without having to deal with them on your own. Our solution will provide your customers with customs-cleared orders that will enhance their shopping and delivery experience, as they will not have to worry about unexpected fees.   

Learn more about the benefits of using a cross-border solution to sell internationally in our blog.   

  • Offer discounts to promote loyalty and spending.  

As mentioned, it is cheaper to sell to current customers than new ones, and offering discounts or specials like bundles or free little gifts for a certain amount purchased is a simple way to give customers a price break and a quick business cash injection. This also helps customers feel valued and creates customer satisfaction, retention and re-purchases.   

Marketing  

  • Share user-generated content   

Given that social media advertising costs are rising and customers care about genuine reviews, sharing your customers’ content about your brand or product is the best thing you can do. As a quote from the co-founder of Orbit Media Studios, “When you say it, it’s marketing. When your customer says it, it’s social proof.” So, this year, ensure you’re constantly in touch with your customers so that they can help you promote your product and brands and attract new customers. BorderGuru Marketing services can help you with all your marketing needs to improve brand awareness, positioning, customer reach and sales.  

  • Work with creators   

 Younger generations love influencers, so this is still a perfect marketing strategy. Working with influencers who align with your brand values and have followers who are your target market can pay off.   

  • Collaborate with other brands   

Currently, collaborating with brands with products related to yours can help you reach a new audience. For example, if you sell women’s clothing, working with a makeup brand for consumers to complete the look can help you increase your customer-based and brand awareness. Ensure the other brand aligns with your values and a target market that resonates with your brand.   

 

In summary, we are trying to say that there are still ways for your e-commerce brand to survive the economic crisis and achieve growth. Yes, your business must adapt to the changes. Still, if you do it strategically, it will help you get through this situation and continue to be profitable and grow even more.   

Therefore, it is important to make the decision now to work with BorderGuru, a single partner, to help you achieve your international goals. Diversifying your market will allow you to gain new customers that can convert into loyal ones, increasing your sales.   

BorderGuru’s cross-border solution provides you with all the tools you need to grow your business internationally and reach millions of customers in 200 countries. We have the experience and infrastructure supported by one of the best logistics companies, Hermes.   

Contact us now and start achieving your 2023 business goals!   

 

international e-commerce shopify sellers

Shopify Plans Update for Carrier API Integrations

The global e-commerce industry continues to grow, offering brands an excellent opportunity to increase customer reach without physical presence.  

Platforms like Shopify exist to offer brands of all sizes the opportunity to sell online. For a cross-border solution, BorderGuru (similar to Shopify Markets) helps democratize international sales and allows companies to expand easily internationally.  

If you own a Shopify store, there will be some changes in 2023. One of the most important ones for cross-border sales is that now to use carrier integration apps, you should have Shopify Standard, Advanced, or Pro plans.  

This blog explains what you need to do cross-border and take your business to the next level.  

Let’s start by understanding what Carrier Service API apps (Third-Party Calculated Rates) are and how they can help you sell internationally.   

In Shopify, Carrier Service API apps come from third-party providers and can be integrated into brand stores to help them sell internationally. For example, some can calculate shipping, delivery time, taxes and duties, and provide other necessary tools to do cross-border, such as HS codes.   

BorderGuru Cross-border is a third-party carrier app that makes seamless international shipping possible. It can be integrated into your Shopify store in 5 minutes, at no cost, transaction fees, or initial investment.   

Main Features   

  • Integrates easily with your Shopify store in 5 minutes 
  • Gives access to reduced shipping rates (up to 70% lower than the most common carriers) 
  • Calculates and guarantees taxes and duties at checkout for free  
  • Handles legal and VAT for 200 countries  
  • Provide HS codes for free   
  • Free detailed tracking from the first to the last mile at all times. 

Learn more about the top benefits of using a cross-border solution to sell internationally in our blog.   

We have created a summary of Shopify plans that allow Shopify Markets + API Carrier apps like BorderGuru to sell and ship internationally. 

Shopify Standard

This plan is for businesses experiencing traffic and sales growth and looking to step up and increase their customer reach. It offers all the features of the basic plan, along with lower credit card rates and transaction fees. It also gives you access to Shopify Markets and third-party calculated rates for international commerce. Starting in 2023, Shopify offers a 50% discount on the first year (paid annually). 

  • Cost per month $79 
  • Online credit card processing fees: 2.6% + 0.30 per transaction

Shopify Advance 

Shopify Advance helps growing businesses find expansion opportunities with analytics. It offers all the features of the Basic and Shopify plan, along with lower transaction fees, 15 staff accounts, international commerce through Shopify Markets, third-party calculated rates and more. Starting in 2023 Shopify is offering a 50% discount on the first year (paid annually). 

  • Cost per month $299
  • Online credit card processing fees: 2.4% + 0.30 per transaction

Shopify Plus  

This plan is for high-volume merchants, who need advanced features and customization to continue growing their business. For example, businesses that make $1 million or more in sales per year can be a fit. Shopify Plus offers a very low credit card payment fee and all the features and perks of Shopify advance, plus a dedicated account manager, premium support and more.  

  • Cost per month starts at $2,000 per month 
  • Online credit card processing fees: 0.15% per transaction for third-party payment processors and 0% using Shopify payments

Suppose your business is getting high international traction and you have not yet done so. In that case, you should consider moving your plan to Shopify, Advance, or Plus depending on what makes sense to your business size, and start converting your international traffic into loyal customers using a third-party carrier app like BorderGuru.   

Open your business the opportunity to expand and sell internationally without complexities or the need for additional resources. Having access to our app will benefit your business and your international customers. Give them the best checkout experience by being transparent about shipping, taxes and duties, and offering them customs-cleared orders. Implementing this will enhance the shopping experience, increasing trust and returning customers.  

Start your international journey with us and sell in 200 countries now! Contact us now to learn more about how our app works and is set up in your Shopify store.   

Markets pro

Shopify Markets Pro- Advantages and Disadvantages

Now more than ever, international sales have become easier and more accessible for any size of company. Many solutions are available to help enhance global sales, but deciding which is best for your business can be overwhelming. In the end, the purpose of all these solutions is to democratize international sales.   

In September 2021, Shopify launched Markets, a tool that allows merchants to manage foreign domains better, as well as regional pricing, translations, and currency conversion. The objective is to improve the user experience regardless of their location. In September 2022, Shopify launched Markets Pro, the next step to improve the purchase experience by offering international shipping to several countries. But you might wonder if it suits your business or if you need those features and the costs associated with this service. Here, we present the most relevant details about Shopify Markets Pro and if this can benefit your international business so you can decide what works best for your brand expansion goals. 

What is Shopify Markets Pro? 

Shopify Markets Pro is a cross-border solution service that allows Shopify merchants to sell and ship internationally more efficiently, reducing the complexity of cross-border selling. This solution was designed mainly for small-medium brands that do not have the logistics infrastructure to expand internationally seamlessly, allowing them to implement an easy process to fulfill international orders to 136 countries. 

Main features

  • Currency conversion and local payment methods
  • Calculation of taxes and duties at checkout and offering DDP shipping 
  • Fulfill international orders natively in Shopify or through third-party partners
  • Access to discounted DHL shipping rates
  • Translation of websites to local language & domain management

Advantages

  • International customers can get a localized experience by buying in their currency and using standard payment methods. Including Shopify payment
  • Seamless integration. This solution is easy to install, and with a few clicks, you can get it running.
  • Easy access to negotiated DHL international shipping rates. If you integrate DHL Express, your user may get DHL total rates.  
  • Management of all international stores on the same platform  
  • Higher potential to increase sales
  • An easy shopping experience for you and your international users. Your customers will enjoy shopping and know how much they will pay for shipment and import fees at checkout, with no surprise fees when they receive the order.

Disadvantages

Shopify Markets Pro also involves several external services and partners to run. This makes Markets Pro complex to run in the back end and comes with a price. These are some of the fees associated with using Shopify Markets and Markets Pro: 

Using the regular Shopify Markets generates these fees:

  • 1.5% fee per order when duties and import taxes are calculated
  • 1.5% per order when currency is converted with Shopify Payments

 Using the Markets Pro DDP features generates these fees: 

  • 6.5% per transaction fee. Although there is no contract or monthly fee for using Shopify Markets Pro, merchants must pay this fee.
  • 2.5% currency conversion fee paid (automatically added to the product price)

Does Shopify Markets Pro increase your international sales?   

Selling to multiple countries and scaling is a great opportunity. Mainly, if you sell from the same store and use an all-in-one solution that localizes storefronts and calculates duties and taxes, international compliance handles all complexities and makes shipping more cost-effective. However, the most critical variable here is the shopping experience. A study by the Baymard Institute found that almost 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, and 55% are due to high extra costs at checkout. International customers are generally charged high shipping rates, import fees, and additional cross-border fees like Shopify Markets Pro, which could increase the order cost to up to 100% of the product price.

At BorderGuruwe believe international customers should be encouraged instead of being charged for buying from a foreign brand. Based on this mission, BorderGuru provides online stores with the easiest cross-border solution that includes the main Shopify Markets Pro features without any fees for you or your customers. The BorderGuru Shopify App enables your brand to expand internationally to more than 200 countries without any hurdles, tax filing, complex processes, international shipping surprises, or any additional fees.

Here are the main features of BorderGuru:  

  • Integrates easily with your Shopify store in 5 minutes
  • Gives access to reduced shipping rates (up to 70% lower than the most common carriers)
  • Calculates and guarantees taxes and duties at checkout for free 
  • Handles legal and VAT for 200 countries 
  • Provide HS codes for free  
  • Free detailed tracking from the first to the last mile at all times. 

Offer the benefits of selling easily to your international customers with customs-cleared orders and without surprise fees at delivery while making selling internationally easier for your business. Contact us now for more information about how our app works and how to set it up in your store.   

Cross-border Shipping

Top Benefits of Using a Cross-Border Solution for E-Commerce Brands

As we are aware, the global e-commerce industry continues to grow. It has created endless opportunities, especially for small businesses (SMEs). Without significant investments, they can reach a larger audience, leading to positive results such as increasing brand awareness and sales.    

Within e-commerce, selling internationally, what we call cross-border, has also grown, and it continues from $579 billion in 2019 to $719.02 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $2.25 trillion in 2026. This shows the enormous opportunity brands must expand their international footprint, and what is better than to do it with the help of a cross-border solution so you don’t have to deal with the hurdles that come with it.    

Below you will find the top benefits of working with a cross-border solution company and how BorderGuru Cross-Border can fit your brand’s international goals.

Reduce Costs 

 

By using a cross-border solution, e-commerce merchants can save money in the logistics process, from the shipping price to warehousing and lower shipping costs. On top of that, brands do not require to invest in infrastructure or any initial inventory; costs only incur when sales come in.   

Borderguru is a cross-border solution that can offer your brand excellent logistics infrastructure, so you can reach your customers worldwide and offer competitive rates that will make you and your customers happy. With our solution, you do not have to pay commissions, and there is no minimum order requirement to use our service.   

 

Increase Efficiency 

 

A cross-border solution can help you make the process of shipping internationally smoother and less time-consuming for your business. You can put your resources to work on other areas of your business-like marketing research, sales and marketing strategies, and even product development.   

For example, BorderGuru Cross-border solution simplifies the process of all international orders like any other domestic, without investing any extra resources or changes in your daily operations.

Legal Compliance

 

Working with a cross-border provider can make your international journey experience easier for your business by providing HS codes or if you require the UK VAT and IOSS when selling to the European region. And it takes care of tax filing, so you do not need to worry about legal compliance in 200 countries. With Borderguru, you are fully covered on this.  

 

Improved Customer Service

 

 

A cross-border solution will help you improve your brand’s customer service by providing precise and timely tracking information on orders. With some solutions, you also can offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) so that your customers do not have to worry about surprise fees at the time of delivery.   

BorderGuru guarantees them in addition to providing end-to-end detailed tracking information and calculating duties and taxes at checkout. So, neither you nor your customers must worry about paying more if taxes and duties rise after being paid at checkout. BorderGuru will take care of it. This will also contribute to increasing customers’ trust and loyalty.  

 

Join us for a 15-minute demo to discuss your international goals and how we can help you achieve them with our Cross-Border Solution. BorderGuru is powered by Hermes Group, with over 40 years of experience in consumer deliveries, more than 1 billion parcels per year shipped worldwide, which allows us to provide you and your customers with the best international shopping and shipping experience.