Cross-border Shipping

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

by with No Comment Cross-Border

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.

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Shipping, delivery and logistic concept. Earth and cardboard boxes on laptop keyboard. Online technology. 3d

5 Tips to Consider for a Successful Cross-Border E-commerce Strategy

by with No Comment Cross-Border

As cross-border e-commerce sales continue to grow, more online brands are open to expanding into new markets. As we know, this is not easy and requires a lot of research, planning and preparation. We can also agree that international expansion is not for every company, but it can offer excellent opportunities to increase sales, brand awareness and customer reach.   

If a brand is confident that international expansion is the right thing for them, we share five tips to consider to start and continue to grow and scale its business internationally. 

1- Previous research: Know where your demand is and get to know your target market 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When a company wants to expand internationally, it is essential to understand where the demand for the products is and consider the markets that have the potential to continue to grow. For example, you can find more information on our blog “Top Countries for US Fashion Brands to Expand Internationally” to find out where US fashion brands can grow their international footprint.   

It is also essential to find the specific target market, then to research as much as possible about it, from language, age, taste, and use of social media to cultural customs, so that the company can effectively communicate the brand proposition and products. This way, it will have a higher chance to penetrate the market and eventually continue to grow successfully. 

2- Use data in your favor to make informed decisions  

Successful brands that continue to be competitive and grow have a system to collect data from their website and social media. For example, buying behavior, opinions, reviews, etc. These brands use this data to make informed decisions about what aspects should be improved and should invest in growing, whether in marketing campaigns, new product launches, inventory, etc. 

When looking at consumer data, the main questions are: Where do the opportunities for the brand to grow to lay? And what areas of the business need to be improved? 

3- Create a seamless user experience

For an e-commerce business to continue to grow, brands should prepare their website’s technical and design features. It is crucial to constantly test the website and listen to users’ opinions to make improvements that can lead to positive results. These improvements can be made in the shopping cart, product pages, or loading time. You can find more tips on our blog, “Top 5 Actions You Need to Take to Reduce Shopping Cart Abandonment.” 

Regardless of what it is, the aim should be to make the shopping experience as seamless as possible to achieve high conversions. Ultimately, what consumers see and experience influences conversion.  

4- Prepare your logistics process before expanding  

Logistics is as essential as any other aspect of the business. One of the most important because without it, an e-commerce brand can’t deliver products sold to its customers. Logistics is also part of the shopping customer experience, so if the brand is not ready to offer the best possible experience for them, they will look elsewhere.   

Finding the right cross-border shipping solution can be tricky, but once you do, it can play a significant role in your international growth journey. Offering the best possible shipping experience means being cost-effective and convenient to customers. BorderGuru is a reliable Shopify app that, as part of Hermes, a global logistics champion based in Germany, can offer competitive shipping rates and calculate tax and duties for 200 countries at checkout so your customers do not receive surprise fees at delivery.  

If you work with a 3PL company, BorderGuru also covers your cross-border needs. Find out more about how our solution can be strategic for your brand in our blog “A 3PL Guide: Third-Party Logistics Companies Advantages and Disadvantages.” 

5- Have in place metrics to measure performance  

As already mentioned, data can benefit companies and lead to sustainable long-term growth. Therefore, having a process to measure business performance is a way to collect insightful data to decide whether something is working or needs changes and to find new opportunities. In addition to sales numbers, brands can also measure their social media pages, such as the number of followers, likes, comments, reach and clicks to visit their website.   

 

Brands looking to grow internationally turn to Borderguru as a one-stop solution that can help their business ease international complexities and offer their customers the best shipping experience. We handle everything from product mapping, tax and duty calculation, filing, and more.   

Are you ready to grow internationally? Start now by contacting us.   

 

Otto main

OTTO Marketplace- Expand Your Fashion and Lifestyle Brand to Germany

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Are you ready to take your US brand to the next level? Now is the time to expand into Europe through Otto Marketplace.

Here you will learn more about the most prominent fashion and lifestyle marketplace in Germany, Otto.de, and how your brand can be part of without hassles.

As a start-up since 1949, Otto has become Germany’s most significant fashion and lifestyle market. From starting as a mail order company to being one of the leading online fashion stores in Germany, with a clear focus on innovation and digital transformation. Otto set sail for a bright future a long time ago.

Otto marketplace recent results:  

 

Germany Online Fashion Category: In 2021, Otto was second on the list of the top online fashion stores in Germany, with sales of $1.9 billion.

Germany Online Furniture & Homeware category: Otto is Germany’s leading online marketplace, with net sales of 1.5 billion euros in 2020, and is also one of the top players in growth.

Technology and Customers: The heart of the company 

We know that being an online brand, technology and customers is the most critical part of the equation to be profitable, competitive and grow. Otto understood and implemented these two components correctly to achieve massive results.

Otto believes that technology is the key to fulfilling the wishes of its customers and accompanying them into the future, making it a recipe for success.

Technology is used to being close to its customers because they want to understand their wishes and fulfill them in the best possible way.

Inspiration is an essential element for an excellent customer experience. Otto now sells more than just products; it offers lifestyles visible throughout its website, apps and social media.

It is not only essential to excel in creating a portfolio of products that customers notice and find attractive to complete a transaction instead of simply browsing, but it is also equally important to have operational excellence. Technology plays a key role, including regular optimization of their tools and software, maintaining and improving all processes necessary to run the business.

Some initiatives taken to enhance the customer shopping experience are:

  • Computer-generated images
  • Augmented reality
  • Digital image searches in the shop

How about the App? 

The Otto app was created to put the customer at the heart of their actions, focusing on their needs to create the most pleasant online shopping experience. From the moment the user browses the app, makes a transaction, receives the package to the after-sale experience. Otto takes care of every phase of the purchasing cycle in the best possible way and creates happy, loyal customers.

Smooth & reliable customer care  

The Otto customer service team is there for its customers. They can be easily reached by messenger, email, or callback service. You do not have to worry; once they reach out to the customer, they get a push message. It just can’t get any easier than this!

A lover of discounts and promotions?  

Otto offers exclusive discounts and promotions in the app from different brands, fashion, living, multimedia and more. These run for a short time and exclusively in the app. Customers with activated push messages get informed, so they do not have to worry about missing any specials.

Don’t miss out on any shipment information. 

With the Otto app, customers receive information about their order until it is delivered. They receive up-to-date information directly on their smartphone via push messages.

What would a successful & innovative brand be without caring about the present and future of the environment and society?

Otto’s vision is “Responsible commerce that inspires,” which is incorporated into everything they do.

This marketplace stands for the human side of e-commerce and believes this is only possible through solid and sustainable business processes that focus on the future.

Some sustainable e-commerce actions Otto has taken are:

  • Search for alternative packagings, such as 100% recyclable polybags, recycling bags and recycled cardboard.
  • Initiative to encourage consumers to donate by offering free shipping from the consumer’s address to Hermes ParcelShop and a voting system where consumers can choose their preferred charity institution.
  • Content on Otto.de educates consumers on how to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives.
  • Provides virtual dressing rooms for customers to choose their size more accurately to lower the impact that returns have on the planet.
  • A code of ethics that brands should follow goes along with EU regulations to encourage brands and consumers to improve sustainability. For example, sustainable raw materials like cotton and wood from certified forestry are used.

With everything Otto offers consumers, it has built a highly successful e-commerce platform for fashion and lifestyle products and a positive reputation in Europe and the rest of the world. The massive growth and results show the importance of the Otto marketplace in the e-commerce industry in Germany and Europe. Learn more about the German market in our blog “Germany – The Biggest Online Market in Europe.”  

Without a doubt, it’s the way to start your brand’s expansion journey in Europe and open the door to millions of active and new customers that Otto marketplace has to offer. Europe is waiting for your unique US brand.

Now the question is… How can your brand be part of Otto Marketplace?

BorderGuru, as part of the Otto Group, offers your brand the Marketplace Partners Solution. This allows US fashion and lifestyle brands like yours to be part of Otto marketplace to expand into the German and European markets. We offer brands the tools to broaden efficiently into this marketplace and allow them to succeed.

With our solution, you will have exclusive access without needing any middleman to Otto Marketplace. Having a single partner to expand into a new country will make it smoother and easier for you.

Contact us now to begin your expansion journey! Europe is waiting for your brand.

Woman selects box in warehouse for coworker on tow tractor

Third-Party Logistics Companies (3PLs) – Advantages and Disadvantages

by with No Comment Uncategorized

When you think of your business’s logistics, you might say that it is a complex process that depends on your infrastructure and can take many business resources (cost, time, labor). This is one reason why Third-Party Logistic Companies (Commonly known as 3PLs) exist. When businesses are growing and the number of orders surpasses the ability to handle it in-house, they may look for outsourced logistics.   

3PLs are not a fit for all businesses, so here we show you the pros and cons to consider before deciding if it is a fit for your online store. Lastly, we talk about how we can help your business grow whether you work with a 3PL or not. 

Definition of 3PL   

A partner or service hired by a business to outsource its logistics. 3PLs offer e-commerce merchants full warehouse and supply chain management for inventory and order fulfillment.   

In simple terms, it supports some or all aspects of a business’s shipping operations, everything that has to do with moving goods from manufacturers and distributors to the end customer.   

These are more specific tasks that 3PL performs:  

  • Scheduling and executing the receiving of inventory to the warehouse  
  • Sorting, managing and accounting for all inventory 
  • Maintaining inventory in proper conditions  
  • Negotiating discounted shipping rates  
  • Picking, packing, and shipping products, kiting and assembling products if necessary  
  • Managing recurring subscription boxes (if applicable) 

 

Advantages  

Scalability: With the expertise and resources that 3PLs have, they can optimize the logistics needs of companies, for example, to grow in new areas with much less effort, clearing the path for enhanced business growth.   

Time and cost savings: Since 3PLs focus on everything included in logistics, they have the resources and time to continuously update and improve their services, such as software and specific training for their employees. These can be cheaper than a company that manages all the costs to keep up with the latest logistics. 3PLs can also free up key employees to focus on manufacturing, strategic planning and operational processes that enable business growth. 

Expansion: There are two ways of expanding, first within the country, like other states, for example, from the west coast to the east coast. This can be easier with a 3PL, as they tend to have distribution centers and warehouses closer to your end customers. And the other is to expand internationally, which can lead to many hurdles and additional costs if carried out alone. Most 3PLs have distribution centers and warehouses with accreditation to provide global services, making expansion more accessible. 

 

Disadvantages  

Loss of control: Working with 3PLs can be beneficial, as already mentioned, but at the end of the day, they are an outsider of your company, so you entrust control and responsibility to them. This is a disadvantage because your company has no last say in all matters. Sometimes it can be challenging to get the attention you seek, as your business is not the only one they work with. Decisions by 3PLs directly affect customer satisfaction, so brands need to ensure that the 3PL they choose is suitable for their business needs.   

Upfront costs: Yes, using a 3PL can save you costs in the long run, but you should be aware that there are considerable costs to start. For example, if you already have an internal logistics team, making the switch leads to upfront costs for your business. Make sure these costs do not limit your business. As if it did, it might be better to wait until you are financially more stable. Another aspect to remember is that your business has little or no influence on the partnership between 3PL and a courier. If this agreement is not cost-effective, it could impact your business. 

Transparency and communication: When working with a 3PL, you not only give out control of your logistics, but now you also have a middleman to deal with if you have problems and need to communicate to get the information you need. As a brand, you would have to make sure you work with a reliable company that has a simple communication process with brands. So, if any logistics problem arises, you do not have to wait for answers. Remember that poor communication can lead to obstacles to smooth supply chain operations.   

Syncing up systems with a 3PL provider: It is usual for two companies to work with different designs and have their way of working. Integration can initially seem complex, but if done correctly, this is just a short-term disadvantage. Before working with a 3PL, you should consider interoperable technology and even a person from your company who knows IT well to make this process smoother.  

 

As can be seen, working with a reliable 3PL company can bring your business benefits, which could be more time-consuming and expensive to do alone. On the other hand, there are also disadvantages when deciding if third-party logistics is suitable for your business.   

Now, when it comes to the international expansion of your brand, that is where BorderGuru comes in to assist your business in achieving its goals. Since Hermes Logistics powers us, we offer a cross-border solution that eliminates the disadvantages you may face selling internationally. Even if you work with a 3PL, we can integrate into their business model and become a strategic partner to your brand.    

Contact us now to help you achieve your international sales goals!

Zalandomain

Zalando- Europe’s Leading Marketplace for Fashion and Lifestyle Brands

by with No Comment FashionMarketplaces

What is better than your brand reaching millions of new customers through one of Europe’s leading fashion marketplaces?

Stay and learn more about Zalando Marketplace, a leading online fashion and lifestyle platform in Europe, and how your US brand can successfully expand to Europe through Zalando.

Zalando was founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2008. It started as an online shoe store and has now become a leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle products in Europe. The company has made bold moves from the start and has never given up on its goal of reimagining the fashion market for the good of all.

Their substantial expertise in fashion, technology, and convenience has enabled them to offer their customers a wide range of brands and services tailored to their needs. This is how they reimagine fashion.

Zalando’s strategy consists of three main elements: customers, brand partners, and infrastructure.

  • Customers: Zalando is a customer-focused company. Its platform is based on providing the best user experience by offering the maximum availability of current trendy fashion products and inspiring them with a high level of personalization, creating inclusive products suitable for every customer. They also invest heavily in suppliers, payment, and customer service to meet customer requirements.

 

  • Brand partners: As brand partners profit from Zalando’s customer base by becoming part of their platform, they provide digital and infrastructure services that make it a great business opportunity for brands to broaden their customer reach and sales growth.

 

  • Infrastructure: Zalando, as an online platform, Infrastructure is the basis for offering its service to customers and partners. They are committed to internally developed and continuously improved technological solutions and processes. Zalando’s expertise in warehousing, delivery, customer service processes, and content creation is fundamental to their business.

 

Due to its strategy and continuous improvements, Zalando has currently achieved these results:

These results show how successful it has been in the fashion and lifestyle industry in e-commerce in Europe. Proving to be one of the best options for brands that want to step up and reach millions of customers on this continent. Zalando delivers results, reliability, and commitment to the table

The app 

Technology is the key to Zalando’s growth. Having an app that meets the needs of today’s technology-savvy consumers is essential to stay competitive.

The app was launched in Germany for the first time in 2012 and the rest of the EU countries in 2014. Since then, the app has improved and offers new features as consumer needs and trends change.

Zalando’s vision is to be the first choice for all consumers’ fashion needs. Their three premises are endless choice, seamless convenience, and tailored digital experience.

Do you want your brand to succeed in the European market? Are you interested in offering your unique products, not in one or two, but in 25 EU markets?   

As can be seen, this is possible with Zalando, which has 45 million active customers in 25 European countries. For a unique user experience, it offers more than 20 local payment options, regional logistic service providers, and content and customer service in 19 languages.

Zalando offers brands endless opportunities to achieve brand awareness, customer reach, and sales growth goals. They have run more than 14,000 marketing campaigns, worked with more than 1,600 brand partners, and have a network of more than 500K influencers within Europe.

With all this, your brand will have the exposure and tools necessary to succeed in the German and European markets.

Build positive habits for a better future for fashion, the environment, and society

As a large and successful e-commerce platform, Zalando is responsible for caring about people and the environment. This means every action has positive or negative consequences, and it’s in the company’s hands to implement measures that result in a positive impact and act as a role model.

Zalando is fully committed to sustainability. Therefore, they want to nurture a better future for fashion and bring along their customers and brand partners.

In the last few years, it has taken several measures to be part of the solution towards sustainability. These are:

  • Source 100% renewable electricity and reduced emissions from their operations
  • Eliminate single-use plastic by 2023
  • Launched the sustainable flag in their Fashion Store to help customers find more sustainable items, and tripled their more sustainable fashion assortment
  • They launched their first Circularity strategy in 2021
  • Created a section for customers to purchase secondhand clothes
  • Have a team to teach their customers how to make their clothes last longer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that you know more about everything Zalando has built to provide brands with the resources and customers they need to succeed in the European market… Are you excited and imagining your brand being part of this booming marketplace? 

Zalando is the answer if your US brand is ready to take the next step in international growth. Europe is an important market for the fashion and lifestyle e-commerce industry, as sales continue to grow, and this marketplace has successfully driven through it.

It is not impossible or difficult for your brand to start selling in Zalando. As BorderGuru, a member of the Otto Group, we have the perfect solution for your unique US fashion brand to enter the European market via Zalando with our Marketplace Partners Solution.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now!
American products in Europe

How to Expand Your Brand into Europe Successfully

by with No Comment FashionMarketplaces

The best thing about owning an online store is the ability to reach a wider audience of consumers around the world. After successfully establishing your brand and products in your local market and gaining positive customer feedback, your website may also gain traction from the global market.

So now, you may think, where and how can I expand my business? Then is probably the right time to look at expanding into Europe.

As e-commerce continues to grow in Europe, with access to up to 500 million online shoppers in 27 countries, it offers US brands a massive opportunity to grow successfully in this region.

We know that international expansion comes with challenges, and Europe is no different, as each country has its language and culture, and there is legal compliance that you must follow. Fortunately, you are in the right place, and here you will learn the benefits, how to overcome these challenges, and how BorderGuru can help you successfully expand into Europe.

The main benefits of expanding into Europe 

  • E-commerce Sales growth 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of e-commerce worldwide and in Europe. After the pandemic, it continues to grow significantly, which means the online sales channel in this region is in its boom phase.

Statista estimates that European online sales are expected to reach $500 billion this year. As the use of mobile phones for shopping increases, new consumers are likely to come from this stream. Statista also conducted a survey showing that consumers in France, Spain, Ireland, and Germany buy more frequently via mobile devices than before the pandemic.

As shown in the graph below, four European countries are in the top 10 with the highest e-commerce sales in 2021.

This shows the importance of the European region for e-commerce businesses, and that it is the best time for your brand to consider being part of this growth.

  • Less-saturated markets

As mentioned above, e-commerce sales have increased in Europe recently, but the market is not yet as saturated as the US. Some countries, especially in Eastern Europe, where e-commerce has just begun to boom. This means US brands can compete and have higher chances of success.

  • Access to a Diverse Market

Expanding into Europe opens opportunities to sell to more than 500 million online shoppers in 27 countries. Online shopping in these markets has grown, and it is a market open to continuing shopping online and from countries outside the EU. It is a market looking for new, unique, and innovative brands. They see US brands as those that tick these boxes.

These enable US brands to successfully enter and develop their brand in Europe. Because EU countries are economically interconnected, brands can also decide where they want to expand first, depending on the demand for their products. From there, reaching more consumers in other EU countries is easy. So it is easy even if you first decide to enter one or two countries, if you later want to sell in other countries.

  • Single currency in EU countries

This is beneficial, as you will only deal with one currency, and the prices of your products will also be in euros. It is also easier to do a competitor’s price analysis and choose the best price for your products, as you can compare it to those in different European countries, all in Euros. In addition, it would be easier for your company to exchange Euros for USD when it receives earnings, if this is necessary.

Aspects to consider when expanding into Europe

  • Cultural Differences Across Europe

Before expanding into Europe, it is essential to understand that each country has its own culture and language. Once brands have an idea of the country or countries that have a demand for their products, they do their research on the local market or markets. This aspect is essential, especially when communicating your brand and products to consumers, as you want consistency in marketing, in the tailored message and positioning of your brand and products.

In this regard, it is essential to consider the following points:

  • Cultural customs
  • Local language
  • Local currency
  • Local forms of payment

With our Marketplace Partners Solution, you don’t have to worry, as we provide content localization for your product descriptions and marketing, local payment forms, and prices in local currency.

  • Customer service 

Customer satisfaction is key to the success of your brand. The two main aspects to consider are language and time zones. For US brands, it may be challenging to have a customer service team that can speak every European language and be available in the same time zone as EU customers.

For this reason, we provide customer service in the local time zone and the language of EU consumers, so that they have the best purchasing experience with your brand.

  • Legal & Tax Compliance Can Be Complex

Regarding legal compliance, it can be challenging to do so alone, as there are several requirements, such as setting up a legal entity and complying with tax authorities (IOSS number and UK VAT). These can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and expensive.

But don’t let these stop you from expanding into Europe. We make European expansion easier by providing you with tax and legal compliance, so you do not have to deal with it alone.

  • Warehousing 

Deciding the country and place to store your products securely and conveniently, and managing them alone from abroad, can be complex and expensive. We are the solution for you! By joining our Marketplace Partners Solution, you do not have to deal with warehousing as is included.

  • Logistics 

Logistics can be a make-up or breaker for your business to succeed in the EU market. This is probably one of the most challenging elements. Good infrastructure and investment are needed, and a high revenue is required. However, we have good news for you. With our Marketplace Partners Solution, you do not have to worry about logistics, as we handle everything from fulfillment, pick packing, and shipping to even returns for your products.

Expand your US brand to Europe with BorderGuru’s Marketplace Partners Solution

We are experts in the European market and help US brands successfully expand into Europe. With our Marketplace Partners Solution, you can sell your products prominently and exclusively in European lifestyle marketplaces. We provide your business with content localization, tax and legal compliance, logistics, customer service, and more in 27 countries.

Learn more below about the most popular fashion and lifestyle marketplaces in Germany and Europe:

 

Founded in 1949, Otto.de is Germany’s biggest fashion and lifestyle marketplace with:

  • Online sales of more than €11 billion
  • Over 3,400 sales partners
  • 11.5 million active customers
  • 3.6 million new customers
  • 70% of visits are via mobile devices
  • Ten orders per second

Founded in 2014, it is one of the fastest growing marketplaces in Europe, and Hamburg’s first unicorn since 2018. As one of the most significant fashion and lifestyle platforms in Europe, it has:

  • Active in 26 European markets
  • Sales over €1.17bn
  • Over 3,500 brands
  • Over 500,000 items
  • More than 45 million unique active users per month
  • More than 26 million app installs
  • Over 1000 influencer collaborations per month

It was established in 2008 as a pioneer in e-commerce, which has become one of the most innovative fashion platforms in Europe. It is a unique marketplace with a betting process, providing exclusivity and visibility to its brands.

As a leading European online platform for fashion has:

  • Presence in 23 European countries
  • Net sales of around €8 billion
  • More than 5,800 brands
  • 49 million active customers
  • 7 billion visits per year
  • More than 90% of traffic comes from mobile devices

These marketplaces will help your fashion brand reach millions of European prospects that can convert into loyal customers. They are your choice for you to tap into a market full of growth opportunities.

Contact us now to find out more about how you can get started! Do not miss the opportunities waiting for your US brand in Europe.

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Asia pacific christmas

Top Holidays 2022 in Asia Pacific for e-commerce brands to succeed

by with No Comment Cross-Border

What is better than getting to know your customers in the Asia-Pacific region and successfully thriving on these holidays in these markets? Stay here and learn more about Australia, Japan, and Korea’s most important shopping days of this holiday season. From Halloween to Christmas to New Year, and between unique holidays, mark your calendars and prepare to market your products appropriately to increase your sales potentially!  

Don’t forget to read further tips on our previous blog, “6 Tips to Prepare Your E-commerce Store for Holiday Season,” to help you stand up these holidays.  

 

 

Holidays in Australia, Japan and South Korea 

October  

31st Halloween: This holiday has become popular due to the influence of Americans and Europeans and has gained popularity among younger generations. Costume parties, themed bakery items and products are standard on this day. As for online brands, it is crucial to offer special deals to increase profits and gain brand recognition.   

November  

25th Black Friday & 28th Cyber Monday: These are annual sales that online brands cannot miss. They have become more prevalent in recent years, and intelligent shoppers from these countries mark their calendars and show up to find the best deals on products they love. As they actively look and buy, it is a fantastic time to run campaigns with great deals that draw attention to your shop, raise awareness and potentially increase sales. 

 

Apart from the holidays listed above, here are the holidays unique to each country, Australia, Japan and South Korea. You can discover briefly how they celebrate them, so you can decide how best to market your brand and products to any of these markets.  

 

 

Australia  

 

Australia is in the southern atmosphere, meaning the seasons differ from the United States. September to November is spring, and December to February is summer. Remember this when you consider the products you will offer to the Australian market.    

November 

1st Melbourne Cup: This is a day celebrated mainly in Melbourne and the Victoria area. But it has spread across other cities. There is a big horse racing event; people love to buy related products, such as hats, accessories, and clothing. This can be a good opportunity for online brands that sell Western-style fashion and offer special discounts to connect and resonate with their Australian audience.   

8th Click Frenzy – the Main Event: This day is like Cyber Monday, but it only happens in Australia. Many shoppers are waiting on this day to find good deals and discounts. People often sign up for online shops participating in this holiday to find the products they love at a meager price. US brands seeking to gain popularity in this market should not miss this opportunity.   

11th Singles Day: This popular Chinese anti-Valentine Day celebration has become popular among Australians. People celebrate it by buying presents for friends, family and themselves. It is vital for US brands that want to appeal to consumers to partake in it by offering discounts and branded packaging with the message of Singles Day and self-love.   

December 

22nd – 24th Pre-Christmas sales: These days are used to prepare people for Christmas and get more involved in the festivities. Due to the busy logistics schedule, it may be late for online brands to get orders on time for Christmas, but that does not mean they can’t take advantage of these days. For example, offer special deals for after-Christmas delivery and continue to raise brand awareness through Christmas-related marketing campaigns.   

25th Christmas Day: Let’s not forget that summer is on Christmas, so this day is to celebrate with family and loved ones with presents, decorations, barbecues, and outdoor activities. Turkey is famous; some families have lunch and dinner outdoors and travel to the beach or countryside.   

26th Boxing Day sales: This is another popular day for online and offline retailers to profit from, as it is a busy shopping time when consumers expect special deals. Cash on the opportunity by participating in it. 

31st New Year’s Eve: More than a shopping day is a day to celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of a new one. In the big cities of Australia, there are significant events with fireworks and performances. Since summer, many people go on boats, visit the beach, and organize outdoor activities to celebrate.   

January 

1st New Year’s Day: This is a day for people to rest and prepare for what’s coming ahead in the new year. It is an excellent time for brands to convey positive and motivating messages and present their products as a tool for their customers to achieve their goals and aspirations in the new year.   

26th Australia Day is a national holiday celebrated like the Fourth of July. Family and friends gather to celebrate being an Aussie. Some people have barbecues, go to the beach, play cricket in the backyard, and be outdoors, as it is still summer. For brands, this is the time to create brand awareness with a message of congratulations and to have some special offers and bundles.   

 

Japan  

 

November 

23rd Labor Thanksgiving Day: This day is a special one to celebrate workers in all sectors. It is common for children to make cards and small gifts to thank community workers, such as firefighters, doctors, nurses, and police. People often talk about their achievements and objectives. This can be a beneficial day to raise brand awareness by participating in congratulatory marketing campaigns.   

December 

24th Christmas Eve: The Japanese take this day as a second Valentine’s Day. They believe this day is more about celebrating love and happiness, as is shown in American films. Therefore, this day is for couples to spend it together and exchange presents. It is also common in the workplace to give gifts to colleagues. As for families with children, there is a family dinner where KFC chicken has become popular, and children receive gifts from Santa. Brands should be prepared accordingly to profit from this day and communicate the Christmas message localized to market beliefs.   

25th Christmas Day: Most people go to work. Christmas decorations exist in major cities and themed parks, such as Disney, Tokyo, Universal, or Hello Kitty. Some people have dinner together as a family.   

31st New Year’s Eve: The Japanese use this day to clean up their homes as a ritual to start a clean new year, including cleaning their minds and past worries. It is common to have traditional foods surrounded by family and after watching popular Japanese shows at dinner. As far as shops are concerned, they tend to do the same by selling seasonal stock in surprise gift bags, which are very popular. As an online shop, you can hop on this trend.   

 January 

1st New Year’s Day: This day is full of traditions; for example, watching the first sunset, children receive envelopes with money, traditional food, and visit the temple. The New Year is essential for the Japanese, as is the celebration of new beginnings.   

 

 

South Korea 

 

October 

3rd National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol): This is a national public holiday celebrating the creation of the first Korean State, the result of Korea. Many people gather at the Yeouido Han River Park in Seoul to watch large fireworks displays. There are also other fireworks displays across the country. As a foreign brand, it is crucial to participate in this day to connect with your Korean customers through appropriate communication campaigns to stay current with the important Korean holidays.   

December 

24th & 25th Christmas: Christmas Eve and Day are dates in Korea to celebrate with family, friends and lovers. It is not a holiday where people tend to travel to their hometowns but celebrate with happiness and love wherever they live. Some couples take these days to celebrate love, just like Valentine’s Day. Other families eat traditional Korean food, such as bulgogi (marinated beef) and bokkeumbap (fried rice). Although it is not yet a huge deal to exchange gifts, as in other Western countries, it is increasing in Korea. Now, money is the most popular item. As a foreign e-commerce brand, you need to understand the desires and favorite products of your Korean customers to capitalize on this holiday so that you can plan marketing communications and deals accordingly. As an idea, you could start with deals for a couple of gifting.   

31st New Year’s Eve: This is the night Koreans welcome the New Year, following the Gregorian calendar, as Western countries do. From around 11: 00 to 1: 00 a.m., a significant event takes place in Boshingak, Seoul. This event is broadcast on national television and consists of ringing the bell 33 times at midnight. There are fireworks at the Lotte World Tower, Seoul’s tallest building. In addition, people tend to watch the first sunset on Achasan Mountain in Seoul.   

It is indeed a day of celebrations. It is time for brands selling to Korean consumers to catch their attention with related marketing communications campaigns and product bundles to promote the New Year.   

January 

1st New Year’s Day: The government granted a three-day holiday. It starts on January 1st until January 3rd and is celebrated more casually with immediate family or friends. Some families send New Year greeting cards to loved ones. There are also traditional food, gifts, and resolutions. And every Korean, regardless of his birth date, turns one year on this day. Nowadays, it is more of a symbolic collective birthday. There are many ways to celebrate this day. As an e-commerce brand, understanding its meaning can help you connect better with your audience and create brand awareness and potential sales.   

21st – 23rd Seollal (Lunar New Year): Korea has its own Lunar New Year celebration. It lasts three days, the day before the 21st, the 22nd of New Year, and the following day. This is a time to spend with family, and many people visit their hometown. It is also time to pay respect to family members and ancestors. The main day on the 22nd is about giving gifts, wearing the traditional colorful costume called Hanbok, eating traditional food such as Tteokguk (rice cake soup), and playing classic games with the family.  

As a foreign e-commerce brand, it is a holiday to be aware of and take it to connect your brand and products with your Korean consumers and build your sales and market penetration. 

 

Are you ready to make these holidays a success? While you focus on how to best market your products to your customers in the Asia-Pacific region, we can help you get your products to your customers on time and without obstacles. Make the shipping process a pleasant experience for you and your customers. 

As Borderguru, powered by Hermes Logistics, we can offer you our cross-border solution to provide your customers with low shipping rates and customer clearance orders.  

Please do not wait for any more; contact us now!  

For IT-SPA-FR

Spain, Italy & France Holidays 2022: Get Your E-commerce Brand Ready To Succeed

by with No Comment Uncategorized

The most important holiday time is here, and if you run an e-commerce brand, you know that preparing a promotional calendar for marketing and shopping events is essential to achieving sales targets, whether locally or internationally. 

Let’s not forget that the most successful brands plan their participation in promotions and sales events well in advance. For this reason, we share the most popular holidays between October and January in Spain, Italy, and France. You will not miss any chance of succeeding in these markets. 

If you are interested in finding more tips to prepare your business for the holiday season, check out our “6 Tips to Prepare Your E-commerce Store for Holiday Season.” 

Holidays in France, Italy, and Spain  

October  

31st Halloween: Halloween is celebrated pretty much the same as in the US, with parties, festivals, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treat. The difference is that it is not as big as in the US, but it is a time when brands can use it to promote their products with related Halloween themes and create new discount offers. 

November  

1st November All Saints’ Day: People celebrate this day by going to church and visiting their loved ones who passed away in the cemeteries. This is a time to be surrounded by family.  

25th Black Friday: This US holiday, a particular time to buy products at discounted prices, has become popular in many places worldwide. Consumers in these European countries are used to these holidays. This is an excellent opportunity for US brands to take on these markets.   

28th Cyber Monday: Cyber Monday is a popular time to find discounts and bundles from many online stores. For new brands that want to expand into these countries, it is the perfect time to get on the wagon and create brand awareness to enter any of these markets and start selling. 

December  

24th Christmas Eve is celebrated in these three European countries with a traditional meal surrounded by the closest family members. There is gift giving, and some go to church. US brands must be prepared for this day, as it is the most profitable holiday of the year.   

25th Christmas Day: Children can open their gifts left by Santa and families to visit relatives and friends and relax on this day.   

31st New Year’s Eve: As in other Western countries, this day is celebrated with parties accompanied by their loved ones. It is the start of celebrating the end of the year and the start of a new one. After Christmas, your shop should be ready to promote the New Year through campaigns on how your products contribute to goals, goals, and new beginnings. 

January  

1st New Year’s Day: This day is for people to relax and visit relatives and friends. People also prepare for the new year and what is coming ahead.  

5th Winter sales: Winter sales begin mainly in the first week of January and can last up to eight weeks. This is the perfect time for discounts on winter clothes and selling everything left of winter items. It is also time to prepare to introduce new seasonal products with special prices, bundles, or gifts to start the year on the right foot. 

In addition to the holidays mentioned, do not forget the following, which are specific to each country. And they are essential for brands to boost their sales this holiday season.   

Spain

October 

12th Spain’s National Day: This is a holiday to enjoy time off work with family and friends. There is a national parade in Madrid, where the King participates in raising the Spanish flag while the Prime Minister leads the procession. The Spanish Air Force acrobatics team, the Patrulla Aguila, also displays an aerial display.  

December 

8th Immaculate Conception: This day signals the start of the Christmas season. This is celebrated mainly in Seville at the Plaza del Triunfo, where musicals and people are dressed in traditional clothing. For foreign brands, this is the day they could launch more robust Christmas campaigns to prepare people for their Christmas shopping.   

January 

6th Three Kings’ Day: This is a significant celebration for the Spanish, especially the children, as they receive the most gifts. Their favorite King is Baltasar, who rides a donkey and leaves the facilities. Yes, on the 25th, there are gifts for children, but the primary date for it is this one. It is essential for brands to consider this to have their stores ready for sales and to advertise and communicate properly and timely to not miss out on this opportunity.   

 

Italy 

December  

8th Immaculate Conception (Immacolata): This day is the beginning of the Christmas season for many Italians; time to decorate their house with Christmas trees, lights, etc. And that also signals the start of Christmas shopping. From here, brands can advertise their products for Christmas presents in time and start with special offers for this particular time of year.  

January 

6th The Epiphany: The Italians have two different representations of this day. The first is Befana, a witch who brings sweets to children; in Catholicism, it is the Day of the Three Kings. In the cities, you can see the scenic decorations of the Three Kings and the character Befana, mainly in pastries and candies. There are many activities for families and children around the city. Foreign brands can use this holiday more to raise brand awareness through communication campaigns about the holiday. 

 

France

December

6th Saint Nicolas’ Day: This holiday is an addition to Christmas and is celebrated in some parts of France as the feast of Saint Nicholas. This focuses more on the traditional representation of St. Nicholas than on the older man wearing red and white as we know him. On this day, it is believed he distributes little gifts and sweets. Also, there are parades and Christmas markets.   

January 

6th The Epiphany: In France, people celebrate the three wise men surrounded by family and have a special cake called “galette des Rois” (Kings’ cake). People go to work and school on this day, so they celebrate this day by eating cake. It is also the end of the Christmas season.   

 

Mark your calendars! Remember that these holidays are special for everyone after two years of the pandemic. So, are you ready to take your business to the next level this holiday season? Increase your international sales by expanding into Europe without complexities.   

BorderGuru, as part of the Otto Group, offers you the opportunity to enter the European market by aggregating and accelerating your brand’s growth in the most prominent marketplaces, such as Otto, About You, Zalando, and many more.   

Do not miss this opportunity; contact us now!  

Uk holidays main

UK Top Shopping Holidays 2022: Get Ready for the Busiest Time of the Year

by with No Comment Cross-Border

It is time to get your Shopify store ready for the Holiday Season! Find the most popular UK holidays in 2022 to mark your business calendar. Do not miss the opportunity to succeed in the UK market during these holidays potentially.   

Find further tips to prepare your e-commerce brand for this busy shopping time. Check out our blog “6 Tips to Prepare Your E-commerce Store for Holiday Season.”   

Halloween – October 31st 

This is a holiday celebrated similarly to in the US. There are costume parties, trick-or-treat, and pumpkin carving. In parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are other traditions, such as parades or children dressed in old clothes and walking around the neighborhood (called guising), showing talent, such as singing or reciting a poem to get a treat. In recent years, brands have become famous for special deals and discounts, so it is an excellent opportunity for US online shops to appeal to the UK audience and increase sales.   

 Black Friday – November  25th  

This is one of the US’s most trafficked days of the year, and from 2013 web traffic on this holiday became noticeable in the UK. It has become an important shopping day in this country, as consumers are more aware of it and wait for bargain hunting in online and offline stores. This is beneficial for US brands, as they already have deals for the US market that can be mimicked for the UK.   

Cyber Monday  – November 28th 

Cyber Monday became popular in the UK in 2009 and is now part of the holiday season for many online shops selling to the UK market. It is a popular time to get discounts and bundles from many online brands. 

 

Free Delivery Day – December 7th 

This day is essential for e-commerce brands, as it is the last day for consumers to buy and guarantee they get them on time before Christmas. It was first introduced in the UK in 2012 and is an excellent opportunity for online brands to advertise free shipping on special offers, attracting the attention of the UK market to their brand and having a higher chance of increasing sales.   

Super Saturday – December 24th  

This is a day when most British do their last shopping before Christmas. It’s a hectic day for offline shops, but don’t get discouraged. As an online shop, you can also profit from this day. For example, you create brand awareness campaigns related to Christmas, special deals on your website for people who want gifts for themselves, or an after-Christmas advantage. Either way, do not miss the opportunity to stay connected to your customers.   

On this day, it is also a tradition for children to hang up their stockings and sleep at night to receive presents from Santa in the morning.     

Christmas – December 25th    

This day is to spend with family and loved ones. It is a day to have traditional food at dinner, like roast turkey with potatoes and parsnips, as dessert, Christmas pudding. Also, kids open up their presents from Santa, and adults exchange gifts. Streets are filled with decorations, and the current King Charles III delivers a speech on national TV. After that, TV is filled with Christmas movies and British soaps.  

Boxing Day – December 26th  

This day, British people use it to spend it with family and friends and go shopping. They expect special discounts as the winter sales start. This is the perfect time for them to redeem gift vouchers received during Christmas and find deals on items they could not get before or during Christmas. 

New Year’s Eve – December 31st  

This is a day to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. The British celebrate it with their loved ones by attending parties, in restaurants, bars, on the street, or the massive famous fireworks and parade event in London. After Christmas, online shops should be ready to promote the New Year with campaigns on how their products contribute to goals, aspirations and new beginnings.       

 

New Year’s Day – January 1st  

For British people, this is a day to relax, visit relatives or friends, wish them a happy New Year, and prepare for the year ahead. To profit from this holiday, online brands must know their target market goals and desires to promote their products accordingly so that their customers feel connected to them, which creates the need to buy. 

 

Are you ready to take on this holiday season? Apart from marketing measures, your shop must be fully prepared to ship orders accurately and on time to your UK customers. We are here to help you achieve that. Contact us now!  

BorderGuru, powered by Hermes Logistics, can offer you our cross-border solution to help you successfully reach your customers in the UK and worldwide. You will provide them with an excellent checkout and shipping experience, with tax and duty calculations and low shipping costs at checkout.      

summer santa

South America Holidays 2022: Mark Your Calendar & Get Ready for the Busiest Time of the Year

by with No Comment Uncategorized

The holiday season is the busiest shopping time of the year, and e-commerce US brands interested in the South American market can use this time to boost sales and brand awareness.   

In South America, countries such as Brazil, Chile and Argentina during the holiday season in spring from September to summer from December, which is different from the northern atmosphere. Please take note of this, as the products offered this time are other due to the southern atmosphere not being in winter.   

Mark your calendars for the critical retail holidays, and do not forget to check our blog, “6 Tips to Prepare Your E-commerce Store for Holiday Season,” for additional tips to get ready to take on the South American market.   

Holidays in Brazil, Chile and Argentina 

November:  

25th Black Friday: It is a celebration in the USA, which has been well established in these three countries. Now, consumers wait for this day to buy their most desired items at lower prices. They search the web for offers and special bundles. This is great for US brands that want to capitalize on this market.   

28th Cyber Monday: This holiday is the same as in the US. It is only for online shops, and Brazilians, Argentinians and Chileans consumers are well aware of it and expect to find discounts from brands over the Internet.   

December:  

24th Christmas eve: Christmas is the most profitable time for online and offline businesses. As these three countries are located in the south, this is the beginning of summer. It is essential to consider this, as the products sold during this season must be for summertime. On this day, they have their big dinner at night, and the party can last until the following day.  

25th Christmas day: On this day, children open their gifts. It is time to spend time with the family and relax. 

31st New Year’s Eve: This day is to celebrate with loved ones, and most Brazilians, Argentinians and Chileans go to the beach as is summertime. Businesses should start getting ready for the summer sale that comes in January.  

January:  

1st New Year’s Day: A day to relax. Most people stay at home or visit relatives to wish them a happy New Year. 

7th – 13th Summer sale: January sales begin immediately after Dia de Reyes. Here is the time for brands to push sales by promoting summer items and new products that look towards starting a great new year.   

In addition to the holidays mentioned, do not forget the following, which are specific to each country. And they are important for brands to boost their sales this holiday season.   

 

Brazil  

October:  

12th Children’s Day: This is a perfect holiday for businesses. It is the time when they try out the market to see how the end of the year economy will be for the Christmas season. Some schools give the children a week of vacation and usually receive gifts from their parents and other loved ones. Brands should have deals on items from toys to apparel. 

 

Chile 

January 

6th Dia de Reyes Magos (Wisemen’s Day): This day is celebrated by children leaving a letter or shoe to receive gifts, and then families have a special bread called “Rosca de Reyes.” For this holiday, the presents are for children.  

 

Argentina  

October:  

16th Mother’s Day: Even though the date differs from the one in the USA, the celebration is similar. This day is to give gifts to mothers and celebrate them. Brands should focus on promoting products for moms.  

31st to 2nd November Cyber Monday: This day is similar to the USA, but the difference in Argentina is that it extends until around the 2nd of November, as the government looks to promote online shopping. This can be an opportunity for US brands to have more time to push and boost sales in this market.  

January 

6th Día de Los Reyes Magos (Wisemen’s Day): This day is celebrated by children leaving a letter or shoe to receive gifts. Then families usually gather for lunch and in the evening have a special bread called “Rosca de Reyes.” For this holiday, the presents are for children, so they are the primary market to focus on. 

 

Be ready for these holidays in 2022! Mark your team’s calendar and be prepared to offer your international customers in South America the best possible shopping experience. From marketing to logistics, we suggest you be prepared 100%.   

We know that offering an excellent shipping experience can have some difficulties, so we at Borderguru are here to help you achieve it without obstacles. We are a company powered by Hermes Logistics, and with our cross-border solution, you can offer your customers customs-cleared orders by calculating taxes and duties at checkout.   

Let us help you succeed in these holidays! Contact us now and start selling to the South American market.