Posts in category: Cross-Border

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.   

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!   

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.   

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 better manage foreign domains, 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 for yourself 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 & domains management

Advantages

• International customers can get a localized experience buying in their currency and standard payment methods. Including Shopify payment
• Seamless integration. This solution is easy to install, in 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 features 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 internationally is a great opportunity. Mainly if you sell from the same store and use an all-in-one solution that localizes storefronts, calculates duties and taxes, international compliance handles all complexities, and makes shipping more cost-effective. But 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 BorderGuru, we 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 is set up in your store.   

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.