In this content we will explain the international delivery of products, how to choose shipping partners and the importance of customer service and after sales support.
International delivery of products
If you've ever made an online purchase, you've experienced product shipping or order fulfillment.
From your perspective as a customer, you simply visit a website, choose a product, give the merchant your payment and shipping information, and wait for the order to arrive.
After that, if you have any problems you can contact the company for assistance.
As a business, it will follow a similar process as it expands into international markets, but now you have limits to handle, currencies to handle, refunds to handle, and more customers to support.
Imagine that you ordered a product from a business in another country, but received a different purpose.
What would happen if you were unable to communicate with the company or return the product back across the border? You will definitely be a completely dissatisfied customer.
As a business owner, you can avoid this scenario with proper setup, and you have to keep a few things in mind regarding international deliveries, and that's what we'll talk about now.
Things to keep in mind for international deliveries
Let's go back to the assumption that you own an old CD store, and a re-release of Umm Kulthum's "Alf Leila Wa Leila" is very popular and in high demand.
Let's look at your inventory and supply chain; Because you have to monitor the demand and make sure that your products are adequately stocked; So you can fulfill orders as they come in.
And when you receive your orders, you will need to ship them in a timely manner according to the specified delivery dates, so have you thought about your ability to ship, and the time and cost involved?
Cross-border shipping may include additional costs that you should consider as a factor in your pricing model.
How to choose shipping companies
Now let's think about shipping partners; Not all shipping companies have access to all markets, so partner with a reliable cross-border shipping company or agency, as some have better access to certain markets, and the ability to collect and pay import taxes or customs on your behalf.
Your shipping company - or your companies if needed - can also advise you on packaging and labeling for cross-border shipping.
Make sure you know all of your options. For example, trusted shipping partners can really enhance your success when orders are shipped accurately and received on time, and even after the customer receives their order successfully, there are a few steps left.
This post-sale period can be crucial to your business, as you try to convert a one-time customer into a repeat buyer.
The importance of customer service and after-sales support
What happens if your customers in other markets need to return or exchange what they bought? How will your business manage replacements? How will the refund be processed?
You must provide clear, upfront guidance to your customers regarding the policies and processes associated with refunds and exchanges.
No matter where they are, customers expect friendly and fast service, and you can provide support online or by phone, but either way, you'll want your customers to be able to contact you directly.
As you define your plan and style, consider not only language differences, but also potential cultural differences; To provide the best possible customer service during and after sales.
Summary
Before offering to deliver your product to customers from other countries, think about inventory, supply chain, cross-border shipping, and customer support, no matter where they are located, and when you take the time to properly set up your operations, you'll already be well on your way to making your business succeed internationally.