International expansion can appear to be the fastest path to higher growth – especially via a commerce site. However, going global with e-commerce is not a simple undertaking: it necessitates dealing in multiple currencies, supporting local payment methods, complying with a myriad of tax rules, meeting international regulatory standards, and many more hurdles that most companies do not have the time or resources to properly address. An organization with even modest levels of complexity requires a thoughtful strategy and specialized mix of software, domain expertise, and best practices to make the initiative a success.
As businesses seek to create a frictionless, international, omni-channel commerce experience, they often collide with the hard reality of a confusing patchwork of (in)compatible tools, over-budget costs, and lack of local tax and regulatory expertise. Some learn the hard way that not all vendor claims ring true.
Key Issues Addressed
- What are the hidden risks with taking an e-commerce site global?
- What are the financial, business, and brand opportunities and challenges of using a Merchant of Record solution?
- Can the major e-commerce providers support global selling? What is needed to augment commerce providers like Amazon, Shopify, et al?
- What is the most effective way to take a sophisticated, multi-channel sales model (e.g., direct, on-line, and re-sellers) global?