If you’re one of 300 million active Amazon users, you’re likely already familiar with eCommerce websites. These are websites that you go to – as opposed to a physical store – to order physical goods, services, or digital products.
More specifically, services like Amazon are global eCommerce websites that sell products or services to people from all over the world.
Another example of an eCommerce company is Alibaba Group Holding Limited, more commonly referred to as Alibaba. The Chinese based company provides sales services to business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) companies worldwide with its largest eCommerce website being the B2B marketplace Alibaba.com.
These are just two examples of eCommerce companies, however. There’s also Jumia in Africa, Wayfair and NewEgg in the United States, Rakuten in Japan, and Otto Group in Germany. Check out the List of Largest eCommerce Companies in the World in 2021.
And, guess what? You can start your own global eCommerce website right now. Thanks in large part to companies allowing dropshipping, and housing your products on your behalf, virtually anyone can own an eCommerce store.
Global eCommerce is ideal because it isn’t restricted by regions or boundaries. You can operate in one place but reach customers and find opportunities that are perfect for your business! All eCommerce websites can level up to become global eCommerce websites by considering a few essential points.
Worldwide Shipping
If you’re going to sell your products to people across the world, master the art of worldwide shipping. For starters, get familiar with specific country rules and regulations. Certain countries may prohibit certain goods right off the bat. In that case, you will have to give up on shipping to certain “trouble zones” and prioritize other countries instead. Consider working with postal service or hiring a 3rd party logistics (3PL) company to help make worldwide shipping easier.
CCPA and GDPR Compliance
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are data privacy laws that you’ll want to get familiar with if you hope to run a successful global eCommerce website. Both laws provide legal frameworks on how data is collected and a person’s right to control who is using their data. Each country, or even state, may have their own data privacy laws that you need to adhere to.
Learn more about CCPA here, and more about GDPR here.
Related: GDPR vs CCPA compliance: The 5 differences you should know
Privacy Policy
A privacy policy is typically a page on your global eCommerce website that clearly states how your business uses any and all information gathered in its operations. Like with the data privacy laws above, you’ll want to draft a privacy policy that adheres to the laws of most countries. Be transparent, use easy-to-understand language, and regularly update your privacy policy to reflect changes in the law.
Refund Policy
A refund policy should explain whether a refund is possible in certain areas and, if they are, how the refund process works. A clearly outlined refund policy will clear up confusion and reassure your customers.
Localization
Big Commerce explains that localization means “The adaptation of a product or service to meet the needs of a language, culture, or desired population’s ‘look-and-feel.’”
For example, when you visit a website, often it will automatically translate to the native language based on the location of the IP address the user is visiting it from. Another example is automatically converting the currency of the pricing (i.e. a UK website converting the pound to the US dollar for a user shopping in the United States).
Simple touches like this will go a long way in yielding more sales, driving more traffic, and garnering customer loyalty.
Related: Global eCommerce Explained: Stats and Trends to Watch in 2022 from Shopify
A Global eCommerce Empire: Ready to Take the Next Step?
Need inspiration for your winning global eCommerce idea or just looking for a position in an established eCommerce company? Check out the Global Careers Hub job board for the latest career and internship listings in eCommerce, and bookmark this website for the latest in industry news.
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