If you have a software product, a service that can be delivered from abroad or a physical product that people don’t mind waiting for, you can do business internationally directly from your own country.
Our local consultant can advise you on the best way to enter the market and to find and approach relevant web shops, or set up your own online shop.
As counts for any country: you first have to define the target group that you want to sell to. If these are businesses, then you can reach out directly through emails and targeted advertisements, e.g. on LinkedIn. If this arouses interest and gives a sufficient response rate, then you may have found an easy way to get the market’s attention.
If your target group is more diffuse, or is a consumer group, then you have to rely more on advertising such as on Facebook or Instagram.
With the tooling of our partner Instantly.ai you can define your target group, whether it’s 50 or 50.000 people. Send them a sequence of emails, directly in their inbox, for typically under 10 dollarcents per persoon.
Even if your business is really international, it may be wise to set up local website translations and check whether your text aligns with the culture.
With regards to content, my personal experience is that if you have a successful blog topic in one language, it is likely to do well also in other languages. Don’t reinvent the wheel, just make a proper translation.
For targeting a country you may need website translations that go beyond Google translate. You can do this with WPML.
WPML is a Wordpress plugin that helps you set up different translations of your web pages. This can be with automated translations, but you can also choose to have manual or adjusted translations or even specific content on the language pages.
Customers who see prices and can pay in their local currency are three times more likely to deal with you. So it makes sense to offer this option.
Credit card payments typically work best up to an amount equivalent to 500 USD or EUR. If the invoicing amount is higher, there often is a different internal procedure required.
Stripe combines various payment methods available in a country, even including direct bank payments and after pay. This way the barrier for your clients to do business is low.
First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.
There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.
Getting your products imported and delivered in a specific country can be a challenge. I have good experience with Tecex, who can act as your importer of record and even physical distributor. If you leave your details, they will contact you.
The French e-commerce market is one of the largest in Europe, with significant growth driven by increasing internet penetration and a shift towards online shopping. Here are some key details about the French e-commerce landscape:
Market Share: Leading player in the French e-commerce market
Monthly Visits: Approximately 30 million
Amazon France dominates the e-commerce scene with a vast selection of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, and groceries. Its Prime membership offers fast delivery and exclusive deals, making it a popular choice among consumers.
Market Share: One of the largest e-commerce platforms in France
Monthly Visits: Around 14 million
Cdiscount is known for its competitive pricing and wide range of products, including electronics, home goods, and fashion. The platform frequently runs promotions and flash sales, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.
Market Share: Major player in electronics and cultural products
Monthly Visits: Approximately 10 million
Fnac specializes in electronics, books, music, and cultural products. It combines an online presence with physical stores, allowing customers to pick up online orders in-store. Fnac’s loyalty program enhances customer retention.
Market Share: Leading flash sales platform
Monthly Visits: About 8 million
Veepee focuses on flash sales for fashion, home goods, and lifestyle products. It offers limited-time discounts on branded items, attracting consumers looking for exclusive deals.
Market Share: Popular for fashion and home decor
Monthly Visits: Approximately 6 million
La Redoute is known for its stylish clothing and home decor items. The platform emphasizes quality and design, catering to consumers seeking fashionable options for their homes and wardrobes.
The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.
With Trip.com you can compare flights and also book your hotel.
Hotellook compares different hotel sites so you always have the best rate.
Localrent connects you to national rental car providers per country.
