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This page is mainly aimed at those who are selling their own products but it may be of some use to those who are selling products from dropship suppliers and wholesalers who are not targeting the international market but would like to do so.
Financing
Check out governmental agencies that support and finance exporters, including:
Setup
Because the internet has no boundaries, it is not difficult to trade to international buyers. Some tips to make
your website or auction listings more appealing:
- Highlight your ability to accept international orders
- Make sure your website has a multi-language toggle
- List your products in local currency
- Offer clear information on shipping, costs, and countries served
Marketing/Sales
Expand your existing marketing stategies to a worldwide marketplace. There are many ways to attract international buyers. Local
search tools and direct mail are possible options.
Payments
PayPal allows your business to:
- Accept a wide variety of global payment methods
- Receive payments worldwide
- Sell globally with 17 currencies
With PayPal, your business has access to local funding methods
worldwide, without the hassle of having to open multiple merchant
accounts overseas. With a single PayPal account, you have access to all the worldwide benefits that can grow your business.
Shipping
For global shipping services, evaluate the shipping carriers
servicing your area. The larger shipping companies offer packages and
all-in-one solutions. These solutions may include handling, customs and
excise documentation, and shipping calculators. For more information on
your options, visit DHL International Shipping ,
FedEx International Shipping , and UPS International Shipping. There are also a number of freight rate comparison services which you can find by using the search bar at the top of this page.
Customer service
Language can be a barrier for international customer service. Most
buyers ordering from your site will understand English. Make sure that
return policies are clear for international transactions. Skype
can help your international customer service with free member-to-member
calls. If your company intends to set up a website overseas, it is
important to provide customer service in the local language.
Regulations
Customs and documentation
All shipments must clear customs, the agency that regulates
shipments entering a country or region. To help customs officials
understand the contents, value, and purpose of your shipment, you must
attach customs forms to the outside of your package so that they can be
examined easily. Some shipping companies will handle this for you as a
service.
As a general rule, you should not declare your package’s contents as
a “gift.” It is against the law to misrepresent an item to avoid custom
fees.
You can get information on key customs forms at USPS.com. Visit the World Customs Organization at www.wcoomd.org for more information about customs regulations around the world.
Duties and taxes
Duties and taxes may be charged to the buyer on certain items and
vary by country. Make sure that your customers are aware that duties
and taxes are their responsibility. Some general guidelines:
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Items less than $200 USD. Buyers should not have trouble importing these items, but check customs rules for possible restrictions that vary by country.
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Items more than $200 USD. Buyers
importing higher-dollar-value items for personal use may have to pay a
duty or tax. The amount of the duty, if any, depends on the type of
item and its value. Some items can be imported without paying any duty
at all.
We hope this information is of some value to those who are selling their own products.
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