Global ecommerce sales are expected to continue growing over the next few years. In 2019 online sales amounted to more than $3.5 trillion dollars worldwide. Every year more merchants are taking their businesses global as international shopping becomes increasingly accessible. It is also a great way to increase your turnover, and expand your customer base.

1. Select the markets

Market research can help you get a handle on where your goods or services will sell, your competitors, the different market segments and how to price your product for the market. Just before you choose a market you should ask:

• Is there a demand for what you are going to sell and why?
• Who is your competition in that market?
• Are there any seasonal purchasing patterns?

2. Determine your international customers

After getting to know your new market your next step should be determining your international customers. You should know what people in your new market are like, what online shopping habits they have and how to attract them.

3. Choose selling channels

One of the simplest ways to sell to customers overseas is starting with eBay and Amazon. These marketplaces allow you to offer international shipping by using eBay Global Shipping Program or Fulfilled by Amazon.

4. Shipping, taxes and regulations

Research international shipping options as every country may have different shipping regulations. There would be different tax rules for every country you are planning to sell to.

5. Choose payment methods and support local currencies

Support for multiple currencies can reduce the number of potential customers leaving your website.

6. Make your store speak in multiple languages

Localize your store into local language. Also it might be better to keep one website with subdomains instead of having multiple ones. Final questions to ask:

• Do you speak the local language well enough to deal with a customer query or complaint?
• Can you hire someone who does?