Logistical challenges and internationalization in e-commerce: Keys to success

Webinar

Nicolás Mouze, Marketing and Sales Director of DHL Express Spain, offered a webinar where he delved into these challenges and provided valuable keys to overcome them.

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In a globalized environment where electronic commerce is expanding by leaps and bounds, companies seeking to expand their horizons and reach new markets face a series of logistical and internationalization challenges that can determine the success or failure of your initiatives.

 

Nicolás Mouze, Marketing and Sales Director of DHL Express Spain, offered a webinar where he delved into these challenges and provided valuable keys to overcoming them.

 

A complex panorama

 

According to macroeconomic data, the current context presents challenges such as the impact of geopolitical conflicts, economic changes, inflation and climate change, which requires an agile, secure and flexible supply chain model, especially in the field of e-commerce.

 

Companies venturing into international e-commerce must deal with complexities such as costs, as international shipments usually have a higher cost due to transportation, customs management and other factors. The distances to be covered increase significantly, impacting delivery times and costs. Customs bureaucracy, with each country having its own customs requirements and procedures, can cause delays and complications. Rates and taxes vary between countries and must be considered in the final price of the product. Ensuring quality service on international deliveries can be a challenge. Demand forecasting is crucial to optimize logistics and avoid stockouts. Speed ​​of delivery is a demand of today's consumers, which increases pressure on international logistics.

 

Consumer expectations

 

According to the IAB annual study in 2023, consumer expectations regarding deliveries are increasingly demanding since 81% of buyers consider that deliveries should be made in less than 5 days, 12% of buyers They want to receive their products in a maximum of 24 hours and the average acceptable waiting time is 3,2 days.

 

E-commerce in Spain: relevant data

 

The CNMC report from January 2024 reveals that e-commerce in Spain grew by 12,7% in the second quarter of 2023. 93,5% of this electronic commerce is directed to the EU, followed by the United Kingdom ( 2,4%) and the United States (1,4%).

 

Regarding the most sold product categories online in Spain, fashion leads with 77%, followed by travel and stays (63%), entertainment and culture (62%), food (58%), home products ( 54%) and technology and communication (54%).

 

Key factors for success in international e-commerce

 

Before entering international e-commerce, it is essential to analyze a series of factors. First, a careful selection of target markets must be made, identifying the countries to which the offer is to be directed. It is essential to evaluate whether all products are suitable for online sale in the selected markets, which implies product adaptation. Additionally, it is crucial to know the customs regulations and restrictions of each country to comply with customs requirements. It is also important to understand consumer preferences for delivery in each market, which refers to delivery customs. Web adaptation plays a key role, localizing the web to the languages ​​and cultural preferences of each country. Implementing effective marketing strategies on local social media is essential for local marketing. Offering the most used payment methods in each market ensures that consumers can make transactions without problems, thus covering payment methods. Finally, establishing clear and efficient returns policies and choosing a global logistics partner with experience in international e-commerce are fundamental steps to ensure a successful operation.

 

B2B E-commerce: a growing reality

It is estimated that by 2025, 80% of B2B sales will be made through digital channels. B2B businesses, which usually market complex or customized products and services, require e-commerce platforms with functionalities that make purchasing easier for their customers.

 

DHL Express recommends that B2B companies evaluate the following aspects to optimize their online presence: Have an accessible and easy-to-use B2B online store. Clearly indicate on the home page that you are offered