Mastering International Ecommerce: How to Overcome Logistics Challenges with SeaOne Digital

Global expansion is no longer exclusive to large enterprises and retailers. Today, ecommerce businesses of all sizes can tap into international markets with ease. With cross-border purchases projected to account for 20% of global ecommerce by 2022, the opportunity is vast. However, the competition is fierce, with 62% of merchants already operating cross-border ecommerce businesses.

To stand out in the international ecommerce market, a robust international logistics strategy is crucial. Shipping globally can be intricate, costly, and time-consuming, but with the right technology, infrastructure, and expertise, expanding into global markets can be seamless.

In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of international logistics, providing you with the knowledge to stay competitive, reduce logistics costs, and meet customer expectations. Learn how to navigate the complexities of global shipping and unlock new markets with confidence.

What is International Logistics?

International logistics encompasses the intricate process of transporting finished goods through a global supply chain, spanning across international borders. It involves a seamless network of cross-border shipping and distribution, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products to end-users worldwide.

While direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands can now easily expand into new markets, creating an international ecommerce supply chain introduces additional layers of complexity. When building a global brand, considerations multiply—from product restrictions and transportation limitations to increased shipping costs and logistics nuances. Inbound and outbound logistics become even more intricate, requiring careful navigation. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key aspects involved in international logistics operations.

International Logistics Operations: Key Considerations

1. Handling of Goods

   When expanding into new markets, evaluate your physical distribution of goods. Consider shipping international orders from your home country or storing inventory in a fulfillment center within the destination country. Global fulfillment can reduce customs and tariff issues.

2. Mode of Transportation

   Choose from parcel or freight shipping, air, sea, or ground shipping based on budget and delivery timelines. Consider time, cost, and reliability to determine the best option for your margins.

3. Transportation Process

   The transportation process involves:

   • Sending goods to freight forwarders
   • Liaising with multiple carriers
   • Loading goods onto trucks, planes, or ships
   • Customs clearance and delivery to the end customer

   Ensure smooth delivery by double-checking shipping documentation and complying with trade rules and regulations.

4. Customs and Import Duties

   Global shipping involves additional fees, including customs and import duties. These duties vary by country and are dictated by the value of the goods being imported. Ensure accurate paperwork and communicate additional fees to customers. Consider DDP shipping to take responsibility for all risk and fees until goods reach their destination.

What are the Challenges of International Logistics?

Expanding into international markets poses significant logistical challenges, hindering ecommerce businesses from going global. Common obstacles include:

• Time-consuming processes: Managing international logistics operations can be overwhelming, consuming considerable time and energy. Tasks such as selecting carrier partners, tracking goods, and calculating shipping costs and transit times demand attention to detail.

To overcome these challenges, many international ecommerce brands opt for outsourcing international logistics to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like SeaOne Digital. With their established infrastructure, advanced technology, and expertise, 3PLs streamline international shipping, making it efficient and cost-effective, and enabling businesses to capitalize on global opportunities.

Cross-Border Shipping Challenges: Delays and Customs Issues

Late shipments can occur due to extended transit times and customs delays, making fast and affordable shipping a challenge. To stay competitive, consider storing inventory within the destination country, which:

• Reduces transit times
• Saves on shipping costs
• Minimizes customs-related delays

Accurate customs documentation is also crucial. Ensure correct tariff codes are assigned to each SKU, and calculate taxes and import costs precisely. Inaccuracies can lead to legal issues, delays, and costly penalties.

To avoid border delays, double-check your documentation, including:

• Tariff codes
• Taxes and import costs
• Customs paperwork details

By taking these steps, you can meet customer expectations worldwide and avoid costly mistakes.

Streamline Your Returns Process for Happy Customers and a Healthier Bottom Line

As your ecommerce business grows, returns become inevitable. However, handling them efficiently can be a challenge, especially with international orders. Delays in returns processing can lead to frustrated customers and reduced profitability due to increased reverse-logistics costs.

Investing in a well-organized returns management process can pay off in a big way. Did you know that 92% of customers are more likely to make repeat purchases from retailers with a hassle-free returns process? By prioritizing efficient returns management, you can:

• Boost customer satisfaction
• Minimize losses
• Drive loyalty and repeat business

Don't let poor returns management hold you back—optimize your process today and reap the rewards!

Why Partner with an International Logistics Company?

Global Reach

As a trusted global fulfillment provider, SeaOne Digital delivers orders quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively. With an expanding international presence, you can strategically split inventory across multiple fulfillment centers, tailoring your logistics to match your global customer base.

By partnering with SeaOne Digital, you can tap into a global network and connect with customers worldwide.

This collaboration enables you to seamlessly deliver products to customers across the globe, fostering growth and strengthening your international presence.

Minimize International Shipping Costs

SeaOne Digital helps you develop a distribution strategy that optimizes shipping costs, considering factors like destination country, domestic inventory storage, and access to negotiated carrier rates. Bulk shipping to international fulfillment locations for domestic delivery in other regions reduces international shipping costs with SeaOne Digital.

Unlock New Markets

A 3PL like SeaOne Digital can help you seamlessly expand into new markets, reaching customers worldwide while minimizing logistics costs. By partnering with a 3PL, you can tap into an existing distribution network, leverage cutting-edge technology, and deliver faster, affordable, and consistent shipping worldwide.

Easy Order Fulfillment

Partner with SeaOne Digital to streamline your logistics and fulfill orders with ease. Benefit from expedited international shipping options for timely delivery, strategic global fulfillment center locations for optimized inventory storage, and automated shipping from the closest location to the destination address, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery.

Conclusion

Navigating international logistics can be daunting, but SeaOne Digital is here to guide you through the process. Our expertise and technology empower you to enter new markets with ease, ensuring a seamless expansion of your business worldwide.