How do I sell products abroad from my online store?

Dreaming of reaching a larger audience and selling your products outside your country's borders? It's actually easier than many think! With the right approach, your online store can quickly start sending goods out into the world. This guide takes you through the most important steps so you can get started selling internationally in a simple and manageable way.

Why sell abroad?

Opening up to international customers gives you access to a much larger market than just your home country. It can mean more sales, greater growth for your business, and the opportunity to build a stronger brand. Imagine your handmade jewelry or unique artworks finding their way to customers in Germany, Sweden, or even the USA!

What should you consider before selling abroad?

Although it's easy to get started, there are a few things you should think about. But don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds!

  • Who do you want to sell to? Start small. Maybe Sweden, Germany, or Norway is a good place to start, as they're close by and have similar cultures.
  • What about language? Most international customers understand English. If you want to go further, it can be an advantage with translated product descriptions.
  • Currency: Should you show prices in local currency or only in your home currency? Many payment solutions handle currency conversion automatically.

Shipping abroad: How to get the goods there

Shipping is one of the biggest concerns for many, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Most large shipping companies offer international shipments, and you can often book them online.

Choose the right shipping partner

You can use:

  • Postal services: Covers the whole world and is often a safe choice for smaller packages.
  • Courier services: Good for packages in Europe with good tracking.
  • Specialized shipping companies: Primarily domestic, but have some solutions to neighboring countries.

Tips for shipping:

  • Tracking: Always choose shipping with tracking so both you and the customer can follow the package. It creates security.
  • Clear information: Make your shipping prices and delivery times abroad clear on your online store, e.g., on an FAQ page or at checkout.
  • Packaging: Ensure robust packaging that can handle a longer journey.

Payment from abroad: Accept money easily

One of the biggest advantages of a modern online store is that payment systems are designed to handle international payments automatically. You don't need to think about currency conversion or different countries' card types.

When you use an integrated payment solution like GoShupPay, your customers can pay with international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.), regardless of where in the world they are. The system handles security, currency conversion, and payout directly to your account. This makes the process incredibly easy and requires no technical setup from your side.

Legal and VAT: The most important to know

This is often the part that scares most, but for most small businesses, it's manageable.

  • Sales within EU: If you sell to private customers in another EU country, you should generally charge your home country's VAT. If you exceed a certain sales threshold in that country (distance selling threshold), you must register for VAT in that country and charge their VAT. For beginners, it's often sufficient to charge your home country's VAT.
  • Sales outside EU: Here you generally should not charge your home country's VAT, but the customer must pay local customs and VAT upon receipt of the goods in their own country. It's important to make this clear to the customer on your online store.

Important: Rules for VAT and customs can be complex. If you start selling a lot abroad, or are unsure, it's always a good idea to consult with an accountant or an expert in international trade.

Customer service across borders

Good customer service is crucial, regardless of where your customers live. Make sure to:

  • Communicate clearly: English is often sufficient.
  • Be accessible: Clearly state how customers can contact you (email is often best for international inquiries).
  • Handle returns: Have a clear and fair return policy that also applies to international sales.

Get started with your international sales!

Selling products abroad from your online store is a fantastic way to expand your business. Start with one or two countries, learn along the way, and adjust your strategy. With a user-friendly online store and focus on good service, you can soon send your products out into the whole world!