This episode provides a clear roadmap for ecommerce businesses looking to expand into the EU and UK markets. Riki Hooker shares practical advice on navigating the complexities of international shipping, customs, VAT, and compliance, emphasizing the importance of localized strategies for successful market entry and growth.
Key takeaways
Businesses should prioritize understanding and adhering to the EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and ecodesign requirements to avoid costly fines and market access issues.
Utilize fulfillment partners familiar with EU/UK customs processes, including DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services, to streamline logistics and avoid unexpected costs for customers.
Implement localized marketing and product strategies, including language, payment methods, and relatable imagery, to appeal to specific regional preferences.
Before expanding, conduct thorough market research to identify product-market fit and ensure your business can genuinely compete and solve problems in the target region.
Develop a clear understanding of VAT obligations, potentially requiring VAT registration in multiple EU countries or utilizing schemes like the One Stop Shop (OSS) for simplified reporting.
Consider building an in-house team or partnering with local experts who understand the nuances of the EU and UK markets, particularly concerning legal, cultural, and logistical aspects.
With 25 years of overseas trade experience, Riki has built and scaled a dozen international businesses from manufacturing, distribution, online marketplaces and ecommerce via the UK in Europe, APEC and North America. Focusing on seamless trade routes and an expert in the myriad of cultural trading differences, Riki joined Global E-Commerce Experts in 2020 as General Manager to reinforce the team that grows E-Commerce sellers into the UK and EU. Now integral to the roll out of GEEs ambitious industry disrupting global expansion strategy, Riki is applying more than 2 decades of award winning international trade experience to scale online sellers around the world. In this episode, you will learn The initial things that an ecommerce brand needs to have in place before selling to EU and UK markets How does a US company provide cost effective shipping when shipping to the UK or other European countries What tools or apps would you recommend for a brand to assist in selling in the UK and EU Examples of ecommerce brands that successfully sell in the US, UK and EU and the keys to their success For show transcript and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PgT0NOGzpdPGQtBK0XLIQ Follow Arlen: Twitter: https://twitter.com/askarlen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlen.robinson.7 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenyohance/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenrobinson/ Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. <
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Businesses should prioritize understanding and adhering to the EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and ecodesign requirements to avoid costly fines and market access issues.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Utilize fulfillment partners familiar with EU/UK customs processes, including DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services, to streamline logistics and avoid unexpected costs for customers.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Implement localized marketing and product strategies, including language, payment methods, and relatable imagery, to appeal to specific regional preferences.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Before expanding, conduct thorough market research to identify product-market fit and ensure your business can genuinely compete and solve problems in the target region.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Develop a clear understanding of VAT obligations, potentially requiring VAT registration in multiple EU countries or utilizing schemes like the One Stop Shop (OSS) for simplified reporting.
