Cross-Border Commerce
Selling internationally — currencies, languages, taxes, customs, shipping reliability.
In practice
Cross-border opens a market worth billions but adds complexity. A common mistake: EU VAT registration is required above €10,000.
Common misconception
'Going international just means shipping abroad.' A customer in Germany hit with an unexpected customs charge triggers a chargeback. Always use DDP.
How to fix it
Not working? (1) a realistic shipping price, (2) is VAT registration required? (3) price in local currency.
Example
An Israeli diamond store selling to the US: prices in shekels, $45 shipping, no return policy. CR was near zero. Fixing it raised CR to 2.1%.
Priority
Before going cross-border: pick one target market, calculate total landed cost, run a 3-month pilot.
Related terms
Keep learning. Metrics that touch the same area:
- Payment GatewayPaymentsA service for accepting payments. Stripe, PayPal, Tranzila, Cardcom. Fee: 1.4-3.5% plus a fixed amount.
- 3PL – Third Party LogisticsLogisticsAn external company for storage, picking, packing, and shipping. The store owner sends inventory to the 3PL, receives orders, and the 3PL handles fulfillment.
- Last Mile DeliveryLogisticsThe final leg of shipping — from the logistics center to the customer's door. 53% of shipping costs.
- Reverse LogisticsLogisticsManaging product returns: collection, inspection, sorting, restocking, or recycling. Costs 2-3x regular shipping.
- CarrierLogisticsA company that performs shipping: DHL, UPS, USPS, FedEx. Each has different pricing, speed, coverage, and reliability.
- FBA – Fulfillment by AmazonLogisticsAmazon stores, packs, and ships for you. Includes the Prime badge and higher ranking. Fees: referral + FBA + storage.
Jimmy tracks your Cross-Border Commerce, automatically
WhatsApp alerts when something important changes. No dashboards, no hassle.