Who do you go to for your Amazon international expansion? Do you try to manage on your own, ask Amazon Services to help, or hire third-party professionals? Your choice will probably depend on the type of business you run, the countries you operate in, and your plans for the future. Still, we think most of the pros and cons for each of these three options apply to all Amazon sellers. Here’s how…
You may have already received an invitation from Amazon Services to join one marketplace or another. Your next step is to think about professional assistance. You can talk to the Amazon Business Development Team, or you can look at third-party specialists. That can be a tough decision. Naturally, we recommend hiring third-party specialists, but let’s take a look at all your options first.
Rely on yourself if you:
- Are confident you can open an Amazon merchant account unassisted;
- Know or have access to information concerning fees specific to that marketplace;
- Have a good grasp on local tax procedures and company registration requirements;
- Can obtain permission to sell under a restricted category, should you choose to;
- Have the resources to provide customer support in the required language and during local business hours;
- Have the know-how to manage your Amazon account entirely by yourself;
Use consultants and third party suppliers if they can:
- Secure partnerships with tax providers and foreign exchange companies;
- Recommend local consultants who charge reasonably and speak your language;
- Provide an account of local fees and how to incorporate them into your prices;
- Offer listing samples and pricing simulations;
- Help setting up the business and complying with legal or health and safety requirements;
- Provide native or fluent speakers to manage customer support services;
- Give you access to large-scale logistics and even their local warehousing facilities;
- Gain you entry into an entirely new business network;
- Help you meet performance targets, reinstate lost privileges or keep track of changing regulations;
Finally, turn to Amazon Services if you need to:
- Use Amazon Currency Converter to remit funds into your existing bank account and avoid opening one abroad;
- Transfer listings for specific categories to the new Amazon account instantly;
- Leave your existing FBA inventory as is, but sell it internationally;
- Leverage the Business Development Team’s clout and insights.
Expanding into international markets can help with your long term revenue growth, whether you’re expanding to the United States, European markets, or elsewhere. Offering your products to foreign markets on the Amazon Global Marketplace will open you up to new potential markets, and is a great option to add to your growth strategy.
For more on what international expansion could mean for you and your business, check out SellerEngine’s International Expansion Service and download our free Global Selling eBook.
Irina H. is our International Expansion Specialist and our company do-all, whose motto is ‘Never give up, never give in, and always give it your best’.