Online Selling Trivia…Maybe Not! Part 1
I’m a numbers person. I like basic statistics–things like percentages and frequencies. I like to look for trends and relationships between events that can be described numerically. Last week, some questions popped into my head about online selling that begged for statistical answers. I did some web searching for articles that I hoped would provide the answers I was seeking and that would satisfy my desire for a good dose of statistics. Over the next few weeks, I’d like to share a couple of interesting points that I encountered in my research and talk briefly about how you and I can benefit from knowing a few bits of what some may consider to be online selling trivia. You may find that a few statistics can provide valuable insight for improving your online selling experience…
The case for offering international shipping Citing statistics from a 2009 Forrester survey, InternetRetailer.com reported that 93% of South Korean online consumers and 89% of Japanese online consumers made online purchases within the three months prior to the survey. Sweden was next with 77% followed by the UK (75%), the Netherlands and Germany (71%), Australia (70%), the US (63%), France (56%), Canada (46%) and Poland (37%). South Koreans also led in spending amounts, with an average of $725 being spent per survey respondent over the three months prior to the survey. Canadians reported spending an average of $642 for the same time period while US consumers reported an average of $564. Although these survey results don’t address fine art, handmade, vintage and supply purchases from independent retailers specifically, I think it’s safe to say that if you don’t offer international shipping you could be missing a sale here and there!
I was reluctant to offer international shipping when I first opened shop so I can understand your reluctance. However, once I opened that door I discovered that it’s not nearly as daunting as I had feared. I’ve made several international sales and the transactions and shipping went smoothly. Why not consider making an international purchase to help yourself become familiar with the process? Also, feel free to ask questions here and over in Zibbet’s Community Hub. We have many sellers who sell internationally. I’m certain that more than one of those sellers will be happy to share what they’ve learned about all that’s involved with international sales and shipping. Get started today by conducting a little fact finding research and don’t let the possibility of international sales pass you by!
Best wishes for much success on Zibbet!
Race Car Number Buttons by PortableGraffiti on Zibbet
Online Selling Trivia…Maybe Not! Part 1 | Online Selling Trivia…Maybe Not! Part 2 | Online Selling Trivia…Maybe Not! Part 3
Vicki is committed to assisting her fellow Zibbeters improve their shops for successful online selling. She is the owner of three Zibbet shops: LOC Design Studio, Denim and Pearls and A Stitch and a Prayer. You can follow Vicki on Twitter and through her LOC Design Studio blog.
Tags: International shipping, Online Selling Trivia...Maybe Not!, Statistics, Success on Zibbet, Trivia
Great article! It is important to offer international shipping and it is not hard to do. Most post office personell will help you if you are confused on it.
Lori
I was afraid at first. Now I will send to anywhere I can - some of my items are not able to be imported to certain countries. The USPS website is helpful too.
What is the best way to find out shipping rates for all the different regions/countries? Is there a master chart that tells you? I confess I haven’t googles this yet. Trying to take the easy way out and have someone do it for me, I guess.
I couldn’t agree more. I’m in the UK, and I’ve shipped to Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Norway, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, USA and of course UK! Frankly, I wouldn’t eat without my international buyers.
Redthread, I think you’ll find what you need on the USPS site. I recommend offering first class, not just priority which is very expensive.
I use the USPS site myself, even though I’m in UK, to discover the extra digits in zipcodes for my American buyers. http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp
Wow! Surprising statistics. Thank you for this great article!
Great article!
Hey that was a nice surprise. Thanks for using my custom made race car number buttons, Vicki. I can also make football and other s-prt numbers.
Very nice article!!
Knowing that something you made is being used and enjoyed in another country is well worth the extra effort involved. International shipping is a must.
Thank you so much for featuring one of my dolls! I absolutely agree with offering international shipping. I have shipped my origami all over Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia and some of my most loyal customers are from other countries. I ship paper so the costs are not too significantly different, but this is something really worth considering!
Lots of good info included here Vicki. From Canada, I’ve shipped to Australia though most of my customer base is in the United States. My shop items have been carefully selected to make them light weight and tiny. The smaller the package the cheaper the shipping costs are. Once I had that first international shipment under my belt and realized it was not the least bit daunting, I am anxious to do more of it. There is a whole world out there and thanks for the encouragement to spread our wings.
Great article and I love the % of online sales in all different countries!