International Marketplaces – The Biggest Onboarding Challenges
Selling on international marketplaces offers enormous opportunities: greater reach, new target audiences, and increased revenue. At the same time, it comes with a range of challenges, including customs regulations, shipping requirements, packaging rules, varying product data formats, and multilingual content. For retailers without prior experience, this can quickly become overwhelming. Based on our many years of experience in international e-commerce, we highlight the key hurdles and explain how they can be addressed efficiently.
Customs & Shipping – From Paperwork to Logistics
Every country has its own customs regulations and shipping requirements. From country-specific documentation and import duties to delivery times, overlooking these details can lead to delays, additional costs, or even returns. Which HS code applies to which product? Which shipping provider is best suited for which country? These are just some of the many questions that arise. Thanks to our experience, we know exactly which product data is critical and which regulations apply.
Packaging Regulations & Sustainability
Not only the product itself, but also the packaging must comply with country-specific requirements. Material labeling, recycling guidelines, and safety standards vary significantly. This is also an area where regulations change frequently. Without the necessary expertise, confusion can arise quickly—and non-compliance may result in returns or penalties.
Translations & Sizing Systems
Another major effort lies in translating product content and adapting size charts. Clothing and footwear sizes, as well as measurement units, differ from country to country and must be maintained with care. Incorrect information often leads to returns, additional costs, and dissatisfied customers. Precise product data management is therefore essential for a seamless customer experience.
Experience Makes the Difference
With more than 10 years of e-commerce experience, we know the challenges of international onboarding inside out. Whether ABOUT YOU across multiple countries; Otto, Neckermann, or Shöpping in Austria; Allegro in Poland; Galaxus in Switzerland; Miravia in Spain; Spartoo and CDiscount in France; or Walmart.com in the USA—we have successfully launched and sold numerous products across a wide range of international markets.
If you want to expand internationally or lack experience in specific countries, we are happy to support you. We offer both full-service packages—including product management, logistics, customer service, and reporting—as well as individual marketplace services. This ensures your products become visible internationally quickly and professionally, without you having to worry about the details. In a free consultation, we develop a tailored strategy together.
Conclusion
Successfully selling internationally involves far more than simply uploading products to a marketplace. Without a solid understanding of regulations, language requirements, and logistical challenges, delays and revenue losses are likely. With our services, you can either rely on a complete full-service solution or outsource specific tasks such as product management, translations, or logistics—exactly where you need support.
In Short – FAQ:
What international challenges are there?
Customs, shipping, packaging regulations, multilingual product data, and different sizing systems.
How can retailers overcome these hurdles?
With professional support and proven experience in international marketplace business.
Which markets have we successfully connected so far?
ABOUT YOU in 10+ countries; Otto & Shöpping Austria; Allegro Poland; Galaxus Switzerland; Miravia Spain; Spartoo & CDiscount France; Walmart.com USA, and many more.
