Expand Your Amazon Business Worldwide: A Guide to Global Selling
Launching and operating Amazon marketplaces in Europe, Canada, UAE, and others, along with logistics, compliance, and localization strategies
Developing Your Amazon Brand Across international markets
Selling on Amazon provides an effortless way to scale a business. However, selling in just one market limits business growth potential. Internationally, consumers are purchasing goods online. Amazon offers storefronts for the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, the UAE, and several other countries. By penetrating these marketplaces, you can enhance your brand visibility and profitability.
This is an article about expanding your Amazon brand globally. We will provide a walkthrough on how to penetrate Europe, Canada, and the UAE. Additionally, we will guide you through logistics, compliance, and market-specific localization. Let’s get started!
1. Reasons Why You Should Sell On Amazon Internationally
If you have a competitive presence on a single Amazon marketplace, it only makes sense that you expand to other regions. Here are some compelling reasons to selling internationally:
Access to Customers: Thousands of shoppers on Amazon in different countries.
Enhance Your Brand’s Value: Global presence enhances the perception of strength and reliability of a brand.
Risk Mitigation: While one market may slow down, others may do well.
For instance, Maria operates a small soap business in the USA. After achieving success in Canada, she expanded her market to Germany. Within 6 months, her sales doubled.
2. Choosing Your Target International Market
Countries have different solar online shopping familiarity and convenience. Below are some suggested pro markets to start with.
A. Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands)
Large number of clients.
Pe-enrollment USA FBA makes shipping across Europe seamless.
Most of the European countries require VAT registration.
B. Canada
Straightforward for those based in the USA.
Retention of Amazon account from the USA.
Client base is English and French language speakers.
C. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Emerging regional powerhouse of eCommerce.
Needs knowledge of local culture and the area.
Arabic is widely spoken and English is frequently used.
D. Other Markets to Consider
Japan: Customers are very loyal, but require listings in Japanese.
Australia: The market is small, but expanding quickly.
Mexico: Easy for US sellers.
Recommendation: Begin with a single marketplace, master the learning curve, then increase the number.
3. Preparing: Essential Tasks To Complete First
Ensuring you are prepared to sell in a different country is of utmost importance. Here is a checklist:
Carry out market research for every country
Determine whether your product falls within restricted categories
Review the local regulations and their fiscal policies
Create frameworks for translation of your product listings
Example: Selling electronics in Germany required Alex to learn about local market competition and regulations. He registered for VAT, and learned he needed a special recycling label to ship his products.
4. Logistics: International Shipping of Products
When it comes to the international shipping of products, there are two options you may refer to:
A. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Amazon stores, packs and ships your products
Services like customer care and product returns are also taken care of
Use “Pan-EU FBA” to store products across Europe.
“Remote Fulfillment” aids in shipping geographically from the US to Canada and Mexico.
B. Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)
Is not limited to serving a certain region since you control shipment and customer care.
With greater control comes greater responsibility.
Helpful Tips Towards Easy Shipping
Be in good standing with trusted freight forwarders.
Select customs cleared shipping solutions to eliminate incurring of customs fees.
Properly address your packages.
Monitor your package status.
5. Compliance: Adhering to Diverse Rules of Various Countries
Each country has selling restrictions that vary from one another. Adhering to these rules is crucial as failure to do so will result in an account ban.
Europe
Register for VAT (value added tax) in country of goods storage
EORI registration (customs)
CE disclosures for electronics and toys
Canada
GST/HST registration (tax)
French and English on product labels.
UAE
Apply for VAT 5%
ESMA compliance (product safety standards)
Note: There are VAT services, local partners, and other help available through Amazon.
6. Localization: Tailoring The Appeal of Foriegn Listings
Transacting in different counties requires adopting local customs to improve the perception of the listings. This goes a long way in improving customer confidence.
Steps to Reach Localized Listings
Translations of product titles and advertising descriptions to the vernacular.
Local units for weight (grams as opposed to ounces)
Currency of the given country
Promotion of local festivals
Illustration: Emma sold baby apparel in the UK. She offered Christmas sales while adjusting sizing from us to british for better reception from purchasers
7. Pricing and Currency
Competition dictates price.
Take advantage of currency converting features to get paid in your desired currency.
Calculate shipping, tax, customs and other overhead.
Research other sellers on the ground.
Tip: Keep in mind pricing strategies based on purchasing power rather than just exchange rate.
8. Customer Service and Returns
Customer service strengthens trust and improves reviews.
FBA Simplifies Everything
Amazon provides services and manages returns.
Customers communicate with Amazon in their preferred language.
If Using FBM
Support is provided in the local language.
Also, provide a local return address.
Tip: Amazon’s “Buy Shipping” feature reduces complaints.
9. Promotion in New Countries
Promotions assist customers in locating your item.
Amazon Offerings
Sponsored Products
Sponsored Brands
Lightning Deals
Coupons
Other Advertising Platforms
Google and Facebook sponsored posts in the local vernacular.
Collaborate with local opinion leaders.
Develop social media profiles for the specific countries.
Example: A seller of leather bags noticed her clicks and sales surged by 60% after she advertised her product in French for Canada.
10. Frequent Issues and Their Solutions
Problem
Solution
High shipping costs
Switch to Pan-EU FBA or bulk shipping.
Language barrier
Hire translators or use the Amazon service.
Tax confusion
Use the Amazon VAT service or hire a local tax consultant.
Product not selling
Research market trends and make proper updates to your listing.
11. Useful Tools and Services
Amazon Global Selling: Official expansion tools
Amazon Currency Converter: Convert your earnings.
Amazon VAT Services: Tax set up assistance.
Amz-doc.com: Assistance with setup, listings, optimization, and strategies.
Freight Forwarders: International shipping companies like Flexport or ShipBob.
12. Last Recommendations Before Globalization
Expand step by step
Prioritize one country first.
Master the regulations before shipment.
Utilize local assistance when necessary.
Monitor performance and refine strategy.
Conclusion: Your Global Amazon Journey Starts Now
International sales on Amazon can be done by anyone. With proper planning and guidance, sellers can access markets in Europe, Canada, the UAE, and more. Focus on the fundamental principles. Comply with the guidelines, manage shipping effectively, and communicate with customers in their language.
Starting today, you can begin your journey as a global brand. The path can be eased with help from experts and Amazon’s services.
Begin today, and as you take your Amazon business to new horizons, expand carefully.
FAQs:
What are the essential actions to begin selling on Amazon marketplaces outside my country of residence?
In order to sell internationally, you will have to create or upgrade to an Amazon Global Selling account. From there, select your storefronts (UK, Germany, Canada, UAE, etc.), set multi-country shipping and fulfillment, and take care of compliance regarding local laws, as well as tax obligations.
Do I require a local business entity to sell on Amazon in different countries?
Not always. In numerous markets, Amazon permits non-resident sellers to operate without a local business entity. However, in certain cases tax ID or local bank account may be required.
What options do I have for managing customs and import duties for international shipping?
This can be managed through Amazon’s FBA Export or Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), both of which take care of customs on your behalf. Your other option is to work with a third-party freight forwarder or customs broker who can provide assistance.
What is VAT and do I need to register for it in European marketplaces?
Yes, in most cases. VAT (Value Added Tax) is required when selling in Europe. You must register in countries where you store goods (e.g., UK, Germany, France), and file VAT returns regularly.
How can I localize my listings for international marketplaces?
Use translations in foreign tongues, adjust descriptions to fit cultural norms, employ region-specific phrases, and ensure local currency pricing is affordable. Amazon’s Build International Listings (BIL) tool can assist with automation of these tasks.
What fulfillment options do I have for international customers?
You can utilize Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) in all target marketplaces or ship products internationally through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN). FBA is usually a lot easier, increases Prime eligible shipping options, and improves overall speed.
Are there compliance requirements or product restrictions I should know about?
Yes. Every country has its own regulations for products, labeling, and licensing for safety certifications. Compliance with local regulations is critical for health products, electronics, foods, cosmetics, and other goods.
What Factors Should Be Considered While Pricing Products for Global Marketplaces to Ensure Profits Are Maintained?
You must consider international shipping costs, tariffs, local Fulfillment by Amazon fees, Value Added Tax, and currency exchange rates. For better control, consider using Amazon’s Automated Pricing and Currency Converter for Sellers.
Can Multiple Amazon Marketplaces Be Managed Using One Seller Account?
Yes. Amazon provides Unified Accounts for North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden), and some other countries, allowing for streamlined account management.
What Issues Can Be Faced While Trying To Expand Into Other Countries On Amazon?
Some of the challenges faced include local tax compliance, customs, logistics, returns, multilingual customer service, effective marketing and cultural adaptation, and proper translation for localization.
