Online shopping has exploded over the past decade—and cross-border E-commerce is leading charge. According to Statista, international online orders made up 22% of all physical product shipments in 2022. That’s a big jump from 2016.

So, what is cross-border eCommerce, and why is everyone suddenly paying attention？

What Is Cross-Border eCommerce?

Cross-border eCommerce means selling your products online to customers in other countries. It covers business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), and even consumer-to-consumer (C2C) models. You don’t need a physical store—it works just as well for digital-first brands as it does for brick-and-mortar businesses expanding into global markets.

Why More Businesses Are Going Global Online

With more tools, platforms, and simplified tax registration processes available, selling internationally has never been easier. Countries like Greece are seeing rapid growth, making them appealing to new markets. Big names like Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay are already shipping worldwide at scale. According to Cision, the cross-border E-commerce market could hit $1.5 trillion by 2027.

Here’s why more businesses are jumping on board. Here’s why more businesses are jumping on board.

You’re No Longer Limited by Geography

Selling internationally gives your business room to grow. Take Apple for example—its global website lets customers in different regions browse products tailored to their local market. More reach means more revenue.

It Helps Balance Seasonal Demand

If demand slows down in your home country, you can still sell to customers overseas who are in peak buying season. Swiss brand Vetements, for instance, can sell winter coats to buyers in colder regions—even while it’s summer in Switzerland.

Your Brand Gets Global Exposure

Selling to a global audience means more people are seeing your brand. Gucci, for example, generated 36% of its 2022 revenue from the Asia-Pacific market, compared to 29% from North America. Going international doesn’t just bring in more sales—it builds reputation, too.

It Helps Sell Low-Demand Products

Got products that aren’t doing well locally？ They might be in demand somewhere else. LONGi, a solar panel company from China, boosted its market share to 19% in 2020 by selling globally.

You Reach More Customers

The more markets you’re in, the more people you can sell to. Just ask FUBU—what started in Daymond John’s basement is now a global brand.

You Build Better Customer Relationships

Nike’s “Nike By You” program is a great example of using global reach to build stronger ties with customers. Cross-border eCommerce helps brands customize experiences and stay relevant worldwide.

What Makes Cross-Border eCommerce Challenging?

It’s not all smooth sailing. Selling across borders comes with its own set of obstacles. But knowing what they are helps you plan better.

Currencies Can Be Tricky

Shoppers will often abandon their carts if they can’t see prices in their own currency. Installing auto-conversion tools is an easy fix.

Not All Payment Methods Work Everywhere

Payment preferences vary by country. In some regions, digital payments are still fragmented. You’ll need to research and integrate the top options in your target markets.

Shipping Can Get Complicated

Customs delays, tech issues, and human error can slow things down. Plan for taxes and delivery timeframes, and use the right tools to streamline fulfillment.

You Need the Right Localization Team

Translation mistakes can ruin a brand’s image. Hire experts who understand both the language and the local culture so your message doesn’t get lost.

Return Policies Matter

People want the option to return things, especially when ordering from overseas. A clear return policy shows confidence in your product and builds trust

Product Info Needs to Be Spot-On

Managing lots of product data across platforms is no joke. A product information management (PIM) system helps keep everything organized and accurate.

Steps to Win at Cross-Border eCommerce

Thinking of going global？ Here’s where to start.

Choose the Right Markets

Start small. Look for countries where there’s demand for your products and where it’s easier to do business.

Choose the Right Markets

People want the option to return things, especially when ordering from overseas. A clear return policy shows confidence in your product and builds trust

Know What You Can‘t Sell

Every country has different rules on what can and can’t be imported. Items like food, alcohol, or medications often come with restrictions. Always check first.

Get a Handle on Taxes and Pricing

Understand the tax rules of the countries you’re targeting and how they affect your margins. Study your competitors and set prices accordingly.

Use a Third-Party Logistics Partner

Shipping overseas is complicated. A 3PL (third-party logistics) company can help manage storage, shipping, and delivery more efficiently.

Offer Local Customer Support

Language can be a barrier. If possible, hire customer service reps who speak the local language and understand the market.

Test Your Website with Real Users

Don’t rely only on reviews—do actual user testing in your target country. You’ll get valuable feedback on what needs to be fixed before launch.

Use PIM Tools to Manage Product Content

A PIM solution like Gepard helps you distribute consistent, high-quality product info across all your sales channels. It’s a time-saver and a reputation-saver.

Why a PIM Solution Makes a Difference

Selling globally means dealing with different sizing charts, languages, and product expectations. If your data is off, customers will notice.

PIM platforms like Gepard simplify the process. They make sure your product info is accurate, compliant, and localized for each region. Features like version control, automated publishing, and integrations with major marketplaces make cross-border selling smoother.

Whether it’s syncing product sizes for clothing in Europe vs. Asia or adjusting descriptions for cultural differences, a good PIM makes your life easier—and keeps your customers happy.

Réflexions finales

Cross-border eCommerce is more than just a trend—it’s the future of global retail. With the right tools, team, and game plan, you can tap into new markets, build a stronger brand, and grow your business beyond borders. Just make sure your product info, logistics, and customer support are as global-ready as your ambition.