I want to expand internationally
- Starting point
- An established domestic marketplace and/or DTC business with no international sales yet.
- Objective
- Launch in a deliberately chosen international market with the legal/tax setup, localization, and fulfillment economics handled correctly from day one.
- Prerequisite
- Comfortable operating at least one domestic marketplace or DTC channel; no international-selling experience assumed.
- Expected outcome
- A live international listing in a specific market, VAT/duties and localization handled correctly, and a fulfillment/returns model that doesn't quietly erode your margin.
The sequence
- Choose which international market(s) to expand into
- Understand the international marketplace landscape
- Get currency, duties, and VAT basics straight
- Register for VAT if your setup requires it
- Localize and translate your listings
- Choose a cross-border fulfillment approach
- Plan for how returns work internationally
- Check country-specific regulatory compliance
- Set up localized advertising for the new market