Which is better for a fairly new ECA? Limit shipping to my region while my business grows or ship internationally from the start?
I think you should start shipping locally, and by that I mean ,whitin your own country,before go international. That way you can have shipping costs under control, and of course after a while, you can start adding the neighbor countries, after you´ve made up some research about the shipping costs to these other countries. As a new ECA myself is what I´m doing right now, so I wish my answer helps you a Little bit. Thank you.
I would say first just ship regionally till you make enough profit which you can save in a seperate account and then later when you well established and have made a good name for yourself then you start advertising to ship internationally as well. That way if people see that you are a good and trusted ECA word of mouth will do the talking for you. And soon you will be well on your way to great success and then you can expand your business internationally as well. Goodluck.
If it is digital- start internationally
If it is non digital- start in your own region
Then
Make some research with your connected members about the product demand in their region
Ask them how much time & cost it in their region.
Based on the analysis- Fix your shipping/free and ship internationally
Affiliate since: 12/31/1969, Power Rank: 99999999
If you're looking at a physical product in your store to sell as an ECA, the only reason to limit shipping to your region is because you haven't researched the customs and shipping related to what you're selling. Your customer will be paying for the shipping (one way or another), so as soon as you know what charges need to be added to handle international conditions, by all means, do it!
Hello Tricia
A Great Question indeed.
My answer will be short and sweet!
Since you have already become an ECA just to go all out. Why restrict yourself? The wider the market the more the profits. You have nothing to lose but much more to gain. So just go all out and make hay while the sun shines. Best of luck !
Hi Tricia,
why limit your business from the start?
If you can pack your product in a box and send it to somebody 100km from you, you can do the same with somebody who lives 10000km away or on the other side of the world.
You just need to be very aware of the shipping costs all over the world.
Just go for it!
Kind regards,
If you are starting an ECA the best you should do if what you are selling is a tangible good is to limit your products with your locations and if you get an order from the international client tell the if they can schedle a pickup at their own expences through DHL or FEDEX. But if your products are digital go ahead and sell to the whole world.
Affiliate since: 08/18/2014, Power Rank: 99999999
As an ECA you would want your products to be known world wide. To achieve this, you have to ensure your services is good. Among them is your delivery service for your customers. I believe limiting delivery service to your region only is not a good option. You should go international from the start while your business is growing. You can learn a lot from the experience.
Affiliate since: 12/31/1969, Power Rank: 99999999
I think it's better to ship internationally from the start. This way, you will have much more possible buyers for your products and it's definitely better way for a new ECA. As you know, it's very important to grow your business, and I think that if you ship internationally from the start, you will grow your business faster.
In my opinion, if you have your own product, handmade, or some kind of patent - you should immediately offer worldwide.
A lot more you can get, but you risk.
Likewise, the result comes later ... you have to be patient until the first offer.
Be sure to include delivery in the price, it looks good.
Good Luck!
