Expanding your business as a seller across borders opens up exciting new adventures and opportunities for growth and success. India has a rich culture and heritage of exports, beginning from ancient times. However, entering international markets is complex and requires knowledge of trade regulations, foreign market preferences, logistics, etc. Here, Amazon steps in as a game changer. So, if you, as a seller, want to take your products to international markets, Amazon Global Selling is your partner, as it provides a seamless platform to make this export dream a reality.
Amazon’s global reach and infrastructure ease the complexities of exporting, like navigating trade regulations, managing international logistics, etc. Using the Amazon platform, you can efficiently list and sell your products, handle shipping, and provide updated customer service across various international markets. This blog will guide you, explaining all you need to know to start your export business with Amazon and highlighting how its tools and services can help you grow your business globally.
Exporting from India: Guide to Getting Started
An export business is when your company from India sells its services and goods to other countries. India exports different products like rice, diamonds, synthetic reconstructed jewellery stones, pure cotton yards, pepper, etc. Exporting has become an essential and exciting way to expand your business, reaching new customers globally and achieving greater success. If you want to grow your business globally, then Amazon is a convenient platform to simplify this process. Export business with the Amazon platform helps sellers streamline many things like product listing, handling of international logistics, etc. Before starting the export process, you must know the basics of exporting, like different markets, products in demand, international trade regulations, etc.
Using Amazon’s platform for export business can help you. Take advantage of its reliable infrastructure, deliver quality products, and let Amazon manage shipping, warehousing, customer service, etc., for global markets. The export process may require some preparation, but it can provide long-term benefits while helping you build a brand image and stay ahead of the competition in the global market.
eCommerce Exports with Amazon Global Selling
Amazon global selling is an initiative that helps you grow your business by reaching customers worldwide. Through Amazon Global Business, sellers from India can expand their reach and increase sales by listing their products on various international Amazon marketplaces, connecting with customers in countries like Europe, Japan, the UK, Australia, the US, and more.
Amazon Global Selling is a simple and highly supportive program for sellers. It handles logistical challenges like customs clearance, shipping across borders, currency conversions, etc. You can focus on inventory management and order fulfillment while Amazon takes care of everything else, from international shipping to customer service. Amazon is a trusted and credible platform for customers, which makes it easier for you to tap into the markets of various countries and grow your brand internationally without having a physical store or network in that country.
Amazon’s global selling helps exports become more streamlined and accessible, enabling you to compete in markets worldwide and giving you new growth opportunities. Whether you have a fashion, electronics, handicrafts, or fabrics, your business can reach customers and build a strong presence in new markets with fewer restrictions.
Steps to Expand Your Business Globally with Amazon
Starting your export business with Amazon needs proper planning and an understanding of how different international markets work and their other aspects. Here are some simple steps that you can follow to strategise and expand your global business with Amazon.
- Register: The first step is to register for Amazon Global Selling by creating an account. This account will give you access to the international markets. You can choose to sell in regions like Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and others, depending on your preferences.
- Target market: Identify the regions and markets that you want to target and where your products will be in demand. You can do this by researching the target market preferences, pricing, competition, etc., to ensure that the product you are selling is a good fit for that market. Understanding the local trends and needs of international markets can also help you succeed in global marketplaces.
- Product listings: Create product listings for each international marketplace. Customise them according to the local customers’ language, culture, needs, expectations, and desires. You can also use local keywords and descriptions to help customers relate to your product better.
- Regulations and compliance: Every country has rules and regulations regarding taxes, imports, and certifications. You must ensure that the products you sell meet all regulatory requirements.
- Fulfilment method: Amazon has different fulfilment services, like fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), in which they manage storage, packaging, and shipping of products for sellers. These methods by Amazon help you to simplify logistics, ensure fast delivery, and provide better customer service.
- Pricing and currency: Set the pricing of your products considering factors like shipping, taxes, and Amazon fees while ensuring that you stay competitive in international markets. You can also use Amazon’s currency conversion tools to manage payments in different currencies separately.
- Promote: You can use Amazon’s advertising tools, like sponsored products, to promote the brand and increase its visibility in new markets. Such advertising strategies will also help you attract more customers from international markets and expand your brand.
Essential Export Documents for Your Global Business
When you are exporting products internationally, it is important to have proper documentation to ensure compliance with trade regulations. The essential export documents majorly required for your global business include:
- Importer-exporter code (IEC): This is a crucial registration code for businesses that export and import goods. The IEC code is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India and is mandatory for all export transactions.
- Authorised-dealer code (AD): It is issued by banks and needed for foreign exchange transactions. AD code makes sure that your international payments are processed through reliable and proper channels.
- GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT): This is a declaration under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system that enables businesses to export goods and services without having to pay Integrated GST (IGST). This letter is essential for claiming tax exemptions on export transactions, ensuring that GST does not burden exporters on their overseas shipments. By obtaining an LUT, exporters can streamline their export processes and benefit from tax relief on their international sales.
- Importer of record (IOR) documentation: The importer is a citizen responsible for ensuring that imported goods comply with their country’s local laws and regulations. In some cases, you may need to assign an IOR for your shipments to ensure compliance with the destination country.
- Duty drawback registration: This is a scheme that helps exporters claim refunds on the taxes or duties that they have paid on imported raw materials that were used in the production of the goods that are exported. Registration for Duty Drawback scheme can help sellers recover costs and improve profits.
- Commercial invoice: It is an important document that provides detailed information about the transactions, like the value of goods, description of goods, terms of sales, etc. It is important for clearing customs and verifying the transactions.
- Packing list: It comes with commercial invoices that detail the content of the shipment, like the number of packages, measurements, dimensions, and weight. It helps in verifying the shipment and eases the customs process.
- Bill of lading (BOL): This bill is issued by the carriers and works as the proof of receipt of goods for shipment. It helps to define the shipping terms and conditions and acts as a contract between exporters and the carriers.
- Shipping bill: This document is filed with customs, which provides details of the goods that are to be exported, like their quantity, nature, and value. A shipping bill is used to clear the goods for export.
- Certificate of origin: This document certifies the country where the goods were manufactured. It helps to determine that applicable duties and customs are as per trade agreements.
- Export license: It is a permit required for exporting specific goods that are especially considered controlled or sensitive, like military equipment or advanced technologies.
- Customs declaration: This document is filed with customs authorities to declare the goods being exported. It also includes information needed to assess taxes and duties.
- Insurance certificate: This certificate serves as proof that the shipment is insured for any possible risks, such as loss, theft, damages, etc., during transportation.
- Proforma invoice: This is a preliminary invoice used by buyers to arrange payments and secure import licenses, which further outlines the estimated costs before shipment.
- Inspection certificate (if required): This certificate is sometimes required by importing countries to certify that an inspection agency has verified that the goods being shipped are as per quality and safety standards.
Why Launch an Export Business with Amazon?
Launching an export business with Amazon is crucial for sellers who want to expand their businesses and reach global markets. There are many other significant reasons, like:
- Access to global customers: Amazon has wide international connections with millions of customers from different countries. Its global reach helps you tap into new markets and diversify your revenue methods.
- Simplify logistics: Amazon’s Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) service takes out the problems from international shipping. Using FBA helps you store your products in Amazon’s warehouses and allows Amazon to handle its storage, packing, shipping, and customer service. This minimises the complexity of managing international logistics for you as sellers.
- Market presence: Amazon is available in different countries, which helps you have a localised market presence customised according to specific regions. This also helps you cater to the needs of different markets while making sure that the relevant products are listed in regional and different markets.
- Trust: Customers around the world trust Amazon, which also provides credibility to your products and brands. Selling on Amazon increases your brand’s visibility and reputation and attracts international customers.
- Payment handling: Amazon handles payments and currency conversions effectively while making it easier for you to get funds in your currency. This also streamlines the financial transactions and minimises the problems of dealing in multiple currencies at a time.
- Marketing: Amazon offers different marketing tools like sponsored products, sponsored brands, etc., to increase the visibility of your products. This helps you to make your product and reach it to a larger audience while boosting the chances of sales.
- Data-driven feedback: Amazon helps sellers with analytics reports, valuable insights, sales performance, customer behaviour, and market trends, which helps you to make informed decisions, adjust your listings, and develop product strategies to meet the needs of the market.
ShiprocketX: Simplifying Global eCommerce Exports and Shipping Process
ShiprocketX, with a network of 220 countries and territories, is continuously working towards changing how eCommerce businesses are handled while dealing with international shipping and exports. ShiprocketX streamlines and enhances the export and shipping process, helping you grow your customer base more effectively. It offers solutions such as:
- Integrated shipping solutions
- Different shipping modes
- Automated documentation
- Real-time tracking and updates
- Customs clearance assistance
- Customer support
- Integration with eCommerce platforms
- Dedicated account manager
Conclusion
Expanding your business can be exhausting, but platforms like Amazon simplify the process and make exporting more accessible than ever. From handling logistics to going through international trade regulations, Amazon offers Indian sellers a powerful platform to reach new markets and reach millions of global customers. Whether you want to export jewellery, textiles, electronics, infrastructure, tools, etc., launching an export business with Amazon can help you succeed in the international markets.
Using services provided by Amazon Global Selling, you as a seller can streamline logistics, focus on growing business, etc., while handling the complexities of international exports, shipping, warehousing, customer service, etc. Starting your export business with Amazon means elevating your brand, diversifying your products, and building a strong presence in international markets.
ShiprocketX can help you provide seamless shipping and delivery experiences for customers while making international selling more efficient.
