Using the Internet to lower communication costs and reduce time to market for exported goods and services makes international e-commerce a viable platform for businesses engaging in international trade. Nonetheless, the relatively seamless, cost-effective integration that a Web solution company performs by enabling a merchant's site to process international orders pales in comparison to the challenges of ensuring that both the seller and consumer are protected against fraud, as well as the tedium of high-maintenance customer service and compliance regulations. These hurdles are the primary reason that fewer merchants are making their products available to foreign markets, leaving potential profits, new customers and worldwide demand unfulfilled.
International e-commerce is within reach of every retailer large or small, even those without a global brand. However, merchants must ensure they are positioned to manage the multiple issues surrounding international shipping or they risk jeopardizing their identity in foreign markets. There is a wide variety of front-end and back-end operating models, as well as third-party international shipping companies, that specialize in cart-to-cart integration and are equipped to both manage and capitalize upon industry opportunities.
