Detailed explanation of cross-border e-commerce international market research and methods

In the field of cross-border e-commerce, it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the international market. International market research mainly covers both macro and micro levels.

Macro market research

Economic environment

The economic environment survey mainly includes factors such as population, income, consumption, natural conditions and economic infrastructure. Population, as the basic element that constitutes the market, directly affects market capacity; income determines the purchasing power of consumers. It is usually necessary to combine population and income data to analyze market potential. Consumption habits and demand are equally important. Without consumer demand, there would be no market. Natural conditions such as natural resources, geographical structure and climate have a great influence on the formation of market characteristics. The quality and quantity of economic infrastructure such as energy supply, transportation, communication equipment, etc. are crucial to the smooth flow of international trade activities.

Political and legal environment

Governments of various countries have implemented varying degrees of protection for their own import and export trade by formulating economic policies and regulations. Therefore, understanding the political and legal environment of the target market can help companies avoid risks in business operations.

Social and cultural environment

The impact of social and cultural environment on product sales cannot be ignored. Export product design (such as trademarks, packaging), advertising and promotion methods should be as consistent as possible with the cultural customs of the importing country or region to promote sales.

Micro market research

In-depth research on potential customers is the key to avoiding blind signing and improving economic efficiency. The research content involves many aspects such as the customer’s credit status, business scope, operating ability and payment ability, and detailed customer files need to be established. Understanding customer credit and business style helps companies select high-quality partners and reduce trade risks.

International market research methods

Online research method

Using Internet resources to collect information is a low-cost, fast and information-rich method. Use search engines to access international trade portals, industry websites, professional associations, chambers of commerce, and official websites of large enterprises to obtain the required information.

Paid survey or purchase report

It is an effective way to entrust a professional research agency to conduct special research or directly purchase the market research report published by it. Such reports usually collect data based on scientific methods and are detailed and credible.

Field investigation method

Participating in exhibitions, visiting existing customers and trading venues in potential markets, chambers of commerce, etc. all fall into the scope of on-site research, which is helpful to obtain first-hand market information.

Key points of product market research

In order to stand out in the highly competitive cross-border e-commerce market, operators need to pay attention to the following core points:

• Product Price: Ensure that your own pricing is competitive by comparing the prices of similar products on AliExpress, DHgate, eBay and other platforms.
• Market competition degree: Evaluate the number of competitors, geographical distribution and their comprehensive strength (such as store comprehensive capabilities, category richness, marketing promotion level), and determine the degree of market saturation.
• Store product differentiation: Emphasis on product personalization and differentiated design. From product photography to packaging, unique styles must be reflected to avoid homogeneity.

The above content is integrated from three references, aiming to comprehensively introduce the importance and related methods of cross-border e-commerce international market research.