Comprehensive analysis of cross-border e-commerce platforms: from operating models to compliance measures
1. Overview of cross-border e-commerce platforms
(1) Made-in-China.com
Made in China.com, as an e-commerce platform operated by Focus Technology Co., Ltd., has become a popular channel for global buyers to find products made in China. The platform provides a wealth of membership services, including free membership and paid membership, with the latter enjoying more privileges such as priority ranking, professional customer service support, etc.
(2) Classification of cross-border e-commerce platform operation models
Based on different operating methods, cross-border B2B e-commerce platforms can be divided into two categories: the B2B model dominated by the importer or exporter and the intermediary B2B model oriented to the intermediate trading market. The former emphasizes the direct transaction relationship between manufacturers or retailers in one country and suppliers or distributors in other countries; the latter focuses on providing a platform for both parties to exchange information and conduct business activities, such as Alibaba, Global Sources, etc.
2. Compliance and supervision
In order to ensure the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce platforms, platforms must pay attention to rule formulation and contract conclusion, and publish relevant regulations in a prominent position to clarify the responsibilities of all parties. In addition, it is necessary to establish and improve a self-supervision mechanism, such as regularly checking the qualifications of operators on the platform to prevent false propaganda and other behaviors.
3. Overview of the e-commerce market in the UK and Russia
(1) British market
The British e-commerce market is mature and growing rapidly, especially in the field of mobile e-commerce. In 2017, UK mobile e-commerce sales accounted for 46.5% of total retail sales, a year-on-year increase of 66%. It is expected that by 2021, mobile e-commerce sales will reach 58.5 billion pounds. Platforms such as eBay UK, Amazon UK and Argos occupy leading positions in the UK market.
(2) Russian market
The Russian e-commerce market consists of local B2C websites, cross-border websites and price comparison platforms. Among them, ULmart, Mvideo, etc. are well-known local e-commerce platforms; AliExpress and eBay are major cross-border shopping platforms.
4. Traffic analysis and its importance
For cross-border e-commerce platforms, traffic means potential customer base. Traffic can be divided into four types: free traffic, paid traffic, on-site traffic and off-site traffic. Ideally, free traffic should account for a larger portion.
5. Discussion on service type models
Based on the types of services provided, cross-border e-commerce platforms can be divided into two categories: information service platforms and online trading platforms. The former, such as Alibaba International Station, mainly provides product information matching services; the latter, such as Dunhuang.com, supports a complete online transaction process.
6. Characteristics of C2C cross-border e-commerce platform
Cross-border e-commerce platforms under the C2C model allow individual sellers to sell goods directly to overseas buyers. Under this model, buyer loyalty is high but product quality is difficult to uniformly manage.