In recent years, cross-border sellers have focused their attention on the Southeast Asian e-commerce market, and Indonesia, as an important link that cannot be missed, has aroused the interest of many companies. However, how to succeed in the field of Indonesian e-commerce and how to select products for Indonesian e-commerce are key issues that need to be thought about in depth.
1. Clearly define the advantage: supply chain or logistics and warehousing?
Before entering the Indonesian e-commerce market, it is necessary to clarify whether your advantage is supply chain or logistics and warehousing. Considering that the average customer price in the Indonesian market is generally low, the supply chain advantage has become a core competitiveness. Product cost control is the cornerstone of success, so it is crucial to optimize the supply chain to reduce costs and improve competitiveness.
2. Category development and platform channel selection.
To succeed in the Indonesian e-commerce market, companies need to clarify the categories they want to develop and formulate strategies for different platforms and channels. The user preferences and purchasing behaviors of each e-commerce platform are different, so it is necessary to accurately position according to market demand to ensure that the product fits the audience. The phased profit goals should also be clearly set, and the current and future development directions should be planned in a planned manner.
3. Avoid blindly following trends.
Although market trends and platform trends can be used as references, blindly following them may bring risks. Before large-scale investment, it is recommended to conduct preliminary trials to gain a deep understanding of the characteristics of the Indonesian market and accumulate experience. Although Indonesia is a core market in Southeast Asia, success is not easy and requires continuous exploration on a prudent basis.
4. Supply chain selection: local or imported?
When deciding to develop a supply chain strategy, it is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the cost advantages of local supply chains and imports from other countries. Consider factors such as product volume, weight, and inventory turnover efficiency to make wise decisions. In addition, religious and cultural differences in Indonesia will also affect market demand, so it is necessary to fully consider the adaptability of products.
5. Overcoming challenges: tax policies and consumption capacity.
When conducting e-commerce business in Indonesia, tax policies are a factor that cannot be ignored. Different types of products have different sensitivities to red line categories, so it is necessary to understand the relevant qualification certification requirements before importing to avoid sales barriers caused by certification issues. In addition, choosing general goods and standard products can help reduce product after-sales pressure and thus improve operational efficiency.
However, Indonesia’s consumption capacity is relatively low, especially the average salary of white-collar workers is only about 1,000 yuan. Although it may seem limited compared with the European, American and Asian markets, Indonesia’s large population base provides opportunities for companies to scale. Therefore, although profits may not be high, considerable benefits can still be achieved through economies of scale.
In summary, how to do e-commerce in Indonesia is a question that requires deep thinking and careful planning. Clarifying supply chain advantages, category positioning, platform selection, and overcoming challenges such as tax policies and consumption capacity will help companies succeed in the Indonesian e-commerce market. Through careful planning and flexible response, cross-border sellers can achieve business growth and sustainable development in this market full of opportunities and challenges.