If we are doing micro-e-commerce exports, it will be much more difficult for us to choose the target country. Because the first question we need to clarify is, what kind of country is suitable for cross-border micro-e-commerce exports? After all, the cross-border e-commerce market is a very large market, and a large market must have the characteristics of diversity. The concept of “one size fits all” is not feasible.
So, what kind of country is suitable for cross-border micro-e-commerce exports?
1. Developed logistics system
In the entire operation process of cross-border micro-e-commerce, logistics is a very important link, which to some extent determines whether cross-border micro-e-commerce can succeed. Countries with developed logistics systems, such as the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, etc., are the first choice targets for cross-border micro-e-commerce. For countries with underdeveloped logistics systems, we must be cautious.
Although my country’s logistics system has been significantly improved in terms of competitiveness and can basically meet the needs of express delivery services, we are engaged in cross-border micro-e-commerce services. It is far from enough for my country’s logistics system to be developed. Overseas target countries also need to have developed logistics systems. Otherwise, when we sell products to foreign customers, my country’s logistics service providers only take 6 days to transfer the products to foreign logistics providers, but due to the underdeveloped foreign logistics systems, it often takes 1 month or even longer to deliver the products to customers.
In fact, it is also difficult for countries with underdeveloped logistics systems to develop in the field of cross-border micro-e-commerce. The coldness of the micro-e-commerce field is naturally proportional to the number of customers. The colder it is, the fewer customers there are, and the more difficult it is to do export business. Therefore, we must be cautious about countries with underdeveloped logistics systems. For example, Bangladesh, Kenya, Haiti, Zambia, Tajikistan, Malawi, Central Africa and other countries are best not to be our export target countries.
2. High Internet penetration rate
The premise of cross-border micro-e-commerce is the Internet. The Internet is the soil for the survival of cross-border micro-e-commerce. The various technologies involved in cross-border micro-e-commerce can only be completed with the support of the Internet. For example, without the Internet, we cannot browse the web, let alone make online payments. Therefore, without the Internet, there is no cross-border micro-e-commerce.
When we choose overseas target countries for cross-border micro-e-commerce exports, we must first investigate the Internet penetration rate of the country. If the Internet penetration rate is very high, then this country is very suitable for export, such as the United States and Germany; if the Internet penetration rate is not ideal, then this country is not suitable for export, such as North Korea and India.
Therefore, when we choose target countries for cross-border micro-e-commerce exports, it is best to screen target countries based on the Internet penetration rate, which can greatly increase our success rate.
3. Residents have the habit of online shopping
Cross-border micro-e-commerce is an online sales model. The process of customers browsing overseas products online and completing payments is the essence of cross-border micro-e-commerce. Therefore, if customers do not have the habit of online shopping, it will be difficult for us to find target customers for our exported products when we do cross-border micro-e-commerce.
In addition, when we choose the target country for cross-border micro-e-commerce exports, we also need to consider factors that may affect the entire operation process of cross-border micro-e-commerce, such as political turmoil in the target country, frequent natural disasters in the target country (typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.), and the preferred payment method in the target country.
Of course, it goes without saying to comply with the relevant laws of the target country. When exporting micro-e-commerce to a country, we must first study the laws of that country to see if the products we export are prohibited by that country. If it is prohibited by that country, then we must give up decisively. In short, only by conducting a comprehensive investigation of the target country can we determine the ideal country.
For imports, it is relatively simple. After all, we are very clear about my country’s market environment, logistics conditions, etc. We just need to find good partners abroad or let acquaintances help with procurement, and then ship them back to China.