Think globally, act locally; ‘Think globally, act locally’. That was the message during the successfulround table organised by Ecommerce Europe, E-commercefacts.com and Thuiswinkel.org. Visitors received practical techniques for achieving local success abroad as online retailers.

The message came from e-commerce-expert Michel Lieffering during the meeting held in Amsterdam on 11 September. Europe offers opportunities to online retailers. E-commerce turnover is actually expected to double in the next ten years. This is why a growing number of online retailers want to do business beyond their borders. But just what are the pitfalls for a crossborder online retailer? ‘Crossborder’ was the main topic during the round table of E-commercefacts.com, Ecommerce Europe and Thuiswinkel.org. Attending the round table was free and exclusive for members of Thuiswinkel.org and Ecommerce Europe.

Translated content is not enough
Being the former CEO of Conrad Electronics International, Michel Lieffering has a lot of experience with crosschannel strategies and crossborder strategies. This is what he told visitors during the round table: ‘Crossborder business is more than just a language change. To make it a success, you have to act like a local player’. “Online retailers who want to do business abroad will need to anticipate local matters, such as local payment systems, suppliers and product marketing.”

Targeting European crossborder buyers
Other questions discussed during the round table were:
• Do European consumers purchase in other countries?
• Where do European crossborder shoppers look when purchasing abroad?

Researcher Martin Gill (Forrester Research) answered these questions. For example, according to him, the assortment increasingly forms the motive for purchasing beyond one’s borders.

Exclusive Round Tables
The round table was exclusive and entry was free for members and business partners of Ecommerce Europe andThuiswinkel.org who do business abroad. A few more crossborder round tables will be held next week in London, Madrid, Munich and Milan.

Thuiswinkel.org, as one of its founders, is a member of Ecommerce Europe.

>> Interested in receiving an invitation for one of the Round Tables ? Send an e-mail to info@ecommerce-europe.eu

Testimonial

By Mark van Werven, Anadiva.nl on the Round Table

“Crossing borders is crossing into new and unknown territory. The web culture in your own country can be vastly different from the internet culture and customs abroad. The Round Table provided interesting speakers and a great opportunity to spar with colleague entrepreneurs and get a better grip and certainty for crossing borders. ”

By Mark van Werven, Annadiva.nl on the Round Table – Amsterdam Sept. 11, 2012.