Retailers should expand their reach to international customers this Black Friday, according to delivery management experts, nShift. With over half of shoppers seeking products from abroad, global shipping could hold the key to success during the crucial sales period.
nShift, a leader in delivery and experience management, has published a new report emphasising the importance of selling and shipping to international markets. The report reveals that 52% of shoppers actively look for products sold outside their home countries, while 64% of consumers are expected to shop online on Black Friday, which falls on 29 November this year. These figures indicate that retailers who can meet the needs of international customers stand to gain significantly.
However, global shipping remains a key obstacle for many businesses. The report highlights that shipping-related challenges are one of the biggest barriers to successfully selling to international customers. nShift’s solutions aim to remove these hurdles by offering retailers the tools to navigate the complexities of global shipping.
Gary Carlile, EVP of Customer Growth at nShift, explained: “Buying from a retailer outside their country for the first time can feel risky for many shoppers. But if they have a positive delivery experience, they are likely to return for future purchases.”
To help retailers succeed in selling beyond borders, nShift’s delivery management suite provides access to a comprehensive carrier network and a range of tools designed to streamline international shipping. This includes connecting retailers with carriers from around the world, automating bookings to reduce costs, and improving communication with customers.
Connecting with New Carriers Globally
One of nShift’s standout features is its extensive carrier library, which allows retailers to quickly add international carriers to their shipping options. With the ability to deliver to 190 countries, retailers can easily expand their reach to new markets. nShift’s platform enables them to quickly scale up delivery operations to meet demand, ensuring they can cater to customers from all corners of the globe.
Cost-Effective Bookings
Managing delivery costs is crucial for retailers, particularly when shipping overseas. nShift’s solution automates the booking process by selecting the most cost-effective carrier for each delivery. By streamlining this process, the platform helps prevent international shipping from becoming prohibitively expensive, enabling retailers to maintain profitability while expanding their customer base.
Building Trust Through Communication
For shoppers ordering from international retailers for the first time, trust is essential. nShift’s platform prioritises communication during the post-purchase phase, ensuring that customers receive regular and relevant updates on their delivery. This transparency is vital for building customer confidence, particularly when dealing with retailers who are new to their market. nShift’s research suggests that a positive delivery experience not only increases customer satisfaction but also boosts loyalty and drives repeat business.
Carlile added: “To overcome the barriers to shipping beyond borders, retailers need the right infrastructure. They must have sufficient delivery capacity to scale, meet demand, increase choice, and reduce costs.”
nShift’s delivery and experience management (DMXM) suite offers an end-to-end solution, combining enterprise-level delivery management with customer-facing applications. This integrated approach enables businesses to deliver a seamless experience, from checkout through to doorstep delivery.
As retailers prepare for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, nShift’s report underscores the importance of international shipping. By embracing global markets and improving their delivery infrastructure, retailers can unlock new opportunities for growth this Black Friday. nShift. Worry less. Ship smarter. www.nshift.com