Introduction to Cross Border Shipping

What is cross border shipping or selling?

Cross border shipping or selling is where the seller sells his/her products/services to buyers located in different countries. It’s also known as “international business”.

Cross border shipping can occur through various channels such as ecommerce (online) websites, traditional retail stores, or business-to-business (B2B) trade.

2023 Fall Seller Update

How does eBay cross border trade work?

eBay connects millions of sellers and buyers in more than 190 markets around the world. We offer sellers the ability to grow their businesses with few barriers to entry regardless of size or geographic location. Cross border trade is a key strength of eBay. 

eBay has made it simple for you to start cross border selling.  With a single account, you can list your items on all eBay sites thus, ensuring accessibility to multiple eBay markets. 

eBay provides three essential elements of cross border trade (a)  eBay – online marketplace (b) payment gateway (Payoneer) (c) eBay Global Shipping (EGS) (crossborder logistic services through reputed shipping partners. Through this three-fold offering, entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes from India are increasingly able to reach beyond their physical locations and access customers all around the world. 

Eligibility requirements for eBay cross border trade

If you would like to be an Indian eBay cross border trader on eBay, you need the following documents to complete your registration and start exporting :

Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Proof of Identity
Proof of Address
GSTIN Certificate
Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

Are you looking at getting started with your exports on eBay from India? Click here to know more. 

Benefits of selling on eBay's cross Border trade platform

At eBay, when a seller joins our marketplace, we support them every step of the way. Success happens together. We don’t compete with our sellers — we win when they do. Visit our seller center page to learn about the upcoming seller training sessions to know more. 

Here are just few of the many reasons why you should choose eBay for your cross border selling:

Sell Globally

Sell Globally

Extend your reach globally across 190 eBay markets such as USA, UK, Australia, etc.

Low Set Up Cost

Low Set Up Cost

With free registration, enjoy the benefits of allotted free monthly listings and pay the final value fee only when your item sells.

Immediate Payments

Receive the payment in your Payoneer Account within 2 business days post buyer’s successful payment.

High Profitability

Sell directly to the end consumer and enjoy better profit margins.

Seasonal Insulation-

Your online shop stays open for business – 24x7, 365 days a year, every season.

Tips for successfully selling on eBay's cross border trade platform

Selling on the international market needs precision and attentiveness to everything. You wouldn’t want even the smallest stones left unturned as you expand the reach of your business internationally.

Each step, from listing your item to getting it delivered to the buyer, involves time, passion and attentiveness to your customers’ needs. 

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Here are some tips for sellers to sell successfully on the eBay platform from India:

01

Do a thorough research and list the right products

02

Ensure that you are selecting the correct eBay market to list your products

03

Create high quality listings with clear and detailed product descriptions

04

Use high resolution images which have been captured from multiple angles

05

Price your products competitively on the basis of market trends and demand

06

Offer competitive shipping rates and choose reliable logistic service providers

07

Consider using the shipping services offered under eBay Global Shipping (EGS)

08

Have an efficient and effective customer support system to handle customer queries

09

Do not hesitate to offer returns and refunds to your buyer

10

Keep yourself updated on customs regulations and duties for international shipments

12

Ensure that you well stocked with your products to avoid cancellations

13

Keep your buyers happy by making continuous improvements in your listings

Optimizing your eBay listings for cross border sales

If you are looking at capturing the attention of a wider global audience and thereby want to increase your international sales, then you should optimize your listings by following the tips below:

  • Follow listing best practices to write clear and concise titles and descriptions 
  • Implement the photo tips to make your listing stand out amongst the crowd
  • Use eBay’s listing tools for order management and logistics optimization 
  • Factor in shipping costs when setting your prices to stay competitive 
  • Offer multiple shipping options such as economy shipping, standard shipping and expedited shipping

Work on using eBay’s promotional strategies that will help you sell more

Cross border shipping strategies

Amongst the multiple factors that play a big role in your journey to grow internationally, shipping happens to be one of the most important.

Selling domestically makes it a bit easier for buyers to actually connect with you through various mediums and if the need arises, get their problems resolved. Well, that is not the case with an international buyer.

Since you and your buyer are divided by distance and international borders, it is important that you ensure a smooth transaction and a good shipping experience. This is what buyers are likely to expect from you, the seller.

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Please make a note of the following:

Valuable insights

eBay is a marketplace where the responsibility for shipping relies entirely with the seller i.e. you. eBay does not provide any shipping services. You will need to decide which party is going to bear the shipping costs, which logistic service provider you will ship your items through, when items will be shipped etc. 

Integrated eBay Shipping

You should get your shipping options/services in place BEFORE you list your items on an eBay site.

Let’s now look at a few cross border shipping strategies that will help ensure a smooth transaction experience for both you and your buyers:

Choosing the right logistics service provider: You may be able to find that there are multiple logistics service providers that offer their services for international deliveries. You need to consider a few factors such as cost, delivery, time and reliability when choosing the shipping services. Explore the various options and reputed service providers available under eBay Global Shipping (EGS).

Scaling your cross border sales on eBay

To scale your cross border sales on eBay, here are some key tips:

  • Expand your product selection and optimize your listings for cross-border sales
  • Use eBay Global Shipping (EGS) and promote your listings on social media
  • Run eBay ads and partner with forward deployment service providers such as Orange Connex and Bombino Express.
  • Focus on high-margin products, invest in automation tools and outsource tasks

By following these tips, you can scale your cross-border sales on eBay and reach a global audience of buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is eBay cross border trade?

Cross border trade simply means conducting business transactions (i.e. exchange of goods and services) with buyers outside your country. 

2. What are the benefits of eBay cross border trade for sellers?

There are multiple benefits such as global expansion, brand visibility, economic growth with reduced cost, seasonal opportunities, currency diversification etc.

3. To which countries can an Indian eBay cross border trader sell?

eBay gives you the opportunity to sell on global markets like United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and many more. To know more about selling internationally visit the link here

4. What types of products are allowed in eBay Cross Border Trade?

While you can sell almost any item on eBay, maintaining the safety of our community is a responsibility we take very seriously. Read our help page on prohibited and restricted items

5. What are the fees associated with eBay cross border trade?

There two mandatory fees for selling on eBay i.e. Insertion Fees and Final Value Fees. To know the details click here

6. What are the challenges of cross border selling?

One may face few challenges while conducting international business such as language, cultural differences, currency exchange, shipping and logistics, regulatory compliance, customs and duties, returns and refunds etc. However, a structured business plan can definitely help control these.

7. How do I choose the right shipping carrier for cross border shipping?

It is always suggested that you look out for not just one but multiple logistics service providers who can ship with your items. Also, remember the services you receive depend on your products too. Discuss the cost, services, protections provided by logistic service providers and then make the right choice. eBay India cross border exporters can avail the facility of eBay Global Shipping (EGS) to ship across the globe through various reputed logistic service providers. Click here to learn more. 

8. How do I handle returns and refunds for cross border sales?

Make sure you establish a proper and clear return policy along with timelines. You should also consider who should bear the return expenses. Ensure that your communication with your buyers is clear and within the regulations of the local laws of buyer country.

9. How do I expand my cross border sales to new markets?

Read our article on “Corridor Expansion” to know more.