Tag Archives: currency

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Trends to Global eCommerce Success

Global eCommerce is a necessity in this digital age. The borderless business has gained immense popularity. Most of the credit goes to social media, search engine marketing, SEO, and other digital marketing campaigns. Not only does it benefit retailers, but the advent of online businesses has made it possible for customers to shop for products from any corner of the world and make payments online. 

The mobile and internet are the main components that drive maximum sales for businesses running on a global scale. Even during the pandemic, global sales witnessed a growth of 25%, according to a report published by Statista. And, credit/debit cards and PayPal were considered the most sought-after options for payments. Here are a few common trends for global eCommerce success.

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Global eCommerce –Mobile Shopping – A New Normal

With land-based stores shutting down overnight, customers were left with no other option than to buy things online. Technological advancements and M-commerce have made customers’ lives a whole lot easier, as they can purchase just about anything with simple clicks. 

The product is delivered to their doorsteps and the payment is processed either online or through credit card machines. The Mobile e-commerce industry is expected to be worth $3.56 trillion in 2021, according to Oberlo. The pandemic has made mobile eCommerce an efficient way to shop for goods online, not only for customers but for B2B sectors and wholesalers as well. 

Global ecommerce trends - mobile shopping

This trend is expected to continue when the pandemic ends and everything goes back to normal. Considering its current popularity, it is safe to say that mobile shopping is not going out of trend anytime soon. 

Shopping Overseas is Easier than You Think

Going global was a big step for any business before the digital era. However, the Internet has transformed the way businesses are executed. You do not need a global presence to go global with your brand. Nowadays, buyers are often looking for purchases outside their countries. So, setting up a borderless business is a breeze. 

You don’t need to set up a warehouse or fulfillment center for international merchants or have a separate office in the countries you are covering. Cost-effective marketing combined with a broad range of advertising tools makes global business ideas a success for emerging businesses. Geographic targeting can help companies target the international audience and promote their brands to people based in different corners of the world effortlessly. As far as product delivery is concerned, many international courier delivery companies offer discounts on bulk shipping. So, you can have your products delivered to your international customers at a reasonable delivery cost and without any hassle.

Understanding the Product Market

Your product market is different for every region. For example, the demand for deodorant in China was always low because of biological reasons. Despite the solid marketing tactics, the product never gained popularity in this economy. 

So, a product market should always be your first consideration when going global. Research the demand for your product in the particular region, along with potential revenues, and opportunities. There is no point in targeting a region where there is no market for your product or an area where customers are not interested in your services. Research the market thoroughly before promoting your brand. 

Understanding the Product Market

Monitoring the Global Analytics

Analytics is the key to a successful global marketing campaign. Google insights tell you how your business is performing on a global scale and whether you are reaching your target audience. A global analysis gives you comprehensive details of your business’ performance in different regions. 

Check out the traffic to your websites and social media by country data. Note down the countries with the highest traffic and also the regions where you are attracting a large audience but low conversions. This shows that the demand for your product and services is high in certain regions, but people don’t buy from you because of the onsite barriers, such as language, currency conversions, and more. Focus on addressing these issues to extend your reach and build audience engagement. These stats show you the data that will help you target countries with the best product-market fit.

Local Language is Important

Another trend in the global e-commerce business is the language. The language is often a communication barrier for your international audience, especially in regions where English is not the first language. Translating your content, including product descriptions, return & refund policies, terms & conditions, and blogs into your audiences’ first language is the easiest way to connect with your prospects. It also increases your chances of converting your prospects into loyal customers.

Posting content in your customers’ native language has a significant impact on your brand’s success in international countries. You can offer a native experience to your target audience by getting your website translated into their native language. According to research by CSA, 65% of customers want website content in their native languages. 40% of customers do not buy products from a company that doesn’t translate the website content into their native language. 

Customers Prefer Different Payment Methods

One of the common mistakes of startups and SMEs is choosing a payment method that works domestically for the international audience. The payment preferences of customers vary by country. In some areas, PayPal is the most suitable payment option, while buyers in other regions may use credit and debit cards for online shopping. 

More and more customers are now adapting to digital wallet payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal for instant transactions. The online payment modes offer great perks. For starters, they transfer payments immediately. Moreover, they are easy to use.

Bottom Line

If there is one thing we have learned from these trends and stats, it is that global eCommerce is no longer a luxury, but a must for every business. The size of your business doesn’t matter, as it has nothing to do with your ability to go global. So, take advantage of these trends and expand your business on a global level.

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5 Essential Features You Need In A Global Payment Processor

Did you start an online business in the past year? Good for you! With the rise of the pandemic, millions of people worldwide have become self-employed entrepreneurs by starting their businesses online. Many people have been able to sell things that would’ve been too niche to make returns before, like specialized jewelry, art prints, and even pottery art! 

All these developments have been fantastic, but if you’re an online business owner yourself, you know how hard it can be to expand. Sometimes you can feel stuck in a rut, especially when you’re constantly getting comments from people on social media telling you that they wished they could support you but live overseas, or they don’t use your same currency!

Don’t worry; we are here to help! Online businesses can significantly benefit by adding a global payment processor to their websites since it allows them to expand their customer base worldwide.

Do you want to learn how? Well, here are five essential features you need to take into account if you want to start using a global payment processor.

  1. Speak The Language (Literally)

The tricky thing about international e-commerce is something that you’ve probably already guessed: language barriers. While English is spoken at least as a second language worldwide, some people have difficulty understanding it, especially when it’s not their native language. This type of confusion can increase tenfold when dealing with an online purchase since they don’t want to lose money by accidentally buying something they don’t want.

As you can see, language detection and conversion is a crucial feature you have to look for when shopping for a global payment processor. The numbers can back this up as well. A survey conducted recently on consumers from ten different non-English speaking nations said that 73% of them prefer to buy things from websites written in their native tongue, and more than half of them would never buy from only English-speaking websites. 

Therefore, if you want to engage these customers, you have to learn to speak their language!… literally. 

  1. Not All Currencies Are Made Equal

If you didn’t have the pleasure of being born in a third-world country, then you probably don’t know the stress of having to try to memorize how to do decimal conversions in your head. 

It’s true! Many currencies represent a fraction of a dollar; therefore, when people living abroad see the final cost in dollars, they tend to get scared or confused because they can’t make the conversion in their heads. According to another study, 17% of customers claim abandoned shopping carts because they could not calculate the final cost. 

It is essential that any global processor that you get converts both the language and the currency of the user as quickly and accurately as possible. That way, international customers will feel more relaxed when shopping at your online store, which means more revenue for you.

  1. Let Them Pay How They’re Used To

Support for international payment methods is an essential part of any global payment processor. Big card brands are a thing of the past. Nowadays, most consumers (especially international ones) prefer paying with cash vouchers, e-wallets, and bank transfers. E-wallets are especially important since tons of people, mainly internationally, use them for everyday purchases. 

The same survey we mentioned before found that 7% of customers abandon their carts at checkout because they can’t use the payment method they usually do. This is why adopting a more comprehensive range of payment methods is essential to growing your business. 

  1. Work With Banks Worldwide

It may surprise you but working with banks worldwide helps reduce false positives and declines from international transactions. It means fewer angry customer emails for you to read and more glowing customer reviews to fill your inbox.

Working with international banks is essential for any online business to grow since it helps them work with an online market. It is also a significant step in growing as a brand. Many people who live in countries abroad use bank transactions to pay for everything since it’s easy and convenient. In other words, working with offshore banks offers you the opportunity to make payment of goods faster and more effective than ever before.

It also helps to improve your image since working with world-renowned banks makes international customers see you as a trustworthy source. Many people who live abroad are afraid of getting scammed online, so seeing that you work with a bank they’ve known for years dramatically increases their confidence in you! Not to mention, it increases the chances of raising the number of purchases. 

Another survey found that 17% of people abandon their online carts because they don’t trust the website to handle their personal information safely, and they’re probably right to be wary. Nowadays, there are plenty of online scams, and giving all your information to an unfamiliar business can be risky. 

Introducing renowned banks will also help increase customer satisfaction since many cards tend to be rejected at the time of purchase by not working with international banks. So, if you want to increase your revenue, a global payment processor that can link you to foreign banks is the way to go.

  1. Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Alright, we’ve talked plenty about customers and how to satisfy their needs, but let’s talk about you for a second. While international trade can be a new and exciting way to grow your business, it can also leave you vulnerable and exposed to international hackers. So, how can you protect yourself against this new enemy? The best way to do that is to find a global processor with global network-based feud protection built in. This will protect you from foreign hackers while keeping your customers safe, too!

Conclusion

Owning an online business can be exhilarating, heartbreaking, and rewarding all at the same time. You have independence and many benefits when you are your boss, but that freedom comes with responsibility. So, be conscientious by finding a suitable global payment processor and help your business grow!

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Consumers Eye Retail Settings For ‘Spendable’ Crypto

The cryptocurrency market is growing, as there are hundreds of currency options available today. People can buy and sell cryptocurrencies in more places than ever. The global market cap of the crypto market is close to $1.5 trillion. That value will likely increase further as the industry evolves and cryptocurrencies become more popular.

Most of the stories surrounding cryptocurrencies entail people holding them and waiting for their values to change. Not all people are interested here, as they might prefer to spend their currencies. 

People have been willing to make digital payments with cryptocurrencies over the past few years. But some have been interested in making crypto payments for everyday purchases. The development shows that businesses might need to consider supporting cryptocurrency payments when selling their items. But there are a few obstacles that might get in the way, including concerns over how well these currencies will run and work.

Are People Willing To Pay?

The website PYMNTS.com conducted a survey with people who have cryptocurrencies or have considered buying cryptocurrencies soon. The survey found that people would consider buying things with cryptocurrencies if there was such an option.

PYMNTS.com reports that more than 90 percent of people who own cryptocurrencies would be interested in paying for certain things with their currencies. Nearly 60 percent of people who have never owned cryptocurrencies say they would consider paying for those items with those cryptocurrencies.

While not all people are familiar with the crypto market, they might be willing to invest in it if they can find things of value. People are naturally willing to explore new things and enjoy a change from the norm. But the things people will be interested in the most are worth keeping an eye on.

Other Interesting Developments

There are many other factors in the PYMNTS.com survey to see:

  • People are comfortable with spending small amounts with cryptocurrencies. Nearly half of people who have bought things with cryptocurrencies spend less than $100 on their purchases.
  • People who earn less than $50,000 a year are willing to pay with cryptocurrencies. Those who make more each year will spend more at a time, but the lowest-earning people will still spend less than $100 on some payments if necessary.
  • Millennials and Generation Z members are more likely to have made crypto payments in the past. Bridge Millennials have also made some payments, although not as often.
  • People in the Generation X and Baby Boomer demographics aren’t as likely to have made crypto purchases. But at least 80 percent of people in those fields would consider spending crypto on things.
  • The real estate market is the most popular segment that people would consider for crypto payments. The secure nature and the lack of third parties in the process may help, as those features could reduce the costs of purchasing a home.

Volatility Is a Concern

There is one significant worry about whether spendable crypto will be prominent soon. The volatility of the crypto market could cause currency values to rise or fall without warning.

The unregulated nature of the crypto market is also a problem. Since there are no specific laws or standards surrounding how these currencies can work, it could be easy for people to manipulate the market. They could change and shift many things in the market, making it harder for people to profit from what is open.

Technology Points

The technology necessary to access crypto payments is another thing to note. People need dedicated crypto wallets that are easy to load. They’ll need to provide fiat currency data to help them complete their payments. They must also use those wallets to complete their purchases.

There’s also the issue of how some tech items might not be easy for some people to access or use. They may not understand how smartphones or other items that hold crypto wallets work. They also might not get how alternative wallet solutions work, including physical wallets that require proper storage and security for all of one’s currency content.

Variety Is Essential

One other factor about cryptocurrencies involves how there are so many available to trade. There are hundreds of currencies today, with many new ones being released every month.

Estimates show that Bitcoin is the most prominent currency. This crypto choice covers nearly four-fifths of the currency market based on what people hold.

The Cryptocurrency Payments Report from PYMNTS.com states that close to half of people who have Bitcoin have also held another cryptocurrency. People who own crypto investments are willing to try different choices and see what is open on the market.

There are limits over what currencies are the most popular. Binance Coin, Cardano, Ethereum, and XRP have massive market caps, but not all people are familiar with what these have to offer. Dogecoin has been in the news quite often, as the currency and its developers have been trying to get people to take it seriously. But not all people are familiar with this currency, plus it could be even more volatile than Bitcoin.

Anyone looking to accept crypto payments will need to select their currencies with care. Bitcoin is an obvious choice, as it is easier to accept in more places. But offering an alternate option may also be worthwhile, especially if that new option is something that might be viable and easy for people to purchase and use anywhere.

What Does This All Mean?

Everything here suggests that there is some sort of interest in the cryptocurrency market. People are willing to purchase things with cryptocurrencies, and they’re fine with spending small amounts for each deal.

It will be up to individual retailers to see how they can handle crypto payments. They’ll need to target the right audiences, although that aspect might be easier to manage than people expect. The volatility of the market might be a challenge, as not all people are confident in how the market works.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Exploring the Varying QR Code Adoption Rates Around the World

The Quick Response or QR code has become a necessity for various scanning purposes. The QR code is convenient for touchless payments and other transactions.

QR codes are becoming increasingly essential for secure payments. People are starting to see what makes QR codes so valuable and are picking up on their use. But the adoption rates for QR codes vary by country, with some places being more supportive of them than others. The global pandemic may still force people to use them more often.

Early Adoption In Europe

QR codes are more common in Europe. Part of this comes from Europe’s early adoption of these codes. Abode Systems found in a 2014 report that slightly less than 30 percent of people in Germany and France had used a QR code. The total went down to around 25 percent in the United States and the United Kingdom.

People in these parts of the world were more familiar with QR codes at the start. It would be easier for these codes to work in Europe and other places where people often use them.

Prominent In China

China is one country that has been accepting QR codes more than others. CNN Tech reported that at least a trillion dollars’ worth of transactions were handled through QR codes in China in 2016.

Much of China’s use of QR codes come from WeChat, a popular online social media platform available in the county. The app lets people communicate with each other and make mobile payments. The system uses QR codes to transfer funds, authenticate people, and get information on various things.

It appears that these codes would be more prominent in China and other countries around Asia. The system was established in Japan in 1994 as a system to track vehicles in construction. While it was intended to track the construction of new passenger vehicles, it has since found many other applications. It has become a replacement for traditional barcodes in many situations, including in retail and communication sectors.

Major Surge In India

India is another country that has adopted QR codes well. The Indian government started an effort in 2016 to cut down on fraud and corruption surrounding physical currency. Businesses around India have begun using mobile payment platforms that use QR codes to collect and exchange funds. They can do this without requiring paper currency.

The online payment platform Paytm supports millions of these businesses. Such transactions do not require physical currency, thus preventing fraud. It has been part of India’s ongoing effort to create a fair economy and to reduce risks.

American Acceptance

Americans started using QR codes more often as the 2010s progressed. Statista reports that about less than ten million American households had scanned a QR code in 2018. The number rose to about eleven million households in 2020.

QR codes are becoming more prominent in the United States. They are in use through various businesses and private individuals for many purposes:

  • Recording loyalty programs at different retail sites
  • Tracing products and shipments to ensure they reach their desired locations
  • Creating links people can scan to learn more about physical items; these can appear on billboards and other public messages
  • Accepting donations for various events or charitable activities
  • To help people communicate with others through social media platforms; this includes linking QR messages to social media accounts

How the Pandemic Changes Things

The most significant factor influencing the rise of QR codes has been the ongoing pandemic. QR codes are becoming more common for touchless payments. QR codes can send payment data to different parties without requiring any contact, thus providing a safer approach to trading funds. People can also use QR codes to scan and read documents online instead of using physical ones.

Statista found in late 2020 that nearly half of all Americans and those in the United Kingdom had used QR codes more often. Code adoption has also been on the rise in Canada, Australia, France, Thailand, Hong Kong, and other major markets.

Some governments are even requiring businesses to use QR codes. The Australian state of New South Wales requires stores to use QR codes for transactions to support contact tracing. The effort ensures people can be tracked and monitored if there is an outbreak in certain places. People who visited areas where outbreaks occur can be informed of the situation.

Further Work Is Necessary

Additional efforts will be necessary to make QR codes more viable. Governments could potentially start using QR codes to facilitate various monetary transactions. An example of this appears in Singapore, where the government is establishing national payment standards that utilize QR codes. The effort would make it easier for people in the city-state to receive payments from the government.

Pandemic-related changes that have caused businesses to become more reliant on QR codes could also make an impact. These codes are critical as people start looking for contact-free payment and document solutions.

Could the Positives of QR Codes Make an Impact?

It might be easier for people to start using QR codes if they understand the positives that come with them. Businesses and the general public may start using QR codes more often if they notice some of the benefits of the work:

  • A QR code can store more data than a traditional bar code. It features a two-dimensional approach to storing data. The layout includes content in its horizontal and vertical spaces.
  • QR codes are encrypted and hard to hack, making them useful and safe for financial transactions.
  • It is easier for people to read QR codes than barcodes. A QR code can even be read if it is damaged or partially obscured.
  • These codes can also be produced in massive sizes, including ones that could cover an entire billboard.

QR codes are already becoming more prominent worldwide due to the pandemic. But the benefits of QR codes and the familiarity that people have with these codes will make them prominent very soon.

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Cross-Border Ecommerce: Three Challenges Defining the Next Decade [2025 Update]

Cross-Border Ecommerce has been inviting for many people and businesses. People are interested in finding products from various corners of the world. Many people or companies also purchase items from countries that have lower tax levels. There’s also the advantage of groups expanding their reach by selling their wares to more parties.

There are many challenges surrounding the cross-border digital commerce industry that businesses must recognize. Any group that wishes to sell products to different countries must understand what they are doing when getting their plans ready. These entail more than just looking at how much it would cost to ship items out to different countries.

Cross Border Ecommerce

Localization

Localization is a significant challenge, as every international market has unique values and ideas. A business must use local concepts to help outside customers and provide them with shopping experiences that fit their needs. These include activities that match a customer’s culture, language, and other points. Before you begin you should always prepare a checklist about the probable e-commerce problems that you might face.

Localization is easy to follow if a few things work. A business can use a few of these points to make it easier to manage:

  • The business website must be multilingual. It should provide terms and ideas that the customers can understand.
  • Images and other media features can be adapted to fit unique outside needs. Some gestures and other concepts that are fine in one country may not be suitable in another, for example. New media points can highlight whatever values a culture may support.
  • A business should support whatever local payment methods work in an area. These include unique credit card networks, online payment systems, or anything else a country might support.
eCommerce trends for holidays in 2023

The best way a company can ensure localization is to consider whether its wares will be popular or viable in one country. For example, a tech goods store might not be as popular in countries with mostly rural populations or places where people don’t have access to some tech items. A business might also struggle to sell high-value goods in the poorest countries. Sticking with countries where a company could sell its items and be successful is ideal. It provides a safer approach to selling products while establishing a trustworthy environment for work.

Cross-Border Ecommerce – Shipping Issues

The next challenge to note involves shipping issues. International shipping is expensive enough. The cost can be high due to the extensive distance necessary for shipping items somewhere.

But many other points can influence what happens when shipping items. Some of these worries to watch for include these points:

  • Customs regulations can entail various new charges surrounding whatever products are being made available.
  • Shipping tariffs can also work alongside regular costs. A shipping company can impose unique tariffs surrounding sales to different countries as necessary.
  • The timeframe for shipping products across borders can vary surrounding time differences, weather changes, and the general distance. Some products might become obsolete or less viable if they take too long to ship out to some places.
  • Not all transit methods work in some parts of the world. Airfreight services may not be supported in some spaces, but land or sea shipments could work. Some transit options may also cost more depending on the situation at hand.
  • Some countries have restrictions on what products can and cannot be brought into their spaces. These limits may entail certain products being dangerous to a local ecosystem, for example.
  • Insurance may be required for some cross-border shipments. Insurance provides protection against items that are lost or damaged. But the extra cost may be too troubling, despite the insurance policy providing benefits if anything wrong happens.

All businesses that want to manage cross-border ecommerce efforts must understand the rules surrounding shipping products across borders. The added cost of shipping things overseas is a small part of the concern.

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eCommerce Store Online

Currency Concerns With Cross Border Ecommerce

Every country supports unique currencies, whether it entails the American dollar, the Euro, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, or whatever else is around. But each currency is distinct in many ways. Some currencies might change in value a little more often than others.

But the most significant part of handling currencies involves how items are priced:

  • The exchange rate between a company’s native currency and a foreign can vary surrounding the two items. One currency may not be worth as much.
  • People in some countries have unique ideas for what they feel they should pay for items. These totals may be different from what people have in one country.
  • Some countries have unstable currencies, especially in places where the economy is volatile.
  • Some countries may support multiple currencies. These include countries where their economic structures aren’t fully organized. A country might list both the American dollar and the British pound as official currencies, for example.
  • While cryptocurrencies could help skirt one’s way around international exchange issues, not all countries will support them. People in some countries might not have the infrastructure or technical knowledge necessary to manage crypto payments.

All businesses interested in cross-border ecommerce must consider the currencies in the countries they will serve. They must review the exchange rates, the estimated values for products in those new currencies, and how these currencies are changing. Avoiding crypto options is also a sensible idea.

A business must also ensure its website can list a product with the right currency. A customer might abandon one’s shopping cart if that person sees a product in a currency outside what one normally uses. The customer might not feel the transaction is local. There’s also uncertainty over what a customer would have to spend in one’s regular currency.

These three threats are all essential concerns for businesses to consider if they want to engage in cross-border sales. These are worries that can influence how a business runs. But companies will have an easier time keeping things in check if they look at what works. Businesses can expand to more parts of the world if they use the right plans and consider what they will in new areas.