Cross border e-commerce is important if you are in a niche market. "I sell garden decoration items and planters in the higher segment. In the Netherlands there is not so much demand for this kind of stuff and since I import directly, I have to generate a certain amount of sales. So other countries are very important," said Gerard van Tilborg, director of Luca Lifestyle.
Knowledge of the market
With about 9 years of knowledge and experience in the B2B market with the same kind of product groups, he is at home in this market. "My knowledge of the industry, the products and the customer's requirements and wishes, I can use through this webshop in Germany, perfectly.
What do you need to know to start a webshop?
"First of all, knowledge of consumer requirements and wants is important. You have to know what people there want and what they are looking for. In Germany, the quality requirements of different products are much higher than in the Netherlands so that is an important aspect. In addition, of course you have to be fluent in the language, because if you open a webshop there, you have to fill it with good content without spelling mistakes.
Tip for startups abroad
"If you are focusing on e-commerce business then you need to think carefully about what investment you are making. Make sure you do thorough research on your competitors and your margin because there are quite a few costs involved and they will have to be paid anyway."
Want to know even more about cross border?
Then check out the entire interview with Gerard van Tilborg of Luca Lifestyle and all the video interviews with other fast-growing entrepreneurs abroad. In this cross border series, Dexport and DPD Parcel Service let five entrepreneurs talk about their success formulas.
Earlier, Rick Molenaar talked about Helloprint's ambition, Philip Steens of Enveloppenland.nl about the benefits of selling in 10 different countries and Online Business Development Manager Aimée-Isabelle Roerink of Alphacomm Digital Commerce about how they are seizing opportunities abroad. Other successful companies growing fastest abroad can be found at www.crossborder30.nl.
By sharing success factors and tips, these entrepreneurs contribute to innovation in e-commerce in the Netherlands. This film was produced by 25 EPS Video Productions on behalf of Dexport and DPD Parcel Service.
