[PL] What are the logistical challenges in cross-border e-commerce and how to overcome them?

Logistics is a key element of cross-border e-commerce, while also representing a field of many difficulties for online entrepreneurs. A number of logistical challenges arise that can affect the efficiency and operational success of companies operating in this sector. What are these challenges and how can they be overcome? We answer!

Customs and tariff compliance

It appears that one of the main challenges for e-tailers is ensuring compliance with customs regulations. The import and export process involves complex regulations and mistakes in this area can lead to delays and delivery problems. Electronic delivery tracking and overseas shipment management systems are becoming crucial for smooth customs compliance.

Delivery tracking, returns and cross-border logistics

When shopping online, customers expect full transparency and delivery tracking at every stage. Znsuring accurate tracking of shipments and effective management of customers’ delivery expectations is becoming a priority. The use of modern IT tools can streamline this process, eliminating uncertainty and improving the shopping experience.

When trading across borders, it is also important to remember that handling returns to other countries is complex. In practice, it is the case that it often requires precise logistical procedures. Setting up an efficient returns system that embraces cultural and legal differences between countries is a key element of successful cross-border trade. Here you will find out, what are the popular markings on courier parcels.

High costs and long waiting times

Another challenge is high shipping costs and long waiting times for orders. Consumers want fast delivery, and the solution may lie in investing in advanced logistics technologies, process automation and cooperation with logistics partners specialised specifically in cross-border trade..

It is also important to remember that consumers in European e-commerce have high expectations in terms of speed and convenience of delivery. Three to five days after placing an order is considered a reasonable waiting period. Adapting delivery strategies to the specifics of individual markets can help minimise costs and delivery times. It is also worth finding out, how to save with the right packaging.

What do I need to bear in mind when trading across borders?

When trading across borders, the priority is to focus on the practical aspects of setting up efficient logisticsto develop cross-border sales and attract customers from abroad. The following aspects need to be taken into account in particular:

• dangerous goods – before you start selling products on foreign markets, it is crucial to check whether they can be exported to the target countries. Dangerous goods, which require special licences, can be a challenge. Organisations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are developing regulations for the safe transport of these products by air.
• optimising the warehousing process – Optimising the warehousing and order fulfilment process is key. Options include central distribution centres, tailored to global needs, and local solutions, adapted to customer preferences and market characteristics.
• customs duties and taxes – cross-border shipments often require additional customs duties and taxes. The estimation of these costs depends on the value of the shipment and the tax and customs rates of the destination country. It is worth bearing in mind the differences in tax and duty percentages depending on the country and type of products being shipped.
  
• delivery methods – The multiplicity of delivery options allows you to exceed your customers’ expectations and increase their loyalty. The added value is cooperation with various transport companies, enabling customers to choose the most advantageous delivery method.
• process automation – tool integration and process automation are key in cross-border trade. Simplifying operations in multiple markets at the same time, offering multiple language versions of a shop or handling different sales channels are all challenges to which a single tool or platform may be the answer.