Passed on 21 May, 2025

4. Preparing for international sales

This lesson focuses on operational readiness for international sales. Preparing for international sales involves building systems, processes, and infrastructure that are ready to support customers in new markets.

✅ Learning objectivesBy the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:Optimise your website and payment systems for international customers.Manage your supply chain to meet global demand.Navigate legal and regulatory requirements for international sales.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

Optimise your website and payment systems for international customers.

Manage your supply chain to meet global demand.

Navigate legal and regulatory requirements for international sales.

Why preparation matters

Expanding into international markets is an exciting opportunity, but success depends on preparation. Before diving in, identify potential challenges like navigating different legal systems, ensuring smooth payment processes, and understanding cultural differences.

The international customer journey

In theDigital customermodule, we covered the customer journey. For international customers, it can differ. Imagine launching in a new market, but a customer leaves because their preferred payment isn’t accepted. Adapting your processes for global audiences is key.

Start with discovery

How will international customers find your product? Optimise your website, and any other selling platforms with global SEO strategies and targeted ads tailored to new regions.

Smooth checkout experience

Ensure your checkout process is user-friendly, with clear pricing in local currencies, transparent tax details, and preferred payment options.

Post-purchase care

Customers expect responsive support. Tailor your post-sale communication to meet cultural expectations and build trust.

Pricing for international markets

Pricing for international customers involves more than currency conversion. Consider these factors.

Tariffs and taxes

Research tariffs, VAT, and other local taxes that impact product pricing.

Payment systems for international customers

Different countries have different preferred payment methods, so you'll need to do some research and find out what your target customers are familiar with.

Preferred payment methods

Research the preferred payment methods in your target market. You can use platforms like PayPal or Stripe that operate globally and support multiple currencies.

Refund policies

Consider implementing a system that supports refunds in the customer’s local currency, as this can help build trust and create a smoother experience for your customers. Some regions may have laws that govern refunds, so it’s important to do your research.

Legislation and regulation

As you look to expand your business into global markets, you’ll need to explore local laws and regulations for doing business in each target area. From tax requirements to consumer protection, understanding and complying with legal frameworks in your target markets is essential for success.

Legal considerations

Laws and regulations vary widely across regions and countries so it’s a good idea to consider consulting legal professionals to better understand these. Addressing these early can help you avoid costly missteps. Here's a closer look at some key considerations.

Import/export restrictions

Understand restrictions on the products or services you’re offering. Certain goods may require permits, have quantity limitations, or even be prohibited entirely in some regions.

Tax collection

Research tax obligations in your target market. Identify VAT requirements, customs duties, and agreements that may affect your costs.

Business registration

Determine if you must register your business locally. Some countries require this to operate legally and to avoid penalties.

Consumer protection laws

Familiarise yourself with laws around returns, refunds, and warranties. Transparency about your policies builds trust and avoids disputes.

✅ ActivityUse this checklist to assess your readiness for international expansion.Check the items off as you go.Have you researched import/export restrictions?Have you researched local tax obligations, including VAT?Are you registered as a business in your target country, if required?Have you reviewed local laws for returns, refunds, and warranties?

Activity

Use this checklist to assess your readiness for international expansion.

Have you researched import/export restrictions?

Have you researched local tax obligations, including VAT?

Are you registered as a business in your target country, if required?

Have you reviewed local laws for returns, refunds, and warranties?

Download PDF

Download PDF

Check your knowledge

It's time for you to check and reflect on what you've learned so far.You must complete the knowledge check to move to the next lesson.

You must complete the knowledge check to move to the next lesson.

You must complete the knowledge check to move to the next lesson.

Question 1 of 1

Which factor should be considered when setting prices for international markets?

Offering the same price globally for consistency.

Researching competitor pricing in the target market.

Ignoring exchange rate fluctuations to simplify pricing.

Using only local shipping rates for all regions.

Submit

Submit

Yes.Researching competitor pricing ensures your products remain competitive in the target market while accounting for local market dynamics.

Lesson complete

You now understand more about preparing your business for international sales, including optimising pricing, navigating legal requirements, and adapting processes for global customers.Head to the next lesson to find out how you can deliver to global customers.

Head to the next lesson to find out how you can deliver to global customers.

Head to the next lesson to find out how you can deliver to global customers.