Passed on 22 May, 2025
5. Delivering to global customers
Having systems in place to accept international orders or service requests is just the beginning. To succeed, you must ensure your products reach customers accurately and on time. This class focuses on key processes for managing inventory, working with shipping partners, and handling returns efficiently.
✅ Learning objectivesBy the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:Recognise the importance of managing inventory and supply chains for international orders.Identify different aspects of the customer journey which may need to be adapted for international orders.
Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:
Recognise the importance of managing inventory and supply chains for international orders.
Identify different aspects of the customer journey which may need to be adapted for international orders.
From purchase to delivery
Delivering products globally isn’t just about shipping – it starts with efficient inventory management, choosing the right partners, and ensuring seamless returns for your customers.
Supply chain essentials
Managing supply chains for international delivery requires careful planning and monitoring.
Review your inventory regularly to ensure you have adequate stock to meet demand.
Monitor demand patterns and plan ahead to avoid stock shortages or overstocking.
Ensure orders are processed and shipped promptly to meet promised delivery dates.
Shipping logistics
Shipping across borders involves time, costs, and careful planning. Understand how to balance these factors to create a seamless experience for your customers.
Choosing the right shipping partners
Partnering with reliable shipping companies ensures smooth delivery. Let’s explore what to consider when selecting your partners.
Access to target markets
Some partners have better access to specific regions, including customs and import/export expertise.
Handling returns and exchanges
We briefly touched on refunds in the last lesson. Now, let’s find out more about managing returns and exchanges effectively in international markets.
Returns made simple
Global returns and exchanges can be complex, but a streamlined process not only builds trust but can also turn a one-time customer into a loyal advocate for your business.
Plan your process
How will customers in other markets return or exchange their purchases? Can your return process accommodate international customers effectively? Do you offer pre-paid return shipping labels or guides?
Are you ready?
Now that you know more about delivering to customers across the globe, let’s try out an activity.
Viv’s global delivery challenge
Viv’s Vinyls vintage record shop in the UK is expanding to Portugal. Viv has done her research and found that the vintage vinyl scene in Lisbon is booming.Viv’s Vinyls is expanding internationally, and she’s determined to deliver a seamless experience for her customers. Each step of her delivery process affects her ability to meet customer expectations. Let’s recap what Viv needs to consider by walking through her journey.
Viv’s Vinyls is expanding internationally, and she’s determined to deliver a seamless experience for her customers. Each step of her delivery process affects her ability to meet customer expectations. Let’s recap what Viv needs to consider by walking through her journey.
Viv’s Vinyls is expanding internationally, and she’s determined to deliver a seamless experience for her customers. Each step of her delivery process affects her ability to meet customer expectations. Let’s recap what Viv needs to consider by walking through her journey.
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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
Viv’s Vinyls has received an order for 2,000 vinyl records that need to be delivered within two weeks. What should Viv prioritise to fulfil this order efficiently?
Coordinate with reliable shipping partners to ensure timely delivery.
Monitor demand patterns to better plan future inventory needs.
Ensure packaging and labelling requirements are met to avoid customs delays.
Outsource order fulfilment to a new shipping company without proper vetting.
Submit
Submit
Yes.To ensure smooth international deliveries, partner with reliable shipping companies, regularly review inventory levels to meet demand, and meet packaging and labelling requirements to avoid customs delays.
To ensure smooth international deliveries, partner with reliable shipping companies, regularly review inventory levels to meet demand, and meet packaging and labelling requirements to avoid customs delays.
Lesson complete
Great job!You’ve now completed theExpanding internationallymodule. Move on to the other modules to build on your digital marketing knowledge!
You’ve now completed theExpanding internationallymodule. Move on to the other modules to build on your digital marketing knowledge!
Next Path
Choose the right marketing channels for your budget