This week we are going to focus on tips for selling to Germany. Plentymarkets, originally a German company but who also offer their multichannel solution in the UK with offices based in London, have gathered together their top ten tips for attacking the German market.
We published their first of the five tips on Language yesterday and will publish an additional tip each day this week. Then on Friday you’ll be able to download an eBook containing the additional five tips.
Why Germany?
Plentymarkets tell us that they recommend Germany as an ideal location for UK sellers. Germany is not only the most populous country in the European Union, but is also Europe‘s largest economy and the world‘s fifth largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. The German e-commerce market is booming. By setting up shop in Germany, you can tap into this lucrative economy and give your business the international reputation that it deserves.
Tip #2 Delivery speed and logistics
Although many clichés about German punctuality are exaggerated, German buyers do expect their online purchases to be delivered in a timely manner.
Quick and reliable deliveries are key to providing exceptional customer service. As is the case in many countries around the world, Amazon has quickly become the most popular marketplace in Germany.
When combining Amazon with the German parcel service DHL, even Amazon Super Saver Delivery becomes a very quick delivery method. Most of the orders are dispatched the same day if they were placed before noon. With DHL, parcels then only take one day to be delivered at the buyer’s address.
In Germany, this quick service is not only expected on Amazon, but it is customary for nearly all online purchases. As such, it is not uncommon for German buyers to be disappointed with a purchase if the delivery does not live up to their expectations.
Delivery Speed Comparison 2012-2013
How satisfied are you with the amount of time that passed between when the item was ordered and when it was delivered?
