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’ve already published two of the five tips on Language and Delivery 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 Returns
Germans are famous for returning purchases that they made online, especially when it comes to buying clothing and accessories. They are often overly cautious when making online purchases and want to be assured that they will easily be able to return an item if they are not satisfied.
Although it is no longer required by law, Germans still typically expect returns over €40 to be free of charge. Since returns are quite customary in Germany, it is in your own best interest to have a local return address. This not only reassures potential customers, but also helps you keep your return costs under control.
In Germany, you’ll find providers who specialise in this kind of service, such as Plentymarkets partner Intercultural Elements. Using a service provider relieves you of the cost and hassle of setting up a warehouse in Germany or of risking expensive international returns.
Another good alternative is to use Amazon’s multichannel FBA service, which allows you to use Amazon’s warehouses in Germany. While shipping locally allows you to avoid expensive international returns, it also requires you to move part of your inventory to Germany upfront. Moving inventory can be a big step, so it may not be something that every seller feels ready to do until business is running smoothly in Germany.
