2. Calibrate your expectations to your investment. Two-thirds of the leaders in the Forrester study said expanding into new international markets was a high priority, or even "critical," within the next year. That kind of urgency is more than justified by the vigorous growth of e-commerce worldwide. To be successful in new markets, however, retailers must back up their eagerness with careful investment. After all, entering a new digital market means much more than translating your website into a new language. It means ensuring the right e-commerce experience for the specific market you're entering. Investing in deep local expertise is crucial to successfully navigating the technological, legal, regulatory and cultural complexities of a new international market.
Eric Christensen is Chief Payment Officer/Vice President of Product at Digital River, a completely integrated solution for all the back-office functions of ecommerce. Digital River enables businesses to sell across the world with a single connection to the platform of your choice.