Two thirds of UK online SME retailers who sell abroad are confident of growing their sales bytargeting new international markets during 2013, a study by Royal Mail has found.
The study found that nearly three-quarters (73%) will be targeting new international markets tohelp them achieve their growth plans, and 65% of SME online retailers who export are confident ofgrowing sales in 2013. Overall, 56% of the online retailers surveyed who export saw a sales upliftin 2012, the study revealed.
The US and Europe are seen as the top potential growth targets, with nearly three in ten (28%)of SME online retailers who do not currently sell to those countries planning to seek out salesopportunities. Canada is third highest target (21%), followed by Asia (15%), Russia (14%) andAfrica (8%). The Middle East and Australasia will be targeted by 6% of SME online retailers who donot currently sell there. South America will be targeted by 5%.
UK online retailers who export are planning a range of tactics to meet their internationalgrowth expectations, the study revealed. These include 27% that are planning targeted direct mailcampaigns while 23% are planning on using catalogues to win new business.
To aid overseas growth, 43% have introduced payment options in different currencies, while threein ten (31%) have added tracking to their deliveries so the customer knows the progress of an item.One quarter of online retailers said they have introduced a foreign language section to theirwebsites.
Nick Landon, Managing Director of Royal Mail Parcels, said: “Royal Mail’s study shows UK onlineretailers will be actively seeking new international markets in 2013 to help them achieve theirgrowth plans. Royal Mail’s global reach means we are able to support UK online retailers as theyseek to expand abroad. As well as providing tracked deliveries to key international destinations,we have also developed services to help UK online retailers make it simpler for overseas shoppersto return goods they have ordered but no longer need.”
