Expanding into the US
Discussion
We're looking to expand our online retail business to the US. We've done some research and there doesn't seem to be that much competition for what we offer. We've got the .com version of our domain ready, and can easily transpose our UK website to the US domain and change currency, wording, spelling, etc, so it appeals to the US market.
But, having never done this before, I'm looking for some advice on the practicalities of trading there!
Firstly, I wouldn't want to risk any kind of litigation against our UK company so would maybe look to have a separate UK company for this or even a US company and bank account. Obviously we would ensure that we have public liability coverage in place for either option.
In terms of selling our product into the US market from the UK, I'd be keen to absorb the import duty that the US customer may face. Is that possible?
We're going to need an address to trade from, and presumably I could use some kind of virtual office, mail forwarding company like we have in the UK?
Phone calls / emails are easy as my existing UK staff could cover the additional hours from our existing office.
Any other thoughts / options / words of advice or caution?
But, having never done this before, I'm looking for some advice on the practicalities of trading there!
Firstly, I wouldn't want to risk any kind of litigation against our UK company so would maybe look to have a separate UK company for this or even a US company and bank account. Obviously we would ensure that we have public liability coverage in place for either option.
In terms of selling our product into the US market from the UK, I'd be keen to absorb the import duty that the US customer may face. Is that possible?
We're going to need an address to trade from, and presumably I could use some kind of virtual office, mail forwarding company like we have in the UK?
Phone calls / emails are easy as my existing UK staff could cover the additional hours from our existing office.
Any other thoughts / options / words of advice or caution?
Try it with amazon Fba first to test the market - assuming it’s a product you can Fba.
Web sales logistics are an issue, again discuss it with a 3pl warehouse, I know a few if needed.
A year ago we put a well known fast fashion site live in the USA, the level and complexity of business caught them out and we had to switch it off within 1 month.
I would test the water with amazon, you can make your sites checkout buttons buy through amazon with prime delivery so the customers are only using amazon as a payment gateway and logistics, if it goes well just replace amazon with 3pl.
Web sales logistics are an issue, again discuss it with a 3pl warehouse, I know a few if needed.
A year ago we put a well known fast fashion site live in the USA, the level and complexity of business caught them out and we had to switch it off within 1 month.
I would test the water with amazon, you can make your sites checkout buttons buy through amazon with prime delivery so the customers are only using amazon as a payment gateway and logistics, if it goes well just replace amazon with 3pl.
The Department for International trade has regional offices that help businesses export and expand internationally. They offer a range of very good resources and support (some free, some you pay for but not much for what they provide).
Find out where you local office is and arrange a meet with your local DiT Rep. They will connect you with trade desk at the British embassy or one of our consulate offices in the US, of which there are many.
They won't help with the practicalities of you business (that's what DSLiverpool is for
) but they will provide essential guidance and navigation through the fundamentals of doing business there.
I can't recommend them highly enough.
Find out where you local office is and arrange a meet with your local DiT Rep. They will connect you with trade desk at the British embassy or one of our consulate offices in the US, of which there are many.
They won't help with the practicalities of you business (that's what DSLiverpool is for
) but they will provide essential guidance and navigation through the fundamentals of doing business there.I can't recommend them highly enough.
DSLiverpool said:
Try it with amazon Fba first to test the market - assuming it’s a product you can Fba.
Web sales logistics are an issue, again discuss it with a 3pl warehouse, I know a few if needed.
A year ago we put a well known fast fashion site live in the USA, the level and complexity of business caught them out and we had to switch it off within 1 month.
I would test the water with amazon, you can make your sites checkout buttons buy through amazon with prime delivery so the customers are only using amazon as a payment gateway and logistics, if it goes well just replace amazon with 3pl.
Good idea but no FBA won't work for this product. I don't want to go into too much detail but we import from China a base product, and the customise to suit each client. It's not something we can hold stock of sadly.Web sales logistics are an issue, again discuss it with a 3pl warehouse, I know a few if needed.
A year ago we put a well known fast fashion site live in the USA, the level and complexity of business caught them out and we had to switch it off within 1 month.
I would test the water with amazon, you can make your sites checkout buttons buy through amazon with prime delivery so the customers are only using amazon as a payment gateway and logistics, if it goes well just replace amazon with 3pl.
StevieBee said:
The Department for International trade has regional offices that help businesses export and expand internationally. They offer a range of very good resources and support (some free, some you pay for but not much for what they provide).
Find out where you local office is and arrange a meet with your local DiT Rep. They will connect you with trade desk at the British embassy or one of our consulate offices in the US, of which there are many.
They won't help with the practicalities of you business (that's what DSLiverpool is for ) but they will provide essential guidance and navigation through the fundamentals of doing business there.
I can't recommend them highly enough.
Brilliant, that's a great shout! I'll get in touch with them this morning :-)Find out where you local office is and arrange a meet with your local DiT Rep. They will connect you with trade desk at the British embassy or one of our consulate offices in the US, of which there are many.
They won't help with the practicalities of you business (that's what DSLiverpool is for
) but they will provide essential guidance and navigation through the fundamentals of doing business there.I can't recommend them highly enough.
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