Cross border investing has become increasingly popular in recent years as investors look to diversify their portfolios globally. However, there are some key things to consider when investing across borders to reduce costs and risks. Using platforms like TikTok and Shopify can help streamline cross border e-commerce and accessing tools like Google Trends allows assessing demand for products in various markets. Checking pricing on sites like AliExpress enables competitive pricing. With careful planning, cross border investing can be lucrative while mitigating common pitfalls.
Leveraging social platforms like TikTok for cross border e-commerce
TikTok has over 1 billion active users and offers a built-in shop function, making it ideal for cross border e-commerce. Sellers can easily upload product videos which are promoted algorithmically. The platform also has trends and analytics tools to identify popular search terms and products. By matching inventory to existing demand, cross border sellers can quickly gain traction. TikTok shopping also enables dropshipping, reducing upfront inventory costs. Compared to setting up an independent online store, leveraging TikTok’s massive built-in audience and infrastructure can greatly streamline cross border e-commerce.
Using Sites like AliExpress for product pricing research
Finding the right product pricing is crucial for cross border sellers to maintain healthy margins. Platforms like AliExpress allow researching competitive pricing for Chinese manufactured goods. Rather than guessing at pricing, cross border sellers can use data to price items attractively while preserving reasonable margins. As production costs and currency valuations fluctuate over time, regularly checking sites like AliExpress for updated pricing ensures maintaining optimal margins.
Validating product demand with Google Trends
Google Trends shows search volume and interest over time for given keywords or products. This demand-related data is invaluable for cross border sellers looking to identify trending products. Rather than importing items that end up sitting in warehouses, checking Google Trends helps assess real consumer demand. The platform offers country and regional analysis so sellers can compare interest levels across target export markets. Prioritizing imports for high demand products validated through Google Trends is a powerful way to boost cross border sales.
Using Shopify for quick independent online stores
While selling through TikTok or established marketplaces has advantages, many cross border sellers also operate their own branded websites. Shopify offers easy Web store creation, customizable templates, secure checkout and built-in shipping solutions. By using dropshipping inventory models, Shopify stores can focus less on warehousing while still offering wide product selection. The stores can be promoted through TikTok, Google and social channels to drive traffic. Maintaining branded sites in addition to other sales channels provides diversity for cross border e-commerce companies.
With careful planning leveraging analytics and existing platforms, engaging in cross border investing and e-commerce can be lucrative while controlling startup costs and inventory risks. Following consumer demand validated through tools like Google Trends ensures managing optimal inventory. Dropshipping allows focusing less on warehousing initially to test demand. By diversifying sales across channels like TikTok, independent web stores and more, cross border merchants build resilience while maximizing reach.