Those who are into the export business know very well the perks that come with it. Undoubtedly, exporting goods or services to other nations from your homeland is one of the most lucrative business options. However, knowing what, why, and how of export is crucial to keep the challenges at bay. It is worth noting that exporting goods to other countries requires careful planning, documentation, and compliance with regulations. The best thing is you can export goods via e-commerce platforms as well. So, if you are just starting with your e-commerce export business and need export product selling help, then read this post. This comprehensive guide to export products includes answers to all your queries, and it will help you begin with a bang. So, without any further ado, let’s get started…
Step-by-Step Guide To eCommerce Exporting
If you are considering beginning eCommerce exports from India, then check out this comprehensive guide to get started. Take a look…
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Market Research: Irrespective of the nature of your business, planning ahead of time is crucial for running your business successfully. Before you begin to export products, identify your target customers and understand their unique needs. You can even look for export product selling help for this.
Regulatory Compliance: Make sure to thoroughly understand and comply with export and import regulations in both your home country and the country where you wish to export your products.
Step 2: Select Your Products
Exporting products via an e-commerce platform is very easy. However, it is crucial to choose your products very carefully. Choose products that are high in demand, such as Indian Artifacts, Handicrafts & Textiles, Leather Goods, Handmade Jewelry, Gemstones, and so on. Choosing the right products can help you tap the right market.
Step 3: Redying Your Docs
Get Import Export Code: You will have to obtain an Import Export Code, also known as IEC, to initiate the process. IEC is nothing but a 10-digit code. This code is issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Acquiring an Import Export Code is crucial whether you wish to export products or import them.
Documents Required for Import Export Code are as follows:
- Address Proof
- Bank Account details
- Company Registration Proof
- PAN Card
You can apply for this code online. Check out here how you can apply for IEC:
- Visit the DGFT Website
- Now, fill in all your details (including your business details)
- Check all the details, and then pay the fee (You will have to pay INR 500)
- Now, hit enter
Once you have applied, wait for 2 – 3 working days to receive your Import Export Code.
Additionally, you will need to have the following documents ready.
Current Account: You will need to open a separate current account that you will have to link to your IEC. This account is opened so that you can receive foreign currency remittances.
Company Formation: Register your business as a proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or private limited company.
PAN & GST Registration: You will need PAN and GST details for business taxation and compliance.
Step 4: Select an eCommerce Platform
Since you are planning to sell your goods via an e-commerce platform, it is crucial to choose the right site for it. Some of the most popular eCommerce platforms that have access to international markets include:
- Amazon Global Selling
- eBay
- Etsy
- Shopify
Each of these is a highly rated platform for exporting products to other countries. Each site is developed to sell different products to international customers. For instance, eBay & Amazon Global are very popular platforms for exporting fashion items, gadgets, etc. In contrast, Etsy is a dedicated platform for exporting handmade and creative goods. You can pick the platform based on the items you wish to export.
Step 5: Create a Seller’s Account on the eCommerce Platform
Once you have decided on the goods to export and the platform from which to export, it’s time to create your seller account on that platform. Creating a seller account is very easy. All you have to do is visit the seller centre of the platform and click on Apply Now. Keep following the steps until you are done with the creation. The process takes just a few minutes, and you are done!
Step 6. Product Listing
After you have created your seller account on an e-commerce platform, it’s time for product listing. I high-quality images, clear product descriptions, accurate dimensions, weight, and materials, and SEO-friendly titles and tags when listing products on eCommerce platform.
Step 7: Pricing Strategy
After the product listing, work on the pricing strategy. Make sure your prices are strategically fixed. They should neither be too high nor too low. In case of any discrepancy, an e-commerce platform can suppress or hide your product listing. The easiest way to charge the right price is to factor in the cost of goods, packaging, international shipping, customs duties, platform fees, and desired profit margins. And accordingly decide prices.
Step 8: Documentation
Once you have the customer, you will have to make preparations for export. Here are the docs that you need:
Mandatory Export Documents
Issue a Proforma Invoice (PI): It is a formal quotation between seller and buyer. It includes product details, price, payment terms, currency, quantity delivery terms, and shipment date.
Packing List: A packing list is a list that includes details of all items that are to be shipped.
Certificate of Origin: Getting a certificate of origin to verify whether the goods are manufactured or procured is vital. Export goods of international standards. Also, check them for packing, labeling, and a “Made in India” stamp before shipping.
Bill of Lading: A Bill of Lading, or BOL, is a legal document that includes the terms of shipment, including the products being transported, their destination, and other important details. You can get a BOL from the shipping company to confirm the receipt of the goods being transported.
GST Invoice: A GST invoice is legal proof of the transaction between the exporter and the buyer.
Export Insurance: Secure export insurance for your shipment to protect against potential loss or damage during transit.
Shipping Bill: You can generate a shipping bill online via the ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) Portal.
Step 9: Logistics and Shipping
For logistics and shipping, you can either use fulfillment by the platform for handling, and shipping returns or use international couriers, such as DHL, FedEx, India Post, etc., for self-fulfillment. If you choose to handle fulfillment all by yourself, then make sure to choose a reliable logistics partner. Also, understand Incoterms like FOB, CIF, and DDP.
Step 10. Packaging and Labelling Compliance
Ensure you use export-quality packaging to prevent potential damage in transit. Additionally, follow country-specific labeling policies and include all the necessary documents, such as:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Certificate (if required), and so on, with the shipment.
Step 11: Payment Realization
The payment will be received in your current account that is linked with IEC, and it will be in foreign currency. You will then be required to submit export documents to your bank to close the transaction. Aside from that, you can also use online payment gateways, such as PayPal, Payoneer, and so on.
Step 12: Improve Customer Experience
Make sure to improve customer experience by providing them with timely support. This will not only help you build rapport with your customers, but it will also help you have repeat business from your existing customers. Aside from that, you can use digital marketing tools, such as Facebook Ads, Google Ads, influencer marketing, etc., to boost brand visibility.
The Bottom Line
So, these are the top 12 steps that you will need to take to export products from India on e-commerce platforms. It may seem daunting at the outset; however, with careful planning and the right strategies, you can achieve your goals seamlessly. But if you are really scared to embark on the journey of your dreams all alone, then seek help selling export products. Selling OS is a reputable brand in Delhi, offering export product selling help at the most affordable prices. Not only will we help you export your products effortlessly, but we will also help you develop proper marketing strategies to attract more and more international customers. Contact Selling OS for more details!