Why do foreigners prefer shopping on independent websites? The “hidden competitiveness” in the shipping process lies in the hands of freight forwarders
Foreigners’ preference for independent websites lies in their obsession with “uniqueness” and “experience” – compared to the standardized processes of big platforms like Amazon, they prefer the customized services, niche designs, and the “valued” shopping experience of independent websites. And the ultimate destination of all this often lies in the “last mile” of the shipping process. Only by choosing the right freight forwarder can the advantages of an independent website extend from the page to package signature, firmly capturing the hearts of foreign consumers.
The three core reasons why foreigners love independent websites are all related to shipping
- Pay for “uniqueness” and pay more attention to packaging details
When foreigners purchase handmade jewelry and custom-made furniture on independent stores, what they expect is not only the products themselves, but also the “sense of ceremony when unboxing”. For instance, when American consumers receive kraft paper gift boxes printed with brand stories, they will take photos and post them on social media platforms. European customers’ repurchase rate will increase by 20% when they see the handwritten thank-you card in the package. These details require freight forwarders to execute them precisely – from custom stickers to special packaging, any oversight will devalue the “uniqueness”. - Detest “waiting anxiety”, and timeliness is the bottom line
The logistics timeliness of large platforms is relatively fixed, but if an independent website makes customers wait for more than three weeks, it is highly likely to receive negative reviews. Foreigners’ tolerance for independent stations is based on the principle of “delivery within the promised time limit”. For instance, when a British customer places an order and sees “delivery within 5-7 days”, if it actually takes 10 days, even if the product is of high quality, they will still question the brand’s professionalism. This requires freight forwarders to have stable dedicated line channels to avoid delays in delivery due to overloading and slow customs clearance. - Attach importance to “after-sales security”, and returns should not be too troublesome
Foreign customers of independent websites care more about “having someone to handle problems when they arise”. For instance, if a Canadian customer receives a damaged ceramic cup and needs to return it, they have to find an international Courier service themselves and cover the shipping cost. As a result, they almost never place an order again. A reliable freight forwarder can offer customers the option to return the goods to the local warehouse. After inspection by the freight forwarder, the goods will be re-dispatched or a refund will be made. This “no-threshold after-sales service” is precisely the key for independent websites to retain customers.
Does an independent website want to capture foreign customers? The freight forwarder needs to help you do these three things well
- Put the “brand tone” into the package
The packages on large platforms are all the same, while the differentiation of independent websites can start from packaging:
Freight forwarders can help you achieve “personalized packaging”, allowing foreigners to remember your brand at a glance.
- Adjust details for different markets: Use simple cotton paper packaging for parcels sent to Japan, and avoid sensitive colors for parcels sent to the Middle East. These localized operations are better understood by freight forwarders than you.
- Replace “ambiguous commitment” with “timeliness certainty”
Foreigners’ seriousness about “time” far exceeds imagination:
Freight forwarders can offer “dual-channel guarantees” – for instance, for shipments to the United States, they mainly promote an empty express line (5-day delivery), while also having a sea economy line (15-day delivery) available. This allows you to clearly mark the delivery time on the page without playing the word game of “estimated” or “possible”.
- Advance customs clearance control: For the CE certification of the European Union and the FDA filing of the United States, the freight forwarder can help you check the documents to prevent the goods from getting stuck at the customs, turning the customer from “waiting” into “disappointment”.
- Make the “after-sales process” more flexible than that of large platforms
More proactive handling of damaged items: When freight forwarders find damaged packaging during sorting, they will directly resend it to prevent problem packages from being sent to customers and avoid subsequent disputes.
SmartDropping: Let the “overseas favorability” of independent websites start from shipping
To make foreign customers feel that “your independent website is more reliable than large platforms”, SmartDropping’s service precisely hits all the key points:
- No threshold for customized packaging: Supports making “brand-exclusive packages”, which will catch the eyes of foreigners when they open the boxes.
- Visualized timeliness: The entire journey of the Europe and America dedicated line is traceable. The system automatically sends logistics node reminders to customers (such as “The package has arrived at the local warehouse” or “Delivered tomorrow”), eliminating waiting anxiety.
- Prompt after-sales service: The freight forwarder provides a solution within 48 hours after handling the matter, turning “difficult after-sales service” into a “plus point”.
Foreigners choose independent websites to escape the standardized “cold shopping”. The shipping process of an independent website is precisely the final step to convey the “warmth” to customers. Let SmartDropping help you turn every package into a “brand business card”. After all, for foreign customers, “satisfaction upon receiving the goods” is the beginning of repurchase.
Dear friends from all independent websites who need cross-border shipping, you can leave a message in the comment section or send me a private message! Looking forward to your reply. Contact information: WeChat: rongexpress, Whatsapp:19129561508