In the wave of cross-border e-commerce, sellers often face a choice: whether to build an independent website or not? An independent website, as the name suggests, is a website operated by the seller themselves, independent of third-party platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Shopee. Sellers can freely control the design of the website, product display, marketing methods and customer data. Independent websites are usually built with website-building tools such as Shopify, wordpress, and Magento.
Then, whether to build an independent website really depends on the seller’s own judgment. But independent websites are undoubtedly the best choice for the long-term development of cross-border e-commerce. If you are still struggling with whether to build an independent website or not, you might as well take a look at its advantages.
The advantages and characteristics of independent websites
- Small restrictions and high degree of freedom
One of the major advantages of an independent website is that it has very few restrictions. Sellers can make modifications and adjustments according to their own situations, enjoying an extremely high degree of freedom. In contrast, third-party platforms such as Amazon and eBay have numerous rules and terms, imposing significant constraints on merchants. Once the terms are violated, various penalties will be imposed, and it may even lead to the closure of the store. Independent websites do not have these troubles. Sellers can design their websites freely, showcase their products and formulate marketing strategies as they wish.
- Freedom in product pricing
On independent websites, product pricing is more flexible. The competition among third-party platforms is fierce, with a rich variety of similar products and severe homogenization. This makes it very easy for price wars to break out, resulting in meager product profits. On independent websites, since there are no other similar products for price comparison, sellers can be more flexible when setting product prices, without having to consider so many competitors’ pricing strategies, and thus better control their profit margins.
- Gain brand premium
Independent websites can help sellers achieve brand premium. On independent websites, sellers can showcase the characteristics, advantages and historical culture of their brands in various ways. This kind of in-depth brand display can enhance the added value of the brand and attract more loyal customers. In contrast, third-party platforms tend to highlight their own brands more, leaving relatively limited space for sellers to showcase their brands.
- Retain customer information
When selling products on third-party platforms such as Amazon, sellers cannot obtain customers’ information and contact details. On self-built independent websites, sellers can retain the information of each customer for subsequent analysis and promotion. These customer data are valuable assets for sellers, which can help them better understand customer needs, formulate precise marketing strategies, and enhance customer loyalty.
- Freight forwarding for delivery, facilitating the development of independent stations
When independent store sellers ship goods, they usually face multiple choices. Some sellers tend to contact international express delivery services themselves, but they often have to bear high shipping costs and complicated customs clearance procedures. Some choose the official logistics of the platform, but are restricted by the platform’s rules, greatly reducing their flexibility. With its honest and reliable service and comprehensive protection, freight forwarders have gradually become the favorite of more and more independent store sellers.
- Benefits of freight forwarders’ shipping
(1). Honest operation and transparent costs: A reliable freight forwarder will clearly inform all fees at the initial stage of cooperation, including freight charges, packaging fees, and taxes related to customs clearance, listing them all. There is no situation of sudden price hikes later on. Sellers can clearly calculate costs, make good financial plans, and avoid affecting operations due to expense issues.
(2). Logistics timeliness, precise and reliable: Freight forwarders will truthfully inform the approximate timeliness of different logistics routes based on the destination and nature of the goods, and will not casually promise impossible fast delivery just to attract customers. With rich experience, they can rationally plan transportation routes, avoid peak logistics periods and possible congested sections, and ensure the timely delivery of goods to the greatest extent. Even if there are irresistible factors that cause delays in delivery, we will communicate with the seller immediately, explain the situation and actively seek solutions instead of concealing or shirking responsibility.
(3). Professional services, worry-free and effortless: Freight forwarders offer one-stop services, covering the entire process from goods reception, warehousing, sorting, packaging, labeling to transportation. Sellers only need to focus on sales, and leave the entire shipping process to the freight forwarder, which is both worry-free and effortless. For instance, some large freight forwarders have advanced warehouse management systems that can handle orders efficiently and ensure that goods are dispatched from the warehouse quickly.
(4). Optimize logistics and reduce costs: Freight forwarders can secure more favorable logistics prices by leveraging their scale effects and long-term cooperation. Like Yunque Station, it integrates logistics resources and offers sellers a variety of logistics options, meeting the timeliness requirements while minimizing costs to the greatest extent. Sellers can enjoy better logistics services with less money.
(5). Enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction: Freight forwarders optimize logistics processes to ensure that goods are delivered to customers promptly. The intelligent logistics management system supports real-time tracking of order information, allowing sellers to keep track of the status of their goods at any time and handle any anomalies promptly. Customers can receive their goods quickly, which naturally leads to high satisfaction. It can also reduce customer loss and a decline in store ratings caused by delayed delivery.
(6). Risk avoidance and worry-free after-sales service: Freight forwarders offer comprehensive after-sales services during the logistics process, such as logistics tracking, anomaly handling, and after-sales consultation. A professional team can handle logistics anomalies in a timely manner to ensure the rights and interests of sellers. For instance, in the event of lost or damaged goods, the freight forwarder will assist the seller in handling the claim, ensuring that the seller has no worries about cross-border logistics.
International logistics, facilitating cross-border sellers’ logistics and shipping
Dear sellers, if you are still troubled by shipping, you might as well give smartdropping a try. It combines the advantages of freight forwarders to offer more flexible and efficient shipping services. It can not only optimize logistics costs but also enhance the customer experience. Moreover, our service team is professional and can promptly solve all kinds of problems, making your shipping process easy and reassuring.
Dear friends, if you have any questions, please leave a message in the comment section! Looking forward to your reply. Contact information: WeChat: rongexpress, Whatsapp:+86 19129561508
Smartdropping website site: https://www.smartdropping.com