[Step by Step] What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cross-Border Commerce? (Feat. Peter van der Westhuizen)

A Lesson in Complex Systems 

• Peter is the manager of Strategic Partnerships at BigCommerce and works to help solve the pain points of tax and cross-border 
• “Tax is one of the more complex issues that merchants have to work through when it comes to cross-border commerce.” -Peter
• Localization, offering the correct payment gateways, and fraud management are just a few things that will help make a seamless experience for your customers
• Shipping can be a big problem when it comes to cross-border. You need to look at having the right partnerships and you also have to consider how you are going to manage returns.
• “Returns is often overlooked as a really core component of eCommerce, but it's so important when you consider the cost to acquire a new customer versus retaining a customer and keeping a customer happy and coming back.” -Peter
• There’s a risk in that part of your experience as a brand operator is fractured and part is localized. 
• “If you just do a little bit of research, have your homework done and in place, and have the right partner stack, it's very doable and the opportunity becomes better every day as a lot of these markets continue to grow. So I wouldn't focus on the complexity. I would just get the right strategy in place, get the right partnerships in place to help you take advantage of the opportunity.” -Peter

Associated Links:

• Want to learn more about going cross-border? Download our free Step by Step guide!
• Get connected with Avalara!
• Learn more about Peter van der Westhizen and BigCommerce
• Listen to our other Step by Step seasons
• Find our other Future Commerce episodes on our website

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