Amazon has launched a new tool for sellers called Export Central. This innovative solution is designed to simplify the complexities of cross-border selling, enabling sellers to reach millions of customers in 39 European countries seamlessly.
Expanding sales internationally on Amazon has become increasingly important for sellers aiming to grow their business. Access to global markets allows for diversification and increased revenue streams, making tools like Export Central invaluable.
What is Amazon Export Central?
Amazon Export Central is an innovative tool designed to simplify the process of selling products across borders. By integrating seamlessly with existing seller accounts, it allows sellers to expand their reach without the need for creating duplicate listings or managing multiple accounts.
Key features of Amazon Export Central
Export Central offers a range of features aimed at making international sales more accessible:
- Easy access to multiple markets: Sellers can now reach customers in 39 European countries, including Austria, Portugal, and Greece, even if these countries don’t have an Amazon store.
- Simplified listing process: With just three clicks, sellers can enable international shipping settings from multiple stores simultaneously. This streamlined approach eliminates the time-consuming tasks usually associated with setting up international sales.
- Automatic enrollment for FBA sellers: Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) sellers are automatically enrolled in the program, allowing them to benefit from its features without any additional setup.
The purpose of Export Central is to empower sellers by providing them with the tools needed to tap into new markets effortlessly. This helps increase their sales potential while reducing the complexities typically associated with cross-border e-commerce.
Benefits of using Export Central
Average sales boost of 10%
Export Central offers a significant boost in sales opportunities for sellers. Enabled European store exports see up to a 10% sales uplift on average. This isn’t just a number; it’s backed by real-world results from sellers who have already leveraged the tool. For instance, sellers exporting to countries such as Austria, Portugal, and Greece have reported substantial growth in their customer base and revenue, thanks to the streamlined process provided by Export Central.
Easier operations
Both Fulfilment By Amazon (FBA) and Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) sellers can reap the benefits of Export Central. FBA sellers are automatically enrolled in the programme, ensuring they can start reaching new markets without any additional setup. This automatic enrollment means less hassle and more time to focus on growing your business.
MFN sellers, on the other hand, benefit from an intuitive interface that requires minimal effort to set up international shipping settings and manage shipping rates. By simplifying these operational tasks, Export Central allows sellers to concentrate on what they do best: selling great products.
Key takeaways:
- Sales uplift: Up to 10% increase on average
- Automatic enrollment: FBA sellers get instant access
- Ease of use: Simplified shipping setup for MFN sellers
Important: VAT compliance & Export Central
When selling internationally, VAT compliance is crucial. Each country has its unique VAT regulations, making it essential for sellers to understand and adhere to these requirements. Failing to comply can result in penalties, fines, and even the suspension of your selling privileges on Amazon.
And good to know: Amazon doesn’t automatically handle your VAT compliance, nor is Amazon responsible. You have to arrange this yourself. Need help with this? Talk to our experts for advice on your situation.
Common challenges sellers face include:
- Navigating different VAT rates: Every European country has its own VAT rate, which can be confusing.
- Registering for VAT in multiple countries: This process can be time-consuming and complex.
- Maintaining accurate records: Ensuring all transactions are correctly documented for VAT purposes. Having trouble with this? Our software connects to your Amazon account and keeps track of your transactions automatically.
One Stop Shop: for simplified VAT compliance
The One Stop Shop (OSS) is a powerful tool for simplifying VAT compliance. OSS allows sellers to handle VAT obligations across multiple European countries through a single registration in one EU member state. This streamlined process eliminates the need for multiple registrations and reduces administrative burdens.
Benefits of using OSS for Amazon sellers:
- Centralized reporting: Submit a single quarterly return covering sales to all EU countries.
- Simplified payments: Pay the total VAT owed in one go, rather than making separate payments to each country.
- Ease of management: Focus more on growing your business and less on managing complex tax obligations.
Adopting OSS through Export Central ensures you remain compliant while expanding your reach across Europe seamlessly.
What about international shipping?
Setting up international shipping
Export Central has changed the way sellers handle international shipping. With Export Central, sellers can easily set up international shipping options and reach millions of customers in 39 European countries with just three clicks. This simple setup process eliminates the need to create multiple listings or accounts, making it quick and efficient.
Managing shipping rates and transit times
For MFN (Merchant Fulfilled Network) sellers, it’s important to effectively manage shipping rates and delivery times. With Export Central, sellers are responsible for providing accurate shipping information, ensuring that customers have realistic expectations about delivery costs and timelines.
Tips for optimizing shipping rates:
- What are your competitors doing? Regularly review competitors’ shipping rates to stay competitive.
- Check with your carriers: Establish relationships with multiple carriers to negotiate better rates.
- Think about flat-rate shipping: Implement flat-rate shipping to simplify pricing structures for customers.
By effectively managing these factors, sellers can improve customer satisfaction and increase sales by providing a smooth shopping experience.
“With Export Central, setting up international shipping is as easy as 1-2-3, giving sellers the edge in reaching new markets without the hassle.”
Conclusion
Amazon has introduced a new tool for sellers called Export Central, which is set to change the way you expand your sales internationally on Amazon. With this innovative platform, you can easily reach millions of new customers in 39 European countries with minimal effort.
Key Takeaways:
- Boost your reach: Seamlessly export without duplicate listings, getting access to 39 countries in Europe.
- Simplify operations: Automatic FBA enrollment and streamlined shipping settings.
However, it’s important to be aware of challenges such as VAT compliance and shipping logistics. By staying informed and prepared, you can make the most of Export Central and achieve significant growth in international markets.
Need help with VAT?
Every seller wants their business to grow, but with growth come extra responsibilities. Also in the form of VAT compliance. Not sure how to handle VAT in other countries, of want to know if using the OSS is the right choice for you?
Our experts are happy to assist you during a free call. You’ll get advice that is tailored to your business situation.