How to Sell Internationally Wholesale on Faire

How to Sell Internationally Wholesale on Faire: Expand Your Reach and Boost Sales

Selling internationally can feel like a daunting leap for many small business owners and makers. However, platforms like Faire make it easier than ever to connect with retailers worldwide, allowing you to increase sales and expand your reach significantly. If you've been considering taking your wholesale business global but aren't sure where to start, read on! This guide will walk you through how selling internationally on Faire works, the benefits of doing so, and some tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.

How Selling on Faire Works

Faire is a curated wholesale marketplace that connects independent brands with retailers across the globe. It simplifies the process of getting your products into shops internationally by handling many logistical aspects for you, from marketing to payment processing. Here’s a quick rundown of how selling internationally on Faire works:

1. List Your Products: Just like selling domestically, you create a wholesale shop on Faire and list your products with details like pricing, descriptions, and photos.
   

2. Get Discovered by Retailers Worldwide: Faire has a vast network of retailers, and by listing your products, you make them visible to buyers around the world who are looking for unique, handmade, or small-batch goods.
   

3. Receive Orders and Fulfill Them: When an international retailer places an order, you'll receive a notification. You prepare the order as usual, following the same fulfillment process as for domestic orders.
   

4. Faire Handles Payments and Logistics: Faire takes care of international payment processing, currency conversion, and other logistics, reducing the complexity for you. They even cover the cost of returns on your first order with a new retailer, lowering the risk for both parties.
   

Benefits of Selling Internationally on Faire

Expanding your wholesale business internationally on Faire offers several compelling benefits:

1. Broaden Your Customer Base Selling internationally opens up a world of new customers and markets. By reaching retailers globally, you can tap into demand that may not be as prevalent in your home country, allowing for steady sales year-round.

2. Increase Sales and Revenue The more retailers who carry your products, the more sales opportunities you have. Selling internationally means your brand isn't limited by geographic constraints, which can lead to significant revenue growth.

3. Streamlined Process Faire simplifies the complex aspects of international sales. They manage everything from exchange rates to ensuring payments are secure, so you don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty details. This makes the process nearly as seamless as selling domestically.

4. Reduced Risk with Returns Faire's return policy, particularly the offer to cover returns on a retailer’s first order, reduces the risk for both you and the retailer. This encourages more shops to take a chance on your products, knowing that they have a safety net.

5. Access to Faire’s Tools and Insights Faire provides analytics and tools to help you understand your sales performance, identify trends, and optimize your offerings. This data can be invaluable in tailoring your approach to different international markets.

Important Shipping Tips: Use “Ship with Faire” to Avoid Surprises

Shipping internationally can be one of the trickier aspects of expanding your wholesale business, but Faire makes it straightforward with their "Ship with Faire" option. This service handles all the shipping logistics and ensures that both you and the retailer avoid any unexpected additional costs or import fees. Here's why we love "Ship with Faire" and what you need to keep in mind:

• Use “Ship with Faire” to Avoid Extra Costs:  Faire partners with trusted carriers like UPS to ensure your products arrive safely and promptly. For example, it only takes a few days to ship an order from Chicago to the UK. This rapid turnaround is a huge win for both you and your international customers.
  

Avoid Common Pitfalls When Shipping Internationally on Faire" Make the most of "Ship with Faire" by understanding how their insurance works and why splitting up larger orders can save you from potential loss.

• Insurance Considerations:  One thing to be aware of is that Faire only covers up to $100 worth of insurance per shipment when you use "Ship with Faire." If you have a larger order, it’s crucial to break it up into multiple shipments to ensure all items are fully covered. This tip applies to U.S. orders as well! Properly managing your shipping strategy can save you from headaches later on. For more details on how to handle this, check out the in-depth explanation here.
  

What to Do If You Get a Message You Can’t Read?

If you receive an inquiry or order from a retailer in a language you don’t understand, don’t panic! Just head to Google Translate or a similar tool to get a quick translation. This will help you understand the retailer’s question or request and respond accordingly. Communication is key in building international relationships, so don’t let a language barrier hold you back. Over time, you might even pick up a few key phrases.

Navigating International Regulations: VAT, LUCID, and More

Expanding internationally does come with its paperwork and regulations, but it’s not as scary as it seems! Here are a few key things to consider:

1. Apply for VAT (Value-Added Tax) Depending on where you sell, you may need to register for VAT. Each country in the European Union (EU), for example, requires businesses to have a VAT number to sell within its borders. The process involves filling out an application form and may require some documentation from your business. Faire can often guide you in the right direction, but local tax agencies or a tax professional can provide specific help.
   

2. Register for LUCID (Germany) If you’re selling in Germany, you must register with the LUCID Packaging Register, which ensures compliance with Germany’s packaging laws. This involves a simple online registration and reporting your packaging amounts yearly. Again, it’s straightforward if you take it step-by-step.
   

3. Understand Other Country-Specific Requirements Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding selling products. Do your research or consult with an international trade specialist to understand what applies to you. Whether it’s labeling requirements, packaging standards, or something else, getting this right is crucial for smooth international operations.
   

Take It One Step at a Time

While expanding internationally might seem overwhelming at first, take it one step at a time. The key is to break down the process into manageable tasks—like applying for VAT or navigating the LUCID registration—and tackle them methodically. Many agencies can help guide you through the process, and with Faire handling much of the heavy lifting, you’re already halfway there!

Ready to Take Your Wholesale Business Global?

Selling internationally on Faire offers an incredible opportunity to grow your business, reach new markets, and increase your sales. With a streamlined process and support every step of the way, expanding globally has never been more accessible for small brands and handmade sellers. So, don’t let fear hold you back—get your products into shops worldwide and watch your business flourish.

Question for You: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced (or are facing) when considering selling internationally? Share your experience below and let’s help each other out.