Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce

Are you putting your business at risk by ignoring global tax laws? In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, explore the risks and repercussions of failing to comply with low-value tax regulations. Joined by special guest Hannah, Zonos' Chief People Officer with a background in international law and compliance, they discuss the growing complexity of global tax laws, focusing on how countries are cracking down on non-compliant merchants. Learn about the consequences of non-compliance, such as hefty fines, penalties, and even the risk of being banned from importing into key markets. Don't miss this essential conversation for ecommerce businesses looking to scale globally while staying on the right side of tax law.

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:07:14] Intros
[00:9:38] Tax scheme refresher
[00:16:15] Risks & penalties
[00:21:55] Low-value tax scheme remittance processes
[00:24:01] More sales = higher risk
[00:25:31] Options for compliance
[00:31:49] How noncompliance affects your customers and business
[00:33:12] US businesses & low-value tax schemes
[00:34:56] The future of low-value tax schemes

#Ecommerce #TaxCompliance #CrossBorderEcommerce #GlobalEcommerce #BusinessGrowth #InternationalTrade #SalesTax #Logistics #DecodingEcommerce #Zonos #podcast #taxlaw

In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos' Head of Global Trade Strategy, are joined by special guests Kylie Williams and Chanel Barnes to discuss the world of inclusive pricing. They dive into the benefits and challenges of implementing inclusive pricing for duties and taxes during the shopping experience. The episode explores how inclusive pricing can enhance transparency, reduce cart abandonment, and improve conversion rates—but only in certain regions, as customer expectations around tax presentation vary by culture and country. Tune in to discover the strategic advantages of inclusive pricing and how Zonos is helping ecommerce merchants get it right.

Related links: 

Inclusive pricing overview:
https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/inclusive-pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Zonos Duty and Tax for Shopify
https://apps.shopify.com/duty-and-tax-calculator-iglobal-stores

Learn more about Zonos:
https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:01:36] Introductions
[00:04:48] What is inclusive pricing?
[00:11:19] Regional preferences and laws
[00:15:40] Not just tax, but also duty
[00:17:25] Inclusive pricing can be tricky
[00:19:38] Inclusive pricing strategies & shopper psychology
[00:27:07] How Zonos tackles inclusive pricing

#InclusivePricing #DutyAndTax #GlobalEcommerce #CrossBorderEcommerce #EcommercePodcast #ConversionOptimization #CheckoutExperience #CustomerTrust #BusinessGrowth #DutiesAndTaxes #EcommerceStrategy #CustomerExperience #DecodingEcommerce #Zonos #Shopify #podcast

Customs assessment discrepancies can lead to costly overcharges on duty and tax bills—often due to human error. In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, are joined by experts Ryan Swapp and Kat Dej-Panah from Zonos, to discuss real-life examples of egregious and common customs overcharges and how to avoid and fix them.

You'll get step-by-step guidance on disputing errors with carriers and customs authorities, insights into the manual processes behind customs clearance, and tips to avoid these costly surprises. You don’t want to miss this episode if you sell or ship internationally!

Chapters: 

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:03:15] Introductions

[00:05:58] Duty and tax bills

[00:13:01] Crazy duty and tax bill errors

[00:20:06] Free trade agreements

[00:21:23] Common billing mistakes

[00:25:47] Customs errors

[00:27:42] Carrier disputes

[00:32:29] Advice for merchants

[00:33:45] Final thoughts 

Related links: 

FedEx billing disputes

https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shipping-labels/carriers/fedex-billing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

DHL billing disputes

https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shipping-labels/carriers/dhl-express-billing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

UPS billing disputes:

https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/shipping-labels/carriers/ups-billing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Trade agreements:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/trade-agreements?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Bad customs descriptions podcast episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_QGPNB8t0s?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

AI customs descriptions:

https://zonos.com/docs/supply-chain/customs-documentation/ai-customs-description?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Customs descriptions best practices:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/quality-descriptions?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Ever wonder what shoppers go through when buying from another country? Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos' Head of Global Trade Strategy, get into the intricacies of the international shopper experience with special guest Josh Beitler, Product Manager at Zonos. Discover what it's like for international customers to navigate cross-border ecommerce and learn actionable insights to optimize their buying journey. From currency conversion to fraud protection, Josh shares real-world examples of how to create a seamless, native-feeling shopping experience for global buyers. Don’t miss this essential conversation for any business looking to increase their international conversion.

Links: 
Zonos Checkout overview:
https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/checkout?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Zonos Hello overview:
https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/hello?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Hello currency conversion:
https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/hello/currency-conversion?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Checkout translation:
https://zonos.com/docs/global-ecommerce/checkout/translation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Learn more about Zonos:
https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast


[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:06:47] Introduction
[00:09:38] Cross-border shopping challenges
[00:11:25] Consequences of not localizing
[00:15:28] International shopper's high expectations
[00:17:48] Translation issues
[00:20:21] Inclusive product pricing
[00:22:33] Reducing cognitive load
[00:24:31] The future of cross-border ecommerce
[00:33:19] Advice to merchants
[00:34:48] How to use Zonos Checkout

#CrossBorderEcommerce #ShopperExperience #GlobalShoppers #EcommerceOptimization #Localization #PaymentSolutions #FraudProtection #EcommercePodcast #BusinessGrowth #InternationalTrade #Zonos #podcast

From language barriers—only 10% of the population speaks English—to the complexities of Japan's tax system, which rounds duties and taxes to the nearest yen, Japan offers both opportunity and intricacy for cross-border sellers. Discover how translating your checkout and understanding Japan’s rounding-based duty and tax calculations can unlock growth in this highly structured market. Learn key strategies for navigating these complexities and expanding your ecommerce business into Japan.

Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, explore the unique challenges of selling into Japan in this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast.

[00:00:00] Chapter 1: Opening clip

[00:05:48] Chapter 2: Intro and Zonos' first order story

[00:09:45] Chapter 3: De minimis value and currency

[00:12:15] Chapter 4: Duty rates & valuation method

[00:13:18] Chapter 5: Japan’s import tax

[00:14:46] Chapter 6: B2B and B2C landed cost calculations

[00:23:45] Chapter 7: How to calculate for business.

[00:26:00] Chapter 8: Prohibited and restricted items

[00:26:40] Chapter 9: Trade agreements

[00:27:30] Chapter 10: Carrier fees & closing thoughts

Related links: 

Japan country guide:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/japan?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

#Ecommerce #CrossBorderTrade #JapanShipping #InternationalEcommerce #GlobalBusiness #EcommerceTips #Zonos #Podcast #CrossBorderEcommerce #InternationalShipping #CrossBorderShipping #CrossBorderSelling

If you’re not selling to the EU, you’re missing out on a huge market! In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, dive deep into the complexities of shipping and selling to the EU. This episode covers the impact of the EU’s low-value tax scheme and the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) program, which simplifies VAT for ecommerce businesses. Learn how to navigate these regulations, increase your EU sales, and avoid costly errors in cross-border trade.

Key takeaways include an overview of EU VAT rates, the differences between EU and UK shipping post-Brexit, and how the IOSS can streamline tax collection. If you're an ecommerce seller targeting or wanting to target EU markets, you don’t want to miss this!

Docs and guides:

EU IOSS guide:
https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/eu-vat-scheme?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

EU VAT for digital services:
https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/eu-vat-scheme/eu-vat-scheme-for-digital-services?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

EU VAT blog:
https://zonos.com/blog/eu-vat-scheme-2021?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

EORI numbers:
https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/eu-vat-scheme/eori-numbers?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Learn more about Zonos:
https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Chapter 1: Opening clip
[00:03:57] Chapter 2: Introduction to the EU market
[00:08:24] Chapter 3: EU Market size and GDP
[00:10:35] Chapter 4: HS codes, duty, carrier fees, and VAT rates
[00:11:12] Chapter 5: How Brexit and IOSS affected UK exports and imports
[00:14:04] Chapter 6: How IOSS works
[00:22:43] Chapter 7: Avoiding double taxation with IOSS
[00:24:44] Chapter 8: How to get started with IOSS
[00:27:19] Chapter 9: How Zonos handles IOSS for merchants
[00:28:25] Chapter 10: Notable trade agreements involving the EU
[00:29:20] Chapter 11: Final thoughts, helpful resources, and recommendations

#IOSS #Ecommerce #CrossBorderEcommerce #VAT #GlobalTrade #ShippingSolutions #DecodingEcommerce

Thinking of expanding your sales into Singapore? Well, you’re in luck! In Episode 29 of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, dive into the intricacies of selling and shipping to Singapore. This episode covers the economic landscape of Singapore, why it’s a prime market for international sellers, and the complexities of the country’s tax laws, including the de minimis threshold and GST regulations. They also discuss practical strategies for businesses to simplify cross-border transactions, avoid common pitfalls, and optimize their ecommerce operations in this thriving market. Whether you're new to international trade or looking to expand into Singapore, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

Additional resources: 

Singapore country guide:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/singapore?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Singapore OVR GST guide:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/singapore/singapore-ovr-gst?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Singapore OVR GST blog:

https://zonos.com/blog/singapore-gst-explained?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:00:37] Intro

[00:04:49] De minimis, duty, and tax

[00:09:02] Singapore’s OVR GST scheme

[00:12:59] Option 1 - Sales value

[00:18:04] Option 2 - Import value

[00:21:11] Option 3 - Consignment value

[00:25:44] The easy button

[00:26:59] Filling out the commercial invoice

[00:29:08] Final thoughts, plus announcement

#zonos #podcast #Ecommerce #Singapore #GST #InternationalTrade #DecodingEcommerce #GlobalShipping #BusinessGrowth #Logistics #CrossBorderEcommerce #OVRscheme #OVR #internationalShipping #InternationalSelling

How you describe your products for customs can make or break your shipment’s customs clearance process. In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, dive into the common pitfalls of bad customs descriptions and their impact on international shipping. Joined by special guest Yurim Heo from Zonos, they discuss why clear and accurate customs descriptions are crucial, how poor descriptions can lead to delays, fines, and misclassifications, how AI can help, and what businesses can do to avoid these costly mistakes. Whether you're an ecommerce veteran or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to streamline your cross-border shipping process.

Links: 

Customs descriptions best practices:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/quality-descriptions?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

AI customs descriptions:

https://zonos.com/docs/supply-chain/customs-documentation/ai-customs-description?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:00:50] Introductions

[00:02:15] Why customs need good descriptions

[00:04:11] Bad descriptions

[00:14:07] Human training AI for HS classifications

[00:16:04] AI classifier compared to human

[00:18:39] Cross-rulings

[00:20:27] Zonos AI

[00:22:09] Final thoughts and tips

#CustomsCompliance #InternationalShipping #Ecommerce #GlobalTrade #DecodingEcommerce #ShippingEfficiency #BusinessStrategy #Zonos #podcast #crossBorderEcommerce

Thinking of expanding your ecommerce business into Norway? Selling and shipping into Norway can be challenging, especially with

 the complexities of the VOEC (VAT On Ecommerce) system and strict tax regulations. In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, break down everything you need to know to succeed. Learn about Norway's VAT rates, the impact of the de minimis threshold on your business, and expert tips to navigate Norway's cross-border regulations with ease. Whether you're already selling into Norway or considering entering the market, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive.

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Norway VOEC scheme:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/norway-voec-scheme?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Norway VOEC blog:

https://zonos.com/blog/all-about-norways-voec-scheme?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:05:11] Introduction to Norway

[00:08:01] De minimis & VOEC scheme

[00:12:29] Duty

[00:16:31] Managing VOEC

[00:23:13] Carrier fees

[00:25:03] Simple solution

#CrossBorderEcommerce #NorwayVAT #InternationalShipping #EcommerceTips #TaxCompliance #GlobalTrade #Zonos #DecodingEcommerce #VOEC #ExportStrategies

In episode #26 of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, delve into the intricacies of importing and selling into the UK. They discuss the impacts of Brexit, VAT complexities, and practical solutions for ecommerce businesses. Tune in to gain insights on navigating the UK market, understanding the new tax regulations, and leveraging Zonos' solutions for seamless cross-border transactions.

Learn more about Zonos:

https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

UK country guide:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/united-kingdom?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

UK VAT guide:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/united-kingdom/uk-vat-scheme?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

UK VAT on digital services:

https://zonos.com/docs/guides/country-guides/united-kingdom/uk-vat-scheme-for-digital-services?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

UK VAT changes 2020 blog:

https://zonos.com/blog/uk-vat-changes-2020?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Shipping to the UK post-Brexit blog:

https://zonos.com/blog/post-brexit-shipping-to-the-uk?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Shipping between the EU and UK post-Brexit:

https://zonos.com/blog/post-brexit-shipping-between-uk-and-eu?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

Podcast episode on Low-value tax schemes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9K6tz1LQxA&list=PLmRx3ZY5IOe_gkvpWxvK-5gs9w29LA70-&index=5

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:04:26] UK market

[00:08:20] Impact of Brexit

[00:11:04] UK’s low-value tax scheme

[00:13:31] UK VAT for retailers then vs now

[00:15:06] Paperwork/EORI

[00:15:56] Postal DDP with Zonos

[00:18:05] Express carriers and fees