Stef van Boerkel joins Kirsty van den Bulk to discuss how to succeed in European e-commerce sales markets. Together, they delve into the complexities and challenges of launching products on Amazon and expanding across European markets, offering valuable guidance for small businesses and large corporations.

During their conversation, Stef and Kirsty touch on a range of crucial topics. They discuss the challenges of cross-border selling, the merits and drawbacks of distributor models versus direct sales, and offer advice tailored to small players. They also examine the shift towards localised distribution models, the impact of Brexit on UK-EU trade, and the role of cultural differences in business approaches.

Throughout the episode, Stef shares not just his professional insights but also personal anecdotes that underscore the practicality of his advice. Drawing on his experience assisting manufacturers with warehouse management systems and customer support, he emphasizes the importance of providing seamless localised shopping experiences for European customers. He also reflects on his Dutch upbringing, its influence on his work ethic, and the value of intuition in decision-making.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the lessons learned from past experiences, both good and bad, and how these lessons shape future choices, particularly regarding career paths or business growth strategies.

Chapters:

00.00 Selling on Amazon

02:32 Tackling the European Market

05:33 The Evolution of Distribution Models

09:34 The Role of Distributors

10:45 Addressing Brexit

13:01 The Man Behind the Brand

15:51 Cultural Work Ethics

20:54 Inspiration and Driving Forces

23:29 Decision-Making and Following Intuition

25:49 Advice for the Younger Generation

27:20 KVDB and how it helps.

Contact Stef: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefvanboekel/Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk#businessineurope #salesandmarketing #productsales