At Flow, we understand that it is not practical for retailers and brands to handle all aspects of cross border e-commerce internally. To be able to scale internationally, you need to find the right provider to handle factors like currency conversion, international shipping, duties and tax, and international payment methods. The best solution must also seamlessly integrate with the brand existing technology stack and business needs, while also providing a fully customized, localized experience for global customers at every touchpoint.
To make it easier for retailers and brands to select the right vendor partner, we've created a cross border e-commerce Request For Proposal (RFP) template with some key questions to ask any potential cross border e-commerce partner. If you need further guidance, please reach out to us.
As brands and retailers prepare to assemble a global e-commerce RFP, the best place to start is to gather information on the details of the project. In order for your potential partners receiving the RFP to provide the most relevant responses it is important to provide some of this information, including:
- Background/Introduction: Include useful background information about your company such as founding story, products or services offered, competitive differentiators, and any existing vendor relationships your potential partner should know about. Be sure to state the core business challenge and how a cross border ecommerce partner will play a role in solving that challenge.
- Project Goals and Scope of Services: Outline the project, including expected countries or regions where you plan to expand your business, international revenue goals, and any relevant KPIs. It's important to get as specific as possible, even outlining individual tasks involved. If your brand has existing international ecommerce sites, include details on the sites and whether they were built in-house or whether another solution provider is/was involved.
- Timeline for market entry or expansion: Lay out the estimated start date of the engagement with the vendor, and specify key deadlines for entering the target markets.
- Elements of Proposal: Outline all elements that must be included in a vendor proposal. It's a good test to determine which vendor is capable of handling the project's demands.
- Evaluation Criteria: Include which factors will weigh most heavily in your decision for a solution.
- Budget: Provide a range of your anticipated budget for the project.
- Deadline and Method of Submission of Proposals: Directions on how and when vendors should submit their proposals.
- Anticipated Selection Schedule: Provide a date by which the decision for a solution will be made.
You can find more detailed questions in our cross border e-Commerce RFP template. We hope this sample RFP helps with your search, and please be sure to include Flow in your RFP. We'd love the opportunity to win your cross border e-Commerce business.
