Market Launch & Timing

Without a platform: up to 12 months to research regulations, set up logistics, configure tax compliance, and build operational processes for each market. With a cross-border platform like Swap: 30 days or less, sometimes as fast as 48 hours for standard Shopify setups.

DIY: up to a year from scratch. With a cross-border platform: 30 days or less. With Swap: sometimes as little as 48 hours. Speed depends on the complexity of your setup, Shopify integrations are fastest, custom WMS connections take slightly longer.

Some cross-border platforms use JavaScript to insert localised pricing into product pages. Google Shopping crawlers see the original price, not the JavaScript-modified price, creating a price mismatch that leads to product disapprovals. This is a known issue that costs retailers visibility and sales.

Check Google Analytics for geographic traffic data. Look at: which countries send traffic, bounce rates by country (high bounce may signal poor localisation), and existing conversion from international visitors. Even small volumes represent proven interest. Social media followers by country also signal demand.