Global ecommerce is booming—but with that growth comes complexity. Tariffs, taxes, and localization can feel like roadblocks standing between brands and international success.
On a recent episode of the Ecommerce Coffee Break Podcast, Passport CEO & Co-Founder Alex Yancher joined host Claus Lauter to share his perspective on what’s really holding brands back from going global—and the practical strategies to overcome it.
“You’re already global—whether you realize it or not.”
One of Alex’s biggest points? Most ecommerce brands underestimate how global their business already is. Thanks to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and influencer-driven reach, customers outside your home market are already finding you.
As Alex put it:
“You’re an online business day one—and online is accessible anywhere. The question isn’t if you’re global. It’s how you’re going to monetize it.”
That shift in mindset is critical. International demand is there—the challenge is turning it into profitable growth.
3 Global Growth Barriers (and How to Solve Them)
Alex broke down three of the biggest pain points ecommerce leaders face when scaling internationally—and why tackling them head-on can unlock stronger conversions and happier customers.
1. Tariffs & Duties
Even a $1 order can trigger duties when shipped into the U.S. Transparency at checkout is non-negotiable. By showing landed costs upfront, brands protect margins and build customer trust.
2. VAT & Tax-Ready Pricing
International shoppers want clarity. VAT-inclusive pricing not only avoids nasty surprises—it’s also proven to boost conversions.
3. Local Operations & Customs
Without in-country operations, brands risk delays, surprise fees, and broken customer experiences. Local fulfillment, returns, and customs compliance are no longer “nice to haves”—they’re table stakes for global growth.
Why It Matters Now
Between rising tariffs, shifting de minimis rules, and evolving customer expectations, the gap between “good enough” and “growth-ready” global operations is widening. Brands that invest in transparent pricing, compliant customs processes, and localized experiences are better positioned to win internationally—especially in high-stakes sales moments like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Listen to the Full Episode
Alex dives deeper into these topics and shares actionable advice for ecommerce brands looking to expand globally.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
Want to see how Passport helps brands like Ridge, Carpe, and Wildflower Cases expand internationally with ease? Talk to our team today.
