FedEx launches handbooks to boost SME e-commerce in China, Japan

FedEx has announced the release of two new cross-border e-commerce handbooks aimed at aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate the complex markets of China and Japan. This initiative seeks to empower businesses with the knowledge needed to engage effectively with consumers in these two economically significant countries.

The handbooks, which are now available for download, offer comprehensive insights into the unique consumer landscapes of China and Japan. SMEs can anticipate guidance on geotargeting their products to regions with the most potential buyers, understand key e-commerce product categories, and profile local e-commerce marketplaces where businesses might find the highest engagement. These manuals also delve into local consumer habits, marketing strategies, and payment and delivery preferences, providing a robust toolkit for any business looking to enter these markets.

Kawal Preet, President of Asia Pacific at FedEx, explained the motivation behind this initiative. “Finding new customers in international markets is a smart approach for SMEs wanting to drive consumer and revenue growth. Digital channels lower the barriers for market entry, but the best business strategies are underpinned by smart, local market insights. That's critical in sectors like e-commerce which move incredibly quickly,” Preet said. He also emphasised the importance of local knowledge built over decades of operations within these regions.

Preet further elaborated on the significance of China and Japan in the Asia Pacific region, noting that FedEx's on-ground experience provides them with a unique perspective to help e-tailers operate more effectively. “China and Japan are strategically important markets in the APAC region. We’ve built our local knowledge based on our decades-long operations, which is a critical component of the e-commerce experience. We’re also integrated in platforms and processes to provide a seamless experience for both merchants and consumers,” Preet added. This strategic understanding is embedded in the e-books, designed to help businesses build sustainable models that meet local demands and preferences.

FedEx's commitment to e-commerce is further demonstrated by its integrated solutions that simplify order fulfilment for merchants while ensuring reliable delivery for consumers. The company’s Ship Manager platform has been enhanced to allow e-tailers to create shipments and paperwork directly from online orders, streamlining the shipping process.

Additionally, FedEx's network includes 260,000 smart lockers across the Asia Pacific region, providing a range of collection points for consumers. Furthermore, consumers can communicate directly with FedEx regarding their deliveries via WeChat in China and WhatsApp outside of China, and they can also change delivery locations through FedEx Delivery Manager International.

The new handbooks also shed light on peak shopping seasons and provide SMEs with a calendar of critical dates in China and Japan, such as Chinese Valentine’s Day, Singles Day, Couples Day, the Oshougatsu New Year Holidays, and Golden Week. This is aimed at helping businesses to better plan their marketing and inventory strategies to leverage these high-consumer interest periods.

With the release of these handbooks, FedEx continues to strengthen its role in bolstering the capabilities of international SMEs, particularly in the dynamic and competitive field of e-commerce within the Asia Pacific region. The guidance provided by these resources is expected to assist businesses in forming more aligned and market-specific strategies, potentially fostering greater success in their international ventures.