If the world is buying online, why are you just selling at home?

Worldwide e-commerce sales are expected to grow 56% to an estimated US$8.1 trillion by 2027¹. With booming e-commerce markets like the UK, Colombia, India, and Brazil, it’s easier than ever for U.S. businesses to tap into growth opportunities around the world. The potential is massive — and accelerating. By reaching international buyers, you're empowering your business to break through the limits of the domestic market. Here are seven reasons why now is the time to shift your focus and think globally.

1.    Greater customer reach = more revenue opportunity.

Reaching buyers online in established markets like Europe and emerging markets like Latin America is easier than ever. By tapping into these international markets and embracing cross-border commerce, your brand can reach the more than 95% of the world’s population living outside the U.S. With access to a larger customer base, you’ll drive higher sales—and ultimately increase your revenue potential. And because other countries have unique demands and purchasing power, selling internationally gives your small business the potential to sell more products, more often and diversify your revenue streams. 

2.    Domestic downturn? No problem!

Staying local means riding the ups and downs of your home market — from seasonal slumps to regulatory shifts and economic slowdowns. Expanding globally helps you spread risk. If one country slows down due to a recession or trade policy, others may remain strong, stabilizing your revenue. In a 2025 Shipstation report, 73% of online businesses plan to explore new markets in the next 12 months, with 32% already having firm plans in place. Having a plan to expand your sales and revenue streams — and diversify your shipping strategy — keeps your business resilient.

3.    A new world of customers and preferences.

A new world of customers with diverse preferences and significant buying power is out there, ready to buy your product. With different buyer behaviors, regional trends, and cultural preferences to cater to, this new market of customers can inspire you to introduce new offerings, improve existing products, and guide smarter decision-making. For example, a fashion retailer in southern California can sell their lighter fabrics collection to markets in Southeast Asia or the Caribbean, creating new and repeat sales opportunities.

4.    Scale up your business.

More markets means more orders – which, in turn, increases average cart value and reduces your per-unit costs. As volumes grow, you’ll be empowered to negotiate better rates with suppliers and streamline logistics operations, boosting your margins along the way. This cost efficiency enhances profit margins, and underscores how international expansion and global fulfillment operations can make your business more profitable than relying solely on domestic sales. 

5.    Gain a competitive advantage. 

Going global can help you lead, not follow — especially if you're focused on growing your business beyond a single market. Many small businesses wait too long to explore international growth — which gives early movers a critical edge. A global brand signals trust and professionalism, which can even elevate how people see your brand domestically. If, for example, you specialize in rare collectibles, what is a niche market in the U.S. could be a booming trend in Australia or South Korea. The early bird wins new customer loyalty and new revenue streams.

6.    Innovation comes from expansion. 

Engaging with new markets pushes your business forward. Serving international customers often means embracing better tools - from advanced shipping platforms to smarter CRMs.  These technological advancements can lead to increased efficiency and improved service delivery, fostering a culture of innovation within your company. Once your operations scale up to meet global demand, those same innovations often improve how you serve customers at home, too.

7.    Join the e-commerce revolution.

The rise of digital platforms and marketplaces makes it easier for small businesses like yours to reach international customers without the need for a physical presence in those markets. It gives both the buyer and the seller the security they need to complete a transaction, backed by the support of the platform or marketplace. Think TikTok Shop, which can help you both market and sell your goods.

By stepping into new markets, you open the door to more customers, more revenue, and strategically position yourself for success in the global marketplace. The world is waiting. Let’s go get it.

¹https://www.statista.com/statistics/379046/worldwide-retail-e-commerce-sales/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20global%20retail%20e%2Dcommerce%20sales%20reached,to%20surpass%20eight%20trillion%20dollars%20by%202027.