Introduction
As an important part of the East Asian circle, Japan and South Korea are deeply influenced by our traditional Chinese culture and also influenced by Westernization. In a way, they are the countries closest to China in all aspects, especially in terms of clothing. In addition to traditional clothing full of ancient Chinese elements, modern styles are also similar. For Chinese sellers who want to enter the Japanese and Korean clothing market, it is an easier market to succeed, but how should we enter the Japanese and Korean clothing market? In particular, we POD clothing sellers, where should we open the cross-border clothing road between Japan and South Korea? Next, this article will take you to in-depth understanding of the characteristics of the cross-border e-commerce apparel market in Japan and South Korea, and provide practical guidelines and promotion suggestions.
Cross-border e-commerce apparel Market Overview
Before delving into specific platforms, let's first take a look at the overall situation of the cross-border e-commerce apparel market in Japan and South Korea. In recent years, with the growth of consumer demand for fashion products in the two countries, the cross-border e-commerce apparel market has shown great potential. But at the same time, the market competition is becoming increasingly fierce, so it is particularly important to understand the cultural differences, consumption habits and laws and regulations of the target market.
How to enter Japan and South Korea cross-border e-commerce clothing platform?
1. Introduction to Korean e-commerce platform
-Gmarket: As one of the largest online shopping platforms in South Korea, Gmarket allows foreign merchants to register to set up shop. The application process is relatively simple and requires the submission of company information and related documents.
- Coupang: Coupang is another popular choice that also accepts overseas merchants. It should be noted that the platform requires high product quality and service standards.
-11st: 11st is a well-known integrated e-commerce platform in South Korea, supporting the registration of international businesses. A detailed business plan and other relevant materials must be prepared before settling in.
In addition to the above three local e-commerce platforms in South Korea, AliExpress also occupies a lot of weight in South Korea, if you are not familiar with these three local e-commerce, but want to test the Korean market, EZEJ technology suggests that you can carefully build Aliexpress South Korea site, may bring you unexpected surprises.
2. Japanese e-commerce platform exploration
- Rakuten Global Market (Rakuten) : Rakuten provides global merchants with access to the Japanese market. While the registration process can be complicated, it is a very valuable channel for brands interested in expanding their business in Japan.
- Amazon Japan: Amazon has a large user base in Japan, is highly international and friendly to Chinese sellers. Just follow the official instructions to complete the account setup and start selling.
- Yahoo Shopping: Yahoo Shopping is also one of the important e-commerce platforms in Japan, suitable for brands looking to diversify their sales channels.
- Zozotown: Zozotown, which focuses on fashion, is more suitable for sellers who focus on trendy clothes.
For the Japanese e-commerce platform, although AliExpress also has a Japanese site, Amazon Japan site is more recommended here. As the world's first e-commerce platform, Amazon Japan site has a large traffic volume, almost equal to Rakuten, accounting for 10% of the traffic of the entire Amazon global e-commerce platform, which is a huge site. Aliexpress is somewhat ordinary in Japan, but the Japanese e-commerce platform that just opened this year “ TAO” It may be the turnaround of Alibaba Group in the Japanese market, and the new e-commerce platform carefully planned by well-known Japanese designers can also be paid attention to.
3. Other optional platforms
In addition to the major platforms mentioned above, there are some other options worth considering:
- AliExpress: Alibaba's global retail platform, especially suitable for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs.
- Shein: As a fast-rising fast fashion brand, Shein also offers opportunities for third-party sellers to collaborate.
In addition, there are some cross-border e-commerce platforms, there are also Japan and South Korea sites, but because the market share is not large, not the mainstream, here is not too much to describe, want to do Japan and South Korea clothing market, the above recommended e-commerce platform is the first choice, how to choose, it is necessary to see the partners themselves to have a deeper understanding, more specific consideration.
Key factors for success
In order to stand out in the cross-border e-commerce apparel market in Japan and South Korea, the following points must be noted:
- In-depth knowledge of the local culture: It is very important to respect and understand the cultural customs of the target market.
- High quality products and services: ensures that the quality of goods provided meets or even exceeds consumer expectations.
- Effective communication: Communicating in the local language can greatly improve customer satisfaction.
- Flexible pricing strategy: Adjust prices according to market demand to maintain competitiveness.
- Continuously optimize the user experience: From web design to after-sales service, every link needs to be carefully polished.
Compared with Europe and the United States, Japan and South Korea have been affected by our China for a long time, in many ways, in fact, there are traces to follow, coupled with the process of modern westernization, but also similar to China, especially in clothing, I believe that for many experienced POD clothing sellers in the domestic e-commerce, it will be easier than exploring and developing the Western market.
Off-site promotion strategy
In the Japanese and Korean market for external promotion, you can consider the following directions:
- Social media marketing: Use social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to expand brand influence.
- KOL/ influencer cooperation: works with well-known local bloggers or opinion leaders to attract potential customers through their recommendations.
- Content marketing: publish valuable content such as dress guides, fashion trend analysis, etc., to increase brand exposure.
- Email marketing: sends regular updates and promotions to subscribers.
- Participation in industry exhibitions: Offline activities are also a good way to increase visibility.
In terms of social media and communication software, in addition to internationally renowned social platforms, it is also a good idea to seek localized software, after all, no matter which market, the localization strategy is always very bad, even if it is no longer “ Obsequiousness ” The country of
, in the hearts of a wider group, is always closer “ Myself ” The man's.
Conclusion
Japan and South Korea as East Asia's largest consumer market in addition to China, whether it is volume, or number, can occupy a place in the world, and in the clothing market is the same, it has been said that the market of China, Japan and South Korea, has been comparable to the European and American markets and not inferior, in the domestic e-commerce volume, as well as many cross-border e-commerce sellers concentrated in the European and American markets, Appropriate attention to the Japanese and Korean markets may allow us to get new opportunities, so despite the many challenges to enter the Japanese and Korean cross-border e-commerce clothing market, we POD clothing sellers as long as we are fully prepared and adopt the right strategy, there is a chance to seize this business opportunity. Finally, I hope the information provided in this article can help you successfully start a cross-border journey in the Japanese and Korean clothing market!
FAQ
1.Q: What qualifications do I need to have to open a store on these platforms?
- A: Under normal circumstances, you need to have a legally registered enterprise identity, and can provide the corresponding supporting documents, at the same time, corresponding to different countries, there should also be relevant tax and compliance certificates, understand and prepare these documents in advance, for your cross-border e-commerce road, it will be more convenient.
2.Q: Which platform is easier for new sellers to get started on?
- A: Aliexpress because of its low threshold and rich resource support and is considered to be a newbie friendly choice, as an old cross-border e-commerce platform, Aliexpress occupies a large market in South Korea, this year has ranked among the top three e-commerce platforms, in Japan to a little less Shein, but compared to Shein higher entry threshold, Aliexpress is still worthy of beginners to choose one of the recommended e-commerce platforms, of course, Amazon Japan site, is also worthy of attention, this seemingly unknown Amazon site, the actual traffic can be comparable to Japan's first e-commerce platform Rakuten, occupying the entire Amazon global e-commerce platform 10% of the traffic, very worthy of attention.
3.Q: What legal matters should I pay attention to when selling clothing in the Japanese and Korean markets?
- A: It is important to comply with local intellectual property laws, consumer protection regulations and import tariff regulations, and at the same time, in addition to laws and regulations, it is also important to respect and understand local consumption habits and special needs, and to comply with the rules of the platform, is an important factor in our continued operation on the e-commerce platform.
4.Q: How do I handle returns and refund requests?
- A: Should develop a clear return policy, and ensure that all terms are in line with local laws and regulations, it is worth noting that in Japan if there is garbage, especially large garbage, it is necessary to pay for garbage disposal costs, so the Japanese market return service is more difficult, want to let them buy your products, also need greater power.
5.Q: Are there any particular styles or styles of clothing that are popular?
- A: Japan and South Korea market preference for simple, fashionable design, but also affected by seasonal trends, generally speaking, the domestic style of clothing, as long as the improvement, you can achieve a certain success in the Japanese and South Korea market, compared with Europe and the United States, the Japanese and South Korean market of clothing styles and our higher similarity.
