Selling internationally - Using a Merchant of Record, Global-e, or do it ourselves

[GNewland]

Hello,

We soft launched our product (a premium 'LEGO table') a few months ago intending only to sell in the UK whilst we tested the market, did a press release etc.
However after one of our posts on Instagram 'went viral' we've had a lot of interest internationally, especially the US, but also EU and Australia.

I have no experience in international shipping but the 'mess' and admin workload seems very high. After furious googling I am looking at the above three options and thought I'd ask on here.

We have a constraint. The product is bulky. It weighs nearly 60kg. Additionally I am nervous about committing yet to fulfilment centres in EU or US.

1. Merchant of Records seem only/mainly to want to work with software businesses - not bulky physical items
2. I love the idea of using someone like Global-e who claim to 'do it all for you' but I worry they are no good for bulky objects.
3. Doing it ourselves which involves registering for VAT in Europe, then also doing something called OSS - just seems a lot of work and doesnt even help with the US or Australia.

Any thoughts/ experiences on selling bulky items direct to consumers in Europe or beyond I'd be interested to hear.

 

[mahad]

You might not need to register for VAT everywhere yet. Look into IOSS, it covers EU shipments under €150, but your product likely exceeds that. For higher-value items, the customer becomes the importer of record, meaning they pay the VAT/duty on arrival. You just need a reliable freight partner who can manage that handoff cleanly.