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.

 

[GNewland]

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.

Our product is the best part of £2,000.
In my view asking the customer to pay VAT on arrival (DAP) is a sub optimal customer experience.

Bette rto have an all in price they pay at checkout on the website.
It can be done!
Websites like Rafa-Kids.com automatically adjusts its 'all in price' depending upon where the customer is asking for it to be shipped to.
Their website automatically adjust the VAT and duties as well as has shipping rates per country baked in.