10 keys to successfully launch your e-commerce in Spain

Spain is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Europe, with a value of €37 billion and a projected growth of 20% in the next year. It's also the fourth-largest market for fashion e-commerce, with a value of €3.7 billion, making it an exciting opportunity for brands looking to expand their online presence.

To help you get started, we've put together the following ten tips to launch your e-commerce in Spain successfully:

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1. Offer a Seamless Delivery Experience

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Delivery experience is a critical factor for Spanish consumers. According to a survey, 87% of Spanish consumers say delivery time and shipping costs are the most critical factors influencing their online purchasing decisions. To succeed in the Spanish market, providing a seamless delivery experience to your customers is essential.

This means considering if you will ship from a warehouse in Spain or another country. Shipping locally can save you money and meet the expectations of Spanish consumers, who expect fast delivery times. Some popular Spanish delivery companies include Correos, MRW, and Seur.

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2. Avoid Administrative Errors

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It's crucial to complete the proper documents to avoid administrative errors when entering the Spanish e-commerce market. Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork, including customs documents, to avoid any potential delays through customs. You must attach four specific documents to orders, including the order invoice, delivery note, customs declaration, and a Single Administrative Document for any parcels valued at over €1,000.

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3. Choose the Right Carrier

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Selecting the right carrier is crucial to ensuring a seamless delivery experience for your customers. Some of the most popular carriers in Spain include Correos, MRW, and Seur. Make sure to research different shipping carriers and their reputation for handling goods, speed, and cost-effectiveness to choose the best suits your business.

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4. Adapt to Spanish Consumption Patterns

It's crucial to understand the consumption patterns of Spanish consumers and adapt your strategy accordingly. For instance, Spanish consumers are likelier to abandon their carts if they notice the delivery time is longer than expected or if the shipping costs are too high. To succeed in the Spanish market, make sure to adapt your pricing and delivery strategies to match the expectations of Spanish consumers.

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5. Localise Your E-commerce

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Site Localisation is key to success in the Spanish market. Spanish consumers prefer to shop on websites in their native language, with payment options that are familiar to them. To create a localised e-commerce site, offer customer support in Spanish and provide clear and accurate product descriptions.

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6. Consider Spanish Payment Methods

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Spanish consumers have specific payment preferences that you must take into account when launching your e-commerce site in Spain. Spain's most popular payment methods are credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Ensure that your website supports these payment options to provide a seamless checkout experience for your customers.

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7. Offer Competitive Pricing

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Pricing is a critical factor for Spanish consumers. They are price-sensitive and are always on the lookout for a good deal. To succeed in the Spanish market, offer competitive pricing that aligns with local market standards.

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8. Invest in Customer Service

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Quality customer service is essential to succeed in the Spanish market. Spanish consumers value good customer service and are likelier to shop with excellent support brands. Ensure that your customer service team can provide support in Spanish and is knowledgeable about your products and services.

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9. Prepare your marketing campaigns for Spain

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When expanding to the Spanish e-commerce market, developing marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience is important. Spain has a high internet penetration rate, a strong online shopping culture, and a competitive market, so you need to be innovative to stand out.

Look at successful e-commerce brands in Spain, such as Zara and Mango, to understand how they connect with their audience and build their reputation. Adapt your marketing strategies to appeal to Spanish consumers' preferences, including social media, influencer marketing, and personalised advertising.

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10. Anticipate your costs and resources

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Before launching your e-commerce store in Spain, it's crucial to anticipate the costs and resources required. You should consider the shipping expenses to customers throughout Spain, including taxes and customs duties. Moreover, you must ensure you have the resources, such as customer service, logistics, and IT support, to manage your e-commerce operations in Spain. By being aware of the costs and resources required, you can make informed decisions about your expansion strategy and ensure a successful launch in the Spanish e-commerce market.

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