Is There Really “Cross border” Consumer e-Commerce?
Judging by information available through the BBB system, there certainly is. One measure is the number of requests for information about the BBBOnLine program we’re receiving from companies outside North America. Over the 12-month period from October, 2001 through September of 2002, BBBOnLine received almost 100 such requests from companies all over the globe. Interestingly, while 30 came from Europe (and 1/3 of those from the United Kingdom), 60 came from other areas (Asia/Pacific and Caribbean/Central/South America). These companies’ web sites are almost all targeting North American consumers and/or businesses. These applicant companies understand the importance of establishing trust and confidence online, and they recognize the high regard in which the BBB system is held by North American consumers. But commerce flows both ways, and interest by overseas business in reach North American consumers is balanced by overseas consumers doing business with North American firms. One measure
