Back to BlogGo Cross-Border Without Limits in Benelux
Looking to grow your business in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg? The Benelux region offers strong growth potential for businesses ready to scale internationally. Known for its vibrant market and demand for seamless payments, Benelux is an ideal location for expanding cross-border operations. Shift4 is the right partner to simplify the complexities of international payments and provides the support you need to thrive.
Payment Trends in the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg
Ecommerce landscape in the Benelux region is evolving quickly, and merchants who want to stay competitive should keep an eye on shifting preferences on local payment methods.
In the Netherlands, nearly 20% of all retail spending is now online, with Dutch consumers spending about $43 billion online in 2023. This number is projected to reach $63 billion by 2027.
Local shoppers have a strong preference for bank-transfer payments, like iDEAL, which makes up 58% of online transactions, while only 14% are made using cards. Additionally, cross-border shopping is on the rise—16% of online purchases, worth $6.2 billion, are made with international merchants.
In Belgium, the average online shopper spends around $1,492 per year, with that figure expected to grow to $2,043 by 2027. About half of online transactions use digital payment methods, and bank transfers account for nearly a fifth. Cross-border shopping is also popular, with 30% of online purchases (worth $4.7 billion) made from merchants outside Belgium, mainly in the Netherlands, France, and China.
Meanwhile, Luxembourg’s ecommerce market is also growing steadily, with an annual growth rate of 6.49%, expected to reach $1.57 billion by 2029. Merchants who offer local payment options and enable cross-border purchases are better positioned to succeed in this dynamic market.
How Shift4 is Empowering Merchants in Benelux
Shift4 offers merchants robust payment solutions, industry-leading technology, and a boutique-style support model to ensure they’re set up for success across Benelux and beyond. If you’re one of them, keep reading! Here’s how we support your journey:
Effortless Integration
Shift4 makes it easy for you to start accepting payments quickly and with minimal disruption. Our flexible integrations allow you to add Shift4 seamlessly to your existing setup, so you can experience our services without significant changes to your current operations. We keep things simple, letting you focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities.
Boutique-Style Support for Your Success
Our hands-on support is tailored to help you succeed in cross-border commerce. With a dedicated team by your side, you’ll receive the assistance you need for everything from integration to reconciliation. Shift4’s unique boutique-style service means we don’t just support your operations—we invest in your success.
Clear, Comprehensive Reporting
Keep track of every transaction with Shift4’s robust reporting capabilities. We provide a wide range of reports that simplify reconciliation and give you full visibility into your payments, empowering you to manage and scale your operations with confidence. Our easy-to-navigate reporting keeps your business in control, while our team is always available to guide you through any questions or adjustments.
Meeting Consumer Expectations with Frictionless Payments
Today’s customers demand speed and simplicity in their payment experience. Shift4’s support for network tokens means your customers won’t need to re-enter their payment details for repeat purchases, making transactions smoother than ever. We make it simple to meet these evolving consumer expectations, helping you build loyalty and keep customers coming back.
Supporting Non-European Businesses Entering the EU
For businesses outside Europe, navigating EU regulations and licensing can be challenging. Shift4 is uniquely positioned to guide you through this process, especially if you’re looking to enter the market from Asia. With the necessary licenses and a team dedicated to cross-border success, we make entry into the EU seamless, so you can focus on growing your customer base.
Going Global with Local Payment Methods
To truly succeed in the Benelux region and beyond, you need to offer payment methods that resonate with local customers. Shift4 provides access to a variety of popular local payment options, making it easier for your customers to pay in their preferred ways. By embracing local payment methods, you enhance customer satisfaction and boost conversion rates, positioning your business for success in diverse markets.
AI & Business Intelligence
Leverage the power of AI and business intelligence with Shift4. Our advanced analytics tools provide you with valuable insights into your payment processing and customer behavior. By analyzing transaction data, you can identify trends, optimize operations, and make informed decisions that drive growth. This data-driven approach enables you to adapt to market changes quickly and stay ahead of the competition.
Single Source of API
Simplify your payment processing with Shift4’s single-source API. This unified interface allows you to access all our services through one seamless connection, eliminating the need to manage multiple integrations. With our single-source API, you can easily scale your operations, manage transactions efficiently, and reduce technical overhead. This streamlined approach not only saves you time but also enhances your overall payment strategy.
Go Borderless in Benelux with Shift4
For merchants and partners looking to expand into Benelux, Shift4 is here to simplify your journey. Our expertise, commitment to innovation, and dedicated support enable you to operate across borders without limits. With Shift4, you have a trusted partner ready to grow with you every step of the way.