Market Analysis of Cross-Border E-commerce: A Business Model Comparison

This paper aims to explore the factors that shape the business models of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) platforms and how these models can be optimized to enhance market performance and operational efficiency. This study would employ a comparative case study approach by using the Business Model Canvas (BMC), which consists of nine key elements (Customer Segments, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure), to analyze two major CBEC platforms: Alibaba Global and Shopify. A qualitative method would be adopted, combining a structured framework to evaluate platform performance and strategies. The findings of this research could theoretically contribute to the CBEC and business model by applying the BMC to analyze platform strategies, which could help to fill the gap of a lack of comparison of two different e-commerce platforms in the context of CBEC. Helping to contribute to giving a comprehensive understanding of CBEC platforms and giving some insights about how BMC shapes success. Additionally, this study could provide actionable insights into best practices for optimizing CBEC platforms in terms of practical implications. It could also offer some insights for startups about how to apply BMC.