| 1. Aren’t the Channel Islands a sleepy backwater…..does it have the infrastructure for my business to run efficiently? [answer] |
| 2. Won’t it be prohibitive in terms of the extra postal time [answer] |
| 3. Will we have to set up an offshore company? [answer] |
| 4. What will our customers think? [answer] |
“Aren’t the Channel Islands a sleepy backwater…..does it have the infrastructure for my business to run efficiently?”
The Channel Islands are leading offshore financial centres and have extremely sophisticated communication infrastructures , supported by professional services of the highest standard. There is a skilled labour-force and an enviable working environment .Their proximity to the whole of the European Union make the Channel islands the premier location for offshore fulfilment.
“Won’t it be prohibitive in terms of the extra postal time”
Both of the Channel Island postal operators, Jersey Post and Guernsey Post, are highly regarded within the world-wide post and logistics infrastructure. Both operators have excellent rtelationships with Royal Mail and other leading European national postal operators. They are both also operational partners with Fedex. There are daily mailings to the UK, with a very high quality of service. Over 90% of mail is delivered to UK addresses within 2 working days, and most European destinations within 3-5 working days. ODF ensuers full pre-sortation of mail that meets the requirements of priority delivery.
“Will we have to set up an offshore company?”
There is a requirement for a Licence to Trade when operating from Jersey, which is only granted to a locally registered entity. ODF are able to offer introductions to professional advisors in both Islands that will ensuer that all regulatory and compliance requirements are met. Both the Jersey and Guernsey governments are fully supportive of new e-commerce business since it helps the diversification process from traditional sectors like finance and tourism in offering job opportunities.
“What will our customers think?”
The European Union granted Low-Value Consignment Relief on imports from outside the EU as long ago as 1983. It is now widely understood by consumers that buying from a retailer that is based offshore offers a distinct price advantage on low value items (less than £18 to the UK, and 22 Euros to mainland Europe). Recent action by the Jersey government has satisfied the UK Treasury that it is preventing any mis-use of this regulation.