What factors guided choosing Canada or Australia as our first international market a

[GeorgeS]

My e-commerce business selling specialized outdoor gear has seen steady growth in our domestic market over the past three years, and we're now considering our first international market expansion, likely starting in Canada or Australia. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of different entry strategies, whether it's partnering with a local distributor, setting up a localized online storefront, or testing demand through a marketplace like Amazon. For founders who have successfully expanded internationally, what were the most critical factors you evaluated when choosing your first target market and entry method, and what unexpected operational hurdles did you face regarding logistics, taxes, or customer service?