DF Automotive: Why European expansion needs more than just new payment methods
Ecommerce
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Entering new markets in e-commerce involves far more than simply adding new payment methods. Especially when selling high-ticket products, trust in the checkout process often determines whether a purchase is completed. Let's find out, how DF Automotive scaled its international expansion together with Mollie — and why local payment solutions are only one part of the strategy.
About DF Automotive
Anyone selling high-priced products in automotive ecommerce must achieve one thing above all else: trust. That is exactly what DF Automotive has specialised in over the past 20 years.
Today, the company operates 20 online shops focused on wheels, tyres, and automotive accessories, including the well-known Felgenshop. What began in 2006 with the sale of vehicle parts on eBay evolved into a data-driven e-commerce platform with an international focus and a clear vision.
The customer journey is always at the centre of everything. Customers should not only find the right products, but also feel safe and well-supported throughout the entire purchasing process. To achieve this, DF Automotive relies on proprietary technologies such as vehicle-specific product matching and photorealistic 3D configurators.
“The biggest problem is that customers know what they want, but they don’t know what fits,” says Kevin Föllmer, Head of Sales at DF Automotive. This factor plays a particularly important role in the automotive sector. Wheels, tyres, and suspension systems are expensive and emotional products, often involving investments of several thousand euros. “If I’m spending €1,500, certain things become incredibly important, especially trusting the shop,” Kevin Föllmer explains.
Today, DF Automotive sells not only in Germany, but also in France, Poland, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands, each with localised shops, country-specific product assortments, and tailored customer journeys.
The challenge: international expansion without additional complexity
Every new market required DF Automotive to localise the entire customer journey — from payment methods and currencies to customer support and checkout expectations. French customers expected familiar local payment options, Swedish shoppers preferred Swish, Polish customers relied on P24, and each country came with its own regulations and operational requirements. Managing these differences manually would have created significant complexity for the team.
It quickly became clear to DF Automotive that internationalisation cannot be achieved through simple translations alone. “This is truly a brand tailored specifically to each country,” explains Kevin Föllmer. Every market is fully localised, including dedicated customer support, adapted product selections, and local payment methods. This is especially important in the checkout process, where customers expect familiar payment options they trust.
“In France, you need French payment methods that people recognise,” says Kevin Föllmer.
The technical infrastructure also presented a challenge. Since DF Automotive developed all of its systems in-house, integrating new payment solutions was significantly more complex than with standard ecommerce platforms. “It’s not one-click,” Kevin Föllmer says.
The company wanted to find a partner that not only offered international payment methods but also actively contributed to processes, helped solve technical challenges, and supported long-term expansion.
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The solution: a payment partner that thinks alongside the business
With Mollie, DF Automotive found exactly that partner. The primary reason for switching to Mollie was the collaborative relationship on equal footing.
“The main reason for switching was the service quality and the communication at eye level,” explains Kevin Föllmer. Especially in complex setups, it’s not just the technology that makes the difference for DF Automotive, it’s the personal support. “This is a people business. If the people work well together, everything works,” says Kevin Föllmer.
This partnership approach became particularly evident during onboarding. Despite the complexity of the custom-built infrastructure, Mollie worked closely with DF Automotive’s developers during the technical integration process and collaborated directly on solutions.
“Everyone else would say, ‘Call us when you’re done.’ Mollie did the exact opposite,” Kevin Föllmer recalls. “Mollie actively got involved and helped solve things together with us,” he adds.
For DF Automotive, this proactive mindset was crucial. “That kind of problem-solving attitude is priceless,” Kevin Föllmer says.
The company also benefits from the close collaboration in day-to-day business. New payment methods can be easily integrated and flexibly adapted to new markets, including local payment options such as Swish in Sweden and P24 in Poland.
“Payment methods are no longer a pain point for us when entering a new country,” explains Kevin Föllmer.
By now, DF Automotive no longer sees Mollie merely as a technical provider but as a strategic partner for international expansion. “If I decide to enter Italy, I know I can make a quick call and get data, numbers, insights, and recommendations,” says Kevin Föllmer.
The direct and uncomplicated communication is particularly appreciated. “If something comes up, we have a direct contact person we can even send a voice message to,” Kevin Föllmer explains.
The result: less stress, more trust in checkout
Through its collaboration with Mollie, DF Automotive was able to scale internationally far more efficiently while strengthening customer trust in the checkout process.
Especially for high-ticket products, familiar and locally established payment methods make a decisive difference. They reduce uncertainty and build trust among customers, particularly in new markets.
“The trust factor is definitely high for luxury goods or products priced above €1,500,” says Kevin Föllmer.
Internally, the partnership also creates noticeable relief. New payment methods, country-specific requirements, and expansion-related topics can now be implemented faster and with less complexity.
“Of course, it saves time and reduces stress,” Kevin Föllmer explains. Instead of dealing intensively with local payment requirements, the team can focus more on growth, customer experience, and product development.
Regular reports, dedicated contacts, and proactive support additionally ensure that payments run reliably in the background. “It’s this open relationship, and that’s priceless,” Kevin Föllmer summarises.
Or as he puts it himself: “When the mix is right, everything else falls into place.”
Looking forward to the future
As DF Automotive continues to expand across Europe, the company remains focused on delivering seamless customer experiences while entering new markets with confidence. With new countries and sales channels on the horizon, having a scalable and reliable payment infrastructure will remain a key part of that growth strategy.
By combining local payment expertise with hands-on support and strategic guidance, Mollie enables DF Automotive to launch in new markets faster and with less operational complexity. This allows the team to focus on what matters most: improving the customer journey, growing internationally, and strengthening its position as one of Europe’s leading automotive e-commerce platforms. For DF Automotive, Mollie has become more than a payment provider — it is a long-term partner for sustainable international growth.
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