If you run a business, particularly one that offers an eCommerce option, working with international customers can be imperative to growth. Many people believe that shipping to overseas customers can be a complicated process that can incur significant costs, but this doesn't have to be the case for your business. Just check out these tips to help you offer international shipping to your customers and get started today.
Use online resources
Going online to prepare your shipments can help you eliminate the middleman by getting it done on your own, giving you more control over the shipment and allowing you to do it when you have time, not during the shipping company's business hours.
Use the proper packaging
Shipping costs are often associated with the weight of the item being shipped, but the shape and size of the packaging can also be a factor in the cost of shipping. So using a box bigger than what you need could lead to unnecessarily high costs, which can add up quickly when shipping to other countries. If the item is small enough, using a padded bubble mailer can be more cost-effective than even the smallest box.
Have proper documentation
One of the biggest obstacles when shipping internationally is customs. Having proper and complete documentation is a key to being able to get the shipment through customs without a delay.
Know about your destination
Different countries have different regulations about what can be shipped there. Make sure what you're shipping is allowed to be sent to that country. Also, keep in mind holidays and observances in other countries that could delay your package and cause it to get there late. Be sure to be aware of any such dates in your shipment's destination. For example, England has several bank holidays during the year, on which the Royal Mail service does not make deliveries.
Feel free to contact us if you still have any questions about the best ways to ship packages internationally.
