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International shipping can seem like a waste of money when costs are considered - especially for small businesses. But, when it comes to overseas shipping, there are some steps you can take to make your shipping benefit you.
Be considerate of weight
Most international shipping costs consider weight. For this reason, it’s key to keep your parcels’ weights as low as possible.
Whether shipping heavy furniture or lightweight parcels, choosing suitable packing materials is a surefire way to reduce costs.
Most packages are sent in cardboard boxes, but other options may suit you better. Crate boxes, corrugated cartons, and wood-pack boxes may be heavier, but they are more robust and less likely to break in transit.
Eco-friendly materials may cost a bit extra, but this can be a selling point for those who are more environmentally conscious when shopping.
Use a customs broker
If you have a significant amount of international shipping demands, investing in a customs broker is the best way forward.
A customs broker will simplify the complexities international shipping can create and work to benefit your company specifically.
Know the shipping laws
Knowing the international shipping laws is critical if you aren’t using a customs broker. Certain places will cost more to ship to, so you may want to consider only offering international shipping to a select few countries.
Though this may seem like narrowing your market, it can save you money overall. Look at the demand levels in certain countries - will it pay off when you consider the cost of shipping? You might also want to consider the ease of shipping too, and whether or not there will be lots of paperwork and documentation to fill in at customs. If you're looking to ship to the USA from China, for example, the good news is that you can complete your ISF Filing Online, which can save you valuable time whilst still making sure you stay compliant with US customs regulations.Consider their markets if you want to ship internationally without any immediate demand. Is there a gap in the market that your business fills? Then, it may be worth shipping to this country.
Protect the parcel
Keeping your shipment as light as possible is vital, but even more so is making sure it’s adequately protected.
Of course, this will be a more significant point for those shipping delicate items, but it’s vital for others, too. Anything can break, and you don’t want that to be your shipment.
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Customers will likely raise issues with broken shipments and can demand refunds. In this case, you’ve wasted money on the product and the international shipping.
One effective way to prevent damage is using packaging protectants such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and foam pads. Ensuring you have at least 5cm of protection can significantly reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping internationally can make or break
Shipping internationally can elevate a company to higher demand levels and increase growth. However, it can also create cost issues within a business, stunting growth.
When considering beginning to ship internationally, it is essential to do all the research you can to ensure you will benefit from this change. The more aware you are of the markets you are shipping to, the shipping methods you can use, and the costs, the better.