As an e-commerce business, consider expanding your customer base by offering international shipping. But before you can do so, it’s essential to understand how international shipping works and how to get the best results.
Importing and exporting goods involves a complex process accompanied by numerous rules and regulations. This can make it difficult for businesses to keep expenses low and earn a profit.
Cost
When sending goods overseas, there are a lot of things to consider. For example, you must take into account your shipping cost, your time, the speed of delivery, and your customer’s expectations.
International shipping can be a great way to expand your business to customers worldwide. However, it is also a complicated process that involves increased risks, customs, and strict regulations. This can result in undelivered packages and high costs for the sender.
Getting the proper packaging is vital for your international shipments. You need to ensure that your packaging is sturdy, secure, and can withstand the weight of your package. You may also want to buy extra padding or cushioning to protect your package from any bumps and bruises it could endure during transport.
You can get the proper packaging by contacting local post offices, or you can purchase a variety of sizes online. In addition, you may need to get a box with the proper mail class and shipping label.
For larger or heavier items, you can opt for express shipping services. These are faster and offer more service options than postal carriers but they can be a bit more expensive.
Depending on the size and weight of your package, it can also be subject to duties and taxes. These charges vary from country to country and can be added to your final shipping cost.
Time
International shipping services are often a must-have for ecommerce companies looking to expand their reach. This is because selling online is an effective way to reach a new customer base, and international shipments are a great way to get customers in different countries.
But there are a few things you need to keep in mind before taking on an international shipping service, like customs clearance and other country policies. Understanding these requirements can help streamline the process and make your shipping experience more efficient.
Typically, international shipments take longer than domestic ones because they are subject to more complicated processes. In addition, every country has unique rules and regulations regarding what can enter its borders.
For example, Canada has a list of prohibited items and imposes tariffs on them. In addition, they also have strict customs clearance policies that require businesses to provide specific documentation.
Additionally, many shipments must be processed through import and export centers. This takes time and is something you can’t always plan for, so it’s essential to be prepared.
If you are considering International shipping, choose a courier that can overcome any hurdles in transit. This will help you make the best decision and ensure that your parcels arrive safely and on time.
Restrictions
International trucking companies in Calgary allow online merchants to expand their customer base worldwide. However, there are restrictions associated with these services that must be considered before a shipment is sent abroad.
Restricted/prohibited items: Countries may have strict laws banning certain products from being sold within their borders. These restrictions are often based on environmental or health safety concerns and could also be due to cultural norms.
Prohibited goods can include drugs, weapons, or even alcohol. Besides being illegal, these goods can also harm people or the environment in transit.
Hazardous or toxic liquids: These types of drinks are often flammable and can cause severe damage in the event of an accident. They must also be packaged in a container to avoid leaks or spills during transit.
Airbags: These are another common item that can be prohibited from shipping because they have the potential to explode during transit, which is a huge safety concern.
Other hazardous items that can’t be shipped include explosives, BB guns, and stun guns. This is because if they were to come into contact with a spark, they could cause an explosion and be deadly.
The most important thing to remember when looking into international shipping restrictions is that it’s up to you to check the rules and regulations of each country you are considering importing to. You can find this information using a UPS tool or simply asking a logistics company like Easyship about the country-specific rules and regulations that may apply to your shipment.
Insurance
When sending packages abroad, there is a chance that something will go wrong. However, the chances of these situations are lower if you ship with a trusted company with experience shipping to various destinations.
But the long-distance journey and the many different couriers used in international shipping create risks that a package could get lost, stolen, or damaged. This is especially true for items that are high-value and fragile.
The best way to deal with these issues is to ensure insurance coverage on your shipments. This will protect you from losses if anything happens to your goods in transit and give you peace of mind as you work toward a positive customer experience for your business.
There are several types of international shipping insurance available. Some are open and cover your shipment for a specific period, while others are tailored to your needs.
Regardless of the type of insurance, it’s essential to understand what you are getting covered for to decide if it is worth the price. Most major shipping carriers and mail services offer some level of insurance for packages valued at more than $suppose.
However, if you are shipping high-value items or have high volumes, in that case, it is probably worth purchasing private insurance to ensure that you don’t lose any money if your package is lost or damaged. Of course, it is not mandatory to buy insurance, but it is an excellent way to safeguard your business and customers.