International shipping is not always easy, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you manage an e-commerce business, your company should be prepared for costly errors and missteps because international shipments are often lost in transit. And if this happens, you could end up losing money or even shutting down your business entirely. This article will help you prepare your business to ship internationally.
1. Research the Shipping Regulations for Each Country
It is important to contact your local federal agencies to ensure you fulfill all the necessary paperwork needed for shipping internationally. Some countries have import duties that you have to pay, while others require specific packaging. It also helps to know whether the country accepts non-machinable packages.
2. Learn About the Classification System
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends you determine how much your package weighs because this will determine your shipping fees. The International Air Transport Association has a classification system for international shipments. And depending on what is inside the package, you might have to pay a fee so that it can be listed as an “other mail” or “gift.”
3. Understand the Requirements of the Country You Are Shipping To
Shipping from China is a great opportunity for any business because it will broaden your market appeal. However, there are certain requirements that you need to meet if you want to export your products. For example, the Simplified Export Declaration process only takes a week to complete. You might also have to obtain an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
It is also important to find out the rules and regulations of the country you are shipping to. Some countries limit or prohibit certain materials such as candy, toys, and confectionery. If you do not follow these guidelines, your shipment can be confiscated.
4. Inspect Packages for Damage
Mail that is damaged, has an odor, or has something missing can be rejected by the country it is shipped to. If this happens, you could lose money on the shipment, and some carriers will not reimburse you.
If you are concerned about the condition of your package, you can purchase insurance or have it mailed through a courier service. If you are dealing with fragile items, you should also take precautions to eliminate damages.
5. Mail International Packages with Tracking
The U.S. government requires all international shipments to be shipped with tracking information.
Inexpensively shipping items internationally can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can learn everything you need to know by starting with this article.
6. Prepare to Ship Gifts
You need to be prepared to ship gifts overseas. When you are shipping gifts, make sure you include an invoice with the value of the merchandise because this will help you avoid any import duties.
Another way to avoid import duties is by shipping the package under a different value. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing a gift receipt note. However, if you want to note that the package is a gift, you will have to use a courier service or insurance.
You might be required to fill out forms depending on who is sending the gift and where it is shipped.
7. Research Mailing Services
To save time and money, you should research mailing services that can ship your packages to the countries you are sending to. For example, if your company is based in the United States and you frequently ship to Asian countries, look at services such as USPS’ international shipping API.
Using a mailing service can help you ensure your packages are shipped out on time. It is highly recommended that you get your shipments out early in the week, so the recipient has enough time to receive them in time for your occasion.
8. Look at Ways to Reduce Shipping Costs
To save money on international shipping, you can take advantage of free promotions offered by carriers. For example, UPS offers discounts for shipments to certain countries.
9. Get Ready for the Cost of Shipping Internationally
Knowing how much it will cost to ship packages internationally is important so you can be prepared if something goes wrong. Some carriers charge extra fees to mail packages internationally. And because you are shipping to different countries, you might have to pay extra fees to get packages across the boundaries.
10. Research the Costs and Restrictions for Using a Third-Party Business as a Forwarder
If you do not know how much your packages will cost and how they will be shipped internationally, you can look at using a third-party business as an international forwarder. This will allow you to ship packages via the USPS or other carriers without looking for an international mail service.
Conclusion
This article will help you prepare your business to ship internationally. By following the steps presented here, you will be well on your way to getting your products to customers worldwide. And if any problems arise, you can be prepared with a strategy to iron out the problem.
