Small Business

5 Top Recommendations for Successful International Shipping

5 Top Recommendations for Successful International Shipping

For many businesses, there has never been a better time to start selling internationally, as many shoppers are looking to purchase products from around the world.

On the one hand, this rapid international growth is exciting as it signifies a massive opportunity for businesses of all sizes to expand. On the other hand, plenty of new challenges and potential risks come with it.

In many situations, companies find that the biggest challenge is meeting their customers’ expectations, so studying a guide to international shipping is highly recommended.

By learning from others’ mistakes, you will be better positioned to take advantage of the expanding potential of selling internationally while continuing to run a profitable business and providing a fantastic customer experience.

If you are considering expanding into new markets this year, read on for five top recommendations for successful international shipping.

Always accurately declare your imports and exports.

No matter where your goods are going, your shipments will require the appropriate documentation to move through the customs clearance process.

While all countries vary in their required documentation, for the shipment to be cleared, most necessitate a commercial invoice, a packing list, a certificate of origin, and a shipper’s export declaration.

Whatever you do, you must never misrepresent or under-declare the value of your items, as this is a surefire way of having customs confiscate or delay your shipment. Unfortunately, too many business owners try to play the system and ultimately get caught.

Don’t be like them; instead, play by international shipping rules and accurately declare your goods.

To help make your shipping processes more efficient, create a list specifying the necessary information for all of your top-selling products, including the weight and package dimensions. Having all the information in one place will make it much easier for you to organize your shipments and ensure all the information is accurate.

  1. Research your target market.

Before you start shipping your goods around the world, you first want to make sure that there is a market for them. Therefore, your most significant responsibilities are understanding the international demand for your product and how countries regulate its importation.

Understanding these two aspects of international shipping will significantly aid you in strategizing how to fulfill orders in various countries.

For starters, it is crucial that you know if your product will be taxed in the destination country and, if so, by how much and in what quantity. Does your product fall under any customs regulations?

Or is there a minimum threshold for duties? All of these questions must be answered to make well-informed business decisions.

In some cases, it may be more profitable to have products stored in a warehouse within the country and then have these fulfilled locally.

On the other hand, you may be better off dispatching them individually via an international parcel service when someone places an order. Every company has different needs, so you must devise a strategy that works for you and your product.

  1. Adhere to international shipping regulations.

As an international shipper, it is your responsibility to ensure that you adhere to international shipping regulations and that you aren’t moving hazardous or restricted products.

For example, aerosols, explosives, and perishable products are not allowed to be imported or exported.

If you neglect to abide by these international shipping regulations, you could face punishments ranging from costly fines to prison time.

Always ensure your goods.

One of the biggest questions when it comes to organizing international shipping is whether or not you should insure your goods. In most scenarios, it is highly recommended that you do insure your products.

No matter what your freight consists of or how you move them, there is a much higher risk of damage or loss when moving goods across international borders.

Freight can be destroyed in cargo fires or shipping accidents, can be lost or accidentally shipped to the wrong country, and can also get damaged during the customs inspection process.

While saving some money by skipping out on insurance may be enticing, this is not beneficial. It can be potentially catastrophic to your company if goods are damaged or lost during the shipping process, as you will lose the original freight and still have to provide substitutes.

Similarly, you don’t want only to be covered by liability insurance through your carrier or freight forwarder, as this is generally not enough to cover the costs of severe loss or damage.

Full-coverage cargo insurance provides you with a thorough level of protection and peace of mind.

Work with an online shipping solution.

One of the best things that you can do for your international shipping strategy is to partner with an online shipping solution that aids you through every step of the process.

From providing an online quote to organizing your freight and tracking them, an online shipping solution equips you with the necessary tools to ensure your international shipping processes will be as successful as possible.

For many companies, working with an online freight forwarder is ideal because it enables them to have a personal guide throughout the process which can work with them to ensure they choose the most suitable options.

For example, not only will this enable you to submit most of your paperwork electronically, but, in many cases, the online shipping solution will be able to submit the documentation for you.

They will also be able to help you determine the best routes to utilize, as well as locate the appropriate ports at your intended destination.

Has your business started shipping internationally? Is it something that you are considering doing this year? Why or why not?

Let us know your thoughts and any concerns in the comments below!

About the author

Guest Author

I share technology, business, and personal development insights as a guest author. With a background in computer science and tech industry experience, I offer practical tips and actionable advice to enhance skills and achieve goals. Whether it's optimizing productivity, improving mental health, or navigating the digital world, I'm committed to helping others succeed. When not writing, I explore new technologies, read about industry developments, or enjoy the outdoors.

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