A Guide to Shipping Items Internationally
In today's globalized world with ecommerce improving by leaps and bounds, the international market can be hugely lucrative, which every business should tap into. The international audience keeps growing as the number of people connected to the internet increases. You have the potential to reach millions of interested customers who just don't happen to live within your country. This is no reason to ignore them, because the potential is huge. Most successful businesses realize this, and small-businesses and startups can do well to do the same.
When business is transacted over the internet alone, things are simpler. However, in many cases you require physical delivery of products. In such cases, the item you are shipping needs to cross international borders, and you should be careful.
You can either complete all the formalities yourself or simply look for a shipping store that is experienced in international delivery. First off, you need to fill out the required custom forms (such as 2976 and 2976A forms).
Also remember that you are shipping to another country and the journey of your package can be rough. It is a good idea to choose sturdy boxes or padded envelopes, depending of course on what you are shipping.
When it comes to the actual shipping itself, you have several different options from USPS to FedEx. Choosing the best service can be tricky, and once again shipping stores can help you by doing the research for you and recommending the best service that delivers the best value for money. In international shipments, both time and cost are important factors, which you should consider.
For example, first class international shipping is usually the cheapest option for sellers to ship to international customers but it is not well suited for everyone because you cannot track the package. This can be a huge drawback for some companies and it also increases the risk (for instance you don't want your international customers on eBay to leave you negative feedback and ruin your reputation online).
In addition to the shipping challenges, you should make sure that you know who bears the custom fees. Usually, it is understood that the buyer needs to pay the required custom fees, taxes, and other costs associated with an international purchase. However, it is always good to be explicit and clear in this aspect right from the onset. Depending on which country you are shipping to, the laws will differ. Your customers might need to go to their post office or customs department to pick up the package, which is another reason you want to get all the paperwork done correctly.
The fastest way to deliver packages up to 70 lbs. within the USA available 365 days a year, with a money-back guarantee. USPS Priority Mail Express provides guaranteed 1-Day or 2-Day delivery to most US addresses including PO Boxes. If the package was sent via Priority Mail Express and doesn’t arrive on time, USPS would refund the full delivery cost to the customer. Sending packages via Priority Mail Express you can use Flat Rate Products such as envelopes and boxes or send your items in your own box.
Oversized packages may be subject to a surcharge. Note, that there are limits for sizes and weights specific for each destination. To estimate the shipping cost use online calculator.
Posted on October 12, 2018
