It’s always a good time to be on the lookout for ways to streamline and improve your shipping process. International shipping can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. An excellent way to do this is to look for ways in which you can streamline your shipping practices.
Shipping internationally is about more than the price tag. The shipping process is way more complex than it seems at first glance. So, if you want to compete with local players, you need to offer the best deal possible. How you do that will be unique to your business, but there are some general practices that can help.
From managing customers’ expectations of speed to optimizing your packaging, this guide will show you some ways to save time and money with international shipping.
Research
When looking for a new carrier, take the time to find out about their policies. It’s important to research and compare rates based on the kind of packages you’ll be shipping most often. You can talk to other companies in your industry to see who their carrier is. But you don’t want to reach out to a direct competitor. It’s best to reach out to other businesses that might be willing to help. You can always do the same for them when they need it.
A lot of business owners might rely on international shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx to get their packages to countries all over the world. These companies are large enough to carry packages around the globe in a timely fashion, so they're often the first port-of-call for entrepreneurs. The USPS does offer international shipping, though it's not quite as big.
When shipping internationally, it can be expensive. Packages often take much longer to arrive and carriers often charge additional fees, for example, because you're using a foreign service. The best way to find the perfect carrier is to do your research and find the one that's best for your business.
Speed
Depending on your shipping speed, the price will vary. The faster, the more expensive. It is vital that you strike a balance between your need for speed and your customer's expectations. Customers are willing to wait for a few days at lower prices, but they also expect reliability.
Offering your customers multiple delivery options is one key way to keep them satisfied. For example, they might decide that they want to pay more but wait longer for their goods. Remember that many businesses are trying to eradicate individual shipments and instead maximize the number of products delivered.
When you're organizing international shipping for your customers, one of the best ways to make their experience as pleasant as possible is by providing accurate information about what to expect. This will help them maintain realistic expectations and eliminate any surprises.
Packaging
One of the most cost-effective ways to ship products internationally is to optimize your packaging. Creating the perfect packaging means keeping your products safe and secure while also minimizing the weight and size of the box so you don't have to pay additional shipping charges. There are many factors to consider when deciding on the packaging, like volume, weight, and height.
Find boxes that fit your product and leave minimal wasted space. Lightweight yet protective materials are key, so think about using standard sizes rather than custom sizes. If you're shipping, you'll need to use the same-sized packaging provided by your freight provider.
When building your shipping strategy, it is crucial to think in terms of dimensions. This means understanding the length, width, and depth of a package in addition to its weight. For an in-depth look at how shipping can be optimized for bulk orders, consider arranging packages to fit into the smallest size possible.
Insurance
You need insurance for your home, your car, and your health. Why wouldn't you need insurance for your goods? It's only a matter of time before an international shipping mistake affects your business. Get cargo insurance and you'll be covered for any damage or loss in transit and for any other events that might happen to your products.
While insurance may protect you from damage or loss, it is not enough to cover the cost. Make sure to protect yourself by investing in all other necessary services such as freight forwarding and freight bonds.
There are many reasons why cargo insurance is a good idea. Firstly, it ensures you can fully replace the value of lost, damaged, or stolen goods. Secondly, it provides you with greater peace of mind which means your international shipping will be more efficient and streamlined.
The last thing you want is to worry about your company going under because of a shipment that you have no control over. The answer? Invest in cargo insurance.
Get Help
Shipping is a lot of work. It doesn't matter if you're a small company, a large company, or a cargo company. You still have to find experts for your shipping logistics. There are experts in the field who have the knowledge and experience to help you minimize your expenses and free up more resources for your business.
When you choose to work with an online forwarding company, such as AES Shipping, you're not just making a decision for now. You're setting yourself up for the future. Along the way, an online forwarding company provides you with all the tools you need to make your international shipping processes as streamlined as possible.
Conclusion
International shipping can be expensive and time-consuming. If you want to make it work for you, then you must include as many cost-saving and time-effective measures as possible. By including these steps into your international shipping strategy, you will be well on your way to having the most efficient shipping process possible.
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