Regardless of how big your country is, there will always be potential clients outside of it. That is why you have to constantly look outside your borders, to be able to continue growing and reaching a larger audience. MyXborder offer you a series of tips that will make your life easier when deciding to make an international shipment.
Table of Contents
Tips for your international shipments
Plan
You may have found a golden opportunity or perhaps your ecommerce is receiving purchase requests from regions you have never sold to. In any case, even if the enthusiasm is justified, it is necessary that you do not rush into acting.
A wrong move can be very costly and can put your company’s reputation in question. If you decide to make the leap abroad, you must previously study under what conditions you are going to do it and if it will really benefit you.
Divide
The further you send, the more money it costs to do so. Therefore, it is important that you know how to make the decision to do it through slower and cheaper means (by sea) or through faster but more expensive means (via plane).
Sometimes the trick is to send a small part of the total by plane and the rest by sea. This way, your client can start working with that first batch of material while waiting for the rest to arrive.
Get Informed
In the world, there are as many laws as there are countries, so it is important that you inform yourself a little about the matter. You will do wrong if you trust yourself and do not study in detail the legislation that affects your merchandise.
Think before you do
Sending something to almost any place in the world is relatively easy today, but not all things are profitable when it comes to being sent. Something easy to pack, small and light is easier to manage than heavier and bulkier objects.
Depending on the case, the cost of transportation may be so high that shipping can hardly be justified. It is important that you think about it and not get carried away with the emotion of having received a large order somewhere in the world.
Select the appropriate country(s)
Making the leap abroad does not mean having to do it for everyone. You will be doing yourself a disservice if you succumb to the temptation of adding as many more countries to your destinations without being really prepared. Don’t try to cover more than you can; In the long run, you will be grateful for having gone at a slower pace but playing it safe.
Investigate which are the best countries to start, taking into account legal ease, demand for your sector, and knowledge of your brand…
Specify who is going to pay for each thing
In international shipments, paying taxes is a common source of problems. Be sure to clarify who will be responsible for taxes, duties, and other payments that may arise during shipping.
Avoid delays
International shipping can be slow, so you should do your part to ensure that your international shipments do not suffer unnecessary delays. Issues as basic as incorrect documentation or lack of information about the recipient can lead to delays that tend to be extended. A simple error in the delivery address or the lack of a contact person can cause a greater delay than for domestic shipments.
Prepare your merchandise
In international shipments, the merchandise undergoes more kilometres of road, sea or air, more transshipments, loading, unloading… But that is not an excuse for your client not to receive the perfect merchandise. Good packaging and careful preparation of the merchandise (whether on pallets or containers) is essential for the merchandise to arrive correctly.
Make sure
As merchandise suffers more in international shipments, breakage is more likely. Study and analyze the different insurance policies at your disposal: yours and/or those you want to make available to your clients. Coverage may vary from one country to another so it is an aspect that you must keep under control.
Conclusion
In the world of business, expanding beyond your own borders can bring incredible opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. These tips for international shipments are here to guide you on your journey to global growth.
First and foremost, remember to plan meticulously. Rushing into international markets without careful consideration can be costly and harm your reputation. Divide your shipments wisely, choosing between cost-effective sea transport and faster, albeit pricier, air options.
Knowledge is power, so take the time to understand the laws and regulations of the countries you’re dealing with. Not all products are suitable for international shipping, so think before you act. Select your target countries strategically, focusing on those where your business can thrive.
Clarify who will handle taxes and payments to avoid disputes. To keep things moving smoothly, avoid delays by ensuring accurate documentation and addressing any recipient-related issues promptly.
When it comes to your merchandise, prepare it meticulously, knowing it will face a longer journey. Consider insurance options to protect your goods in transit. And lastly, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. Transeop is here to help manage your international shipments, ensuring a smoother path to global success.
