Moving beyond your borders could be the best step if you want to grow your business. And this means you need to know how to ship internationally. Whether you have international customers or just need to send gifts to a faraway relative, you need to figure out how to ship internationally.
However, to do international shipping, you need the right strategy to work for you and your business. You don’t need to know everything about it, but you need to understand the options available. And also, find a process that will work over and over again.
Furthermore, there are several things you need to consider when you want to ship internationally, such as international laws and customs. Shipping a package, products, or perishable items abroad might seem difficult because it is similar to shipping domestically.
Although there are differences in the paperwork and delivery options, the shipping process is still the same. However, in this article, you will learn the steps you need to take to ship internationally and the benefits. To learn about it, all you need to do is follow this article to the end.
Benefits of Shipping Internationally
First of all, let’s talk about the benefits of shipping internationally. As a business owner who ships products internationally, there are lots of benefits that come with it. Below are these benefits; check them out.
- You will be able to reach out to more customers overseas
- Sell a wide range of products and create more awareness
- It helps to reduce customers’ returns
- Reduce seasonal slowdown
- Helps to grow your business
Now that you know the benefits, do you want to create more awareness for your business? Then you know the next step to take.
Steps on How to Ship Internationally
Do you want to ship internationally but do not know the steps? Not to worry. All you need to do is follow the below steps on how to ship internationally without any disturbance.
1. Check Out Shipping Restrictions
Depending on what you want to ship and where your shipment is going, there may be restrictions on the amount or weight. Some items might not even be allowed to enter the country you are shipping them to. Some restrictions are imposed by shipping services or a country’s law. It is very important to check with the postal service to know about these restrictions.
2. Fill Out the Important Customs Documents
A customs document is required whenever products want to cross the border. The forms depend on the destination country and the information provided by the sender. The form will usually need you to specify the value and what you are shipping. It is to determine if duty dues apply to your shipment.
3. Place the Custom Documents in the Correct Place
Some customs documents can be placed in your shipment or outside where they can be seen. Be sure you know which one is needed so you will know to put it in your shipment. Also, it is very important to know about the customs and duty costs ahead of time.
So that you can charge them to your recipient or budget them. You can do some quick research on it on Google using the destination you are shipping to.
4. Make Sure the Receiver’s Information is correct
Always make sure that the recipient’s information is accurate in case you want to get in touch with him or her through the shipping process. Get the phone number and email address, and check them well for mistakes or typos.
5. Package Your Shipment
Packaging your products depends on their size and weight. Postal services can have strict limits on what can and can’t be shipped in an envelope. You might also be able to use a bubble mailer for small items. However, if you cannot fit your product in a bubble mailer, you can get a box. Make sure you seal your shipment and provide protection for it.
6. Sending Your shipment
Make sure the receiver’s address is included and visible. Do not forget to include suite or apartment numbers and postal codes. Make sure you include your address as well, so the shipment can be sent back to you if there is an issue.
Also, get a tracking number so that you will be able to track your package and know where it is. Select a postal service that balances your needs. You can make use of your country’s private shipping companies or postal service. Compare their prices and pick the company that suits your needs.
You can check online for different shipping companies and make sure you compare their prices well. However, with the above steps, you can successfully ship internationally.