{"id":11239,"date":"2020-10-08T09:11:24","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T16:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dclcorp-phase2\/?p=11239"},"modified":"2020-10-08T09:11:24","modified_gmt":"2020-10-08T16:11:24","slug":"international-shipping-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaeljbrumm.com\/dclcorp-phase2\/blog\/shipping\/international-shipping-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid the Most Common International Shipping Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you run an ecommerce business and are considering expanding internationally it is critically important that you understand all of the factors that go into shipping around the globe. If you don\u2019t, it can be all too easy to make international shipping mistakes that can lead to an increase in expenses, shipping delays, and unhappy customers. If these mistakes aren’t handled promptly and efficiently they can result in more long term problems that can cost you additional expenses as well as customers. To help you avoid the more common issues in cross-border shipping, this guide provides tips on how to avoid them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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International Shipping Times\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you ship a package overseas, it\u2019s important to consider how quickly you would like it to arrive. International shipping times vary depending on how far your package needs to travel, so if it’s a long haul destination, make sure you allow sufficient shipping time. If you\u2019re shipping internationally to a neighboring country, for example the USA to Canada, delivery could be as quick as next business day. Major destinations such as Europe are well networked with vast transport links so you can expect quick transit times compared to shipping to more remote areas of the world. You\u2019ll need to decide these rates so that you can offer specific options to your customers. No one likes to be surprised by a two-week wait if they were expecting something else!<\/span><\/p>\n

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International Shipping Rates<\/span><\/p>\n

As an ecommerce business, understanding how international shipping rates work is important. Generally, a slower delivery time can save you more money, while expedited international delivery services are more expensive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re offering free shipping, this will help to determine how you should be pricing your product. You don\u2019t want to be overcharging your customers but neither should you be absorbing this cost. If you\u2019re charging shipping costs separately, understanding shipping rates allows you to better gauge your product\u2019s fully landed cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much you choose to charge customers for international shipping will depend on your average order value, the rates you get, and the total shipping and handling costs. Don\u2019t surprise your customers with an unexpected total cost at checkout. Be transparent on your website about the countries you can ship to, how much delivery will cost, and if there will be any duties paid upon delivery for which the customer is responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t Always Choose the Cheapest Shipping Option<\/span><\/p>\n

It is obvious that you should look for the most cost effective way to ship your products internationally. But it is important that you take the extra steps to look beyond just the cost when choosing a company to handle your freight. Some 3PLs will offer low freight rates, but their international shipping service might leave you wishing that you had done some additional research into their business practices. When you do some additional digging into a 3PLs background you should check the following:<\/span><\/p>\n