Growing a business from the local to the international level may seem like a hard nut to crack for many business owners. However, one sure way to move from ground level to an international business owner is to meet your audience at their locations. Simply put, you must learn to ship internationally. To achieve this, you should liaise with reliable international shipping companies.
However, since there are many international shipping companies, you may find it hard to know the right courier to choose. It would be best if you also kept in mind that the goal is to satisfy your customers and also make profits. So if you are selling to clients in Canada, you should find the cheapest way to ship to Canada from the US.
Keep reading to learn more about international shipping services for businesses.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an International Shipping Company
Shipping Restrictions
Shipping restrictions come in different forms. The most common shipping restriction states that you can’t ship hazardous materials like aerosols, flammable liquids, batteries, and chemicals.
Some other companies restrict the size and weight of your goods. Such companies don’t take goods larger than 50 pounds. Some companies are also restricted to certain locations. Therefore, before choosing a shipping company, please familiarize yourself with their restrictions and ensure you meet their requirements.
Delivery Speed
Your location, package, and the location of your customer can determine the delivery speed.
You can work with a carrier that handles expedited air freight or overnight shipping for fast deliveries. For slow deliveries, you can work with companies that offer LTL shipping or ocean shipping. However, the cost of fast deliveries may differ from that of slow deliveries.
Insurance
International shipping is risky. Therefore, choosing a shipping company that has the right insurance coverage is essential. What happens if your goods get damaged or missing while traveling internationally? In case of any mishap, you won’t have to spend money replacing customers’ items.
Specialized in Your Product Niche
When choosing a shipping company, it’s best to consider a company that specializes in your particular niche. They have enough experience delivering your kind of product. Therefore, they can help you handle your items with extra care. They also know the best way to clear customs.
They can also help you determine the right way to package your goods. Such goods should be taken to a shipping company that has experience handling such items.
Tracking
Generally, international shipping takes longer than domestic deliveries. Sometimes it takes about seven days. Waiting for items may be frustrating for many customers, especially if they can’t track their items. Therefore, choose a company that allows customers to track their packages easily. Below are things to look for in a reliable shipping company:
- Multiple pickup locations
If you’re shipping abroad, it’s essential to choose a company that has different pickup points. This will enable your customers to choose the easiest location for them.
- Trackable shipping options
Some may prefer to track their items via email, while some prefer text messages. There’s also the GPS option.
- Multiple warehouses
A reliable shipping company will have different warehouses across the globe. This way, your customers can pick up their packages at the nearest location. It will also save them the stress of going long distances.
Factors That Determine Shipping Costs
Type and Size of Package
If you’re shipping a large item, you may have to pay more for shipping. Likewise, if you’re shipping packages that require special attention, the shipping cost may be increased. For example, you may have to pay more to ship hazardous materials.
Choice of Courier
Different shipping couriers have different shipping rates. Therefore, before you choose a shipping company, ensure you compare their rates and confirm that you’re getting the best rate. However, a cheap shipping rate may affect the delivery time. Hence, while you consider the shipping costs, be sure the delivery time is also good for you.
Package’s Destination
Location is another essential factor that determines shipping costs. Generally, shipping to remote areas costs more.
The ability to reach your customers anywhere is a key factor in determining how much your business grows. Although international shipping can be a hard task for business owners, with the help of a reliable shipping company, you can avoid stress and enjoy hitch-free shipping. This helps you improve your business while satisfying your customers.
