Shipping internationally is much more complex than shipping locally. It’s important that as a retailer, you always pay attention to these factors to ensure that your international shipping process is as seamless as possible.
Shipping internationally can be a daunting task. The important thing to remember is that there are many factors that determine how long it will take. If you consider these factors below, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your international shipping.
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Customs Clearance
If you’re shipping internationally, you’ll have to deal with customs. Customs officials will be stringent about enforcing their guidelines and making sure the clearance fee has been paid. When shipping abroad, you need to prepare for this upfront by providing the appropriate paperwork.
Make sure the right paperwork is done right. Accurate information should be completed at all times, including harmonized codes and product descriptions. Automated tools can help generate pre-filled customs forms for a quick and easy process.
Managing the Pandemic
International trade and shipping are among the most affected industries by COVID-19. Countries are taking extensive precautionary measures to prevent the virus from spreading, but it’s still causing many disruptions.
One of the most troublesome realities in international shipping is slow clearance. Because of government restrictions, many couriers have been unable to maintain their usual delivery routes. This infuriating oversight will indeed affect your international shipping times. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out our page on the carrier operation impacts in Europe, the US, and Asia-Pacific.
Shipping Services
The medium of transport you choose can determine how long your international order will take. The most common methods are sea and air cargo. It’s important to pick the best option, though, so you should consider time, cost, and nature of your products before you make your decision.
In this fast-paced world, not all companies can afford to wait. Air freight is a good option for those who need their products as soon as possible. It’s not cheap, but it’s faster than ocean shipping. Sea shipment is the perfect option for those who want affordable rates but still want their shipments to arrive in a reasonable amount of time. That said, sea is not ideal for sensitive items that take a long time to ship.
Prohibited Items
International shipping is a tricky thing. As such, your business should be well-informed about the items each country prohibits. If you send a shipment to the wrong country and it contains prohibited, restricted, or dangerous items, you might be breaching their guidelines.
You should be aware that if there are any country restrictions, the package will be ground for an indefinite amount of time. This can alter UPS as well as other couriers’ standard shipping times.
Shipping Address Format
We all know that shipping can be slow. That is, unless you adhere to the right international address format. Different countries have different formats, so you’ll need to pay attention to them in order to get your items to consumers as soon as possible. With the right format, your items will ship as quickly as possible and be delivered to the consumers as soon as possible.
Potential Delivery Issues
Delivery issues are inevitable, but they can still be avoided. Do not wait until it is too late to find out that your shipment is delayed or has gone missing. Make sure you are employing the services of a shipping company that offers detailed insights into your shipment status, or one that is proactive in order to ensure your delivery is successful.
Set yourself up for success by informing customers of possible shipping delays before they even happen. If you provide accurate information, they will know exactly what to expect and can plan accordingly. A smart way to ensure this is to include a “delivery estimate” section on your website. If there is a delay, customers will find out immediately and be informed of the possible scenarios. This advance notice enables you to plan for different scenarios, avoiding shipping delays.
Carrier Hours and Holiday
How long does international shipping take? Great question. It can take a few days or a little more depending on what carrier you order with. Shipping carriers have their own deadlines for holiday delivery, so it’s important to check their operating hours and deadlines for your order to reach the desired location by the holiday.
To avoid delays, make sure to ship your products close to the specific carrier’s operating hours. Avoid shipping around major holidays; those days tend to be very busy and you’ll find yourself waiting for a long time for your package to arrive.
