International shipping: It’s becoming an eCommerce standard. But how to keep up, without cutting into profits? In this guest post, Eileen Brennan, Director of Marketing of Globegistics, Inc., goes into how to ship your parcels internationally, without breaking the bank.

Removing the challenges for retailers shipping internationally

Global ecommerce has opened up the flood gates of opportunity for eRetailers where billions of transactions take place every day, online, in non-local markets. However, the challenge of physically delivering those light to heavy weight goods to consumers can be a pricey burden for eRetailers. There are solutions for international shipping, but one-size definitely does not fit all. eRetailers need reliable shipping solutions that provide duties and tax options, online tracking, postage savings – and the flexibility to choose the shipping service that meets their needs – and all while being able to turn a profit.

What does an retailer need to do first?

For international shipping, eRetailers should look into partnering up with an experienced logistics provider who is able to offer a choice of shipping options that not only benefits the retailer, but also their customer. For example, they may need a provider that can calculate duties and taxes up front for them – a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service. Or maybe they only want to bear the costs of shipping the parcel to the delivery location, where the buyer becomes responsible for paying the duty and other customs clearing expenses – a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) service.

In addition, the partner should bring you through the shipping process; from generating a parcel label, to pick up of material to tracking milestone scenarios. They should be able to answer, for example, how many countries can they ship to, minimum volumes, maximum weights and the return of undeliverable parcels.

Shipping made easy

For starters, going with a global mailing provider, like the USPS®, can provide you the peace of mind to know that your goods will be managed with a reliable and long standing institution. The USPS® Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) and Priority Mail International (PMI) is a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) service. These services represent the ultimate in visibility for international parcels mailings, with milestone tracking from pickup to final consumer delivery. With exceptional transit times, the USPS® PMEI and PMI offers Express Mail and Priority in-country processing (respectively) delivering to over 185+ countries and growing!

And, the process could not be easier. Using a software provider, like Endicia or ShipStation, enables eRetailers to print USPS® postage labels for your packages. From there, just drop your packages at a local Post Office, or schedule a USPS pick-up, and that’s it! Multiple tracking events will begin when the electronic shipping information is received at the USPS and will end at delivered. Also keep in mind that the USPS has strong relationships with reliable local posts and agents around the world to ensure final-mile parcel delivery. Any parcels that are undeliverable are returned FREE of CHARGE to the eRetailer by the USPS.

What are the final costs?

Free shipping within the United States has been a great promoter for the growth of eCommerce. However, for international shipping, many eCommerce businesses cannot finance free shipping – which is true for the low to mid volume eRetailers. However, there are ways shippers can enhance the buying experience for the consumer. This includes, at a minimum, a duty estimator which reduces the refusal rate when the package is delivered overseas. Shippers can even go one step further. More sophisticated merchants provide the ability to collect all shipping fees, duties and taxes, in the checkout so everything is paid for prior to the package being shipped.

In addition to providing as much of the final shipping costs up front, you also need a First-Class delivery service level via a worldwide network that includes: air freight, customs clearance, full-milestone tracking and delivery confirmation.

Whether you are a low-mid volume shipper using an Order Management System or a mid to high-volume shipper using an Application Program Interface (API), your logistics provider will help customize a program from basic to the most complex of processing and shipping requirements.

How long will it take to get there?

You provider should also guide you as to when is the best time to ship; countries that may be on holiday or are experiencing some type of strike or civil unrest. You also don’t want to promise a specific delivery date for international shipping. Instead, indicate delivery in estimated business days. And lastly, track as much as possible. When your customers place an order; there is a lag time until the order is fulfilled for international shipping. Make sure your logistics provider explains to you in granular detail what to expect as far as tracking milestones.

International mail is complex, with many rules and requirements. Partnering with a logistics and shipping provider offering the right services options, technologies and understanding of postal regulations will help remove the challenges of global shipping so you can concentrate on growing your business.

 

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Globegistics Inc. is a worldwide distributor of parcels, mail and publications for eRetailers, mailers, publishers and printers. A leader in international shipping for 35 years, Globegistics provides reliable, logistical solutions, postage savings and the flexibility to choose the best mailing service option that will benefit your customers. As a global mail and parcels distribution provider, Globegistics exceeds in its product offerings to include parcel and packet services (DDU and DDP), marketing mail, business mail, publications, courier/freight services and addressing and polywrapping to destinations around the world.