an image of a globe surrounded by boxes
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

8 Common International Shipping Errors to Avoid for Your Business

International shipping can be a major asset for your business. Your products having a wide reach will only bring in more buyers. Why wouldn’t you want to continue to push your business forward?

The only problem when you begin to offer international shipping is that there are policies in place that must adhere to. Shipping products overseas calls for different types of procedures. International shipping errors can quickly cause your entire operation to fail.

If your business has begun to transition into international shipping it’s time to review the most common errors. By doing this you will learn how to avoid making them yourself. Here are several tips for smooth international shipping results.

1. Labeling Can Be Incorrect

Different countries have different forms of labeling. If you’re going to be shipping to different countries you want to make sure that all of your labels are written according to where they’re going. Labels for products need to be written according to where they’re being shipped.

Carefully pay attention to what is required on the shipping label. Be certain you are double-checking what should be on the shipping label. Include any important information.

Join Our Small Business Community

Get the latest news, resources and tips to help you and your small business succeed.

Many countries have different regulations for labels. You may want to spend some time going over your labels numerous times.

2. Not Understanding Regulations

Making yourself familiar with the rules and regulations is imperative when it comes to shipping to other countries. Look over what the standard practice is. Be sure that you aren’t shipping anything that isn’t accepted in other countries.

The list of items that you cannot ship may be surprising. Some of these items include cigarettes, nail polish, and alcohol. There are many other items listed as well.

3. Packing Is Incorrect 

Your package will be traveling further than it does when it is shipped locally. Meaning that your package may need to be secured better than you’ve packed it in the past. To avoid any broken materials, be sure that your package is set for the turbulence of travel.

Do not overfill your packages. Make sure all items are clearly marked if they’re fragile or could be easily damaged. Tightly secure all items in their places to assure that nothing moves when the package is handled roughly.

4. Cheap Freight Rates Aren’t Preferred 

You may think you’re saving money by picking the cheapest rates, but the truth is you may be hurting your business. When looking into international shipping service options you need a service that is going to provide you with adequate service.

Check into the reviews of the service you choose. Do all of your research and find out if they’re reliable enough to do business with. This will assure that your customers are receiving their items on time.

If you’re looking for a reliable service, Sobel Network could be an option for your business.

5. Forgetting to Insure Your Items

If only one thing about shipping your items is correct, it’s that you want those items to arrive without a catch. If your items are damaged it costs you and the buyer money. If you insure those items, the remainder of the payment is not completely on your hands.

Insuring your items means that part of the financial responsibility is covered. Insurance will pick up part of the responsibility for any broken or damaged items. Insuring your shipped goods is important for your business.

6. Miss-Estimating Shipping Prices

Underestimating shipping prices is a common problem for a seller. Sellers often make their shipping prices too low and do not see the right amount of profit they deserve. Calculating your prices to reflect the shipping costs is an important factor in your business.

Look into your shipping options prior to putting prices on your items. Be sure that the prices you charge reflect how much both your shipping and the effort you put into your shipping cost. This will help your business to see a wider profit.

7. Neglecting Tracking Information 

It’s important to know where your packages are! This helps you to tell your customers when they are expected to arrive. It also helps you to know that the shipping service being used is a trustworthy one.

Keep track of all tracking information when you send out your packages. This will make for easy assistance when your customers inquire about shipping questions and when they should expect their packages.

8. Giving Incorrect Time Estimates 

A big problem that comes with shipping to other countries is the estimate of when packages will arrive. Those typical estimates are not the same when your packages are traveling such a long way. You will need to reevaluate how long it may take for your items to reach their destination.

Give your buyers the most accurate estimates. Take time to figure out how long packages may take and what your buyers should expect.

This tracking number is one that you can give to your customers too. This way they will know when to expect their items.

Don’t Make International Shipping Errors 

International shipping errors are easy to make but also easy to avoid. By carefully watching your shipping habits with different countries you’ll have a successful experience. Shipping is an important part of your business.

As long as you’re on top of rules and regulations your business will be able to handle these changes.

For more help with your business, we’re here to provide you with the support you need. Take a look through our articles for more help with your business. We have plenty of information that may be of value to you.

___________________________________________________

Some other articles you might find of interest:

Make your business rock with these business plan writing skills:

Startup’s Guide to Write a Business Plan

Would you like to know how investors value a startup?

How Do Investors Value a Startup?

Join Our Small Business Community

Get the latest news, resources and tips to help you and your small business succeed.

RECENT POST