International Shipping: A Checklist for Problem-Free Global Shipping
Choosing the best means for shipping overseas can be difficult, as there are numerous factors to consider.
International shipping is fraught with difficulties. As a result, it's critical to have a good international shipping strategy in place to ensure that crucial stages aren't overlooked. Failure to meet the requirements for international shipping can lead to undelivered items, exorbitant prices, and, of course, dissatisfied customers.
To wade through these problems, here is a checklist you can keep handy when dealing with international shipping.
1. Choose your Incoterms
International Commercial Words (also known as Incoterms) are a set of internationally standardised terms for moving products. They act as a contract between the seller and the customer, describing all of the tasks, dangers, and costs involved in the sale of commodities. They were created to avoid misinterpretations.
2. Check the country guidelines for shipping unauthorized goods
You are in charge of the goods you ship. Prohibited items will be seized or destroyed, resulting in a financial loss. Every country has its own set of rules, so make sure you're confident in your ability to deliver your goods before selling them to your customers. Otherwise, you risk losing money as well as a consumer who is dissatisfied with their purchase and will not receive it.
You can read the different country guidelines for additional knowledge.
3. Keep your charges crystal clear
Make sure your Incoterm(s) and any other contract terms are clearly communicated to your customers before they make a transaction. What the consumer is accountable for, including prices and transportation will be determined by the Incoterm.
Make it clear in your shipping and return policy what fees your consumers will be responsible for. Clearly define the Incoterm(s) you chose so that general customers can grasp them, including an explanation of each condition so that they understand what it means to them.
4. Always calculate your shipping costs
Once you've decided what items you'll be shipping, where you'll be shipping them to, and who'll be accountable for what expenditures, outline your costs related to getting your goods to your customers.
5. Pack your goods carefully
Pack your items carefully and securely to ensure that they arrive without damage or other concerns. If you need a handy guide on how to carefully and safely pack your shipment, check out DHL Express’s shipment packaging guide.
6. Fill in the address accurately
Every country has its own set of rules for writing addresses correctly. A home number, postal code, or street name may not be included in some countries' addresses. This can be perplexing.
Hence, always write the name of the host country in capital letters post writing the name of the recipient’s city or town. Pen the city and country names in English. Do not add any ISO codes along with the postal codes or city names, such as D, FR, CH, etc. This can cause errors and delays in the shipment sorting process.
7. Insure your package
International shipments are often more prone to damage or loss than domestic shipments. Therefore, before shipping, it's always a good idea to consider insuring your shipment. This is especially if you're sending high-value items. If something goes wrong with a package, you could lose money.
8. Offer easy returns
Returns are a crucial part of the e-commerce process. Besides, it is also a customer-friendly solution to allow customers to return items if they so desire. Hence, select a logistics partner like DHL Express that provides a complete international return solution.
Providing excellent international service can help you earn loyal consumers from all around the world, allowing you to tap into a bigger market than simply your own.
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