Harris KhanEnabling international shipping is one of the most instrumental ways to grow your business, as it allows you to reach foreign markets and win over many new customers. However, a decision to go global shouldn’t be taken lightly, as this process will require a thoughtful approach to scaling your company’s order management system as well as will necessitate additional regulations to adhere to.
In this article, you will find several valuable tips for enabling overseas shipping for your business in the most efficient way possible. Apart from determining an international demand for your products and finding a reliable freight forwarding service provider, you will also need to familiarise yourself with country-specific customs regulations, use the correct packaging, and obtain shipping insurance.
Continue reading to learn the details of streamlining overseas shipping processes.
Check the Customs Regulations of Each Country
There are many factors that can influence the customs procedures, including the import duties and taxes, regulations on products, restrictions on certain items, and whether or not there is a certain level of security clearance required for your product before it is accepted into the country. Before you start shipping your products to different markets, make sure to check the customs regulations of each country to avoid any delays in the delivery process.
For example, in Australia, there are strict rules regarding food standards and food imports, including rules regarding labelling and packaging. As such, shipping forwarding service will be an entirely different process than to, for example, the UK. To learn more about the customs regulations of your target market, you can consult with your freight forwarder or contact the Customs Department of each country.
Find the Right Freight Forwarder
When you first decide to ship your products overseas, the next step is to find a freight forwarder with experience in this field. Whether you are shipping a small or large volume of goods, it is crucial to partner with a reliable shipping provider that will be able to handle all of your shipments in the most efficient way possible.
A freight forwarder should be able to help you with:
- shipping and tracking your goods from origin to destination,
- estimating the cost of shipping for various destinations,
- determining the best type of packaging for your products (if necessary),
- obtaining the correct documentation for your shipments.
Make sure that the company you choose has ample experience in shipping to your target markets and familiarity with the rules and regulations of each country, the ability to work with a range of different carriers and pick-up services, and an established network of agents and associates around the world. This will give you peace of mind regarding the safety and security of your goods.
Determine the International Demand for Your Products
Once you have found a freight forwarder that can help you ship your goods overseas, the next step is to determine an international demand for your products and the best countries to target.
To do this, you should:
- compile a list of the most popular countries in your niche and conduct market research to know if people would be interested in purchasing your products;
- export your products to a local market (if possible) and see if there is interest among consumers;
- contact potential clients and partners across the globe.
Use the Correct Packaging
When shipping your goods overseas, you need to ensure that the products are packaged safely and securely to prevent any damage during transit. The type of packaging you choose will depend on the size of your shipments, their value, and the destination country.
You should also make sure that all of your products are labelled with the necessary information, including:
- name of product and information on how to use it (if necessary),
- brand or company name,
- country of origin,
- manufacturer or company responsible for manufacturing the product,
- expiry date(s) if applicable.
Obtain Shipping Insurance for Cargo Shipments
In addition to checking that your products are properly packaged and labelled before they are shipped off, you should also make sure that your carriers have adequate insurance for the transportation of your goods. This way, if something goes wrong with your shipment (such as an accident or delay at customs), you will be able to receive compensation for the losses incurred as a result of these issues. You can typically get this type of insurance through freight forwarders or shipping carriers.
Conclusion
Enabling international shipping for your business is critical for its growth and allows you to expand your brand to new markets and increase your sales volume. However, you need to take several factors into consideration before you begin shipping your products abroad. These include the demand for your goods in a particular country, the customs regulations of your target market, and the type of packaging you will need to use for shipping.
As freight forwarders can be a great help when shipping overseas, you should find a reliable shipping provider that can help you send your products to foreign markets. In addition to finding a company with experience in overseas shipping, you should also make sure that they are familiar with the regulations of each country and have an established network of agents around the world. Good luck and expand wisely!
