International selling continues to present a tremendous opportunity for small businesses to grow. As ecommerce continues to thrive, millions of consumers from various countries opt to shop online rather than in retail stores. However, managing international shipping for your retail business can be daunting. Here are five updated tips to ensure a hassle-free international shipping experience for your product, your business, and your customers:

  1. Choose products wisely. When considering international trade, focus on relatively small, light, and easy-to-ship items. This will help you avoid spending excessive amounts on shipping costs. Additionally, consider the demand for your product in specific international markets to maximize profits and minimize the risk of wasted resources.
  2. Stay informed on shipping regulations and requirements. Research country-specific requirements and regulations to avoid complications. Familiarize yourself with international ecommerce and target a few specific countries before expanding. Investigate all the international shipping fees, including customs charges, duties and taxes, and export compliance. Understand how these fees are divided among you, your customer, your supplier, or a fulfillment service.
  3. Leverage fulfillment services. Consider using a fulfillment service to manage your business’s international orders. These services can handle global transportation, price quotations, cargo insurance, packing, labeling, and monitoring regulations on your behalf. Additionally, many fulfillment companies have global warehouses, which can help you take advantage of domestic shipping rates or even offer free shipping in some cases.
  4. Prioritize communication with customers. Ensure your customers can reach you 24/7 through various channels, social media, phone calls, emails, and chat platforms. Providing excellent customer support for inquiries, problems, and shipping-related concerns is crucial to maintaining a positive reputation and building trust with international customers.
  5. Develop a comprehensive return policy. A robust return policy is essential for encouraging customers to complete their purchases. Offer clear, fair, and straightforward terms for refunds or exchanges in cases of shipping damages or defective products. Make sure your return policy is transparent and easily accessible on your website.

Efficient international shipping is a crucial aspect of the order fulfillment process and can significantly impact the success of your business. Before expanding into international sales, ensure you have a solid strategic plan that covers inventory management, packaging, shipping, and returns.

Consider outsourcing your fulfillment to Speed Commerce! You can reach us at 1-866-377-3331.