Did you know that 7.9 billion tons of dry cargo were shipped in 2019? And, the statistics are showing nothing but the exponential growth of international shipping for small business in 2020 and further into the future.
You may be interested in expanding into new markets, gaining new customers, and increasing your profit margins.
Taking a look at your foreign options and permitting international shipping may be the solution.
To make matters worse, when you expand your order management systems internationally, you may run into problems with compliance with all the new laws and regulations that result.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of how to ship internationally, even with a limited budget in eight simple strategies.
Table of Contents
1. Confirm the Demand for Your Products Internationally
Let’s start with the most important piece of data you need to get. You’ll want to make sure your items are in demand in other countries before initiating a site-wide foreign marketing effort.
As soon as you have a request from a consumer in a different country to start shipping to them, you know where to go next.
A well-considered plan for entering new markets throughout the globe is required if your company does not already have foreign clients.
In order to determine whether or not your product is already being sold elsewhere, see what is already available in the countries where you want to export it.
For each nation, keep track of your main rivals.
It is possible to have a completely unique product in one nation, yet a sea of rivals in another.
You may test the waters by selling on a local marketplace after you’ve determined the demand for your items in particular nations.
In addition, this would be a terrific method to expand your worldwide audience in the same manner you’ve done with your domestic audience. This will also help you pick the right international shipping services for your needs.
2. International Shipping for Small Business: Explore Your Choices
Make sure you’re sending your items in the best possible way before anything else. Depending on your demands, you may choose from a broad variety of international freight shipping options.
Consult your shipper or a shipping specialist like Sobel freight forwarder to find the most cost-effective and time-efficient shipping option.
3. Learn About Your Targeted Country’s Requirements
In international shipping, it is crucial to remember that each country has its own customs procedures and limits.
If you want your shipment to arrive on time, you must engage a logistics firm that knows the ins and outs of each country’s customs rules. That means you can be certain that your products will be handled in the proper manner and that they will arrive safely at their destination.
4. Emphasise Documentation
In order to acquire an accurate price, you need the same information and paperwork as while your products are in transit.
In the event that there are differences between the BOL and the actual dimensions and contents of your items, you may find yourself in trouble with customs. You may prevent expensive delays at customs by submitting a thorough and correct bill of lading and business invoice.
5. Be Careful of Hidden Expenditures and Fees
Shipping foreign freight may incur additional expenses that aren’t present when shipping domestically.
This is the time to research any hidden international shipping costs, buried in the fine print.
Prevent unpleasant billing surprises by knowing exactly how much it will cost to transport your package overseas in advance. Talk to your carrier to find out how much duty you’ll have to pay for your products before shipping.
Documentation and customs inspection costs are other standard expenses for overseas shipment.
6. Pack Your Shipments with Care
It’s essential to ensure that your goods are correctly packed in order to prevent damage during shipment. Make sure your cargo is properly packaged, whether you utilize pallets, crates, or boxes. Check out these freight shipping preparation suggestions.
In addition, you should think about the best manner to package your cargo. There may be a better approach to preparing your goods depending on the kind of service.
Remember to take into account dimensional weight (the volume of the box) while sending air freight, as this may decide the most cost-effective shipping method.
7. Take Extra Care with Fragile Products
In order to avoid damage or breakage while in transportation, it is essential that delicate products be well protected.
The package holds the key.
You must make certain that the box you choose is the proper size for the task. Ideally, it should be large enough to store all of your belongings, yet still, have enough for additional protection.
For the most part, you should do the following. Leave about 2″ on each side for further wrapping. More than this and you may end up with your goods shifting about in the box.
In addition, it is advisable to use a fresh box, since older boxes may be weaker and hence more prone to give way.
To ensure the safety of your goods, choose a double-walled corrugated box wherever feasible.
8. Consider the Benefits Shipping Insurance
While foreign shipments may cost more to insure, the chance of your goods being destroyed in transit is also greater.
In the event of damage or theft while in route, cargo insurance may be worth the additional expenditures. When seeking a quotation, be sure to inquire about shipment insurance with your preferred shipping provider.
Small Business Shipping: International Edition
Any small business can now take advantage of globalization and reach new audiences, regardless of geographic location.
Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the nuances of international shipping for small business. In short, it doesn’t have to be as complex as rocket science. Start by implementing our key eight tips, and then adjust your plans depending on your unique business needs.
And, if you liked reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our additional tips and explainers. All of them (and much more) will be available at your convenience in our business section.