If you’re selling your products online, then international shipping is going to be one of the most important topics on your mind. There are several ways you can deliver your products to customers, but it all depends on where your customer is located. 

If you have questions about how to do this successfully and effectively, then keep reading—we’ll cover some workarounds here that might be helpful for you.

Types of international shipping available

Several types of international shipping are available today, each with pros and cons. They include:

     1. International Couriers

You may have to work with a courier if your shipment is small or if you need something delivered quickly. Couriers are companies that provide delivery services. 

They are available in almost every country and are used for small parcels, documents, and samples. These companies usually charge less than other international shipping methods because they can transport more goods simultaneously.

     2. International Container Shipping

If you’re looking to send large items, then container shipping is a great option. Container shipping is the most common method for sending large shipments over long distances because it is cheaper than air freight.

Container shipping is an excellent choice for larger shipments that must be delivered quickly and cost-effectively. It’s also a good choice if you need to move your entire inventory simultaneously—big savings compared to multiple individual shipments.

     3. International Air Freight

International air freight is the fastest and most expensive way to ship to another country. It’s usually the best option for time-sensitive shipments or those that are very large.

Air freight services are available through various companies and shipping associations, but they all involve placing your package in an airplane that takes it directly from your location to the destination country. Once your package arrives at its destination airport, you must find a company that can pick it up and deliver it.

Why is international shipping more expensive?

The cost of shipping goods internationally is higher than the cost of shipping the same goods domestically because of the extra handling, paperwork, and customs clearance. 

In addition, international shipping involves a longer distance traveled by the item.

How to avoid making mistakes with international shipping

If you’re an ecommerce seller and want to expand your business internationally, it’s essential to understand how to avoid making mistakes with international shipping.

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when shipping internationally and how you can avoid them

     1. Choose a reputable supplier.

To get the best deal possible, choose a reputable supplier. Before purchasing goods from an international supplier, check their reviews and see if they offer free shipping or not. If the supplier is reputable, they usually offer their customers free shipping to keep them happy and loyal.

     2. Fill out your paperwork properly

One of the most common ways to make international shipping mistakes is to not fill out the paperwork correctly. This can be a costly mistake as you may pay an additional fee for customs clearance or even return the package to the sender if it is returned because of incorrect information.

Ensure your contact information is correct, especially your name and address. You also have to include a phone number so customs officials can reach you if you have questions about the declaration form or the contents of your package. This is required by many countries and can help resolve any issues before they become expensive problems.

     3. Know your international shipping restrictions.

Shipping restrictions vary depending on where you’re sending your packages. You may ship specific items to some countries but not others. 

For example, some countries prohibit shipments containing alcohol or tobacco products. In contrast, other countries have strict limitations on what you can ship across their borders.

To find out if your customers can receive your shipment, look up their country’s import regulations online or contact the customs authority in their country.

Top saving hacks for cheaper international shipping

Here are some ways you can maximize the cheapest international shipping options:

     1. Be smart with your scheduling.

The best way to save on international shipping is to ship when the demand is lower. This will help you avoid expensive rush charges and ensure your shipment arrives on time.

If you can, ship early in the week so your package can arrive before the weekend rush hits. If you absolutely must ship during peak times, book as early as possible to avoid any potential delays.

     2. Choose your international shipping partners carefully.

When choosing a shipping partner, it’s essential to find one that is reputable. A company should have experience in its industry and have an excellent reputation. Ensure the company has been around for a while and has a track record of success. 

You don’t want to send your products overseas with an inexperienced international shipping agent who won’t be able to handle them properly. It may take some time, but finding the right international shipping partner can keep your company afloat.

     3. Ship with multiple international shipping companies.

You’ll likely want to use multiple international shipping companies if you’re selling internationally. This can help you get the best price on your shipment.

When looking at different international shipping companies, it’s helpful to look for a company that offers free international shipping quotes. This will help you get an accurate price estimate of your shipment before committing to a single company or method of transport.

     4. Calculate your international shipping costs carefully

It’s important to carefully calculate shipping costs for international orders, as many factors can affect the cost of a shipment. The weight and size of the shipped items will influence this. 

The distance from where you are to where you’re shipping can also affect the cost, as does whether you need visas or permits.

     5. Package and address your products correctly for cheaper international shipping

One of the top saving hacks for cheaper international shipping is packaging and addressing your products correctly. The better you prepare your product, the less likely it will be damaged in transit.

Using durable packaging is essential when shipping internationally. You want to ensure that your products arrive safely, so investing in good packaging is well worth it. Ensure that you address your package correctly, so it gets to where it needs to go quickly and safely.

     6. Cut down on packaging where possible.

One of the easiest ways to save money on international shipments is by cutting down on packaging. It might seem counterintuitive, but using less packaging can actually be cheaper than using more. 

The reason is that if you use a certain amount of packaging, it’s better to use less so you can ship more items per container and save money on freight charges.

     7. Consider final-mile or last-mile delivery services.

If you’re considering international shipping but don’t want to deal with its complications, some services can help get your product to its destination. These services are usually cheaper than international shipping and can be faster and more reliable. 

If you decide to go this route, make sure that your chosen method of transport offers tracking details so that you know where your package is at all times.

     8. Consider using electronic trade documentation.

You may have heard that electronic trade documents are the way of the future. And while that’s true, they are also a workable option for present-day international shipping needs.

Electronic trade documentation is becoming increasingly popular because it can be faster and cheaper than traditional paper-based methods. It’s more secure, it’s environmentally friendly, and it can be more efficient—in short, many companies are seeing benefits from switching over to e-docs for their international shipments.

There are also several other reasons companies might want to consider e-docs instead of traditional methods:

• They can be more transparent: With e-docs, you’ll know exactly what information you have included on your shipment paperwork (since everything is stored on a central server). This helps with transparency between customers and suppliers.
• They’re flexible: Electronic trade documents allow users to easily add updates as needed, without data loss or overwriting. This means less wasted time spent fixing mistakes due to human error.

     9. Consider using Free On Board (FOB) international shipping.

FOB shipping is a common international shipping method that lets you keep your hands clean in case of a problem. FOB stands for “free on board,” meaning that the seller pays for all costs related to getting your product from its location to the port of export. 

This includes customs clearance fees, duties, and taxes charged by various governments along the way. When you use FOB shipping methods, you’re responsible only for packaging and delivery costs, which are generally low compared with other types of international shipments!

     10. Choose the right insurance.

International shipping is expensive, but there are several ways to save money. One of the best ways is by choosing the right insurance company.

When you ship your product overseas, you’re required to purchase insurance. Since you don’t want to get stuck paying for damaged or lost items, choosing an insurance company that offers dependable coverage at a fair price is essential.