10 Steps to Prepare Your Business for International Shipping

This is a guest post by Daniel Williams.

International shipping can be complicated and time-consuming. Knowing what paperwork you need, understanding relevant regulations, and finding reliable transportation are all essential elements of success. It’s not an easy job to do if you haven’t done this before. This article will discuss some recommendations provided by Jooble that will help you get started.

1. Research & Prepare the Necessary Documentation

Before you start shipping your goods abroad, it’s essential to have all the necessary documentation in order. Depending on where you are shipping to, there may be different regulations and paperwork requirements. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself at the very beginning.

2. Use the Right Packaging

Another key element of successful international shipping is using the right packaging. You’ll want to make sure your goods are properly packaged and labeled to avoid any damage or delays during transit.

3. Choose a Reliable Shipping Company

Choosing the right shipping company for international shipments is important since there are so many factors to consider. Look at the company’s reputation, experience in the industry, and what kind of services it offers (i.e., customs clearance, insurance coverage, tracking services).

4. Control Your Shipping Costs by Using a Parcel Consolidator

Be sure to choose a shipping method that will get your items to their destination safely and on time. Consider factors such as transit times, cost of delivery, insurance coverage, and tracking options when making your decision.

5. Get Insurance Coverage

Accidents can happen even during the most careful loading of shipments, so it’s crucial to get insurance coverage for your goods. This will save you time and money if something does go wrong. Make sure to research the different types of policies and find one that best meets your needs.

6. Account for Lead Time

Different countries may require longer lead times for international shipping. Be sure to account for this when planning deliveries and setting delivery expectations with customers.

7. Use a Tracking System

Using a tracking system can be incredibly helpful for international shipping. It will help you keep track of your shipments, know when they’ve been delivered, and make sure they don’t get lost in transit. This can be a great way to stay organized and make sure all your shipments arrive safely and on time.

8. Review your Shipping Costs

Make sure your shipping costs are in line with international markets. Your pricing should make sense in the global market and be competitive. It’s important to consider the different cost components that go into international shipping, such as tariffs and duties, taxes, broker fees, customs clearance fees, and more.

9. Never Misrepresent or Under Declare the Value of Your Items

It’s tempting to try to reduce your taxes or make shipping fees cheaper by not declaring the full value or proper types of cargo you’re shipping. But this is illegal, and it could lead to fines, jail time, or even having your business shut down completely.

10. Maintain a Positive Customer Experience

When shipping internationally, customers can experience delays due to customs or other unforeseen issues. Do your best to stay on top of any problems that arise and maintain a positive customer experience.

Conclusion

These are the essential key steps you need to take when preparing for international shipping. With the right preparation, you can ensure your goods arrive safely and on time.

This was a guest post by Daniel Williams.

Author Bio

Daniel Williams has been a researcher for Jooble since 2018. In addition to working at Jooble, he also provides coaching services for businesses of all sizes.