Need To Start Shipping Product Internationally? 4 Tips For Getting It Right
If you run a business and are thinking about expanding beyond the United States, you will have to get your products to the other countries where you want to sell them. Unless you plan to set up production in those countries, that will require you to engage in some international shipping.
When it comes to starting the international shipping process, you want to do your research and get it right. International shipping isn't as easy as shipping a box across the United States. You are going to need to abide by international shipping rules and regulations.
Tip #1: Establish Demand
Before you work to set up the process of shipping your items internationally and investing time into the process, you will want to make sure there is a demand for the product in your target country or countries. If you already have customers requesting international shipments, then you have already established demand. If you don't already have customers demanding international shipments, you are going to do some work. Find out who your crucial competition is in each country you want to sell to, and make sure you are offering something unique. Take your time to study the market and build a strategy for getting sales.
Tip #2: Research Country Specific Rules
Second, as a business, you need to make sure you follow the country's business rules where you want to ship products to. You need to make sure you understand all the rules and regulations. You will want to figure out how to package your items so that they will get to the intended country without getting damaged. You need to be aware of restrictions on what items you can ship into a country. You also need to be aware of how you need to declare your goods on customs forms and handle the customs process.
Tip #3: Establish a Commercial Invoice
Third, when you are shipping items internationally, you are going to need a commercial invoice. This is a little different than a normal invoice. Your commercial invoice needs to include all the information about the goods you are shipping, as well as a customs declaration. Not getting this form right can result in delays in your shipment and incorrect taxes and duties. An international shipping company can help you figure out how to correctly format the commercial invoice for the country you are shipping the item. You may also need to use a native translation service for the forms.
Tip #4: Work with a Courier
Finally, you will want to work with a courier or international shipping company that can help you track your shipments and ensure they get to where they need to go on time. You will want to work with a company that can provide you with different shipping options for both the time and cost of the shipment.
If you are looking to expand your business and offer international shipping, you are going to want to establish demand for the product in the target countries, research country-specific rules, establish a commercial invoice, and work with a courier or international shipping company to get your items where they need to go.