International deliveries pose many challenges for businesses of all sizes. It is paramount to a successful international operation to ensure timely delivery and that the product passes through customs.
If you’re considering catering to international customers or want to improve the experience for all of your customers, these delivery tips can help you improve your international shipping options and processes.
Set Expectations
Setting clear expectations for your customers in relation to deliveries is not just a necessity but a strategic move that can make them feel prepared and in control. By providing estimated delivery times, options for tracking, and regular updates, you can manage their expectations effectively, reducing the number of inquiries and ensuring a smoother delivery process.
Evaluate Shipping Services
The carrier you choose and the shipping services offered will impact the logistics of international deliveries, and it can be make or break for you. There are a range of different shipping options open to you, and it is important you understand what each service offers and that the logistics providers you use all work together seamlessly to get the parcels from you to the consumer with ease.
Your budget, the size and the volume of your shipments will determine what is available to you. You should evaluate what is on offer for each one to ensure it meets both your and the customer’s expectations (see above point). Not all shipping partners work the same way, so it’s imperative to research beforehand so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Restrictions in Certain Countries
It’s really not enough for you to offer international shipping to a local country without exploring more about the rules and regulations in the palace that affect what you do. Countries, such as Germany, require you to be tax-registered if you are using DDP delivery options for your customers, while some countries restrict the sale of certain items and products. Some countries might have food and drink restrictions; others could refuse the entrance of chemicals or weapon paraphernalia. Some products relating to guns and ammunition can be restricted and confiscated, as can pornographic materials and tobacco. So it’s important you know what can and can’t be sold in certain countries and what type of delivery options you need to use to complete the delivery.
Package Properly
International deliveries will undergo more stringent controls and upheaval from the sender to the customer, and this process can damage the product and packaging. With this in mind, do your research to understand what checks will be made and what type of packing is recommended for your products to ensure they arrive safe and sound and in the best condition possible. Scrimping on packing options can lead to huge losses due to damages or loss in the event it doesn’t withstand the additional handling associated with this type of delivery process.
Focusing on supporting your international customers by ensuring a smooth delivery service for your audience can enable you to bypass some of the more common problems associated with international delivery and increase customer satisfaction.
