If you’re looking to expand your e-commerce business, international shipping could be a great way to do it. You’ll need a plan that works for you and your business to get it right. You don’t need to be an expert in shipping, but you need to understand the options and how they can meet your needs for the future.

Here’s a simple guide on what you need to do:

1. Determine Where and What You’ll Ship

Consider smaller, closer markets to decide which markets to expand your business. Track your current consumer demand and see which countries/regions are already visiting your store. Consider the language of the potential markets, as communication is essential for customer satisfaction. If you are fluent in multiple languages, prioritise those countries where those languages are prominent.

Before expanding internationally, it is important to ensure that your product or service is a good fit for the new country or market. Research the consumer trends and tastes of the new market, as what may be a popular gift in Australia may have a different meaning in the US. Consider the items you are shipping and think about each item’s weight, size, and durability. Lightweight and smaller items will be cheaper and easier to package, and if shipping fragile items, invest in strong packaging to prevent any damage in transit.

2. Familiarise Yourself with Country Rules and Regulations

It’s important to research the laws and regulations of the countries you plan to ship to before sending out your products. Depending on the country, certain items may be completely banned or restrictions on what can be shipped. Knowing the laws ahead of time can help make sure your shipments go smoothly.

3. Be Transparent About Fees

Being honest and upfront about any shipping costs customers may have to pay when sending goods abroad is essential. Don’t let customers be surprised by extra charges when they reach the checkout. 

Make sure your customers know what international shipping options you provide by clearly displaying them on your policy pages. This way, they can be informed of the associated costs. You could also include flags in your website’s navigation bar to demonstrate which countries you ship to. This way, you can make your customers aware of the international shipping alternatives you offer.

It’s important to inform customers of any shipping costs associated with the purchase before they complete their order. Providing this information on multiple website pages, such as the homepage, product page, or policy page, will help make sure customers know what to expect and can make an informed decision. Offering this type of transparency can give customers added confidence when purchasing.

Conclusion

Building an international shipping strategy is an essential part of any business’s international growth plans. Different countries have different regulations and taxes that must be considered when shipping internationally. A good international shipping strategy should be tailored to the business’s specific needs and consider the different regulations and laws of the countries being shipped to. With the right strategy in place, businesses can capitalise on international opportunities, grow their customer base, and increase their profits.

Freight Save is Australia’s home of discounted group freight rates. Get selling solutions that grow with your business and contact e-commerce shipping partners. If you’re looking for international shipping companies in Australia, look no further than Freight Save! Apply now!