As an online shop owner, I understand that international shipping is a fact of our lives in eCommerce. Store owners like me have access to a market that is more or less the size of planet Earth. Which begs the question: How can you get products from Point A, which could be just about anywhere, to Point B, which could also be just about anywhere?
Simple. We find the best international delivery service there is. After all, the whole beauty of dropshipping is that you can sell products from suppliers all over the world.
In this article, I would introduce you to the ins and outs of international deliveries and arm you with my useful tips to help eCommerce store owners, and especially online sellers, navigate the maze that is international shipping.
I did a study a few years back and found that shoppers research online for a variety of reasons to compare prices, compare brands, search customer reviews, check inventory levels, and more. The only way to ensure potential shoppers find your products is to have an online presence. That is why I was certain, I needed to establish myself in this industry. Even if it’s just to check store hours or locations, customers must find the information they’re looking for. You always want to be where your first customers are shopping, and evidence points to online.
Starting an eCommerce business can be exciting. However, logistics can be one of the most frustrating yet important aspects that need to be sorted out.
Before you get down to planning how you’re going to get your product from Point A to Point B, one of the first things you need to consider is where your suppliers are and where you’re shipping to.
Once you have this sorted out, you can begin checking out the different international delivery companies and their services. Depending on your eCommerce platform, you may have access to discounted rates negotiated with the international delivery companies.
As an eCommerce business owner, understanding how international delivery rates work is a must. If you’re offering free shipping, this will help to determine how you should be pricing your product. You don’t want to be overcharging your customers but neither should you be absorbing this cost.
So if you’re charging shipping costs separately, understanding shipping rates allows you to better gauge your product’s fully landed cost.
As I have discussed, distance and shipment mode (whether you select express) can affect shipping times. However, there are other factors such as customs, duties, and taxes that have the potential to draw out shipping times.
Each country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to customs, taxes, and duties. It is a need to get the paperwork sorted out properly to avoid hold-ups at customs. Local postal service can often help with the documents required. While these can vary from country to country, the commercial invoice and an export packing list are almost always required.
Likewise, taxes and duties should also be paid on time to avoid any customs hold, which could unnecessarily prolong the international delivery process.
DHL eCommerce vs. DHL Express is a common debate that many eCommerce businesses find themselves in. Just which one works better for eCommerce, specifically?
Online merchants in Singapore, looking for shipping solutions that suit them best, should carefully compare DHL eCommerce and DHL Express before choosing the better option. Though both are part of DHL, they differ in several unique ways! DHL Express offers both domestic and international shipping; their global reach and local teams ensure fast delivery with end-to-end tracking and customs clearance. Their services offer international door-to-door delivery within a certain number of business days for less urgent and bigger shipments.
Dedicated customer support is also available for this service to help with global shipment tracking.
Personally, using DHL Express is for making sure that my products get to my customers on-time and in good condition too. In using this service, you can effectively keep track of your shipments until they get delivered to your customers.
DHL Express is also very convenient, not just for the eCommerce retailers but for their customers as well. You may also be eligible to receive significant discounts on bulk shipments, depending on their destination.
I understand that international shipping can be tricky. There are lots to remember. However, this extra work is the direct result of more opportunities. Every challenge you overcome makes your potential customer base that much bigger.
If you are looking for a neutral delivery service in Singapore, DHL Express Singapore can help you with that.
