Avoid Common Beginners' Mistakes When You Ship Internationally

Avoid Common Beginners' Mistakes When You Ship Internationally

by Delores Strahan

While you may have mailed the occasional overseas gift package or ordered something online that came from another country, that's very different from taking your business international and regularly shipping products overseas. When your small business grows to where international shipments are a recurring event, you need to explore all your ocean shipping options so that you can get your products to other countries and be certain you're not overpaying. Ocean freight forwarding is something you will have to research if you want to do it effectively. Business owners new to the process of international shipping often make mistakes, but if you know about them, you can avoid them.

Failing to Plan A head

As soon as the possibility of someone in another country being interested in your products arises, you should start learning about ocean shipping options. For one thing, you need to be aware of taxes and tariffs in foreign countries so customers aren't presented with a parcel along with a demand for unpaid taxes. For another thing, last minute rush orders are something you should prepare for. Guessing at shipping costs to charge the customer can either ruin your day (when shipping ends up costing far more) or his day (when he realizes he paid way too much for shipping).

Not Embracing Automation

Automation is critical to today's ocean freight forwarders, and big shipping companies invest heavily in automation so that they can maximize efficiency. Suppose you ship something internationally and consider it a one-time event. You don't mind covering the $5 charge from the shipping company to process your paper waybill, even though they'd do it for free electronically. This is shortsighted on your part. Unless you are absolutely adamant that you will never again ship internationally, you're wise to learn about setting up an account with an international shipper and embracing automation from the start.

Not Anticipating Change

You should never assume that your shipping costs next year will be the same as they were this year. A spike in fuel prices could cause your costs to increase enough to have a real effect on your bottom line. Keep up with news that affects shipping, like new environmental regulations, fuel prices, and strikes affecting international ports. If a country you frequently ship to experiences political turmoil, you can find out how shipping costs to that country are being affected. Stay informed. If signs point to increasing shipping costs, you can fold that information into your forecasts and minimize surprises.

Not Working With an International Shipping Solutions Provider

If you ship one parcel internationally a couple of times a year, then you may be fine having the Post Office take care of it. However, if you ship internationally with any kind of regularity, your smartest move is to set up an account with an international shipping services provider that works with small businesses. These companies can consolidate smaller shipments and negotiate better ocean shipping rates on behalf of small businesses than you could yourself. They can also advise you on cargo insurance and ground transport options. An international ocean freight forwarder can be your best ally when your business goes international.

More Information: Are you thinking about expanding your business overseas? If so, you’ll need to explore your ocean shipping options to find the best means possible. Ocean freight companies are vital to your success and Lilly & Associates works hard to be the best in the business. Go to shiplilly.com to find out how.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article453835.html

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