Shipping Your Products Around the World: A Simple Guide
Are you getting messages from folks in other countries asking if you ship internationally? Great news! This guide will help you understand how to ship internationally without getting confused or making costly mistakes.
What Happens at Customs?
When your package travels to another country, it needs to go through customs first. Think of customs as a checkpoint where officials make sure everything is okay to enter their country.
Paperwork You Need: Commercial Invoices
A commercial invoice is like your package's passport. You need to:
Attach it to the outside of your package in a clear plastic pocket
List what's inside, how much it costs, and why you're sending it
Be super clear about everything inside
UPS, FedEx, and DHL all have easy-to-use forms on their websites you can fill out. However, in my experience, shipping with USPS (or your country’s mail service) has proven over and over again to be the best way to ship orders internationally.
What Are HTS Codes and Why Do They Matter?
HTS codes are special numbers that tell customs officials what kind of product you're shipping. Getting these right is really important because:
They help decide how much tax your customer might pay
Using the wrong code can get your package stuck at customs
Each type of product has its own code
Not sure which code to use? A great place to start would be with a HTS lookup tool. I highly recommend HTSExpress.com. It’s simplified and provides you with direct links to validate HTS codes yourself.
If you are still unclear, you may need to check your country's customs website or ask a shipping expert for help.
Best Ways to Ship Your Products
You have several shipping companies to choose from:
USPS: Usually cheapest but might be slower AND typically customer-preferred as they won’t have to pay the hefty brokerage fees other carriers impose.
FedEx: Fast and reliable worldwide, but comes with some significant brokerage fees.
UPS: Have shipped with UPS, but as with FedEx, surprise brokerage fees can really damper the customer experience.
DHL: Really good for shipping to Europe and many other countries, but also don’t have much experience with them so can’t provide accurate feedback here.
Who Pays the Extra Fees?
When shipping internationally, there are usually extra fees:
Import taxes based on what you're selling
VAT or GST (different kinds of sales tax)
Handling fees from the shipping company
You can either:
Have your customer pay these fees when the package arrives (DDU)
Pay all fees yourself in advance (DDP)
HEADS UP: Customers hate surprise fees! If they don't know about these extra costs, they might refuse the package. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WITH FEDEX AND UPS SHIPMENTS!
Setting Up Your Online Store for Global Sales
Be clear about shipping: Tell customers how long delivery will take and who pays what fees
Think about free shipping: Maybe offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount
Returns policy: Explain how returns work for international orders
Help your customers: Be ready to answer questions about shipping to their country
Tips for Success
Start by shipping to countries that have simple trade rules with your country
Keep good records of all your international shipments
Consider insurance for expensive items
Stay up-to-date on shipping rules that might change
Why Start Shipping Internationally?
Selling to customers around the world can help your business grow faster! You'll reach many more potential customers who are excited to buy your products.
By following this guide, you can ship your products worldwide with confidence, avoid problems, and make your international customers happy to shop with you again and again!
Keywords: international shipping, ecommerce shipping, DTC shipping, customs forms, HTS codes, global selling, online business shipping, international shipping costs, commercial invoice