Part of growing a business is expanding your audience. The best way to do that is by reaching out to customers who might not know you yet through shipping your products internationally. Let us know how to find Best Shipping And Mailing Services In The US.
Being able to ship to anyone means you can sell to anyone, thus increasing brand visibility and profit.
Even if you’ve been running a business for years or are a beginner in this aspect, choosing a shipping service can be overwhelming.
Here is a list of the best options for international shipping:
- USPS
- DHL
- FedEx
- UPS
1.) USPS
When looking to send packages overseas, the U.S Postal Service (USPS) is one of the most cost-effective ways to send small packages that weigh less than 4 pounds. They offer many international shipping services such as the Priority mail express that delivers your parcel within 3-5 Business days and each package comes with 100-dollar insurance.
Package pickup may be scheduled for free. However, when it comes to USPS, there is limited tracking and less effective customer support.
2.) DHL
DHL has a large network that spans 220 countries and an integrated logistics service. They offer a large variety of services, including air and sea transport. DHL has great customer service and package tracking. However, you should know that DHL charges extra fees for pickup and Saturday delivery. DHL may be a costly option due to surcharges and charges for fast delivery.
3.) FedEx
FedEx is dedicated to quick delivery and powerful tracking. Same-day shipping is available, and they offer a holiday Saturday delivery option. As a result, FedEx has higher rates when compared to USPS, but they do provide great discounts and insurance at no additional cost. FedEx also charges for pickup.
4.) UPS
United Parcel Services is reliable when it comes to tracking and shipping hefty packages and fragile items. They have express shipping that offers a same-day next-day delivery service. Extra fees for pickup and Saturday delivery are also imposed. UPS has surcharges that make their service costly, but they do allow flexible payment options and have negotiable rates.
So, how do you determine which service is best for your business?
1.) Choose FedEx for quick delivery
2.) USPS is best for shipping small packages that are not urgent.
3.) For large packages and fragile items, UPS is a reliable option.
4.) DHL has the most global presence and is a more popular choice when compared to USPS.
What are the things to consider before shipping products internationally?
- Cost of Shipping- Do in-depth research on shipping rates for your product. Several factors determine shipping costs, such as the size and weight of your package, as well as its value. Having this in mind will help avoid reductions in revenue.
- Speed of Delivery- It takes a lot of time to fulfill orders when it comes to international shipping, so you have to plan ahead of time. You also have to consider factors that may delay the process including customs, countries’ policies and regulations, locations where the orders are being sent and held up in transit, etc.
- Restrictions- Each country has its own set of policies on what is and is not permitted in the mail. Some countries won’t accept mail from any country, while others are very specific about what can be sent to their borders.
There are also shipping carriers that impose restrictions on what packages they deliver. USPS strictly denies shipment of alcoholic beverages, but FedEx will only require a license when shipping alcohol.
You can find out what’s restricted in a country or shipping carriers by reading the legal list of restricted items.
- Insurance- Any business must be prepared for packages that get lost or damaged. Understanding how to keep your shipments safe will guarantee an easier time keeping customers from canceling orders and sending negative reviews.
If your shipment is lost or damaged during transit, shipping insurance can help you recover from financial and public relations losses. Most shipping carriers provide insurance of up to $5,000 to a full replacement cost to the shipper for stolen or damaged shipments.
Conclusion
Shipping is a crucial part of running a business. Whether you sell locally or internationally, being able to ship your products anywhere in the world means you can reach anyone who wants them. This will increase your brand visibility and profit through increased sales and product variety, as well as reduced costs.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is it possible to track my package?
Yes. These shipping services provide tracking numbers that you can use to track on their websites and tracking applications.
- What freight option should I choose?
Air freight is faster than sea freight, but it is more expensive. Sea freight is a cheaper option, but it takes more time for a package to arrive at a destination.
- Should I insure my packages?
While the shipping insurance is optional, it’s strongly recommended. It protects your business from loss due to missing and damaged packages. Most shipping services offer insurance that cost depending on the value of your package.
