International Shipping? 3 Things Reselling Business Owners Need To Know
As the internet continues to expand its reach around the globe, online businesses, like product resellers, are able to reach potential customers in more distant locations than ever before. While it can be beneficial for both the business and their potential customers, the increasing amount of physical distance between their locations is likely to result in an increased need for international shipping.
Reselling business owners who will need to increasingly depend upon international shipping as their business grows can use the following information to help do so as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Ensure all needed documentation is in order before shipping
Unlike domestic shipping, international shipping can require several documents to be in place before the shipping process can commence. Shipments that lack any of the required documents can be delayed, held, or even impounded at sea and airports and other points along the shipping route. While most international shipments will require several pieces of information including detailed packing lists, certificates of origins, safety data sheets, and invoices, business owners should understand that each destination can have different requirements that must also be met before the shipment will be able to successfully arrive at the customer's address.
Determine that there are no restrictions on any of the items being shipped
In addition to proper documentation, business owners who want to ship to customers in distant countries will need to familiarize themselves with any possible restrictions that might affect the success of the shipment. For example, many countries do not allow the shipment of certain seeds, plants, or foods. To avoid the possibility of having an international shipment seized or impounded, it is wise for business owners to gather information about any possible regulations that could affect their ability to ship to certain locales so that proper disclaimers or changes to shipping costs can be used.
Consider partnering with an international shipping service
Business owners who feel that they will be expanding their reach into international markets may want to consider partnering with a reputable international shipping service before beginning to serve customers abroad. Advantages to this type of arrangement include the ability to correctly determine shipping costs and timetables more easily as well as being able to rely on the service to ensure that existing documentation requirements are met and that any new regulatory changes are implemented as they occur.
To learn more about these convenient services and the benefits they can offer to your growing small business venture, contact a reputable international shipping service in your area.