Sending an item abroad can sometimes be expensive. Whether it’s an item you’re sending to a loved one, or sending out a package to a customer, there’s always a way to make this inevitable process cheaper.
Why is it useful to ship packages abroad?
Luckily, we live in a day and age where almost anything can be received at almost anywhere. Meaning that those baby pictures that your great aunt in America took the last time you visited, that you’d hoped were long gone, can be shipped over to you as easy as pie. Great.
With all jokes aside, shipping parcels across the world can come in super handy. Especially if you run your own business and are looking to expand your clientele.
But, depending on a few factors, worldwide shipping can often be costly and might seem unworthy if you’re selling your items for a small price which will mostly be taken up by the shipping fee.
However, there are a few ways to make your shipping costs lower and more affordable when sending items abroad.
Plan your packaging!
The rule of thumb is that the heavier, bulkier your package is, the more expensive it will be to ship it out. By keeping your packaging to a minimum, this will lighten the load and reduce any bulk that could raise your parcel to the next price bracket used for larger sized items.
If your product isn’t fragile and will withstand the travel, don’t use any bubble wrap or extra padding to protect it. This is only necessary for delicate products and will hike up the shipping price as it adds weight and bulk to it.
Choose a box small enough to hug your parcel tightly but strong enough to still protect it. If you’re unsure, pop into your local post office as most will provide packaging for a small fee or be able to advise you in the right direction.
If you’re shipping multiple items, once you know the type of packaging that suits you, it’s worth buying in bulk online. This often shaves off a percentage of money you would pay if you were to buy packaging every single time you post.
Weigh and measure.
The cost of posting an item will depend on the volumetric weight. If you measure your parcel once packaged, you will be able to check your local couriers service charges and find the right bracket that suits your parcel. Price will also increase if you’re shipping first class or tracked, so if the customer does not require tracking or for their parcel to be with them at the first instance, ditch the priority shipping and opt for something more cost-effective like 2nd class or economy.
Choosing the right courier per weight
For example, if you want to send a tracked parcel from the UK to the USA, you’ll want to choose a reliable and affordable courier to get the job done.
Each courier will offer a different range of skills and services when delivering your parcels, but ultimately it depends on what you are needing. Whether you’re going to be sending parcels to different destinations regularly, or you’re just sending a one-off gift to a loved one across the globe, choosing the right courier service will help you to save as much money as possible.
If you’re shipping your parcel with a courier, make sure your parcel is ready for the collection time stated by the courier to avoid incurring extra costs. If the parcel isn’t packaged and ready to go and the courier has to wait, this will increase the cost of sending the parcel.
Your parcel will also need to meet the couriers shipping standards and be packaged properly – check with your courier to find out what these are.
