Everything You Need to Learn to Minimize International Shipping Costs

Growing a business is not seen as an overnight thing. Every entrepreneur works day and night to achieve the best results they can get in everything they do. Since the competition is getting tougher with the increase of online sellers in Canada, many see international shipping as the next step they can take to expand their business, find a new target audience, and attract potential customers.

However, international shipping costs are not cheap. In addition to the upfront expenses when shipping packages overseas, other factors, especially marketing, require finances. Thus, implementing a strategy to reduce the upkeep should be included in your priorities. 

Go through this article to learn what factors can affect shipping costs, how to minimize expenses, and grow your brand internationally. Enjoy reading!

Check Package Dimensions and Weight

Asking, “How much does international shipping cost?” will lead you to multiple answers. However, while there can be various factors in determining the value, 

The package size plays a significant role in the shipping rate. Generally, the bigger the package is, the more expensive it will cost. Fortunately, you have the authority to alter the dimensions to lower the cost the shipment may incur. 

Most shipping companies depend on the size and weight of the package to determine the shipping rates. However, they will consider not only the actual size and weight of the parcel but its dimensional or volumetric weight. 

What does it mean?

When computing the international shipping rates, shipping companies include the package’s length, weight, and height. Since the box will occupy space inside the freight, adding the parcel’s size to calculate the international shipping cost will prevent shippers from putting the small, lightweight items in oversized boxes. 

So, it would be best always to use boxes big and sturdy enough to carry the goods shipped. 

Purchase Packaging Supplies in Bulk

While packaging materials do not directly influence international shipping cost, it still affects overall expenses. Thus, finding affordable yet high-quality packing will help you save as well. 

Most online sellers use customized packaging, including cardboard boxes, bubble mailers, etc., to introduce the business, market products, and attract customers. 

It is an excellent international shipping strategy because it will help overseas customers to recognize your brand. If you haven’t taken advantage of this method, it is best to consider it while you are still starting. However, if you already do, it is best to find a supplier that will offer a discount for a large volume of orders.

This saving technique applies not only to customized packaging materials but also to anything you purchase. It is better to buy in large volumes to get wholesale discounts. 

Use Provided Packages

Most couriers provide free packaging to members, so if you are already one, take advantage of this opportunity. You can save huge, especially if your business is already thriving. You no longer have to purchase packing bags since they offer free complimentary ones.

Implement Multi-Carrier Strategy

It is a common misconception to believe that a multi-carrier method is more expensive than utilizing a single carrier. You may think you will spend more using this shipping option because more is involved. However, this is not entirely accurate.

Apart from the reality that each carrier has its strengths and weaknesses, this method will help you trim down the distance between the point of origin and the destination. Thus, cutting down the expenses as well.

For example, Stallion offers Stallion Economy Canada and Stallion Economy USA. Instead of shipping the items directly to the recipient’s destination, Stallion Economy will send the goods to the nearest drop-off point, then send them to the receiver’s location.

Use Economy and Standard Shipping Options

Another vital factor affecting international shipping rates are the chosen shipping options. While express shipping, such as priority mail international and priority mail express international, can entice more customers due to a faster delivery time, it is way more costly and impractical.

A shipping calendar will make the process more efficient and less overwhelming to ensure that your customers get the goods on time. Furthermore, it enables you to choose a lesser shipping option, such as economy or standard shipping, which are significantly cheaper than express shipping.

Select Third-Party Insurance

Getting shipping protection is optional, so it does not wholly affect the shipping price. However, consider it a fallback if something happens to the shipment instead of looking at it as an additional expense. Although crucial shipping issues, such as theft and item breakage, rarely occur in the industry, this is still possible.

Hence, getting one has more pros than cons. However, getting shipping protection directly from the carrier can be more expensive. Alternatively, you can seek a third-party shipment protection provider to insure the package.

On the other hand, if you want in-house shipping protection at a cheaper cost, Stallion Protection by Stallion Express is the best option available. However, you can only avail of this option if you ship your items with Stallion. Otherwise, you would not be able to take advantage of its benefits.

Consider Pickup and Delivery 

Note that you do not have to choose both of these options. Get the one that matches well with your shipping needs. If your location is closer to the pick-up branch, getting the items yourself is better than having them delivered to your doorstep. It is preferable because you do not have to pay the extra charge for the delivery.

On the other hand, if your address is farther from the pickup branch, having the items delivered to you is more favorable since gas is also expensive. Plus, time is also money.

Use Fulfillment Options

Another option you can take advantage of is to use fulfillment options.

Fulfillment services enable you to save time, effort, and money by eliminating shipping from the seller’s hands. You do not have to pack each item, as the fulfillment will do it on your behalf. You also do not have to purchase expensive shipping boxes and packing supplies since they are part of the fulfillment deal.

Furthermore, numerous fulfillment centers provide 24/7 customer support via phone or email, making returns, exchanges, and refunds more accessible and customer-centric. Additionally, fulfillment centers are equipped with the right tools to offer same-day delivery services or meet the expected delivery time, enhancing the customer’s shopping experience.

Key Takeaway

While saving and getting the lowest price possible is our primary focus, we must not forget to keep the quality of our products and services.

Let Stallion be your companion in growing your business internationally. In addition to cheaper international shipping costs, you can also take advantage of its other services, such as Amazon FBA, Stallion Protection, shipping to the United States, and domestic shipping.

For inquiries, reach our hotline at +1 877-863-7447, and our reliable customer service will be ready to assist you. 

Diana Zheng

Diana leads the growth marketing initiatives at Stallion Express. As a personal trainer turned digital marketer, Diana is obsessed with equipping eCommerce entrepreneurs with everything they need to scale their online businesses. You can catch her doing yoga or hitting the tennis courts in her spare time.