How to Save on International Shipping Rate?

Going out of your comfort zone can be scary and worrisome-the feeling of facing the unknown and looking forward to something you cannot predict. This idea can apply to different things, including business. You can handily establish a company; managing and growing it, though, is the challenging part. Moreover, expanding your business internationally can be demanding, exhausting, and sometimes confusing. It can also exhaust your wallet, especially with expensive international shipping rates.

Before venturing into overseas shipping, you might want to check this article first, as we have listed the top to-do tasks you need to do to save on the international shipping rate. 

Do Market Research

Market research is an attempt for us to know our target audience better and should not only be done once or twice. As change is constant, your knowledge about the market and industry should keep up with the trend.

International market research is an essential component of effective export planning. Reviewing and evaluating product demands and other factors related to a specific export destination is critical because once you get the much-needed information, your company can maximize its efforts while preserving the export campaign as cost-effective and time-efficient. 

It is time-efficient because you have already identified the correct targets and prospects, so you do not have to spend more time figuring out who to tap and impress. On the other hand, it is cost-effective because trial and errors are limited, and you already have better-targeted marketing.

Note that market research should not only revolve around your target audience. You must also scrutinize your competitors, resources, culture, and geographical location. You have to ensure that you cover all the international market research. 

Reduce Size Packaging

If you constantly watch packaging videos on Tiktok and Youtube, you may have noticed that many eCommerce sellers put small and lightweight products in more giant boxes. While some sellers do this technique to ensure that all items are well-protected, this process will cost them more. 

Most shipping companies calculate the boxes’ package dimensions by length, width, and height. The reason for this is to maximize the space in the shipping container. So, to save on shipping rates, it would help if you use boxes or packaging just big enough to put item protections, like bubble wraps or packing peanuts. Aside from that, reducing packaging size is also good for the environment.

You can invest in customized boxes to reduce the size and materials used. Customized packaging will also improve size efficiency. On the other hand, if secondary wrappings are unnecessary, you can exclude them to save on the international shipping rates. 

Consider using sustainable and reusable packaging too. This decision may not affect your overall packing expenses but can improve your brand reputation and influence. 

Correct Product Value

Remember to put the exact product value, the transactional worth of the items, or the amount paid by the customers. 

Some eCommerce shippers do not honestly declare the product value of the international shipments to avoid paying additional duties and taxes. However, if the customs catch you doing this misconduct, the package will get stuck in the customs and receive sanctions, like confiscation, penalties, and a ban.

Furthermore, misdeclaration can lead to returns, delays, and abandonment, which can be an issue not just during the shipment but also with your brand reputation. As you may already know, the delivery time is one of the factors that buyers consider when choosing the shipping option. 

Misdeclaration will end you losing money and the trust your customers have given you, so honesty is vital when shipping internationally. 

Pick Standard or Economy Shipping 

Although it was mentioned earlier that delivery times are well-considered by most buyers, going for express shipping like priority mail international or priority mail express international will be more expensive. 

Selecting standard or economy shipping as a primary option when sending the buyer’s parcel will help you minimize expenses. While the buyers can pay for the shipping charges, giving them a more affordable alternative will increase their interest. 

However, you have to compare international shipping rates before deciding to get the best option available. Note that the comparison between rates should not only be limited to prices but also the services included. Some services offer express shipping time comparable to the standard shipping time of another courier, only cheaper. 

On the other hand, choosing standard and economy services means you have to plan your shipping calendar correctly. What does it mean? Since these shipping services have regular transit times, it will not go well with time-bounded items. Furthermore, peak seasons, like the holidays, can also affect the transit schedule.

Choose A Reliable Shipping Partner

You cannot complete international shipping successfully without a reliable shipping partner. However, finding the most suitable shipping company can be challenging as you should consider the shipping rates and services. 

Cost-effectivity, convenience, and reputation are among the top factors you should acknowledge before deciding. International shipping is expensive, so the best strategy you can do is to find the company that can offer us the least international shipping rate. However, as mentioned, you must not base your decision on how competitive the prices are, but on how convenient the process is and the company’s credibility. 

Fortunately, you do not have to look far to find the most suitable shipping partner for any international shipping you need to accomplish. Stallion fits nicely on the criteria of being the perfect shipping partner.

Go for Stallion

Stallion Express is a Canada-based shipping company providing opportunities to Canadian sellers to expand their business to the global scene. With Stallion, you can reach more than 200 countries and compete with other local sellers worldwide.

Stallion offers automation with all shipping processes, so you do not have to spend too much time working with the shipment. You can streamline all your Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Shopify stores, to manage all orders without switching from one platform to another.

Since transferring from one online store to another to keep up with customer demands, Stallion’s Integration Platform prevents you from overlooking purchases. You can effortlessly edit multiple shipments, create and print the shipping labels, and customize shipping presets and fulfillment notifications in one location.

Aside from the efficient managing process, Stallion’s international shipping partners, APC and PostNL, will ensure to deliver all the parcels timely and safely. APC has served its clients for over two decades, proving its good reputation and outstanding customer service. Meanwhile, PostNL has established its international shipping capabilities inside and outside the Netherlands, serving its clients for over a decade.

Since Stallion partners with these carriers, you can avail of their services at a more competitive price. You can only find the best international shipping rates with Stallion, saving up to an 80% discount. In addition, a full tracking service option is available, and quick delivery times are of five to ten days!

You also do not have to worry about contacting customs. Just take note of items that are not allowed for shipping, either prohibited or restricted, to avoid delays, returns, and abandonment. Stallion Express will clear customs on your behalf so that you can focus on your business instead. You can check this article to learn more about it.

All you have to do is create a Stallion account. Input all the shipping details needed. Ensure you double-check all the details to avoid errors and issues during transit. Once done, choose the postage option, print shipping labels, and pay for shipment using your Stallion account.

You can drop off the parcel at any Stallion branch located in Ontario. However, you can schedule a pick-up if you have to ship a large volume of international shipments. Stallion offers complimentary pick-up service at a specific route. However, if your location is outside Stallion’s pick-up route, you may still schedule a pick-up with UPS for an additional charge.

As always, you can contact our friendly and ever-dependable customer support service for any questions you may have regarding our international shipping.

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.