How to Save Money on International Shipping
Online sellers know that international clients can sometimes work out to be their most valuable customers. Instead of limiting your customer base, you can offer international shipping on your items. The size of your package and the destination determines the cost of your shipment. Save money by checking prices through multiple carriers and using inexpensive packaging materials.
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Instructions
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Reuse boxes and bubble wrap. Save old boxes and packaging materials to use again to package your international shipments.
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Keep the weight low by packaging with foam peanuts. Quotes for mail rates depend on the weight and size of the package. Use the smallest box possible for international shipments and package with lightweight materials.
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Request free boxes and envelopes from the United States Postal Service, or USPS. Global Express and Priority Mail shipping services provide free envelopes and boxes to customers. Order the number of boxes and envelopes you require through the Postal Store website; the USPS delivers these materials free of charge.
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Compare shipment rates through all major carriers. Save the shipping calculators from FedEx, USPS and UPS on your computer to receive quotes on international shipment and find the lowest cost provider.
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Print postage online. To reduce the number of people in the post office, the USPS and other international shippers allow you to print postage at home. Discounted rates for printing the postage at home is quoted next to the post office price.
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Use an international mail consolidator. Company examples include International Delivery Services and Bongo. The way this type of company works is you mail items through Priority Mail to them and they ship the packages out internationally. Due to the large number of international shipments, mail carriers offer lower prices to the companies.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to fill out all required customs forms before attempting to ship out international items. Forms are available through the mail carrier's respective websites.
You should always insure international mail to avoid complications with your customers. Some carriers provide insurance with specific international mailing packages. For example, if you use USPS Express International Mail, up to $100 of insurance is included in the shipping price. The amount awarded depends on the declared value of the item. You will have to pay an insurance fee based on the value of the commodity -- the more valuable the item, the higher the fee, although the fee is generally nominal. Nonetheless, this is less expensive than losing the shipment and having to refund your customer.
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