International shipping doesn't have to get you looking like this. Like the average house cat, that is.
Shipping internationally for your e-commerce store can feel like trying to solo-organize a family reunion. How are you going to get everyone to the venue, as cheaply and efficiently as possible? How will you seat everyone so they play nice? Where are you going to put Uncle Jack, so he doesn't try to molest you again? It’s s chaotic, overwhelming experience... but someone's gotta do it, right?
WRONG. Nobody has to do it, because family reunions are for SQUARES.
Wait, we were talking about shipping internationally.
Shipping internationally can make you feel like pulling your hair out because of the complexity of it all... but you don't have to do that, not if you've got a plan (or if you're already bald)! In this post we're breaking down the three most common international shipping methods, so you decide which one is best for your e-commerce store.
1. International Standard Shipping
It's a small world, afterall.
What It Is:
International standard shipping is the most economical option for sending packages overseas. This method uses a mix of air and ground transport to deliver parcels within a timeframe of 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the destination. Think of it as the snail mail of the skies (and definitely don't think about the horrifying implications of snails capable of flight).
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Lower shipping rates make this method attractive for both businesses and customers.
- Widely Available: Offered by major carriers like USPS, DHL, and FedEx.
- Reliable: Generally dependable for non-urgent deliveries.
Cons:
- Longer Delivery Times: Can take up to several weeks for delivery.
- Customs Delays: Subject to customs processing times, which can vary depending on the country and goods that you're sending.
Best For:
International standard shipping is ideal for low-cost, non-urgent items. If your customers are willing to wait for their purchases, this method helps keep shipping costs down. But if you're selling, for example, illegally obtained farm-fresh kidneys, and your customers expect their orders within 24 hours, this probably isn't the way to go.
2. Expedited International Shipping
Customers love when they receive orders fast enough to give them whiplash.
Why Use This:
Expedited shipping is like using a teleporter to move your packages --except that's a horrible analogy because instead of instantly transporting your stuff across space by rebuilding it molecule-by-molecule at another location, expedited shipping just moves your stuff onto a plane and flies it wherever it's going... somewhat quickly. Expedited shipping offers faster delivery times compared to standard shipping. This method prioritizes your parcels, ensuring quicker transit through both air and ground networks. Delivery times typically range from 3 to 7 business days.
Pros:
- Faster Delivery: Quicker transit times enhance customer satisfaction.
- Trackable: Provides detailed tracking updates via tracking number, which is reassuring for customers.
- Better Handling: Priority handling reduces the risk of damage during transit.
Cons:
- Higher Costs: Significantly more expensive than standard shipping.
- Limited Availability: Not all destinations may offer expedited options.
Best For:
Use expedited shipping for high-value items or when quick delivery is a competitive advantage. It’s particularly useful during peak shopping seasons when customers expect fast service, or for products that are perishable. On the other hand, masochistic customers might really enjoy getting their self-bought birthday present months after the date of their lonely, friendless birthday party. Who knows, people are weird.
3. International Freight Shipping
If Toy Story is to be believed, international freight shipping is the least humane way to ship toys.
Why Use This:
Freight shipping is USUALLY used for large, heavy, or bulk shipments that need to be transported over long distances. Imagine your package is going on a world tour, complete with ships and planes for the main gig and trucks with good looking but ultimately vapid groupies for the final leg. And just like a world tour, your package is going to take a LONG time before it finally ends up at wherever it's supposed to be (and might end up filled with A LOT of cocaine along the way. This is a positive thing though). International freight delivery times can vary widely based on the destination and mode of transport.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective for Large Shipments: Economical for bulk shipping, especially by sea.
- Versatile: Can handle oversized, heavy, or bulk items that are impractical for standard or expedited services.
- Custom Solutions: Freight carriers often offer tailor solutions based on your specific needs.
Cons:
- Longer Transit Times: Sea freight, in particular, can take several weeks.
- Complex Logistics: Requires more coordination, including customs documentation and handling fees.
- Higher Minimum Costs: Not cost-effective for small shipments.
Best For:
Freight shipping is ideal for businesses that ship large quantities of goods internationally. If you're moving bulk inventory or oversized items, freight shipping provides a cost-effective solution. If you're instead shipping, say, a single hand-bedazzled raw egg to a customer living on the other side of town, freight shipping probably isn't the best option for you.
Which Should You Use?
It's all about finding the right balance. Calm down, take a deep breath. WE SAID TAKE A DEEP BREATH WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT JUST NOW?! Deep breath. Good. Now you're ready to ship internationally.
Choosing the right international shipping method depends on your business needs, product types, and customer expectations. Yeah, sorry there's no easy answer, this isn't 1st grade math class (those friggin' 1st graders think they know math. They don't know math. They go around thinking they're so cool, when they can't even multiply yet...).
But here are some tips to help you decide which shipping method is best for your products:
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Analyze Your Products: Lightweight, non-urgent items can go via standard shipping. For high-value or urgent items, consider expedited shipping. For bulk goods, freight shipping is your best buddy.
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Understand Customer Needs: If your customers want fast delivery, investing in expedited options will be the way to go. If they prefer cheaper prices and don't mind a longer wait, then standard shipping or freight might be better.
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Balance Costs and Margins: Weigh the costs of each shipping method against your product margins. Offering different shipping options at checkout can cater to various customer preferences and budgets.
In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Assess your specific needs, consider your customers' preferences, and choose the shipping method that aligns with your business goals. The right shipping strategy can make your store stand out like grandma at the family reunion: naked from the waist down and happily wondering why everyone seems to be giving her more attention than usual.
Speaking of naked, Mix-Mix Mail offers transparent pricing for all of our fulfillment services... including efficient international shipping solutions tailored to your e-commerce needs! We also perform all of our service naked (no wait, we don't do that... unless you want us to?) Whether you're new to international shipping or looking to streamline your existing operations, our fulfillment centers in Tokyo and Los Angeles are equipped to handle your e-commerce logistics needs! Check out the rest of our site for more info!