A BETTER BUDGET EQUALS MORE PROFIT:
Overseas shipping plays a different role in each company. The priority isn't the same and the magnitude varies depending on what your company focuses on, what type of products you sell and how you market your goods.
This article was created to help many different types of companies and their specific needs. Some of these overseas shipping budget ideas will fit your operation and others won't. But, this post is a good read and will spur some ideas that will help you consider different ways to take more control of your international shipping budget.
Before we get into the main subject matter, here are a few links that might help with other international shipping challenges:
- Start With A Rate Quote For Your Next Shipment
- Have You Considered Warehousing & Distribution Alternatives
- Help With Ocean Freight Options
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:
Below we have listed some of the more important considerations when shipping products overseas. Some won't apply to your business but some will and in either case, they should all get you thinking and contribute to the cause. Remember that some of these, we can help you with directly as we have 30 plus years experience in freight forwarding and overseas shipping.
Budgeting Ideas For Your Shipping Operation:
1. Partner With An International Shipping Company:
When you establish a strong relationship with an international shipping company (like ETC International Freight Systems), you have a partner that can help you manage everything from freight forwarding to warehousing and distribution. All of the red tape, laws and regulations are easily managed when you have experience and capabilities as part of your operation. Think of this solution as having a logistic partner for regions that are important to your business.
2. Selling From Your Own Website:
This may seem like an obvious solution but many businesses don't realize how much overseas sales performance can come from the website you already own and operate. The easier you make it for international customers to purchase your product from your website, the more your total sales will increase. You will need to be sure you know all relevant regulations, taxes, and duties that might apply but if you have a great overseas shipping provider (mentioned in item #1), they should have you covered.
3. Rate Shopping:
Like any other product, you need to take the time and effort to research all of your options. If your products vary in weight and size, this strategy will require more effort than rate shopping an item that is uniform in both. But, be sure you have all the facts and details of your products straight when you're ready to speak with different international shipping companies. This will make the conversation faster and more precise.
4. Improve DIM & Consider Oversize Fees:
When you strategically monitor and adjust the dimensional weight (DIM) of your packaging, you will successfully avoid oversize surcharges. Package weight and package size can have a direct effect on extra fees charged by many shipping companies.
5. Examine Every Bill For Mistakes:
It may take a little extra time but you may be surprised how easy and often it is for a large shipping company, domestic or international, to make errors on your invoices. The fact is that 5 to 10 percent of all shipping invoices contain a mistake or a reimbursable service failure. If you have a large operation or even if it's small, these dollars can add up. It is worth the time needed to check your invoices, even if it's on an intermittent basis.
Here are some other ideas worth thinking about:- Use your reward cards for invoice payments
- Consider using a broker
- Negotiate - "ask and ye shall receive"
- Add handling charges to your customer's invoice
CAN WE HELP?
Why do we take the time to write these articles? Because we firmly believe in helping our customers through education as well as service as often as possible. The more you know and truly understand about international shipping, the smoother and more profitable your organization will be. That's why we spend the time to share our experience via this blog and other social platforms.
ETC International Freight Systems has always been dedicated to the partnership. All of our customers will tell you that having an experienced overseas shipping partner makes a huge difference id the big details and the small details. If you would like a simple rate quote or have any other questions, just use the button below and we will be honored to spend some time with you to discuss solutions to the challenges you have.
