International Shipping Services and Rates for Ecommerce (2024)

Expanding your enterprise beyond your borders could be an important approach to grow your ecommerce business—but international shipping can develop into a headache.

To make international ecommerce deliveries work in your store, you’ll need a shipping strategy. No, you don’t need to know all the things about shipping and achievement, but you need to consider the choices and find an approach that may fulfill your global shipping needs in the long term.

There are a lot of reasons you would possibly not be shipping internationally immediately. Possibly you’re considering it for the primary time. Perhaps you looked into shipping overseas and decided it’s an excessive amount of of a hassle. You’ll have even tried international shipping services and given up after one or two bad experiences.

Here’s what you must know to make ecommerce shipping decisions and expand your enterprise in your terms.

What’s international shipping?

International shipping is the transport of products across foreign borders. It connects global economies and allows corporations to sell to latest customers outside of the country where their businesses operate. 

International shipping is dearer than domestic shipping, because the package has an extended distance to travel and includes multiple modes of transport spanning air, land, and sea. 

Moreover, international shipping requires import taxes and duties owed to the destination country. Regarding documentation, international shipments require customs forms, while domestic shipments don’t. 

Why offer international shipping?

Selling beyond your borders generally is a significant growth area for your enterprise, even for those who ship just some products internationally, so it’s price tackling the logistics head-on. Consider these figures:

• In response to Oberlo, 2.71 billion people shop online.
• Statista reports that retail ecommerce sales will grow from $5.7 trillion in 2023 to $8.03 trillion by 2027.
• Statista has the common order value of a world sale at $121—$9 greater than the common domestic sale.

Internet buyers across the globe have come to expect international shipping, and ecommerce businesses are increasingly meeting that expectation. Shipping internationally allows stores like yours to sell to a bigger audience.

The Shopify guide to shipping and achievement

Boost customer satisfaction while driving sales growth in your ecommerce business with an efficient shipping and achievement strategy. Use this guide to create a plan that covers all elements of shipping and achievement, from how much to charge your customers to picking the most effective achievement method.

Tips on how to construct a world shipping strategy

While it’s difficult to create a definitive list of best practices for each business, there are just a few decisions you’ll need to contemplate in your ecommerce international shipping strategy.

Determine where and what you’ll ship

You’ll first have to discover which countries and regions you’ll ship to and which products you’ll ship.

Need assistance determining which markets you need to expand to first? Listed here are just a few considerations:

• Start small and shut. By keeping the ultimate destination of your shipments near home—say, Mexico for a San Diego–based merchant—you’ll be able to set realistic recipient expectations regarding delivery times and international shipping rates at a lower risk and price.
• Track current demand. Try your store’s traffic analytics and see which markets or countries visit your online store—those are your ideal countries to start out. You can too gauge interest by direct consumer requests to sell to their market. Repeat visits or high traffic could show interest in your products or offerings.
• Consider the languages of any marketplace for expansion. Communication is important when coping with customers. In case you’re fluent in just a few languages, consider expanding into the countries that talk those languages first. In case you speak just one language, find other countries or markets where that language is distinguished.
• Ensure there’s product-market fit in your goal country. Are there markets world wide that suit your enterprise higher than others? Some research could also be required here. Checking into ecommerce penetration might be a great first step (explore that data here). Dig into the patron trends and tastes of those markets. For instance, an item that’s a celebratory gift within the US may mean something different in South Korea.

You may offer your entire product line. Nonetheless, before you begin delivering worldwide, consider these elements of your products and business:

• Constructing on the points above, are there items that may appeal to the international market(s) you’re trying to ship to?
• Lightweight and smaller items might be easier to package and cheaper to ship.
• The more durable the packaging, the higher. Shipping fragile products that could be damaged in transit if not packaged properly may increase the possibilities of a less-than-satisfactory delivery. In case you determine to ship them, put money into sturdy product packaging.

Get acquainted with country rules and regulations

Once you realize which regions offer probably the most immediate opportunities and which products you’ll be sending, it’s time to envision into country-based rules and regulations. Some countries prohibit items outright; others may limit them. Understanding the laws and regulations that exist and which can impact your shipments might help ensure a smooth delivery.

There are just a few ways you’ll be able to access this shipment information:

• UPS has a tool that shows country-specific rules and regulations by origin and destination countries.
• Check and see in case your customers can import your products right into a given destination country. For instance, a shipment of artwork from the US to Saudi Arabia is prohibited.
• Check if any of your products or components are listed as “dangerous goods” while being shipped. Normally, a dangerous good is defined as a product which will cause harm during transit. The very best place for this information could be a rustic’s government website. Canada and the UK provide great examples.
• When unsure, contact the local import, customs office, or a customs broker at your prospective destination for specific details about shipping your products.

Be transparent about fees

Be as transparent and communicative as possible together with your customers about delivery costs. Avoid surprising your customers with an unexpected total price at checkout.

In response to the Baymard Institute, nearly 50% of the cart abandonment they surveyed on ecommerce sites in 2024 was due, partly, to extra shipping fees and costs.

Customer trust develops throughout the purchasing journey of shoppers who buy from a brand new online store. When shipping internationally, a shipping policy that clearly states who pays duties and taxes is a must have to construct trust and win a sale with a brand new shopper.

One place you’ll be able to communicate these costs is in your policy pages. Clearly outline how and where you ship products internationally, and what shipping may cost.

You can too add flags to your top navigation to indicate your shipping availability. Informing customers where you deliver doesn’t need to be only about costs. A tool just like the Free Shipping & Hello Bar can show you how to promote your shipping and rates to a world audience.

It’s best to make use of all available options to speak shipping costs—or potential costs—to a customer, whether it’s on your house page, product page, or policy page. This may set expectations for you each, which might help give the client added confidence in completing their purchase.

What to charge for international shipping

There are 4 critical components for determining the prices of international delivery:

1. Packaging
2. Cost of shipping
3. Handling charges
4. Duties and taxes

All 4 contribute to how effectively you’ll ship world wide.

1. Packaging

Before you ship anything, you’ll have to get packaging supplies. You might need just a few box sizes to accommodate different-sized shipments, in addition to cushioning, like bubble wrap or stuffing. You may get your packaging each online and at post offices or office supply stores.

Normally, it’s best to maintain your packaging sturdy but straightforward. No recipient desires to take care of three boxes of various sizes when getting a single product from your enterprise.

Finding a balance between sturdy packaging and low price may require research. Search for deals where you’ll be able to. For instance, for those who use USPS as a business, you’ll be able to order boxes totally free.

Working the associated fee of packaging into your total product cost ought to be easy. Depending on the dimensions and quality, most packaging costs around $1 to $5 each.

2. Cost of shipping

Construct the associated fee of shipping into your pricing approach so you’ll be able to appropriately set your prices. You don’t wish to lose money on shipping or overcharge your customers. To be certain that your strategy works, think through these steps:

Consider and compare

Do you ship a variety of similarly sized products? Or just a few sizes or weights of packages? This difference, naturally, affects the way you price a shipment.

Here’s find out how to find the prices of shipping internationally:

1. Using a rate calculator for the carriers you’ll use, take your average domestic order and price it out as for those who were shipping internationally.
2. Use the speed calculator in your smallest domestic sale.
3. Run the prices in your largest domestic sale.

With these three figures in place, you’ll have a way of pricing for ecommerce international shipping. It’ll also show you how to determine which shipments may cost greater than others.

In case you’re within the US, you need to use this shipping calculator to see how much it’ll cost to ship internationally with Shopify. For reference, here’s a listing of shipping calculators for some major carriers.

Listed here are two examples of this approach:

Merchant A

• Smallest domestic sale costs $5.33 to ship internationally
• Average domestic sale costs $15.47 to ship internationally
• Largest domestic sale costs $124.55 to ship internationally

Merchant B

• Smallest domestic sale costs $1.33 to ship internationally
• Average domestic sale costs $2.75 to ship internationally
• Largest domestic sale costs $3.25 to ship internationally

Merchant A has a broader range of shipping costs to cover, and Merchant B’s range is comparatively narrow. Merchant A could also be selling heavier and more varied products, while Merchant B’s offerings seem more consistent in size and price.

When you’ve determined your range, you’ll need a pricing structure that’s a great fit for you and your customers.

Structure your pricing

When delivering world wide, there are three major pricing structures:

1. Free shipping:Free shipping is a wonderful option for patrons. In case your profit margins assist you to ship international orders totally free, consider offering it. In case you’re unsure, try this post on calculating order thresholds totally free shipping.
2. Carrier-rate shipping: Shopify integrates with just a few carriers (like USPS, DHL Express, and UPS within the US, Canada Post in Canada, and Sendle in Australia) and offers customers shipping options and real-time pricing. Carrier-calculated shipping could be user-friendly, since customers can select while the software does the mathematics for them. Plus, your customer might be charged the identical rate it’ll cost you to ship their order with Shopify Shipping.
3. Flat rate shipping: In case your international shipping is consistent in each the dimensions and weight of your packaging and the shipping cost, like Merchant B above, consider flat- or manual-rate shipping.

3. Handling charges

International shipments go through many more additional facilities than the everyday domestic order. You need to be packaging these shipments with more care, and that’s included in your handling. To find out your handling charges, ask yourself:

• What’s your minimum hourly wage when preparing and packing shipments?
• How long does it take you, on average, to arrange an order for shipment (from reviewing the order to sending packages out)?

Now, you’ll be able to determine your handling costs. Here’s an example:

It often takes 10 minutes to arrange an order for shipment. At $11 per hour to arrange these packages, you’d add a $1.83 handling charge to cover that cost.

(10 minutes / 60 minutes) x $11 = $1.83 handling cost

Again, adding in a handling cost is entirely as much as you, and you must do what’s best for your enterprise. International orders are typically dearer, and international customers expect to pay more for shipping.

4. Duties and taxes

International shipments could be subject to duties and taxes. It’s essential to research and factor any duties and taxes into your pricing strategy, especially for any goal international market you desire to ship to. You should utilize an obligation calculator to grasp what duties and taxes may apply to your products per destination country.

Taxes are based on a hard and fast percentage per destination country (sometimes state or province). Duties, however, rely upon several aspects, comparable to: 

• The industrial value of the items you’re shipping
• The country of origin or where items were manufactured
• The kind of the items you’re shipping and materials used to make them

The customs paperwork required for a world shipment can vary by country. Nonetheless, two documents are typically required: a industrial invoice and an export packing list.

1. Business invoice

The industrial invoice is the bill for the shipped product from the vendor to the customer that helps prove ownership and payment. Used to find out the actual value of the product(s) you’re shipping, this document helps the country assess customs duties and taxes. Here’s some essential information you’ll need to incorporate:

• The merchant and customer’s names and addresses
• The worth, descriptions, and quantity of the products included
• The way you made the sale and the terms of the payment 
• Shipping method

Depending in your shipping company, you would possibly have to embed customs information within the shipping label. DHL Express provides Paperless Trade to most countries, reducing the necessity for extra printed documents.

1. Export packing list

The everyday detail on a packing list is on this way (buyer, seller/shipper, invoice number, date of shipment, etc.), however it also includes more extensive information like:

• The mode of transport
• Carrier info
• Weight and dimensions of the package (often in metric measurements)
• The kind and quantity of packages
• Package marks

Ship internationally with Shopify

Shopify Shipping and Shopify Success Network provide all of the resources you must ship internationally. Depending in your eligibility, you need to use Shopify Shipping to ship internationally. If your enterprise is within the US or Canada, you would possibly have the option to make use of Shopify Success Network.

Shopify offers discounted rates to merchants in the US, Canada, and Australia—as much as 88% in savings with international shipping corporations like USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post, and Sendle—so that you’re already arrange to match their rates.

If you purchase international shipping labels through Shopify Shipping, the platform robotically generates the proper documentation and customs forms which you could print on any standard printer. If you use DHL Express to ship from the US, DHL electronically transmits this documentation to customs—no additional paperwork is mandatory.

If you’re able to get your shipments out the door, you furthermore may have the choice to schedule a free or discounted pickup for any UPS, DHL Express, or Sendle shipment or link out to schedule one directly with USPS.

See your Shopify Shipping rates

Costs

Using a couple of shipping company can show you how to reduce your shipping costs. Postal carriers are cheaper, but may not offer many options for package types and speeds. Express carriers are inclined to be faster, can accommodate heavier or larger packages, and supply more service options, but they could be dearer. Regional courier services can solve any last-mile problems in your international package, but they could be tricky to source and communicate with.

Do your research and price out postal, express, and courier options. Having a way of service availability in your international shipping strategy is sound.

Delivery options

Some customers will want their purchases instantly, while others might be more willing to attend. Providing a spread of decisions gives them the choice to balance the tradeoff between timeline and price, which is likely to be the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart.

Tracking and insurance

Most international shipping corporations provide tracking so that you and your customers can easily see up-to-date shipment statuses. You can too add ePacket tracking to provide customers end-to-end tracking options and a searchable tracking number.

In case you’re apprehensive a couple of shipment becoming lost or damaged, insuring your parcel against failed delivery is the approach to go. Nearly every global express shipper offers insurance, which is commonly inexpensive and straightforward so as to add. In case you’re a US-based merchant, you’ll be able to add Shipsurance insurance to any shipment, no matter shipping method or order destination.

When using postal carriers like USPS or Canada Post, some international shipping services include insurance within the shipping price. To get automatic coverage, you need to use mail classes like Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International with USPS or Priority Worldwide, Xpresspost-USA, or Xpresspost-International with Canada Post. You may all the time pay for coverage using a special shipping service—often just a few dollars per $100 in declared value.

Whatever you select, consider adding insurance to any parcel over $200 shipped to a different country. Doing so will provide you with and your customer peace of mind.

Handling international return shipping

Outgoing shipments are only one a part of the international shipping puzzle. Studies estimate that customers will eventually return 20% to 30% of all online purchases. 

You’ll need a return shipping strategy for overseas customers to return their goods. You might have to:

• Arrange local return centers. The best approach to manage international returns is to partner with global services that cover your hottest regions, comparable to those within the Shopify Success Network. If a British customer can send their parcel back to a UK-based return center, it’ll not only be cheaper to ship, but shipping becomes more sustainable for the reason that item travels less distance.
• Offer flexible return options. If you may have physical stores overseas, allow international shoppers to return online-bought items of their closest store. Again, the product won’t need to fly on a plane or be transported back to your international headquarters via cargo.
• Provide clear instructions. It’s costly to get the returns experience incorrect; 86% of individuals will abandon their favorite retailer after just two negative experiences. Make clear your international return policy, like what qualifies for a return, the condition of the item, and the way they’ll receive the refund (exchange-only or store credit). This may make it easier for international customers to return their goods and stop packages from going forwards and backwards.

Understanding the customs clearance process for global shipping

All overseas packages must go through customs after they arrive in a brand new country. Government and customs authorities do that to stop banned items from entering the country and to earn money through duties or taxes. 

By default, the importer (i.e., your customer) is answerable for any taxes or duties on the shipment and might want to pay them before they will receive their order. This is known as Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) or Delivered At Place (DAP). It’s essential to be transparent with the customer about additional fees to administer their expectation and avoid returns and chargebacks. Ensure to establish a transparent return policy in your website.

You can too decide to be answerable for payment to offer a smoother and surprise-free buying experience to your customers. This is known as Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). On this case, you must collect these fees upfront. 

Logistics-wise, you’ll buy the suitable shipping label, DDU/DAP or DDP, and include customs documentation together with your international shipment. Use your domestic postal service as an area resource to make sure you realize which documents you must ship internationally. They’ll typically have these documents for you.

To clear customs quickly, you’ll need the next documentation:

• Declaration of contents. A listing of things included in your shipment. List the items in the client’s order, the quantities, and the industrial value of every product.
• Harmonized System (HS) codes. HS codes help government agencies classify goods and determine duties and taxes. They’re also generally known as tariff codes.
• Labeling and marketing compliance. Different countries have different rules and restrictions for product labeling. For instance, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires that each one imported goods have the product’s country of origin printed, labeled, or tagged on the product. 

If you buy your shipping labels through Shopify Shipping, you’ll receive the mandatory customs documentation to satisfy international shipments.

Sometimes, it is sensible to partner with customs brokers, particularly for those who’re exporting a high volume of products overseas. These individuals are on the bottom in your export areas and might show you how to navigate customs requirements to stay compliant.

Send your first international shipment with Shopify

Step one to making sure ecommerce international shipping success is to have a method in place. From what and the way you’ll ship to where and at what cost, giving these aspects some thought and research will higher prepare you to grow your enterprise worldwide.

Remember to check out latest approaches and techniques. Shipping is a fluid and seasonal industry. Remember to reapply and refine your strategy as latest offers or changes occur.

In case you’d prefer to outsource the international shipping process entirely, Shopify Success Network is here to assist. The app connects your Shopify store to our trusted logistics partner, Flexport. They handle packing and delivery, sending orders faster and more reliably.