You may be on the fence about broadening your horizons and opening your products for overseas purchases. This is a big step, after all. It does not just increase the number of customers you can now serve, but it also gives you a much bigger responsibility.

Maybe you have not made international shipping available yet due to various constraints, such as logistical concerns or not having a large enough demand in other countries compared to your domestic market. However, when the opportunity presents itself, it could be a unique avenue for growth that can further solidify your brand in its market.

Just to put things into perspective, Oberlo reports that there are 2.14 billion online shoppers worldwide in 2021. If these big numbers feel a little abstract, that translates to this: more than one of every four people buy things online today. This offers great potential for stores that sell their goods and services online.

It can get overwhelming trying to think of the many tasks that come with shifting to global shipments. Here’s the best place to start when you are thinking of going worldwide.

Review Your Pricing and Payment Options

One of the main concerns about shipping your products worldwide is the costs that come into play with this added service. Here is how to prepare for that.

Consider various fees

Many customers happily browse online shops and add items to their carts, but leave without thought when they see shipping costs and taxes. To avoid this, be transparent about the expenses that come with shipments. This way, your customers are not turned off by sudden additions to their total payments once they check out.

It helps to have a page on your website, social media accounts, and other places where you are reachable that details these extras. Inform them why shipping costs a certain price for specific areas or countries and what duties and taxes you are paying. When you communicate these upfront, there is less room for customers to misunderstand and be skeptical about your pricing.

Diversify payment methods

If you want to go global, you also need globally accessible payment options. This means having services in your shop that are widely used in many countries. For instance, aside from Visa and Mastercard credit card options, you will also benefit from having Paypal, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and other similar platforms. Study the best payment options based on the international markets you want to enter.

While we are on the topic of payment options, do not just think about how you will receive payments. Consider how you will be sending them out to remote workers as well. Take advantage of international payment platforms that let you distribute funds to contractors in various locations with ease.

Rethink Your Packaging

Next, see if your current packaging practices can withstand the long journey of international shipments.

Test out its sturdiness

Since different businesses package different kinds of products daily, these also require different packaging techniques. One way to ensure the sturdiness of your packaging is not to skimp on the materials you use. Use new bubble wrap, foam peanuts, boxes, and other protective materials to maintain the quality of your packaging.

Mind how you stack packages ready for shipment, too. Make sure that heavy items are not placed on top of other packages. See to it that your warehouse is also unaffected by floods and hot weather.

Know what information to include in your labels

Your packaging should have the necessary information that helps customers reach you in case they have concerns or inquiries. Among the details that you must provide are:

  • Your business’s name, full address, and contact information
  • Customer’s order number
  • A list of the customer’s purchases with individual prices and names
  • Preferred shipping method of the customer
  • How the payment was/will be settled and through what channel

These are only some of the details that should be visible on your packaging labels. There are some stores that even provide stickers with information a customer needs to return a package to the sender if necessary. Customers can then just peel these and place them on the box before sending them back.

Of course, these are only a few of the many considerations your store should make before deciding to open worldwide shipments. Still, knowing how well you can manage the aforementioned tasks already gives you a good gauge of how prepared you are for the work. You can then either move forward with other concerns or work on whatever shortcomings you find.