The internet has made it so much easier for us to communicate with one another. Unless you love snail mail, you don’t have to go to the post office to send letters or cards anymore.
Shipping packages internationally has also gotten a bit easier, but there are so many services available these days that it could be challenging to figure out which ones are legit. Let alone the ones that are worth the money. Here are a few tips to help figure out which international shipping services are suitable for you.
Location
The first question you need to have answered might be pretty obvious, but definitely ask whether or not the company can ship to your location. While many advertise as being able to ship worldwide, there are certain regions the companies may need to leave off their routes for whatever reasons. So, for example, some may be unable to ship to Latin America or Asia.
Also, it helps to understand the particular route the shipping company has set aside for each target market. In some countries, the last leg of the delivery’s journey may look very different once it arrives in the countryside, and there is a big chance that the tracking information won’t be updated for a long while.
If you’re shipping to particularly hard-to-reach places, you should go with a service that has a lot of experience in that difficult terrain. Shipping services that possess a more specialized kind of experience within a particular arena will be able to ensure that the package is delivered to the right person, regardless of whether or not the physical address is completely clear.
Cost-Effectiveness
Shipping internationally has become a bit cheaper over time. Still, you should read the fine print and never think that cheaper service is always the way to go. If you’re stuck, you could see the cheapest way to ship internationally here, whilst also looking for other services that might be able to accommodate your specific needs better. In general, ensure that you’re not being overcharged for services the company doesn’t clearly state are optional, and try to balance any budget issues with quality.
Technology
One facet you may want to look into as you try to find the right shipping service for you is to research the technology used. International e-commerce these days relies heavily on different digital platforms to help market its services. So, the most crucial bit of technology that a shipping logistics company can offer is tracking, regardless of how far off the location could be. Most carriers will be able to provide real-time tracking, which is an essential service these days.
Latin America is the only region in the world where you may have to disabuse yourself of this particular perk. Indeed, it is where real-time tracking solutions remain threadbare. However, if you’re shipping anywhere else in the world, ensure that the technology used is up to snuff. Of course, a tracking number has an outsize influence regarding the kind of technical information you want.
At the same time, good international shipping companies have other services to offer, such as fulfilment for small businesses, options in packaging materials, and software. These could be integrated with your company’s business software if that’s something you’re interested in. Also, being able to offer label creation to their customers is a clear benefit, so be on the lookout for that option.
Customer Service
Arguably the most important element when shipping packages internationally is the company’s customer service. Suppose you or your company’s customers cannot track the packages in question, that spells trouble for all involved. The shipping company should be responsive and able to work through issues in real-time. They would also need to be able to help outline procedures around filing insurance claims, trying to process returns, and so on. If they cannot deliver any clear answers, that’s a clear warning sign to avoid that company at all costs.
Local Know-How
This point is a bit related to the location issue, which was mentioned earlier. But in general, you would want the shipping company to exhibit knowledge of the language and cultural attitudes in the place you need to ship packages to.
Moreover, this would enable them to offer excellent service in the correct language, allowing for smoother operations. So whether you choose the company to send out packages internationally for yourself or your company, you can rest assured that they will be able to get the work done smoothly and efficiently on multiple fronts.
It would probably be accurate to say that there is a glut of international shipping companies available on the market these days, which makes choosing one exceptionally difficult. However, if you stick to the tips listed above, you’re bound to find the right company for you – ideally, one that won’t cost an arm and a leg to use.
