There’s never a bad time to save money with international 航运, but 2018 is shaping up to be a great year to re-evaluate logistics costs.
为什么?
在某种程度上, it’s because global economies are booming, which means companies and consumers alike are purchasing more goods internationally. 全球贸易增长了一个百分点 惊人的3.6% in 2017. 这意味着零售商的出货量增加了, providing an excellent opportunity to reconsider old logistics habits.
不过，这是好消息. Due to rising fuel costs and increased demand, some of the world’s biggest parcel delivery services—UPS, 联邦快递, usp都 将他们的利率提高到4.今年9%.
Whether you’re an occasional international shipper or a high-volume shipper, a 5% increase in logistics costs is nothing to sneeze at. But this is no reason to close the door to international markets. 用正确的方法, 你可以省钱 with international 航运 for your company and customers.
国际航运的惨痛教训
The rise in international 航运 is thanks in large part to the global online marketplaces that now connect buyers and sellers in almost every country: Amazon, 易趣, 阿里巴巴占了 全球56%的跨境航运.
While these companies have created successful, 零售商的统一在线市场, logistics is not a one-size fits all approach. 易趣, 例如, has opened up retailers to many new international markets, but their attempts to simplify international 航运 can be costly for sellers.
As 平衡 解释了, 易趣’s Global Shipping Program (GSP) streamlines logistics by handling the process through a third party. 但对于某些小货零售商来说, lightweight items the GSP can overcharge them by $20 per parcel when compared to direct 航运.
即使公司直接发货, 税收的计算, 航运, and fulfillment can be difficult to figure out when trying to save money with international 航运. Greater Than Games, a games manufacturer, recounted their troubles while 航运 from the U.S. 到欧盟 信息性博客文章 去年.
The retailer described their international customers’ frustrations with high international 航运 costs and how those costs reflect the reality of their business. Without a high volume of international customers, they will continue to fulfill international orders in the U.S., but they’re constantly looking to optimize their logistics.
让我们来探讨一下, 有一点远见和诚实, your business can save money with international 航运.
5 Ways to Save Money with International Shipping
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货比三家
根据产品的类型, 包裹的大小和重量, 以及你在哪里发货, one 航运 company’s rates may not be the best solution. 根据这些因素比较价格, and you’ll likely find you could pass on some savings to your customers.
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找到合适的履行中心
For smaller retailers, a fulfillment center can serve as 成本效益高的方法 to have an international business without international offices. That’s because when you choose a fulfillment center close to your target market (i.e., Florida for 航运 to Latin America or Washington for Japan and China), you can dramatically reduce the 航运 time and cost as well as labor for your staff.
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Use Electronic Trade Documentation When Possible
Logistics partners and countries that offer Electronic Trade Documentation will save you time and printing costs and cut down on paper waste, 因为你 不再打印多达五份 在所有的文档中. When vetting providers, check whether they accept all paperwork electronically. An added bonus is if they actually process customs documents for you.
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永远不要低估你的产品
Some companies may try to save on customs by underreporting the value of what they’re 航运. Not only will this result in fines and penalties, but repeat offenders may lose the right to ship internationally. 从长远来看，诚实是值得的.
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Find a Logistics Partner with Regional Expertise
Logistics is one of the most difficult parts of running a business with international consumers. Each country has its own customs, regulations, and taxes. Finding a logistics partner with regional expertise—versus a “global” carrier—can be a huge savings in emerging regions like Africa and Latin America. Regional expertise means they understand the customs process and can help you reduce costs in the final mile delivery stage because they have access to low cost, 优质供应商.
Don’t settle for expensive international 航运 rates. 还有更好的选择. 花点时间研究一下, 你可以省钱, 把省下来的钱给你的顾客, and give your international business a greater chance for success.
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