Expanding your business into the international market is an exciting yet challenging opportunity, especially when it comes to shipping.

Did you know that efficient shipping strategies can reduce costs and simultaneously enhance your brand's reputation and customer satisfaction worldwide?

If you're looking to dive deeper into reducing shipping costs, check out our guide on “How Can E-Commerce Reduce the Cost of International Shipping?”.

At JustShip, we specialise in helping businesses like yours navigate the complexities of global logistics with ease.

In this post, we’ll unpack 5 key strategies to refine your shipping process, ensuring your products not only arrive on time and intact but also minimise hassle for your customers.

1. Get Smart with Your Packaging

How JustShip Packed and Shipped Out An E-Scooter, Saving Our Customer $1000 In Shipping and Packing

Effective packaging is not just about putting items in boxes; it involves strategically utilising space and selecting materials that ensure your products remain secure throughout their journey.

Opt for polymailers instead of traditional boxes for sturdy items that are less prone to damage. This can significantly reduce both the actual and volumetric weight of your packages, enhancing overall shipping efficiency.

For products that need extra cushioning without a notable increase in package size, consider using dense foam inserts. These inserts are compact yet provide excellent protection, helping to lower the volumetric weight of your shipments.

For less delicate items where reducing actual weight is more critical than minimising dimensions, using lightweight fillers like air pillows or packing peanuts can fill empty spaces in the packaging without adding substantial weight, optimising the actual weight of the shipment.

At JustShip, we offer packaging solutions that not only safeguard your products but also minimise shipping costs by reducing volumetric weight, saving you money while ensuring your items arrive in perfect condition.

2. Have Clear Product Descriptions and Accurate Item Value When Declaring

When you are shipping internationally, it's crucial to accurately describe the products you're sending.

A comprehensive product description provides details about the nature of your products, their contents, and their intended usage.

For example, instead of simply declaring an item as "lamp", a more detailed description like "stainless steel wall lamp light" can prevent delays and misunderstandings at customs.

Sample of a clear product description

Clear product descriptions help prevent your shipments from being delayed or held by customs, as unclear descriptions often require additional scrutiny.

Additionally, accurately declaring the value of items is critical for managing customer expectations regarding potential additional taxes or duties.

3. Develop Pricing Strategies for Shipping Costs

Implementing effective pricing strategies for shipping is crucial for managing costs while maintaining customer satisfaction. Here are 2 methods we've often seen implemented by our customers with good success:

i. Free Shipping on Minimum Orders

Encourage larger purchases by offering free shipping once customers reach a specific spending threshold. Analyse your average order size and set this minimum spend slightly above the average to boost sales volume without eroding profit margins.

ii. Flat-Rate Shipping

Flat-rate shipping is another popular strategy. It involves charging a consistent shipping fee regardless of the size or weight of the package. This method is particularly effective for businesses with fairly consistent package sizes and weights. It simplifies the checkout process and helps customers know exactly what they will pay upfront, reducing cart abandonment.

4. Offer Multiple Shipping Choices to Customers

Different customers have different needs, especially in varied international markets. By offering tailored shipping options, you enhance customer satisfaction and adapt to diverse global demands.

Offering express shipping options can attract customers who need their products quickly while providing more economical shipping choices can appeal to price-sensitive buyers.

At JustShip, we provide options ranging from faster delivery times to more cost-effective solutions. Being transparent about these options allows your customers to choose what works best for them, fostering trust and repeat business.

JustShip’s shipping options

Make sure to clearly communicate these options through your website or customer service to ensure customers feel informed and valued.

5. Automate your Shipping

Handling a few orders manually might seem manageable, but as your business grows, it can get overwhelming. Automating your shipping saves time and reduces errors, allowing you to focus on growing your business instead of getting bogged down by logistics.

Integrating your e-commerce platform with a shipping app can streamline various aspects of the shipping process, such as updating tracking information and notifying customers about their order status.

This not only makes fulfilment operations more efficient but also significantly enhances the customer experience.

JustShip offers a Shopify shipping app that optimises your international shipping processes. This tool automates tracking information and integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store, updating your orders in real-time.

JustShip’s Shopify dashboard

We’re also expanding our platform integrations to include more e-commerce systems soon. Sign up for our waitlist to get early access and updates!

Conclusion

The complexities of international shipping shouldn't be a barrier to your business's global ambitions.

With JustShip, you gain access to tailored solutions designed for your business to ensure that your products not only reach their destinations efficiently but also arrive in perfect condition—setting the foundation for a strong, customer-focused business.

Ready to Enhance Your Shipping Strategy?

Connect with JustShip today to explore how our customised solutions can transform your international shipping operations. Let’s make shipping a competitive advantage for your business!