In this age of freight and shipping uncertainty, having a reliable international shipping partner is paramount. You must ensure your goods reach their final destination – your reputation depends on it.
However, with so many shipping partner options, it’s not always easy deciding who to choose. If you need a hand with this complex process, consider these helpful tips to narrow down your options.
Choose a Professional Company
Whether you’re looking for the best eCommerce fulfillment Australia has to offer or a company that can handle all international orders from Europe, it can be tempting to simply go for the most competitive price.
However, shifting your priorities to focus on professionalism, reputation, and service guarantees will give you much-needed peace of mind. Companies that hit these criteria are in this industry because they know how it works, and the same can’t always be said for businesses that provide a cheap service.
Identify Companies with Experience
The international shipping industry is more challenging than ever before, and companies must troubleshoot a range of problems daily to meet their clients’ needs and expectations. Consider aligning yourself with a company with several years of experience, staffed by experts who know how to handle whatever is thrown their way.
Typically, they highlight this information in the ‘about’ section of their website. However, if you know that a company has been around for several years, this can also be a good sign that they have the level of experience you’re looking for.
Confirm their Networks
Where you’re exporting your goods might impact your decision surrounding which international shipping partner you align your business with. Pay attention to their shipping channels and where they send the most freight.
Some shipping partners work more closely with some countries than others, which means you might experience better customer service with a shipping partner familiar with your freight route.
Ask Around
Word of mouth means a lot, with it often being described as a business’s most powerful advertising tool. If you’re not familiar with international shipping partners, talk to someone who is.
Another business owner or individual might be more than happy to endorse a company they use and will likely give you the reasons why they recommend them. Once you have a few options, you can research them online to learn more about them before making your final decision.
Read Reviews
It seems simple, but checking the online reviews of various international shipping partners could help you choose the best company for your needs quicker than you think. Some companies are more highly regarded and recommended than others, and both satisfied and unsatisfied customers are more than happy to share their experiences with the world online.
Check their Services
Not all international shipping partners offer the same services. Some describe themselves as port-to-port service providers, while others extend their services to truck shipping and railway. You might even find that some partners only assist with ship freight rather than ship and air freight.
Pay close attention to the services offered to ensure they align closely with your needs. While you might think your products will arrive at their destination in a matter of days, choosing the wrong company or transport method might see the arrival time stretch out to weeks.
Choosing an international shipping partner is not always a straightforward process, and it can be costly to make the wrong choice. Consider the tips above, and you’ll be aligned with a reputable partner sooner than you think.
Jason is the Marketing Manager at a local advertising company in Australia. He moved to Australia 10 years back for his passion for advertising. Jason recently joined BFA as a volunteer writer and contributes by sharing his valuable experience and knowledge.
Carola Jain says
If you’re a business owner looking to ship products overseas, it certainly pays to have an international shipping partner at your side.