| The overseas marketplace can be a highly lucrative | | | | damage and loss. When packing the item, conceal the |
| business market. Many small businesses tend to stay | | | | identity of the content and make sure the item is in |
| clear of the overseas market because they are not | | | | compliance with environmental and safety standards. |
| familiar with the shipping process. When a business | | | | Because of the large number of considerations and |
| acquires knowledge about shipping products | | | | steps involved in physically shipping products |
| overseas, they will find it is much easier to tap into a | | | | overseas, most people enlist an international shipping |
| huge market. | | | | company to perform these services. International |
| Shipping product overseas has a number of different | | | | shippers are knowledgeable about the overseas port |
| features then regular domestic shipping. In order to | | | | systems, so they will know details such as packaging |
| take advantage of the overseas market, one has to | | | | and the required documentation. Shipping overseas |
| be to be aware of the aspects involved with shipping | | | | normally involves a number parties that can include |
| products overseas. The key to finding the best | | | | shipper, consignee, (usually the client or importer |
| overseas shipment method is to do your homework. | | | | representing client) notify party, (client or a third |
| There are number of ways one can ship their | | | | party), freight forwarder, (shipping agent coordinating |
| products overseas such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and | | | | the process) and the Customs broker (helps clear |
| companies that specialize in shipping items overseas. | | | | Customs for the imported products) |
| Because some companies are cheaper than others, it | | | | If one does not want to use a shipping company, |
| is important to compare shipping prices and how each | | | | they should prepare their shipment utilizing the |
| company transports their products. You may be able | | | | following guidelines: |
| to negotiate volume discounts with a shipping service | | | | - Pack in strong and well-sealed containers. Label the |
| for certain types of shipments. | | | | boxes clearly. |
| When packaging a product for shipment, it is | | | | - The weight should be uniformly distributed to |
| important that the package is packed properly in | | | | provide secure bracing in the container |
| order to minimize damage. When shipping items | | | | - Packaging should be moisture resistant. |
| overseas, packages pass through many hands so a | | | | - Do not pack any materials that are on a countries |
| well packed item will help avoid damage. The package | | | | import prohibited list. This can include such items as |
| should have the correct labeling to help avoid | | | | weapons, pesticides, flammable products..etc. Each |
| disruption in shipment or a lost shipment. You must | | | | country has a list of prohibited items. Make sure that |
| also have the proper documentation that meets your | | | | you check the list before you ship your package. |
| country's requirements as well as the receiving | | | | Basically, you should hire a specialized company to |
| country's requirements. Typical documentation | | | | ship your products. Prices and services can vary from |
| includes air waybills, bill of lading, commercial invoice, | | | | company to company. For instance, some companies |
| consular invoice, certificate of origin, NAFTA | | | | may use different shipment routes. When looking for |
| certificate of origin, inspection certification, dock | | | | a company to send your products overseas, shop |
| receipt and a warehouse receipt, destination control | | | | around and don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions. A |
| statement, and shipper's export declaration. You | | | | little knowledge and research can open up a huge |
| should also make sure that the item is insured against | | | | new market for your business. |