International package shipping has never been the cheapest service out there. The shipping price is a compromise easier to make if you’re sending packages overseas only one or a few times per year. But it may be more discouraging if you wish to please your beloved ones living abroad with a small gift.
Luckily, there are a few smart ways to save on shipping internationally. So let’s learn them right away!
1 Switch to flexible packaging
Whether you’re shipping to Ukraine, Italy, or Canada, the cost will greatly depend on the weight of your package. And the best way to reduce it is to opt for more flexible packaging.
Cardboard or corrugated boxes are the universal choices for a shipping container. And they do have many advantages, especially for sending fragile and oddly-shaped items. But with all the padding to fill in the remaining space, a box may add quite a lot to the package weight.
So if you’re dealing with small, lightweight, and non-fragile goods, you can put and send them in poly mailers. They’re durable enough to withstand an international journey. And they won’t increase the weight of your parcel as much.
If you’re dealing with small, lightweight, and non-fragile goods, you can put and send them in poly mailers.
2 Watch out for parcel size
It’s good to think about the weight of your package. But you also need to be aware of its dimensions. When a parcel’s dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, the shipping charge is calculated. That’s why sending light but large packages can cost more than shipping heavier but smaller ones.
Using poly mailers is a great way to keep dimensions small. But you can reduce them when using shipping boxes, too. Just make sure to pick a box of optimal size. Your items should neatly fit within it, with a few inches of space left for cushioning materials: no less, no more for the safest and cheapest package delivery.
When a parcel’s dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, the shipping charge is calculated.
3 Exploit a shipping calculator
You now know that you need to watch your international package’s weight and size. But it’s not easy to measure and keep track of everything by yourself. So don’t hesitate to consult a shipping rates calculator.
To find the best packing solution, you can abuse it to your heart’s content. For example, you can play with the weight and dimensions to see if repacking your items into a poly mailer or smaller box is more beneficial than keeping them in a larger box.
Don’t hesitate to consult a shipping rates calculator.
4 Get creative with packaging materials
New packaging materials make up a considerable amount of international shipping costs. There are two options for how you can save on them. You can reuse packaging. And you can substitute specially produced packaging with whatever you have at hand.
Reusing packaging is a great way to save money and contribute to the environment. But you have to be careful about using old boxes and mailers as they may no longer be strong enough for international shipping. After all, the safety of your items comes first.
So it might be easier to choose the second option and get creative with packaging materials. There are plenty of things at home that you can use as internal packaging. For instance, newspapers or paper scraps. Both can be perfect void fillers.
You can substitute specially produced packaging with whatever you have at hand.
5 Settle for economy shipping
Sometimes speed is of the essence. But not at all times. And while waiting as your package travels to its destination for weeks can be a pain, it’s bearable. So instead of selecting the fastest and the most expensive express shipping, settle for the slower but cheaper economy option.
Although slow, economy shipping is as reliable as the express method. And its speed issue can be overcome with proper planning. As long as you make time to ship your parcel earlier, it’ll reach its recipient in time for any holidays or occasion.
Economy shipping is as reliable as the express method.
6 Do thorough research on shipping companies
Saving money involves making an effort and taking your time. The same goes for saving on international package shipping. So it would help if you explored your options to find the most economical one.
A truly outstanding selection of international carriers would be more than glad to handle your package. So don’t be in a hurry to pick one. Or the only one.
You might find a carrier specializing in shipping to Europe and provides the most affordable rates for sending packages there. But a different company might offer better rates for shipping to other regions. Thus, being flexible pays off.
A truly outstanding selection of international carriers would be more than glad to handle your package.
As you can see, there are quite a few tips and tricks you can employ to save on international package shipping. They only require some effort and, perhaps, more of your time. But in the end, it’s worth it.
