Omnichannel Fulfilment Checklist for Easy International Shipping

Have you ever dreamt of expanding your business overseas but got discouraged by the complexities of international shipping? You're not alone. International delivery can seem daunting, with customs regulations, different carrier options, and the need for secure packaging. But what if there was a way to streamline the process and make international shipping a breeze?

This is where omnichannel fulfilment comes in. Omnichannel fulfilment is a strategy that unifies your inventory and order management across all your sales channels, whether it is your online store, physical store, or marketplace listings. This integrated approach can significantly simplify international shipping, ensuring a smooth and successful experience for you and your customers.

In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive omnichannel fulfilment checklist to guide you through every step of international shipping. With this handy checklist, you can confidently expand your reach to new markets worldwide.

The Omnichannel Fulfillment Checklist for International Shipping

Pre-shipment Preparations

Before you start shipping internationally, there are a few crucial things to consider:

Market Research

Understanding your target market is essential for successful international shipping. Conduct thorough research on customs regulations, import duties, and consumer preferences in the countries you plan to deliver to. This includes factors like:

Product Restrictions

Are any items banned or heavily regulated in your target market? Omnichannel fulfilment can help you identify these restrictions early on and adjust your product offerings accordingly.

Labelling Requirements

Does your packaging need specific information in the local language? Omnichannel fulfilment providers can often advise on these requirements and ensure your labels comply with local regulations.

Packaging Considerations

Will your products require special packaging for international travel? Consider factors like weather conditions, handling practices, and potential customs inspections. An omnichannel fulfilment strategy can help you develop standardised packaging that meets international shipping requirements.

Product Selection

Not all products are created equal for international shipping. Consider size, weight, and durability when choosing products to sell overseas. Opt for lighter, more compact items less susceptible to damage during long-distance travel. Omnichannel fulfilment can provide valuable data on product popularity across different sales channels, helping you select the most profitable items to ship internationally.

Packaging

Secure and compliant packaging is vital for a smooth international delivery experience. Your products will likely travel long distances and go through multiple handling processes. Here's how omnichannel fulfilment can help with packaging for international shipping:

Standardised Packaging

Develop consistent packaging guidelines across all your omnichannel fulfilment centres to ensure every shipment meets international shipping regulations.

High-quality Materials

Use sturdy cardboard boxes, protective cushioning materials, and weatherproof packaging whenever necessary.

Carrier Compliance

Ensure your packaging adheres to your chosen international shipping carrier's specific size and weight restrictions.

Shipment Processing

Once you have an order for international delivery, here's what you need to do:

Order Management

An excellent omnichannel fulfilment system can streamline order processing for international shipments. Integrate your online store with your fulfilment provider's system for a seamless workflow. This allows for efficient order picking, packing, and labelling, ensuring your international orders are dispatched promptly without any delays. Omnichannel fulfilment provides real-time inventory visibility across all your sales channels, so you can fulfil orders accurately and avoid stockouts that could disrupt your international shipping process.

Customs Documentation

Accurate and complete customs documentation is crucial for smooth international delivery. Common customs forms include commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Errors in these documents can lead to delays, fines, or even shipment confiscation. Here's how omnichannel fulfilment can help with customs documentation for international shipping:

Automated Generation

Many omnichannel fulfilment providers offer automated customs document generation based on your order details. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures all necessary information is included.

Compliance Expertise

Omnichannel fulfilment providers often have experience navigating customs regulations in different countries. They can advise you on specific requirements and ensure your documentation meets all compliance standards.

Carrier Selection

Choosing a suitable international shipping carrier depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like:

Cost

Omnichannel fulfilment providers often partner with various carriers, giving you access to competitive rates for international shipping.

Speed

Do your customers need their orders delivered quickly, or are they willing to wait for a more economical option? Omnichannel fulfilment can provide various shipping options to cater to different customer preferences.

Service Reliability

Choose a carrier with a good reputation for on-time deliveries and efficient customs clearance processes. Omnichannel fulfilment providers can offer insights into carrier performance based on their experience.

Post-shipment Tracking and Delivery

Even after your shipment is on its way, there are essential steps to ensure a successful international delivery:

Real-time Tracking

Offer your customers real-time tracking information so they can follow the progress of their international shipments. Omnichannel fulfilment can provide visibility throughout the delivery journey, from when it leaves your warehouse to when it arrives at your customer's doorstep. This transparency builds trust and keeps your customers informed about the status of their orders.

Delivery Exceptions

Be prepared for occasional hiccups during international delivery, such as customs delays or failed delivery attempts. Omnichannel fulfilment can help you proactively communicate with your customers about any issues.

Proactive Communication

An omnichannel fulfilment system can trigger alerts for potential delivery exceptions, allowing you to inform your customers about any delays or issues before they even inquire

Issue Resolution

With an omnichannel fulfilment approach, you can collaborate with your fulfilment provider to find solutions for delivery exceptions. This might involve contacting the carrier to expedite customs clearance or arranging a redelivery attempt for failed deliveries.

Customer Service

Excellent customer service is critical, especially for international deliveries. Respond promptly to inquiries from your global customers, address concerns efficiently, and provide updates throughout the shipping process. Here's how omnichannel fulfilment can contribute to exceptional customer service:

Consistent Experience

Omnichannel fulfilment ensures a consistent customer experience across all touchpoints, regardless of where your customers are. This means they receive the same service and support no matter how they contact you.

Multilingual Support

If you target international markets, consider offering multilingual customer support. Omnichannel fulfilment providers may provide such services or integrate with third-party solutions to ensure your customers can communicate with you in their preferred language.

Take Control of Your International Shipping with Airpak Express

At Airpak Express, we understand the challenges and opportunities of international shipping. That's why we offer a comprehensive omnichannel fulfilment solution to streamline your international delivery process. From pre-shipment preparations like market research and product selection to efficient order processing, customs documentation, and real-time tracking, our omnichannel approach ensures a smooth and successful experience for you and your customers.

With Airpak Express as your partner, you can confidently expand your reach to new markets worldwide. Our global network, expertise in customs regulations, and diverse international shipping options empower you to deliver your products quickly, cost-effectively, and with complete transparency. Don't let international shipping hold your business back. Download our comprehensive omnichannel fulfilment checklist today and take the first step towards a world of opportunity. Contact Airpak Express to learn more about how our omnichannel fulfilment solutions can help you navigate the exciting world of international delivery.