Shipping to Kenya from the UK
What is the cheapest way to ship to Kenya
Sometimes the products you wish to purchase are unavailable in local Kenyan shops. So you look for ways to import it from countries like the UK. Foreign retailers also want to respond to this trend.
Luckily, as the world becomes more e-commerce friendly, you can conveniently have overseas orders shipped to Kenya within days.
Read on, as this blog post will help you understand how to quickly ship items like fashion, electronics, and personal care from the UK to Kenya.
This guide provides information on how to send a package from the United Kingdom to Kenya and advice on how e-commerce brands can best plan their international shipping logistics with UK-Kenya shipping.
Costs and delivery times for shipping to Kenya from the UK
Retailers or individuals are more aware of delivery times and charges when they look for ways to deliver goods to Kenya.
To help you decide which company offers the best price, here’s a rundown of the most popular services available:
Exact prices are subject to change. These are general options for consumer shipping orders.
UK Kenya shipping accurate rates for customers vary, as we charge a “full fulfillment fee”, which includes, among other things, picking, packing, and shipping.
If you would like to know what UK Kenya shipping offers when you ship to other countries like Kenya, you can request a quote here.
How to choose a courier
Every e-commerce business has unique shipping needs. Some promise next-day delivery, while others prefer environmentally friendly shipping practices.
Some companies also want to keep implementation costs low and pass the savings on to their customers.
So there needs to be an option to choose a carrier.
To make this screening process a little easier, here are the pros and cons of the top four vectors:
Operators Advantages Disadvantages
UK Kenya shipping
• Send heavy parcels cheaply to Kenya
• Offers multiple delivery locations in the UK
• No charge for parcel collection
• Does not charge extra costs and fees
UPS
• Poor tracking of international orders
FedEx
• Provides reliable and accurate parcel tracking capabilities
• Offers advantageous rates for B2B shipments
• Access to the carrier’s main online shipping tools.• One-off costs for parcel collection
• Fewer pickup and drop-off locations than USPS
UPS
• Includes multiple US delivery locations
• Customers can enjoy free last-mile tracking and customs assistance
• Shipments are insured • High shipping costs
• Additional collection costs and surcharges must be paid
DHL
• Is deeply concerned about maintaining environmentally friendly businesses
• Offers door-to-door delivery
• Does not charge for package pickup • Fewer drop-off points than USPS
• Higher shipping costs than the competition
Shipping to Kenya from the USA with USPS
Over 46% of the world’s mail is shipped by the UK Kenya shipping. This is the confidence the carrier inspires for domestic and international shipments.
Despite being the most convenient carrier, UK Kenya shipping still needs advanced order tracking for international shipments.
But regardless of the weight or size of
When to use UK Kenya shipping to send to Kenya from the United States
If you want to keep shipping costs low, UK Kenya shipping offers some of the lowest rates in the industry.
You can use the fixed shipping option when sending heavy cargo to Kenya.
What’s great about this carrier is that they do not charge extra fees or surcharges.
Shipping to Kenya from the UK with UPS
UPS’s 24/7 international customer helpline, free customs assistance, and fast delivery are all reasons to entrust your shipments to Kenya to them.
When should you use UPS to ship to Kenya from the UK?
This Atlanta-based courier is ideal for retailers who want accurate last-mile tracking and reliable order delivery.
In particular, it has a significant presence in the UK. On the other hand, it charges much higher shipping costs than other established players.
Shipping to Kenya from the UK with FedEx
FedEx offers a significant presence in the UK to Kenya is also one of the 220 countries it ships to internationally.
They are known as one of the first couriers to offer next-day delivery options.
UK Kenya shipping offers convenient options, such as the International Shipping Assist tool, that simplify the regular shipping needs of businesses.
When should you use UK Kenya shipping to ship to Kenya from the UK?
If you need to ship bulk orders to Kenya, you can enjoy discounts with UK Kenya shipping bulk shipping option. Also, enjoy customer service and accurate shipment tracking with this carrier.
Shipping to Kenya from the UK with DHL
UK Kenya Shipping is an international transport company based in the UK. It is a highly reliable carrier committed to emissions from its shipping activities.
This German carrier is also committed to green logistics and is environmentally conscious.
When to use UK Kenya shipping to ship to Kenya from the UK
Enjoy super-fast and reliable international order processing, shipping insurance, and door-to-door parcel delivery with UK-Kenya shipping.
However, UK Kenya shipping on-time shipping services and our shipping rate is affordable.
Duties and taxes for shipping to Kenya from the UK
Here are some of the category-specific excise rates you should be aware of.
Customs data Kenya
You need a customs broker to clear the goods at the border on your behalf at the Customs and Border Control Service (CBCD).
There are many customs clearance documents, such as the bill of lading, import declaration form, proforma invoice, and an ISM (if applicable), that you should have on hand to ensure your imports are not held up in customs.
Here is a link to the country’s official customs service website for more information on shipping goods to Kenya.
Items prohibited for shipment to Kenya
Kenya lists goods that cannot be imported into the country. The reason for these restrictions can range from national security and protection, protectionist measures, to trade embargoes.
Please review this list before shipping your orders to avoid costly delays, returns, or fines.
Items you cannot ship to Kenya from the UK
Coins, banknotes, paper money, traveler’s cheques
Platinum, gold, or silver (wrought or unwrought), gemstones, and jewelry
Firearms and items similar to deadly weapons
Indecent, obscene material
Radioactive materials
Second-hand clothes
Bedding and other similar items
All fabrics and textiles
What e-commerce businesses need to know about shipping to Kenya
Here are some essential considerations when shipping from the UK to Kenya.
1. Take steps to fight online fraud and build trust with buyers
The Kenyan Criminal Investigation Directorate (DCI) receives many reports of online fraud, making people in the country wary of e-commerce transactions.
To reduce their mistrust, build a highly encrypted and secure website, process payments through reputable payment partners, and keep buyer information private.
2. Offer multiple payment methods
Customers opt for cash on delivery less than usual, but it still maintains the position of Kenya’s most popular e-commerce payment method.
Meanwhile, e-wallets, bank transfers, and direct debits increased between 2017 and 2022. To simplify the payment process, offer all these options (along with paying by card) to Kenyan customers on your e-commerce portal.
3. Leverage social media to attract customers
About 20.2% of the Kenyan population is on social media.
Building a robust, engaging local presence on social networks is essential to capture this population’s interest.
4. Use UK Kenya shipping 3PL services
As well as managing product, marketing, and sales, you ensure orders get to your customers in Kenya on time. It’s a lot of work.
Fortunately, 3PL companies like UK Kenya Shipping can work with you to handle the end-to-end order fulfillment workflow for you.
Partner with UK Kenya shipping, an international 3PL
UK Kenya Shipping knows how to reach customers worldwide with a remarkable brand experience.
Selling internationally can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.
But with UK Kenya shipping, you have everything you need to serve customers worldwide and save time on logistics.
Not only do we pick, pack and ship your orders in Kenya, but we also provide an upfront handling fee which includes additional duties, taxes, and duties.
Partnering with UK Kenya shipping eliminates the need to manage retail order fulfillment, logistics operations, and labor hiring.
Working with UK Kenya shipping can turn logistics and warehousing into a revenue generator because you can grow sales and provide the shipping options, transit times, and delivery speeds customers want.
The best part about working with UK Kenya shipping is that you can free up time to focus on more strategic initiatives, like customer service and marketing.
How to send a package from the UK to Kenya
UK Kenya shipping is the number one choice for fast shipping to Kenya. We can book a reliable courier in Kenya with our trusted postal partners like TNT, DPD, and UPS.
Thanks to our many years of international experience, we can ship a package to Kenya with minimum hassle and complete peace of mind. We help you manage Kenyan customs requirements to ensure your parcel arrives promptly and in order.
Please note that when sending a parcel to Kenya, national holidays and non-working days (Saturdays and Sundays) may delay the arrival time of your property.
At UK Kenya Shipping, we strive to provide exceptional postal service at an unbeatable price. Scroll down to learn more about possible delivery costs, rules you may need to know before booking delivery, and other valuable customs information. Or click the button below for a quote.
Ship with UK Kenya shipping and save!
Shop online from your favorite UK stores and get fast, reliable shipping to Kenya with UK-Kenya shipping.
Benefit from exclusive low rates, quick delivery times, and door-to-door tracking for every shipment, thanks to our long-standing partnerships with major international couriers, including UK Kenya shipping, DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
Plus, with UK Kenya shipping True Price pricing, you only pay the weight of the package upfront. No complicated calculations or hidden costs here.
How do we calculate shipping costs from the UK to Kenya?
At UK Kenya shipping, we don’t believe in hidden costs or confusing calculations. With the UK-Kenya shipping price guarantee, we take the mystery out of shipping by charging only for the weight of the package.
Others in our industry use a complicated calculation based on dimensional (or dimensional) weight. Dimensional weight is calculated based on a package’s length, width, and height.
A higher price will be charged if the volumetric weight exceeds the parcel weight. Lighter packs can suddenly become expensive simply because of the size of the group.
Which shipping method is cheaper internationally?
Since shipping companies’ prices change frequently, it becomes difficult for online sellers to track the lowest shipping costs. The task becomes more complicated when shipping large packages around the world.
So what’s the cheapest way to ship internationally?
You can follow a few tips when looking for affordable shipping companies. These will help you get reasonable shipping costs.
Also, using the International Parcel Shipping Calculator will further increase your chances of finding hidden deals. Therefore, read this article to learn more about shipping parcels internationally.
Land, sea or air transport
While you can deliver inexpensive heavy packages via ground transportation, a truck cannot ship overseas. Sea freight and air freight are, therefore, your main choices.
Shipping large items by ground can be cheaper in most cases. However, delivery times can vary from a few weeks to a few months. Conversely, if you ship heavy items by air, your delivery time will be shortened at the expense of higher delivery costs.
Couriers offering the cheapest international shipping
Different carriers provide a wide range of services for shipping abroad. The services differ in costs and delivery times. Here is a brief overview of these shipping companies and how much it costs to ship packages internationally:
UK Kenya shipping
UK Kenya shipping offers excellent services for sending large parcels internationally. However, they have no weight limit so if you want your property to be shipped from the UK to Kenya, you should choose UK Kenya shipping. The services it includes are:
• Aeronautical economics
• Air priority
• International Express
Use the shipping calculator to get a quote.
UPS extension
UPS is the most convenient option when you want to ship internationally. You can quickly send essential letters and documents with Priority Mail International or Priority Mail Express International.
The main downside is that it doesn’t ship bulky or heavy products, as the weight limit is 70 pounds and the size limit is 108 inches (length and circumference combined).
Also, USPS does not provide premium features that you can use to enhance your shipping experience. You can use the shipping calculator to get a price estimate.
FedEx
You may have heard that FedEx is an expensive option for international shipping. However, it offers fast delivery with tracking features useful when sending a package overseas.
You will find affordable rates if you select FedEx International Economy or FedEx International Ground.
UPS
UPS offers the most comprehensive coverage for the delivery of large items. You can save on shipping using UPS Worldwide Saver or UPS Worldwide Expedited. Use the shipping cost calculator to get an idea of the shipping cost
Conclusion
There are many primary carriers for international shipments. Because each airline delivers something the others don’t, selecting a page depends on your shipping needs. Ultimately, it all depends on which page you consider the best in terms of price and quality of service.
Different carriers offer a wide range of services for shipping abroad. The services differ in costs and delivery times. Here is a brief overview of these shipping companies and how much it costs to ship packages internationally:
How many days does a parcel take from the UK to Kenya?
Shipping to Kenya from the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. When you use UK Kenya shipping, we ensure your delivery to Kenya arrives safely and within your budget.
Before shipping to Kenya, it’s a good idea to check customs regulations to ensure your package is not being held. And it would be best if you also thought about the day you ship the package to avoid Kenya’s public holidays and non-working days (Saturday and Sunday).
This way, you reduce the risk of your package being delivered to Kenya too late.
With UK-Kenya shipping, shipping to Kenya is affordable and reliable.
We’ll also send you all the forms you need to clear customs, so you don’t have to worry about your package ending up exactly where you need it.
View our cheapest shipments to Kenya below and book your package with UK Kenya shipping today.
Why do I have to pay for a parcel from the UK?
The UK became a so-called “third country” after leaving the EU, so it is no longer part of the European Customs Union.
As a result, the free movement of goods is no longer possible, and export and import declarations must be submitted. VAT is still due on this.
If the seller does not bear these costs, the buyer (the package recipient) must pay these costs.
The faster you pay the outstanding amount, the faster the package can be delivered.
The final payment term is six days. In case of non-payment of the expenses within this term, the package will be returned to the sender.
The amount is made up of VAT and import duties. No import duties are required for most products.
What is the cheapest way to ship parcels?
Are you looking for the cheapest way to send a parcel? In this guide, we’ll explain what affects shipping costs and how you can reduce costs wherever you ship.
Most important points:
• Speed, distance, weight, and dimensions are all factors to consider when determining the most cost-effective way to ship boxes
• UK Kenya shipping, FedEx, and UPS provide reliable shipping services for your domestic and international shipments
• To get the lowest shipping rates from multiple carriers, use a shipping rate calculator to compare rates based on package size, weight, destination, and delivery speed.
In 2023, e-commerce delivery expectations will change, with most online shoppers expecting faster and cheaper (or accessible!) shipping options.
This means that high shipping costs can be a significant barrier to potential buyers and cost you a lot of business.
That’s why it’s essential to determine the most cost-effective way to ship a package to your buyers from different shipping zones in the UK or overseas.
Not only will this help you win over cost-conscious buyers and stay ahead of the competition, but it will also improve your bottom line and help you stay profitable.
What is the cheapest way to ship a package nowadays?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to all box sizes, this article will help you understand the factors that affect shipping costs and some ways to negotiate shipping discounts from major carriers.
The cheapest way to ship a package based on the speed of delivery
Different carriers offer different shipping times and costs. We offer the best and most affordable way to send packages under 10 lbs. Be sure to check out the UK Kenya shipping, and shipping rate calculator to see our shipping rate discounts.
The cheapest option ships within 2-3 days
UK Kenya shipping is usually the cheapest option, shipping within 2-3 days. FedEx, UPS, and other carriers offer delivery services with similar delivery times, but UK-Kenya shipping has the lowest rates.
If you are shipping a package UPS and FedEx will begin offering competitive rates for the cheapest shipping option within 2-3 days.
Let’s say you’re shipping a package from the UK to Kenya we calculate sample rates so you can see how UK-Kenya shipping is the best option in this case.
The cheapest option for overnight shipping
UPS and FedEx are more reliable when considering overnight shipping services. UK Kenya shipping offer affordable rates for next-day delivery, but UPS and FedEx guarantee next-day delivery or your money back.
Say you’re shipping a 4-pound package from the UK to Kenya again; we calculate sample rates so you can see which overnight delivery service is best.
The cheapest way to ship a package by weight
Package weight has a significant impact on shipping costs. We will evaluate the most convenient shipping services based on the importance of your package.
The cheapest option
UK Kenya shipping Ground or UK Kenya shipping First Class Package is the cheapest option for shipping packages under 1 lb. For any media-related stuff, UK-Kenya shipping is even more affordable.
UK Kenya shipping is the cheapest option for anything between £1 and £5.
As we can see in this example, UPS Ground or FedEx Ground are the cheapest options for anything. UK Kenya shipping is the least expensive option for packages weighing.
UK Kenya shipping is the winner for the cheapest shipping option for a package. UK Kenya shipping also has no weight limit on boxes, so UK Kenya shipping or UPS must ship anything over 50 pounds to avoid surcharges.
Four critical sending speed factors to consider
No single universal shipping method is considered the gold standard for sending a package at the lowest cost.
Keep in mind that depending on what you’re shipping, you’ll also need to consider the weight and dimensions of a box, how quickly your package needs to arrive at its destination, and the shipping region or country.
Here we discuss the four critical factors to consider when determining the best way to reduce shipping costs:
1. Speed
How fast do you want your parcel to arrive at its destination?
As instant gratification becomes the norm, fast shipping will play a big part. But please note that the quicker the delivery speed, the more you pay.
Do you want your package delivered overnight, the next day, in two or three days, or are you ready to wait seven days?
Different carriers offer different express delivery options to meet your desired delivery time. But you have to pay. Next-day delivery can cost five times as much as ground delivery.
For shipping within 2-3 days, UK Kenya shipping offers the least affordable shipping rate, so if you are looking for a courier to send your parcel, worry no more UK Kenya shipping got your back.
But UPS and FedEx services offer more attractive rates for shipping parcels within the same delivery window.
UPS 2nd Day and FedEx 2Day are the best options for packages with a strict two-day delivery time frame, as USPS does not provide guaranteed service within this time frame.
For overnight or overnight delivery, UPS Next Day Air Saver and FedEx Standard Overnight offer competitive rates compared to USPS.
2. Distance
First, consider which shipping zone your package will be shipped from. Couriers divide the UK into shipping zones based on the box’s distance from the address or zip code.
The farther the shipping area is from the destination address, the higher the shipping fee.
Domestic vs international shipping also plays a role in shipping packages to your customers in different locations.
As expected, international shipments have a higher shipping cost than domestic shipments.
Having fulfillment centers in different parts of the UK can help your business reduce shipping costs and shorten delivery times for your customers by ensuring your goods are stored closer to their final destination.
With this in mind, UK Kenya shipping has partnered with 3PL suppliers and warehouses in various cities worldwide to help you shorten shipping distances and times.
3. Weight
Package weight is a crucial factor to consider when finding the most cost-effective way to ship boxes. The weight or lightness of the package will affect the shipping cost.
UPS Priority Mail offers an affordable option for shipping items between £1 and £10, while UK Kenya shipping and UPS Ground/Home Delivery offer the lowest rates for heavy packages in the UK.
4. Size
The size of a pack relates to the space it takes up on the back of a rail based on its size. Different carriers offer different options to help you optimize the package size for your shipment.
One such option is to use flat-rate packages with UK-Kenya shipping. While this isn’t always guaranteed to be the cheapest way to ship a box, it does help keep shipping costs stable.
First Class Envelope Mail, Flat Rate Envelopes, and UK Kenya shipping offer the lowest small package rates.
Another option is to use cube pricing. Cube Pricing is an exceptional UK-Kenya shipping service that offers reduced shipping costs when sending small and heavy items.
Cubic feet = length x width x height
Measure prices are also used to determine package shipping costs. If your package is too large for its weight, the dimensional weight will be used to determine the shipping rate.
The higher the dimensional weight, the higher the shipping rate, as the package takes up more space on airplanes and other cargo vehicles.
Dimensional weight is calculated by dividing the package dimensions by a divider. The bigger the distributor, the cheaper the shipping rate.
Dimensions Weight = (L x W x H)/Divisor
USPS has the largest dimensional weight divisor and offers the most cost-effective way to ship a package based on dimensional weight.
Additional factors to consider
Besides the cost, you should also consider other additional factors. A budget option that doesn’t offer excellent tracking services, insurance, or delivery times can have drawbacks that outweigh the attractive price.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
• Insurance: Insurance guarantees the safety of your goods during transport. It also helps reduce the risk of lost or damaged packages.
As you search for the best way to reduce your shipping costs, you should check if the carrier with the most competitive rates offers insurance for your packages.
While it may cost more, choosing a page with a higher shipping rate that includes insurance may be a good idea, a cheaper option that doesn’t cover you and requires a separate insurance purchase.
• Tracking: Tracking helps you streamline the shipping experience for your buyers and builds trust by providing visibility into the package as it travels.
The cheapest way to send a parcel can come with unpredictable tracking services, so you may need to weigh your options to ensure you select an option with excellent tracking services.
• Handling Fee: Depending on the sensitivity of the shipment, a handling fee may be charged. When choosing the cheapest way to ship parcels, you should always check whether you must pay a separate handling fee.
• Fuel and residence surcharges: Low-cost shipping plans often have hidden costs, such as fuel or lodging surcharges and last-mile delivery fees. Be sure to check these additional costs when making your shipping choice.
• Delivery Guarantee: You need to check if the cheapest shipping option is within the delivery time not to inconvenience your customers. After all, it’s always about serving your customers. Don’t waste all our time and money savings
When do shipping discounts apply?
Shipping discounts from couriers can be a game changer for your e-commerce business as they can help you reduce package shipping costs.
Couriers reduce your rates based on the number of packages you ship. The more you buy, the better your rates will be.
Another great way to lower shipping costs is to access major carriers through a 3PL company like UK Kenya shipping.
You will always get better rates when you use the services of a third-party page rather than negotiating directly with the airlines.
3PL companies usually get huge shipping discounts due to the high volume of packages they send to these carriers. Then they pass the benefits on to their partners by offering discounted rates. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Find the cheapest way to send a package with UK-Kenya shipping
UK Kenya Shipping is the leading shipping and logistics company with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has allowed us to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with major carriers and can help you reduce shipping costs.
Plus, we have other shipping tools to streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers, including:
• Comparison Tool: Our carrier comparison tool allows you to compare the different shipping services offered by each car to can choose the cheapest shipping method based on other factors, not just cost.
• Insurance: to guarantee the safety of your packages during transport, UK Kenya shipping offers you insurance.
• Tracking: From personalized tracking emails to automated message alerts, UK Kenya shipping helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers through the devices.
Online shopping removes barriers of distance and boundaries for consumers but creates challenges for small business owners and e-commerce startups.
The rise of online shopping and mobile and social e-commerce, supported by the growing adoption of digital payments and the availability of high-speed internet, are not reducing the costs associated with delivering products to customers.
Shipping costs can eat into profit margins and limit business growth.
But by implementing effective strategies to reduce shipping costs, businesses can increase profitability, customer satisfaction, competitiveness, market reach, and profitability.
Read on to discover practical and effective ways to help your business by spending less!
What shipping materials do you need?
You’ll need shipping materials specific to your product type, and here are some essential shipping materials to get you started:
• Sturdy boxes of the right size and weight for your products.
• Strong packing tape to seal and keep your boxes sealed.
• Bubble wrap for fragile items that need to be stuffed and stuffed.
• Shipping labels for identification and related shipping information.
• Mailing bags for small items or documents that don’t require a box.
• Pack peanuts to fill gaps and gaps in boxes to prevent movement.
• Shrink film for fixing welded sheet packs.
• A scale to weigh your packages and a tape measure for accurate measurements.
In addition to these essential shipping materials, you may need other specialized materials, depending on the products you sell.
For example, dry ice and heat pads keep items cold or warm during shipping; garment bags and tissue paper; gift packages; foam inserts, and anti-static bags for electronics or as needed.
Finally, someone of the above matters if you don’t take the time to pack your parcels properly! Use packaging that fits your produce. Sure, your packages are light enough. These tips will help you choose suitable shipping materials for your e-commerce business.
How to determine shipping costs
Several factors must be considered when determining the cost of shipping. These include the size and weight of your products, the distance they travel, and the fees for different carriers and shipping methods.
Consider your customers’ needs when determining shipping costs.
Some customers may be willing to pay more for shipping if they can get their products faster. Others may be more interested in saving on shipping.
Research and compare carrier rates before setting shipping rates to get the best deal. When you’re ready to implement your options, be transparent with your customers about shipping costs upfront to avoid any surprises later.
Offering your customers different shipping options gives them more flexibility and increases their chances of completing the purchase.
Once you’ve looked at the factors, you can calculate costs using a shipping calculator or get quotes from other carriers. You can determine shipping costs in a way that is fair for your customers and profitable for your business.
Which shipping strategy should you use?
There are several shipping strategies available to a UK e-commerce entrepreneur.
The best system for you will depend on your specific business and customer needs, but the most common shipping strategies are free shipping or customer shipping.
Free shipping is a popular strategy for consumers who expect it, which drives sales, but there might be better options. Nothing is free, and this also applies to shipping.
You are not a wholesaler who can get a carrier to lower their prices. If your small business values quality over quantity, ignore this strategy.
Offering various paid shipping options gives your customers more choices, making them more likely to complete their purchases.
There are several ways to pass shipping costs on to your customers, but keep in mind that these alternatives can also be more complex to manage:
• Flat rate shipping, regardless of package weight or size, can be a good option if you sell multiple products with different shipping costs.
• Dimensional weight-based shipping strategies factor in package size and weight when calculating shipping costs, which is a good option for selling bulky or heavy products.
• Allowing the customer to choose between options based on delivery speed, carrier, or cost leaves the decision up to the customer.
You can also combine these strategies to create the best shipping strategy for your business. The amount and flat-rate shipping on orders under that amount.
Shipping costs can add up, so choosing a supplier that fits your budget and strategy is essential to attracting customers, increasing sales, and reducing costs.
How to reduce international shipping costs for your online store
You may have heard of increased international shipping costs. After the UK raised the possibility of withdrawing from the Universal Postal Union, all parties agreed on a compromise that would allow the UK to set its postage rates.
Contents
1. Negotiate shipping rates with carriers.
2. Use your shipping account number.
3. Optimize the size and weight of your item for more economical packing.
4. Use flat-rate packages.
5. Buy in bulk.
6. Use regional carriers.
• 7. Stick to a handful of couriers.
8. Replace boxes with plastic bags.
9. Use prepaid delivery.
10. Use liability insurance.
11. Outsource implementation.
Final thoughts
In short, Many people want to lower their international shipping costs. Shipping costs are still a big part of e-commerce business expenses, even more so now. Low-cost international ePacket services have been significantly reduced.
The retail rates stay the same when you go to the post office. However, mail brokers such as UK Kenya shipping, DHL , eCommerce, Easy Post, Pitney Bowes, Stamps.com, and more recently, have received new contracts from the USPS requiring them to charge much higher rates.
No, that’s not good news for shippers, especially now.
Even with this considerable market force, there are still ways to save on shipping costs and keep your business profitable. Now we will share our favorite hacks with you.
1. Negotiate shipping rates with carriers.
Even though regular mail consolidators now have to charge more, it’s still in your best interest to work with them.
If your business isn’t big enough to deal directly with giants like UK Kenya shipping, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, don’t worry negotiated rates are often much cheaper than retail shipping, and the savings add up quickly, especially for international shipments.
2. Use your shipping account number.
Let’s borrow some advice from Enterpreneur.com about a guy named Fred DuBois, a laptop battery shipper with a lot of business:
Although he originally had suppliers who shipped products to him and charged for freight, he got his domestic suppliers to send products to his company’s FedEx account number.
Not only does this increase your company’s shipping volume, which can lead to lower rates, but it also helps prevent suppliers from driving up your shipping costs.
3. Optimize the size and weight of your item for more economical packing.
When creating your article, it helps to start with the end in mind. If you know you are shipping your product, consider the cost difference for different box/bag sizes and weights.
If you can find a way to fit your item into a smaller box or weigh less, you can save a lot of money on shipping costs in the long run.
4. Use flat rate packages.
We’ve talked a lot about flat-rate shipping, and for good reason! Postal carriers like UK Kenya shipping charge for at least a portion of your package’s space in their truck.
Flat-rate boxes give them the ability to pack their trucks better, which saves them money and allows them to pass those savings on to you.
Flat-rate shipping is often cheap in the first place. Plus, you have the added benefit of using flat-rate packaging instead of buying your boxes or bags.
5. Buy in bulk.
Sometimes it makes sense to use flat-rate packages. If so, purchase your packing and shipping materials in bulk. ULINE is a great starting point.
6. Use regional carriers.
If you do most of your business in a regional area, consider following these tips from UK Kenya shipping: such as UPS and FedEx, but at significantly lower prices. As their designation suggests, in a small geographical area.
7. Stick to a handful of porters.
The more you ship with a particular carrier, the more likely it is to give you a discount. After all, they want to keep your business. It’s unrealistic for a small business always to ship UK Kenya shipping or UPS, but it often makes sense to prefer one over the other consistently. This way, you have a stronger negotiating position when negotiating rates.
8. Replace boxes with plastic bags.
Postage rates are increasing but remember: many shipments are still from stock. While flat-rate packing and bulk ordering are often enough to cut costs, sometimes you can go further.
UK Kenya shipping recommends switching from boxes to polybags when shipping items like clothing.
However, be careful with this one. You must ensure you are not shipping fragile items in a plastic bag!
9. Use prepaid delivery.
Both UK and Kenya shipping offer prepaid shipping options at deep discounts. You have many shipments to send at once, and it is often advisable to pre-purchase all shipping costs.
10. Get liability insurance.
Another significant expense associated with shipping is replacing items lost or damaged in the mail.
If your items are high value, consider purchasing postal insurance from companies such as Parcel Insurance Plan. This is usually cheaper than buying insurance directly from your carrier.
11. Outsource execution.
Last but not least, production is usually expensive. Outsourcing can often save you money. Save on minimal labour, training, supplies, and storage.
Often you also benefit from peace of mind and more customer retention. Outsourcing should be on your radar once you ship over 100 orders monthly.
Final thoughts
Even with high shipping costs, there are still ways to keep shipping costs low so your e-commerce business can thrive. We hope you can use some of them for your business. Let us know in the comments below if you have any other tips!
You can get negotiated discounted rates much cheaper than retail shipping by partnering with dedicated postal and fulfillment consolidators. This may apply directly to international shipping.