Whether you’re looking to ship your product to Canada or are a business that needs to deliver to a client in the country, there are a variety of services for international shipping.
When shipping internationally, be transparent about the fees you may incur and communicate those costs clearly to your customers. This will help build trust and win more sales with your brand-new shoppers.
Customs
Customs is an essential aspect of international shipping and can cause delays and increased costs if not adequately managed. Whether you’re shipping a large batch of inventory or small, delicate items, ensuring that all your shipments are appropriately registered can help you avoid issues.
In addition to filling out a Bill of Lading (BOL) and a Commercial Invoice (CI), you’ll also need to include a Canada Customs Invoice (CCI). These forms tell the customs inspectors what you’re shipping, how much it costs, and who pays duties and taxes.
You can find blank Canadian Customs Invoice forms online or use a shipping software solution that pre-fills these documents for you. If you’re not sure how to fill these out, consult with your customs broker, who will be able to walk you through the process and guide you through any questions you might have.
A customs broker is essential when shipping to Canada, as they’re trained in understanding customs and regulations on behalf of their clients. They will clear your shipment and navigate the customs process, making it easier for you to ship your goods safely.
Hiring a customs broker for assistance is likely best if you ship many goods. This will save you time and money as they’ll be familiar with all the regulations when importing into Canada.
Insurance
Insurance is an important service that can protect your shipment from damage, loss, or theft. It can also help to keep your brand and customer relationships strong in the event of a shipping claim.
When selecting your shipping carrier, ask about their insurance coverage before shipping. Most major couriers offer some form of coverage to their customers.
However, be careful not to assume that all of your items will be covered because there are many exceptions to standard carrier policies. For example, certain types of jewelry may be excluded from coverage.
Another reason that insurance is so important is that it can help you to reimburse your customers if their packages are lost or damaged during transit. This can save you money on replacement costs and keep your brand’s reputation intact.
If you choose a third-party shipping insurance provider, shop for the best rates and prices for your needs. You should also ensure that they can provide your packages with comprehensive protection across all modes of transport.
Many offer simple shipping insurance for Canada Post shipments and dozens of other international carriers through our single integration point. Passports and Visasrely automate their returns process for an unbeatable customer experience.
Delivery
When you ship from US to Canada, you have several options for delivering your package quickly. They all offer a wide range of services and transit times so that you can find the right one for your needs.
There are also a few less well-known options for shipping to Canada. These companies nationwide have wide air, sea, and ground networks have wide air, sea, and ground networks nationwide, making shipping to Canada easy.
They also offer brokerage-inclusive international ground shipping options that help you save on customs clearance fees and other costs. Their customs brokers can handle the entire process, reducing your time on the paperwork.
Another option is to use the US Postal Service for Canadian shipping. This is generally the cheapest way to ship to Canada for light parcels. However, you do have to be aware that your package will transfer to Canada Post once it reaches the border, adding an extra few days to its journey.
USPS offers flat rates for their mail classes and packages, unlike other shipping carriers. This makes it an excellent choice for small businesses that don’t want to pay extra for shipping time. They also have plenty of drop-off locations in the US, so you can choose where your customers live and get your package delivered as soon as possible.
Packaging
Packaging is a critical factor in international shipping. It can help you get products to your customers faster and reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Packaging can also help you keep your costs down. Using a professional packager to ship your products can ensure they arrive on time and in good condition.
The right package can make your product stand out from the competition. This can help your brand connect with potential customers, increasing sales.
Packing should provide all the information a customer needs about your products. This can include brand name, use, benefits, manufacturer name, production date, uses tips, and other information to encourage them to buy more of your product.
Another important function of packaging is to promote your products. This can be done by adding a picture or illustration on the front of the box.
You can even add a label on top of the box to show what the item is. Having this information on the package can be helpful for people who need to open the box and inspect the product inside.
Proper packaging is essential for promptly getting your items to your Canadian customers. This will help ensure your customers are happy and you don’t have to worry about damaged or stolen packages.
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