By Shipping goods from the United States to Germany can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be if you take the right precautions.
To ship your goods successfully and cheaply, it’s important to carefully consider where they’re going, how they’re being shipped, and how much time you have until your deadline.
Use this information to guide you through seven simple steps to hassle-free shipping from us to Germany.
1) Always choose a reputable shipping service
There are many shipping services available, but it’s important to pick a trustworthy one.
The last thing you want is your package being delayed or lost—and these things happen all too often if you choose a non-reputable company.
Reputable companies will likely come with extra charges, but those fees could well be worth it when you look at what your package goes through during shipping.
2) Understand and plan for your country’s customs policies
This is arguably one of your biggest challenges. Customs policies differ widely between countries, and you’ll want to understand what regulations apply to shipping into your country—from both domestic and international sources.
You’ll also need to know how long it takes for goods entering your country through customs to clear (which can vary wildly depending on where in the world you are),
so that you can plan accordingly. For example, if a package will be held up in customs for 3 weeks before it clears and makes its way out to a customer, then that could be a problem.
3) Get a good scale and know how to use it
The USPS website doesn’t display shipping charges in a straightforward way, so one of the best ways you can avoid paying more than you need is to use a good scale when shipping.
Weigh your package before and after filling it with books and other items (you might be surprised at how much that bubble mailer weighs!)
then divide by 7.5 (the average weight of a single book) to calculate your ship to Australia rate in pounds.
4) Pack smartly, with both ease of unboxing in mind and as little space used as possible
Be aware of what kinds of packaging materials you’re using. Opting for air pillows instead of peanuts can save space, but may require more care on your end. If sending a fragile product, some kind of protective wrapping may be necessary—bubble wrap and other packing material is easy to come by at shipping from us to Germany supply shops or even on Amazon. Use these resources (along with protective packing) sparingly so that your shipments aren’t too bulky.
5) Package securely
There are a number of things you can do to ensure your product arrives in one piece, including following manufacturers’ recommendations on the packaging. If using boxes, reinforce corners with extra cardboard or bubble wrap; if using padded envelopes, include some packing paper on top and bottom. It’s also important not to wrap too tightly; you don’t want your package bursting at any weak points when it goes through customs.
6) Include all relevant documents with your shipment
If you package to customers in shipping to Australia from USA, you need to comply with their import policies—and make sure you include everything they need to clear your package through customs. Otherwise, your shipment could get flagged and held up by red tape. To avoid unexpected delays and costly fees, be sure that all documents pertaining to a shipment—customs forms, tax forms, and invoices—are included inside each box or parcel.
7) Customer satisfaction goes a long way in terms of word-of-mouth publicity
If your customers are happy with their purchases, they’ll be more likely to tell their friends and family about your business. Shipping doesn’t have to be a pain; it can actually be a customer-service opportunity. Some basic tips for shipping internationally
