I know a lot of shippers are scared of shipping internationally, and really, there is nothing to fear! In shipping overseas, there is only one extra step, and that is customs forms. Below is an over-view in shipping internationally. I realize this is a long article, but I'm trying to be thorough.
Also, I am trying to avoid using prices in order to not out-date this info.
1) Weigh your item. You have four options in shipping internationally, though you will mainly use the first two.
First Class International – if package is under 4 pounds
Priority International – if package is over 4 pounds, or you use a flat rate box or envelope
Express Mail International – If package must arrive fast (costly)
Global Express – if package must arrive fast (costly) and USPS website says Fed Ex ships it
Use the Shipping Calculator on the USPS website to see the rates.
Personally, I’ve only used Express mail once for international packages. Those services cost more and most customers don’t need their items that fast or want to pay that much. You really only need to know First Class International and Priority International.
Note: A few years ago, the international options were different. There was airmail, the equivalent of First Class and then Surface/Economy which like media mail and was very slow. They were replaced by First Class International and Priority International; I think to make things simpler, which is debatable.
2) Flat Rate info.
The post office provides free boxes and envelopes, and some are flat rate meaning that they have a flat cost to ship them. They are different sizes and usually have weight restrictions, but can be very handy and save you money. When you use the postage calculator on the USPS website, you can also see what the rates will be if you use a flat rate packaging. Usually if your item is small, heavy and can fit in the box or envelope, you’ll get a better deal using the flat rate. Even if the package is under 4 pounds, you can still ship it using the Priority flat rate boxes or envelopes.
3) Customs Forms.
Green Form (2976) is for packages that are going First Class international, under 4 lbs, value is under $400 and for the Priority flat rate envelopes.
White Form (2976) is for packages that are going Priority International (except for the Priority flat rate envelope) and over 4 lbs.
Express and Global need different forms, and since I lack experience with these two, I won’t go over them here.
Filling out a customs form is really easy. Starting with the green form, start at the left and you’ll need to write the contents and their value. So, for example if the box contains three cotton shirts and their total value was $30, you’d write: 3 cotton t-shirts $30.00. Onto the right or white side, you’ll need to put down your address and the address of who you’re shipping to.
On the bottom, you’ll need to sign and date twice, once on each side. Remove the backing from the green side and stick to the box or package. Keep the white half there; the postal clerk will remove it and they keep them on file.
The white forms just require a little bit more. They look complicated, but you do the same thing as above, just in different places. You’ll fill out your address, the receivers address, write in the contents and their value, the service being Airmail (the forms still have the old Airmail and Surface options), if you know the weight you can fill it in, or the postal clerk will do that for you, check the type of contents, if they are commercial goods, a gift, etc, and sign and date at the bottom.
An extra option you’ll need to check is to the right of the signature box, which are instructions for non-delivery, which you’ll probably want to mark “return to sender”.
More on customs forms can be found on the usps website here. (The info there is pretty intense!)
That's it! Your package is good for mailing.
Tips:
-If you use online mailing programs, the customs forms are integrated into the software, so you won’t need to fill out paper forms. The postal service also has digital customs forms you can fill out on their website. It’s important that you know how to fill out the forms. They look daunting, but just fill them out to your best ability and truthfully. If you have questions, just ask your local clerk. Also, try to have these forms complete by the time you go to the window- you’ll save time for everyone and the people in line with you will be very happy. Take a handful of forms home so you can fill them out there.
-I also recommend that you keep the customs number, which on the green form starts with LC and on the white forms start with CP. They are documentation that you shipped an item, and in some cases can be used by internal postal staff to track your package. You cannot track it on the USPS website, as it won’t tell you where it went after leaving the country, but I have had a postal manager successfully find a package using the number.
-Give your customer the number. In some cases, when your customer hasn’t received the package, tell them to go to their local post office and give the clerk the number and tell them they are waiting for a package from the USA. In one instance, a customer gave this number and the package was in the back and for some reason hadn’t yet been delivered. Some customers also have to pay a customs fee and that’s why a package hasn’t yet been delivered to them.
International Extras
You can add the following services in some cases. They need to meet specific criteria, so if you want one of the following, ask your local clerk.
-Insured Mail
-Certificate of Mailing
-Registered Mail
I rarely use these services. I've only seen a couple packages go missing. Insurance is automatically included in some Priority international shipments, but you can purchase more for a nominal fee. If you're worried about the item(s) or want to be protected, you can buy insurance and include it into the shipping fee to your customers. More info here on extra services.
There's no way to cover everything about international shipping in one post and I will post further info on it later on. This post is a good starting guide and I hope will boost your confidence in shipping internationally.
There are millions of customers overseas- when the US Dollar is weak against another currency, these customers can get an amazing deal and are more willing to buy from the USA. It is a great way to expand your business.
For more on international shipping, view the USPS website.
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