Many startup owners dream of one day transforming their entrepreneurial endeavors into their very own global enterprise. Thanks to the logistical prowess offered up by modern technology, this can become a reality, provided it has the backing of self-application and a great deal of market research.
If you are thinking about expanding your company outwards onto the international stage, but find yourself struggling with the intricacies of the process, here are some tips to hopefully help you conquer the shipping aspect of your business.
Software Integration
Utilizing a combination of software solutions is a great way to cover all bases and account for every stage of the shipping process.
From risk management to route planning, great options like Geotab can provide custom, purpose-built answers for your individual needs as a company, regardless of the size.
In the era of digital effectiveness, it might be a necessity to consider implementing an all-encompassing software platform, as your competitors will have likely done the same in order to gain any kind of edge.
Pay Attention to Regulations
Making sure to do your research before shipping to another country is essential, as failing to do so might lead to some heavy fines or even criminal charges.
Similarly, products that are legal in your own country might be banned in others. This might not always be obvious at first, as there are some surprising items that are deemed illegal under certain governments, so remembering to check up on this every now and again can get you out of a tight spot.
Moreover, the charges on importing and shipping can vary immensely from country to country, so some deliveries might not be financially viable for your company to take on.
Paperwork must always be completed if you wish to operate totally legitimately, so finding out what exactly you need to sign is crucial.
Hidden Charges
You might find it useful to be on the lookout for any additional charges that might occur at certain stages of the shipping process. For example, hidden fees can arise at the destination of the delivery, such as customs charges and added tax.
Stay Updated
Laws and regulations are very much subject to change over time, so getting caught out by the introduction of a new policy can sometimes derail the entire delivery process.
To avoid this, it is vital to strive to remain up to date with the current regulations. Just because one method worked in the past, does not necessarily mean that it will be as smooth again.
This might also mean informing your entire team of any relevant changes, as this can help form a stronger chain and avoid a breakdown in communication. This could lead to some long waiting times and large fees over the long term.
The Right Insurance
Taking steps to ensure that your goods are sufficiently protected in the event they should become lost or damaged in any way is incredibly important.
This can mean searching for insurance that manages to cover your assets from any possible eventuality.
