Who knows how international shipping works for online businesses?

Question

How does the whole international shipping and shipping across the nation work for small businesses?

is it expensive?

Answer 1

It depends on what you're shipping.  I ship items overseas through the US Postal Service, and it is pretty reasonable in pricing.  It isn't difficult at all.  You just create an account with the website and enter your bank account information.  The website will create a customs form and you just drop it off at the post office.  I  hardly ever ship anything over 20 lbs. though.  

I found the other services to be impractical in international shipping charges, but they are about the same as the USPS for domestic shipping.

Answer 2

UPS, Fedex & DHL

Those are the top three. You must compare their prices. The more you ship, the cheaper it gets.

Good luck.

Answer 3

you can go directly to the carriers and pay a ton because your volume will be small.  (Therefore, they aren't going to give you much of a break.  OR...you can use a forwarding company like Bongo International http://www.BongoUS.com

They actually provide the international consumer with a US address so that you can ship to their warehouse.  They fraud screen all the customers for you so you don't have to worry about getting scammed.  Plus, the consumer will pay far less for the shipping.  Bongo gives a 50% discount to it's members off DHL rates.  Contact them directly as the service is free to you.  I know they work with a lot of online retailers in the US...here is an example...  http://www.mycatsheaven.com/shipping

Answer 4

I worked for small business and my boss had a special rates with UPS we used it all the time internationally and internationally.. I think you can contact FedEx ups dhl and try to ask them for special rates and they will give you account number that you can use.. or give it to some of your clients if they need to send something back to you