Author: Jason Martin
Reviewed by: Chief Operations Officer, Product Fulfillment Solutions
Executive TLDR
Expanding ecommerce sales internationally opens new revenue streams but introduces operational complexity, including customs compliance, duties, taxes, and longer shipping timelines.
This article explains how ecommerce brands can execute cross-border shipping efficiently while maintaining customer experience. You’ll learn strategies for international fulfillment, compliance, and leveraging a 3PL like Product Fulfillment Solutions to simplify global operations.
If you want a partner to handle international logistics and fulfillment, Contact Product Fulfillment Solutions.
Table of contents
- Why Cross-Border Shipping Matters
- Story: How Natura Beauty Expanded Globally
- Common Cross-Border Challenges
- Best Practices for Cross-Border Shipping
- Leveraging a 3PL for Global Ecommerce
- Cross-Border Shipping FAQs
Why Cross-Border Shipping Matters
International ecommerce sales are growing faster than domestic markets in many categories, including health and wellness, beauty, and small consumer goods. Cross-border shipping allows brands to reach new customers and increase lifetime value, but it also requires careful planning to avoid high costs and operational delays.
Brands that succeed globally typically combine strong international marketing with a fulfillment strategy that ensures reliable shipping, customs compliance, and accurate duties and taxes.
Story: How Natura Beauty Expanded Globally
Before
Natura Beauty, a mid-sized beauty brand, had demand from international customers but struggled with shipping delays, unexpected customs fees, and lost orders. Their team lacked expertise in cross-border logistics.
Pain Points
- Unclear duties and taxes leading to frustrated customers
- Shipping delays due to international carrier issues
- High cost of managing global fulfillment in-house
The Shift
Natura Beauty partnered with Product Fulfillment Solutions. PFS provided guidance on customs compliance, leveraged discounted international shipping rates, and offered real-time inventory and order tracking through the real-time information portal. Orders shipped from the Cincinnati, Ohio fulfillment center were delivered reliably and quickly, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Results included faster delivery, fewer customer complaints, and a measurable increase in international sales.
Common Cross-Border Challenges
- Customs and Duties: Each country has unique rules for import taxes and tariffs.
- Shipping Costs: International shipping can be expensive without discounted carrier rates.
- Inventory Visibility: Multi-country orders require accurate tracking to prevent stockouts and delays.
- Returns Management: Handling returns internationally can be costly and complex.
Best Practices for Cross-Border Shipping
- Pre-calculate duties and taxes: Provide transparency to customers and reduce surprises.
- Use reliable carriers and fulfillment partners: Choose 3PLs with international expertise and discounted rates.
- Maintain accurate inventory records: Ensure global availability without overstocking.
- Optimize packaging: Minimize weight and size while ensuring safe delivery.
- Offer clear shipping options and tracking: Keep customers informed about estimated delivery times.
Leveraging a 3PL for Global Ecommerce
A 3PL like PFS helps brands manage the complexity of cross-border shipping. Services include:
- Ecommerce fulfillment services for international orders
- Customs documentation and compliance
- Discounted international shipping rates
- Returns management and inspection workflows
- Centralized inventory from the Cincinnati hub to reduce shipping times
By partnering with a 3PL, brands can focus on marketing and customer experience while leaving operational complexity to experts.
Cross-Border Shipping FAQs
Which countries are easiest to ship to?
It depends on trade agreements and local regulations. Countries with transparent import processes and predictable delivery services are easiest.
How can I reduce international shipping costs?
Use a 3PL with negotiated carrier rates, optimize packaging, and consolidate shipments when possible.
Can PFS handle customs and duties?
Yes, PFS manages documentation, calculates duties and taxes, and ensures compliance with international regulations.
What is the typical delivery timeline for cross-border orders?
It varies by destination, but working with PFS reduces delays through strategic carrier selection and fulfillment from the central Cincinnati hub.
How do I handle international returns?
PFS provides a return management workflow that inspects, restocks, or disposes of international returns efficiently.