With the latest US tariffs news stirring the global trade waters, many online sellers are looking for ways to adapt.
Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, offers robust international shipping capabilities to help businesses stay competitive. By managing international shipping settings on Shopify, you can expand your market reach and streamline logistics, even amid tariff shifts.
In this guide, we’ll explore Shopify international shipping, from its functionality and costs to delivery timelines and top third-party apps that can enhance your shipping strategy. Let’s get started!
Understanding ecommerce international shipping
Think of ecommerce international shipping as sending your products on a global adventure! It’s about getting your goods across borders to reach customers worldwide, a key move for growing your business.
But, let’s be real, it can be tricky. You need to navigate different regulations, customs, and taxes while keeping an eye on shipping costs to ensure your customers have a smooth experience.
Shipping internationally means you’ll deal with varying rules depending on the country. You’ll need to understand import duties, taxes, and any product restrictions. Plus, international shipping can be pricier due to distance, weight, and the shipping method you choose.
So, planning your shipping strategy is crucial to keep costs down and customers happy.
Mastering these complexities can open new markets, boost sales, and help you build a loyal international customer base. Understanding the ins and outs of international shipping in ecommerce is your first step to global success!
What is Shopify international shipping?
Shopify international shipping is like having a magic passport for your online store! It’s a set of powerful tools that lets you sell and ship your products to customers all around the globe. Imagine reaching out to new countries and regions without ever leaving your desk.
Shopify offers a treasure trove of features to make your international logistics a breeze. Think customizable shipping rates, built-in shipping carriers, and even real-time shipping calculations. It’s like having a logistics wizard on your team!
Choosing the right shipping carriers is key for both you and your customers. Every carrier has its own superpowers that can boost your business and make your customers smile.
Shopify’s international shipping is your ticket to expanding your global customer base, making it a trusty sidekick in tackling the challenges of international trade.
How do you ship internationally with Shopify?
Utilizing Shopify’s international shipping involves several key steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Select Shipping Carriers: Once you’ve set your shipping rates, choose from Shopify’s supported carriers, such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS, to handle your international deliveries.
Enable International Trade and Shipping: Begin by navigating to “Settings” in your Shopify admin panel. Under the “Shipping” section, locate “Shipping zones” and select the countries or regions where you want to ship your products.
Set Shipping Rates: You have two main options for configuring shipping costs. You can either set variable rates based on factors like product weight, price, and destination, or you can establish a fixed rate for all orders.
By following these steps, your Shopify store will be ready to handle cross-border orders and deliveries. Here are some additional steps to ensure smooth international shipping operations.
First, inform your customers of shipping details.
Shopify can automatically generate such information, but you should always make sure consumers receive essential data, such as estimated delivery time, package content (in case of split shipments), and the date of shipment.
Second, place test orders to check if everything goes well.
You can check whether the carrier you choose satisfies your needs for international shipping by placing test orders. If problems occur, you can always make adjustments accordingly. This is crucial to a satisfactory customer experience.
Third, monitor and assess international shipping performance.
You should regularly check and summarize the performance of cross-border deliveries. Also, online store owners are recommended to stay informed about any changes in laws and regulations associated with international shipment.
Fourth, seek help when necessary.
Besides, Shopify offers user-friendly tutorials and features for international shipping, such as multi-currency and multi-language support. With that said, you can always turn to third-party applications for help, and we will cover that later.
How much does Shopify international shipping cost?
The costs for international shipping on the Shopify platform depend on a wide variety of factors, including:
1. Shipping fees
Users can customize shipping rates on Shopify. The three options are fixed costs, customized costs, and carrier-calculated costs. Merchants can decide on the shipping fees based on the realities of their stores, like what they sell and the values of the products.
2. Shipping provider rates
Online business owners can choose different shipping providers, hence different shipping fees. One advantage is that Shopify allows its users to integrate desired carriers into the website. Popular delivery companies, such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx, are all available.
3. Shipping destinations
The costs of international shipping on Shopify also rely on destination countries. Distance is, without any doubt, a vital factor. In addition, some countries have strict regulations about customs and imports. Therefore, it is recommended that cross-border business owners keep an eye on the latest news about destination countries’ shipment regulations.
4. Shipping methods
Air freight providers and sea freight providers charge differently. Such a factor will also influence international shipping rates on Shopify.
5. Product parameters
Whether you sell earrings or refrigerators affects the costs of international shipping. Generally, heavier or larger packages result in higher shipping rates.
6. Additional services
Delivery companies often offer additional services and charge fees accordingly.
Ecommerce merchants should balance the value of those services and the costs of the products. For instance, glassware sellers might want to buy shipping insurance, and people selling electronic devices might hope to add a signature confirmation service to the list.
After all, ensuring packages are delivered safely to customers is crucial, as it enhances customer satisfaction and trust.
How long does Shopify international shipping take?
Providing various shipping options has become essential for businesses, as modern shoppers increasingly expect them as a standard service rather than an added benefit. Like the costs of Shopify international shipping, shipping time also depends on various factors, including:
1. Shipping destination
So, you’re wondering how long it takes for international packages to arrive? Well, it largely depends on where they’re headed.
Distance certainly matters. Sending a package across the border or even to a different continent can vary greatly in duration. Naturally, shipping to a neighboring country might be quicker than sending something halfway around the world.
Each country has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to international shipping.
Customs clearance, for instance, can be a major player in the timeline. In some places, customs officers meticulously check imports before they’re allowed into the domestic market. This thorough examination might mean your customers receive their packages a little later than anticipated.
2. Shipping method
Choosing the right shipping method is key to balancing speed and cost.
- Air freight zooms your packages to their destination quickly, perfect for urgent needs, but it’s pricier.
- Sea freight sails the economical route, ideal for bulk shipments, though it takes longer.
- Ground shipping offers a middle ground for nearby destinations.
Did you know that while sea freight handles 90% of global trade by volume, air freight takes the cake in value for high-ticket items? Your choice can make all the difference in crafting an efficient international shipping strategy!
3. Other factors
And let’s not forget about those unexpected hiccups! Weather events, political tensions, and even natural disasters can wrench your shipping plans.
Plus, predictable factors like holidays, cultural traditions, and busy shopping seasons can also impact delivery times.
To keep your customers smiling, it’s crucial to stay on top of these factors and any other important details.
Shopify users who are engaging in international trade should keep a keen eye on shipping regulations both on Shopify and in the destination countries. Staying informed is key to providing a top-notch delivery experience!
Best 5 Shopify international shipping apps
One of the reasons why Shopify is a user-friendly platform is that it allows online business owners to take full advantage of third-party applications.
These Shopify partners play a crucial role in providing solutions that ensure seamless logistics, including real-time currency conversion and advanced shipping strategies.
Here are some helpful tools in the field of international shipping.
1. ParcelPanel
ParcelPanel is your go-to tool for supercharging Shopify shipping with top-notch order tracking!
It offers a suite of features like all-in-one tracking, branded tracking pages, and shipping notifications that keep both you and your customers in the loop. With intelligent analytics and seamless integrations, it’s like having a personal assistant for your post-purchase process.
Choose from four plans: free, essential ($11/month), professional ($59/month), and enterprise ($479/month). Each plan is packed with powerful features to suit your business needs, and you can always start with a free trial to find the perfect fit.
With a sparkling 5-star rating, ParcelPanel is the ultimate choice for enhancing your Shopify post-purchase experience.
#1 Shopify Tracking Solution for eCommerce
2. ShipperHQ
As an all-in-one shipping solution, ShipperHQ gives online store owners granular control over shipping arrangements, letting them customize the shipment options they offer their customers.
The application’s features include but are not limited to real-time shipping rates across various carriers, accurate delivery dates, and automated calculation of shipping rates based on carts. It helps to decrease the number of abandoned carts and increase conversion rates.
It is worth noting that ShipperHQ automatically generates rates from various warehouses, which is a vital functionality for dropshipping merchants.
3. Easyship
Designed for Shopify stores, Easyship is a convenient tool trusted by thousands of e-commerce professionals. Such an application helps you save money, increase conversions, and boost revenues by taking care of the shipping.
Its functionalities include but are not limited to order synchronization, workflow automation, carrier comparison, flexible insurance coverage, and optional prepaid returns.
Easyship has a rating of 4.1 stars on the Shopify App Store, which proves its popularity and excellence.
4. Shippo
With Shippo, your process of Shopify international shipping is facilitated in three easy steps.
First, connect the application with your store with a simple click. Then, Shippo automatically imports orders across all your channels, after which you can compare many shipping options. Shippo offers access to 40+ carriers worldwide, including UPS, USPS, and FedEx. Third, choose your desired delivery company and send emails.
Shippo, an end-to-end multi-carrier shipping software, satisfies your needs as your business grows. You cannot miss this 4-star application trusted by over 100k brands.
5. ShipStation
Ready to save your time on shipping? ShipStation in the Shopify App Store is a handy tool.
Connecting all your stores and importing all your orders, the application helps ease the burden of managing comprehensive shipping orders. With a wide range of carrier options, such as UPS, USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, Australia Post, and DHL Express, ShipStation lets you spend less on international shipping. Automated workflows are also time-savers.
Released in 2011, this long-established third-party shipping application on Shopify has a rating of 3.7 stars.
6. PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label
Ready to streamline your shipping operations? PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label is a must-have tool available on the Shopify App Store.
This application connects with multiple carriers, such as UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL Express, Canada Post, and more, allowing you to display live shipping rates at checkout and automate label printing directly from your Shopify admin. It also simplifies fulfillment by marking orders as shipped and sending live tracking updates to customers, ensuring a seamless shipping experience.
With support for both domestic and international carriers, PH MultiCarrier Shipping Label is ideal for businesses looking to scale efficiently. Its automated workflows save time and reduce human error, making it an invaluable asset for Shopify merchants.
This highly-rated application, boasting a 4.9-star rating and trusted by over 500+ businesses, is designed to meet the needs of growing shopify stores stores.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Ecommerce businesses that ship internationally often face common challenges, such as managing shipping costs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing a seamless customer experience. To overcome these challenges, businesses can use shipping integrations like ParcelPanel, ShipStation, or Shippo to manage international shipping and carriers.
These integrations streamline the shipping process by automating tasks such as order synchronization, label printing, and tracking updates. They also provide access to multiple carriers, allowing businesses to compare rates and choose the most cost-effective options.
Calculating accurate shipping costs is another challenge. Tools like Shipping API or RateLinx can help by providing real-time shipping rate calculations based on factors like weight, dimensions, and destination. Displaying these rates at checkout ensures transparency and helps prevent cart abandonment.
Managing taxes and import duties is also crucial for international shipping. Tax plugins like TaxJar or Avalara can automate the calculation and collection of taxes, ensuring compliance with local regulations and reducing the risk of errors.
By understanding these challenges and using the right tools and strategies, ecommerce businesses can succeed in the global market and provide a great customer experience. This proactive approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds trust and loyalty among international customers.
FAQ
1. Can I ship internationally with Shopify?
The answer is affirmative. Shopify is designed to support both domestic and international e-commerce. You can sell your products to clients located in a wide variety of countries and regions by integrating shipping applications into your store. A recommended list is in the previous section.
Remember that the shipping rates and spans depend on various factors, such as shipping methods, shipping destinations, product parameters, and so on. Also, don’t forget to place test orders to ensure that your international shipping on Shopify works perfectly.
It is crucial to configure the Shopify platform to accommodate international countries by accurately listing and updating the shipping options and associated taxes for international transactions to ensure proper delivery and compliance.
2. How do I allow international orders on Shopify?
You can configure your Shopify store with a few steps to allow cross-border orders.
First, go to your admin panel and click “Settings” in the left menu. Then, you find the “Shipping” button, under which there is a “Shipping zones” section. Next, you can choose where you allow international orders to be placed.
After setting up shipping rates, customer information, and delivery policies, your store is ready for international shipment.
3. Is Shopify good for international shipping?
Shopify is user-friendly in terms of international shipping, which is one of the reasons why it is a popular e-commerce platform worldwide.
The platform offers online business owners flexibility in configuring shipping settings and integrating delivery companies. Having a well-planned ecommerce international shipping strategy is crucial for establishing best practices, ensuring transparency in costs, and building trust with international customers.
In addition, it automatically generates materials for customs clearance, which is convenient for both sellers and buyers.
Third-party applications are always at your disposal when it comes to international shipment. You can choose from multiple shipping solutions in the Shopify App Store.
4. How do I charge international shipping on Shopify?
To charge cross-border shipments on Shopify, you need to set up shipping rates based on a range of factors, such as shipping methods, destination countries, product weights, and so on. It’s also crucial to consider the shipping origin when determining international shipping rates, as the location from which products are shipped can significantly affect costs and delivery times.
Go to the admin panel and select “Settings,” and you will find the “Shipping zones” section. Under this section, you can configure shipping rates for your international orders.
There are three options. First, You can set up a flat rate, which is a fixed price for all orders to one destination place. You can also configure shipping rates based on order prices. The next choice is to decide the shipping costs by how heavy the orders are.
5. What is the cheapest way to ship internationally?
Costs of cross-border shipping depend on several factors, such as distance, weight, methods, and so on. However, there are tricks to finding the cheapest way to ship internationally.
The most direct and convenient way is to use economy shipping services. Many carriers have such services that are more affordable than standard shipping.
You can also try communicating with delivery companies. Suppose you run a large-scale business with a high international shipping volume every week or month. In that case, the carrier is likely willing to design a personalized plan for you, which will be more cost-effective than plans for ordinary people.
Outro
Shipping options for businesses are an essential factor to consider, particularly when you conduct transnational trade.
Today, we introduced international shipping for Shopify, including how much it costs and how long it takes. A list of third-party applications is recommended for more effective and efficient cross-border shipment. Regarding delivery options for small businesses, there are also economy services.
In general, Shopify is equipped with handy functionalities for those in the international e-commerce industry. You can always turn to third-party applications for help, such as the top recommendation in the previous section, ParcelPanel, which helps optimize the post-purchase experience, minimize abandoned carts, and generate greater revenues.
Offering international shipping options is not just beneficial but a necessary step worth tackling for expanded market reach.
Note: This blog was originally written in English and translated using an automated tool to make the content accessible to a global audience. We believe in sharing valuable insights with everyone and apologize for any inaccuracies. If you spot any errors, please feel free to contact us for corrections. Your feedback helps us improve and ensures the content’s value is fully realized.
Zero Tan
Content Specialist
As an eCommerce content creator, I aim to share insights, trends, and strategies that may help you navigate the digital marketplace more effectively. My content is designed to provide practical value and inspiration, supporting your business growth and helping you stay informed about industry developments.
