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Fatal Mistakes People Make When Dealing with International Shipping Companies
Using international shipping companies is important in light of economic developments as international shipping is one of the most vital elements in global trade.
It connects customers and companies and helps expand markets not only locally but also internationally.
However, there are some challenges and mistakes that affect shipping operations and impact the cost and safety of shipments, this is what many customers are looking for.
Customer mistakes when dealing with international shipping companies in Egypt
There are some challenges that customers face when dealing with international shipping companies which negatively affect goods and shipments and may lead to heavy losses as follows:
Insufficient research
This is one of the biggest mistakes customers make as failing to conduct thorough research before making an international purchase can result in numerous losses.
Therefore, you should conduct comprehensive research on the seller, the product and the shipping process, check prices from different sources, verify the seller’s credibility, read reviews from previous customers and familiarize yourself with customs regulations and required fees.
Shipments are not tracked
After completing an international purchase, you must ensure that you track your shipment regularly.
The best reliable international shipping companies offer electronic tracking services that allow customers to know the location of the package and the expected delivery date.
Relying on international shipping companies such as Aramex is a reliable choice as they have the ability to provide an accurate tracking system and continuous updates.
Not taking delivery time into account
Shipping from one country to another can take much longer than domestic shipping and customs procedures can sometimes cause delays in the arrival of goods.
Therefore, the delivery time specified by international shipping companies must be taken into account.
If the purchase is sensitive, you can contact the seller and choose a shipping method that guarantees the fastest arrival of the goods.
Inappropriate packaging
Good packaging plays an important role in protecting international shipments during transport and many buyers overlook the importance of packaging which leads to damaged parcels.
When shipping fragile items, strong packaging materials such as sturdy boxes should be used and secured tightly.
Some international shipping companies in Alexandria such as International Shipping Company, offer additional services that include special packing materials, bubble wrap and security tape to reduce the risk of damage to the package during shipping.
Ignoring return policies
Sometimes, the product may not meet customer satisfaction and expectations or it may be damaged upon arrival.
Therefore, before making an international purchase, you should first check the seller’s return policy thoroughly, understand the procedures and verify the return shipping costs.
This will enable you to make an informed and correct decision.
Ignoring currency exchange rates
Currency exchange rate fluctuations directly affect the final cost of an international purchase so you should check the exchange rates and calculate how they will affect your budget.
You should also be careful when paying in foreign currency online as some banks may charge additional fees for currency conversion.
Ignoring shipping costs
International shipping costs can add a significant financial burden to the total cost paid.
Many buyers overlook these costs and are surprised when they are charged high fees.
Therefore, you should compare the available shipping options, pay attention to the delivery time and calculate the total cost of the order which includes taxes and customs fees.
If you are looking for international shipping companies to deliver parcels, you can rely on International Shipping Company with confidence in the quality of its services.
Neglecting customs regulations
Customs regulations vary from country to country and you must understand these regulations and systems to avoid delays or unexpected fees.
In addition, you should familiarize yourself with import restrictions and any special requirements that may be imposed by the exporting country and be sure to review the list of prohibited and restricted items to find out if the products you want to ship are allowed in your country.
Failure to insure valuable shipments
Neglecting to insure high-value parcels is a big mistake that can cause significant financial losses in the event of loss, damage or theft.
Therefore, you must accurately assess the value of the parcel before shipping and make sure you purchase adequate insurance to protect it during transport. This will give you peace of mind and comfort.
Poor communication with the seller
Customs regulations vary from country to country and you must understand these regulations and systems to avoid delays or unexpected fees.a
Effective communication is essential for successful international purchasing and shipping.
Therefore, you must ensure that you maintain constant and clear communication with the seller, inquire about unclear details and carefully review the shipping information. When using international shipping companies, they offer you support in multiple languages to facilitate communication with sellers and solve any problems you encounter quickly and easily.
In addition, you should familiarize yourself with import restrictions and any special requirements that may be imposed by the exporting country and be sure to review the list of prohibited and restricted items to find out if the products you want to ship are allowed in your country.
Challenges facing international shipping companies in Egypt
International shipping companies may face many challenges in the process of transporting goods or parcels, which can cause losses and negative effects on customers. These challenges are as follows:
- Customs complications: This is one of the biggest problems facing many cheap international shipping companies due to the difficulty of customs clearance procedures and the differences in laws from one country to another.
- Delays in delivery: This problem is common in international shipping due to many logistical complications, bad weather and delays in customs procedures which affect the ability to meet customer deadlines.
- Damaged or lost shipments: Many shipments are at risk of loss or damage during shipping, especially if the shipment contains valuable or sensitive items.
- Sometimes it is difficult to track shipments due to outdated and unupdated systems as well as a lack of available information about the shipment.
- Unexpected additional costs: Customers tend to choose the cheapest international shipping companies to get reasonable costs but they do not know that the company may face unexpected costs that affect the total price such as storage and customs fees.
What are the methods of international shipping?
International shipping companies rely on three basic methods for shipping goods: land shipping which is done using trains and trucks, sea shipping which is done using ships and containers and air shipping, which is done using aircraft.
What items are prohibited from shipping?
There are a number of items that are prohibited from shipping according to international shipping regulations and rules, including pesticides, toxic substances, agricultural chemicals, oil paints, glues, flammable perfumes, compressed gases, oxidizing substances and other materials.
What are the international shipping laws?
There are some laws specific to air shipping that must be followed such as ensuring that the bag is securely closed, placing a description of the contents of the shipment on the outside of the cover and accurately writing the name and address of the sender and recipient.
Conclusion
When dealing with international shipping companies, customers may face some challenges and mistakes so it is important to know the right ways to ensure that shipments arrive safely and at a low cost.
This starts with choosing a reliable company and understanding customs laws and exchange rates.
This raises the question that many customers ask:
What are the best international freight companies in Egypt?
The answer is International Shipping Company ISC which offers accurate tracking services, secure packaging and continuous technical support.
It is one of the best choices for effective solutions inside and outside Egypt.