How to Reduce International Shipping Costs
International shipping can get expensive quickly, especially when you buy from several stores or receive parcels in oversized packaging. The good news is that a few simple decisions can make a real difference.
Jetkrate helps shoppers reduce unnecessary shipping waste through package forwarding, consolidation and repacking where suitable.
Consolidate parcels when it makes sense
If you buy from multiple retailers, shipping each parcel separately can mean paying repeated base courier charges. Consolidating eligible parcels into one outbound shipment may reduce duplicated costs and make tracking easier.
This is especially useful for clothing, small gifts, books, accessories and other non-fragile items.
Remove unnecessary packaging
Retailers often ship small items in large boxes or use bulky promotional packaging. Repacking can sometimes reduce the parcel size and lower the chargeable weight.
Repacking is not always possible. Fragile, sealed, dangerous, oversized or branded-packaging items may need to stay as they arrived.
Understand volumetric weight
Couriers often charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or volumetric weight. A light but large box can cost more than a compact heavy parcel.
Before buying bulky items, check dimensions as well as weight.
Choose the right service level
The fastest option is not always necessary. If the item is not urgent, compare available courier services and choose the one that best balances cost, speed and tracking.
Do not rely on estimated transit times as guarantees. Customs, weather and courier network delays can still affect delivery.
Avoid restricted or difficult items
Restricted goods can create extra handling, delays or return costs. Perfumes, aerosols, lithium batteries, food, supplements, alcohol and oversized items can be more complicated or impossible to ship.
Checking restrictions before you buy is one of the easiest ways to avoid wasted costs.
Use the right forwarding origin
Jetkrate offers package forwarding from New Zealand, the UK, Australia and the United States. Use the warehouse closest to the retailer you are buying from. Sending a parcel across a country before forwarding it overseas adds time and cost.
Reduce shipping waste with Jetkrate
Shop from your chosen overseas stores, send parcels to your Jetkrate address and use consolidation or repacking where available to make your shipment more efficient.