How can you manage global delivery complexities?

1 Know your markets

Before you start shipping your products internationally, you need to research and understand the markets you are entering. Different countries have different rules, standards, and preferences that affect your delivery process. For example, you need to know the tariff rates, import quotas, product certifications, packaging requirements, and labeling regulations of your destination country. You also need to consider the cultural, political, and economic factors that may influence your customers' demand, expectations, and satisfaction. By knowing your markets, you can plan your delivery strategy accordingly and avoid potential delays, fines, or disputes.

2 Choose your partners

Global delivery involves working with various partners, such as freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and distributors. Choosing the right partners can make a big difference in your delivery performance and efficiency. You need to evaluate your partners based on their experience, reputation, network, capabilities, and costs. You also need to communicate clearly and regularly with your partners to ensure that they understand your delivery requirements, specifications, and expectations. Moreover, you need to monitor and measure your partners' performance and provide feedback and support when needed.

4 Manage your documentation

Documentation is a crucial part of global delivery, as it proves the ownership, value, origin, and destination of your goods. Documentation is also required for customs clearance, taxation, insurance, and payment. To manage your documentation, you need to prepare and submit the correct and complete documents for each delivery, such as the commercial invoice, the packing list, the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, and the customs declaration. You also need to ensure that your documents are consistent, accurate, and compliant with the relevant laws and regulations of your origin and destination countries.

5 Mitigate your risks

Global delivery involves various risks, such as damage, loss, theft, delay, or non-compliance of your goods. To mitigate your risks, you need to implement some preventive and protective measures, such as quality control, packaging, labeling, insurance, security, and contingency planning. You also need to monitor and assess your risks regularly and update your delivery strategy accordingly. Furthermore, you need to have a clear and fair policy for handling claims, disputes, and returns in case of any delivery issues or problems.