Improve Cross Border Shipping Opportunities for 2022/23

Whistl’s portfolio of global delivery solutions gives your business a simplified process.

With Whistl your business will receive a complete account-managed delivery journey, so your business benefits from a more efficient delivery to your customers. If your eCommerce objective is to grow international sales, this short guide will give you some essential tips ahead of the Black Friday and Christmas peaks of 2022 and into early 2023.

Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2022

Avoid the frustration of managing multiple carriers ahead of Christmas and send your eCommerce items with Whistl.

*The dates outlined are a guide and are subject to change, please speak to a Whistl Account Manager for specific guidance. 

Whistl’s International Shipping Services

Wherever your customers are based, Whistl can help you reach them with our dedicated global shipping solutions.

• Import - with customs clearance at entry
• Exporting items to worldwide locations
• Customs clearance
• Freight forwarding

Know your market

When reviewing your sales destination countries, a good place to start is with your consumer drivers. Continued analysis of buying behaviour is fundamental to increasing your future international sales. 

There are noticeable trends in online shopping behaviour from country to country. Behaviours may depend on cultural factors impacting trust, available delivery options,

product categories, and which marketplaces retailers choose for their sales listings

Cross-Border Regulations

Each country may have different regulations for cross-border deliveries. These regulations may affect the cost of the goods and products. Examples of these include:

1.    Taxation

Customers want to understand the entire cost of a product; therefore, if there is little clarity on the additional tax at the point of purchase, this could lead to a negative customer experience.

2.    Duties

Trade and co-operation agreements are reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that relevant customs duties are applied to imported or exported goods.

3.    Commodity Codes and Product Descriptions

The commodity code describes the product sold and will be used on customs declarations. When selling goods across borders, commodity codes must be added as internationally recognised reference numbers. These codes help identify:

• The rate of Customs Duty and import VAT
• Taxes
•  Preferential rates which may apply

4.    Hidden costs for consumers

In addition to the potential taxation of cross-border purchasing, customers may also have other costs added to the total cost of the goods. These costs may be based on how the customer chooses to pay for the goods, including the payment processor, card network, and banking networks.

5.    Trading versus purchasing currencies

For most consumers, the best choice of transaction currency would be their domestic currency to improve the speed of transactions, especially when consumers are comparing costs for products. For the eCommerce retailer to maximise sales and avoid cart abandonment, currency conversion efficiency should be a top priority. Currency rates do not stay static and converting currencies can incur additional fees.

Peak Periods and Sales Demands

Capitalising on increased demand can make or break your business. Peak periods for sales are no longer restricted to Christmas. Globally, seasonal periods and holidays could impact sales to specific countries. Outlined below is an example of the forthcoming holidays for the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.

Benefits of working with Whistl

Whistl manages all aspects of your delivery. With Whistl's International Gateway service, we create a seamless service, including customs clearance service for your international parcel deliveries.

• Cost-effective rates through consolidated volumes 
• Relationships with carefully selected worldwide shipping partners
• Partner/account management from dedicated shipping experts 
• One point of contact 
• International shipping advice for shipping (UPU regulations, VAT, customs, and duty).
• Proactive customer support to increase on-time delivery and reduce lost or damaged items.
• A comprehensive range of delivery options, including tracked and part-tracked delivery.

Whistl manages all aspects of your delivery. With Whistl's International Gateway service, we create a seamless service, including customs clearance for your international parcel deliveries.​​​