It's late in the evening, you're sitting in your home office surrounded by a sea of brown cardboard boxes, and you're feeling overwhelmed. Why? Because you've just sold your first item to an international customer, and you're not exactly sure how to get your precious package across borders without it costing a fortune or getting lost in transit. If that sounds like you, then you're in the right place.

Shipping internationally can seem intimidating at first, but with some insider tips and a little bit of knowledge, you can make the process much easier. This blog post will provide you with five practical and easy-to-implement tips to help you navigate the complexities of international shipping.

1 - Understand the Regulations of the Destination Country

First and foremost, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the country you're shipping to. Not all items are allowed in all countries, and some require special paperwork or permissions. 

Don't let your parcel be held at customs simply because you didn't do your homework. Visit the customs website of the destination country or call them up to clear any doubts. The buyer may also be able to tell you more about their country's own regulations; if you're feeling lost, ask them if they've ordered similar items from abroad before.

2 - Make Sure Your Packaging is Robust

When shipping abroad, you'll want to take special care with your packaging. Your package will be on a long journey, and it may not always be handled with care. So, invest in strong boxes, use plenty of packing material, and make sure your item is secure. 

You'll also want to double-check that the address is correct and clearly visible. Keep in mind that a well-packed parcel is less likely to get damaged, and a clearly marked parcel is less likely to get lost.

3 - Use Courier Price Comparison Tools

This brings us to our third tip: always use courier price comparison tools. When shipping internationally, prices and delivery times change a lot between providers. And some couriers might offer competitive rates for local deliveries but charge a premium for international shipping.

Don't blindly stick with your local courier. A simple search online can provide you with several comparison tools, and you can use those to find the best deals for the route you're shipping in. If you've never seen a postage calculator and comparison tool before, check out the Fast Courier website.

4 - Fill Out Customs Forms Correctly

It is vital to fill out the customs forms correctly. A small error or omission can lead to your package being held up at customs, potentially causing a significant delay. 

You will want to accurately describe the items in your parcel, state their value, and specify whether they're gifts or merchandise. If you're unsure about any part of the form, don't hesitate to ask for help from your chosen courier - they deal with these forms daily and can provide invaluable guidance.

5 - Consider Taking Out Insurance

Lastly, you might want to consider taking out insurance for your international shipments, especially if they're high-value. While no one likes to think about their parcel getting lost or damaged, the reality is that it does happen. Insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures you're covered if the worst happens.

Many courier service providers will offer in-house package insurance. But those don't always give you the best rates or the best coverage, so you might want to shop for third-party package insurance providers as well.