While it might feel like packaging books to keep them safe and sound in transit could be complicated, actually they’re pretty good at looking after themselves, and thanks to some relatively recent advances in packaging, and cost-effective delivery options, international sales of books sold online are healthy.
And we’re not talking small numbers either.
According to Statista, the number of books sold in the United Kingdom reached a massive 212+ million in 2021, the highest on record since 2012.
And while audio and digital book downloads are increasing, sales of physical paper books are showing no signs of slowing down.
So how do you get books, used or new, to your customers cost-effectively without damage?
Packaging books to send internationally
Book packaging has taken a massive uplift in recent years. Now the packaging available literally wraps around the book, creating a protective skin while adding little extra weight or size, keeping postage costs down.
Most of these wrap packs can also help package books of different sizes so there’s no need to have a massive variety on your storage shelves.
Of course, it’s always best to have a backup though, and if you don’t have access to this sort of packaging, or maybe it’s just not ‘on brand, you could think about using simple brown paper and polybags and tape to wrap up your books.
This should keep them safe too, but the longer the journey the more bashing around they may have to endure, so you’ll need to think about some extra padding like crepe and paper bubble wrap too.
Cost of shipping books internationally
Books, especially hardbacks, can be heavy and this does affect shipping costs.
Ideally you want to try and limit the weight as much as you can, but this won’t always be possible, and it could push your shipping costs up a little.
But, by offsetting the costs with bulk purchase discounts, and good packaging choices, you can easily factor any additional costs into your product price and postage and packaging.
It’s also important to do your research and find a shipping company that has worked with online book sellers for years, and so knows what they need and has systems and products in place tailormade for getting books to bookworms safely.
Asendia, for example, has worked with large and niche book specialists for many years and offer services designed to bring the cost of shipping books down, such as preferential pricing for international parcels that are under 30mm thick to some countries.
You mustn’t forget how customers might get books back to you too, if it turns out what they ordered wasn’t quite what they wanted.
70% of shoppers say they check out an e-tailer’s returns policy before deciding if they’ll but from them or not, so making sure your customers have a convenient and low-cost (if not free) returns process is a big selling point.
Thankfully, through their ePaq service, Asendia can offer a full range of solutions that are convenient, cost-effective, and provide you with greater control.
To find out more about how Asendia can help you sell books online and grow your business both home and away, drop us a line.
