It may only be across the English Channel, but our French neighbours are still a fair distance away, and, as with all international shipments, there are always considerations to make.
One of the most critical factors for any cross-border seller will be the shipping costs. Choosing a courier or postal service that has established connections with the region is the cheapest way to ship to France, and will help to ensure that your parcels follow the most efficient route to their intended destination and that the success of your delivery is guaranteed.
Consider the shipping rates for the different size parcels
Parcels bound for France are typically priced according to their size. Goods under 2kg will be classified as "small". Anything up to 30kg is considered "large". These dimensions will affect the price accordingly.
There are no surprise surcharges when shipping with Asendia, but it may be worth checking with your selected courier to ensure there are no surprises in the final price.
It's important to also measure your parcel's dimensions after packaging to avoid delays in dispatch or worse, not having your item sent at all.
Choose the right delivery time frame
Do your customers want next day delivery? With France's proximity to the UK, this is certainly an option that is available to you when you choose a reliable courier. It's essential to note, however, that expediting your deliveries will affect the cost, and typically isn't a requirement form a shopper in France.
Alternatively, you may choose an economy or standard delivery option to keep your postage within budget for you and the customer.
Extra costs to consider when shipping to France
Tracking
To give your buyers extra assurance, you may wish to offer a tracking service; this may also be an added extra depending on the level of information your customer would like to receive throughout the parcel's journey. Check whether your courier offers different solutions for different categories of tracking, or whether this is charged as an extra.
Insurance
With international shipments, it's not uncommon for more cautious customers to want insurance cover. In fact, you as a business owner may consider this to be an important factor in your shipping. When you choose Asendia, you can enjoy a level of cover for goods if they are lost. If you'd like to insure your goods for a higher amount, however, this will be an added cost for you to factor into your budget.
Order fulfilment
Some cross-border delivery companies offer a wider range of services that can make your international shipping that much easier. Consider whether you'd like fulfilment or return solutions. Many customers will check up on your returns policy and make sure that there's a cost-effective or free option to send parcels back. Asendia supports e-commerce businesses with an end-to-end order fulfilment service to France. From warehousing, to packaging and labelling, our experts can help you to tailor a service that your French customers will love.
As a trusted and well-established courier in France - we're owned by La Poste! - we are able to offer unbeatable service and the most competitive prices to our clients. If you'd like to ensure that your cross-border shipment experience is plain sailing, speak to us today. We can provide free quotes on all of our services and help you to work out the best order fulfilment plan to fit your budget.
