Selling globally is one of the biggest opportunities for ecommerce brands. A wider reach means more customers, higher sales, and stronger brand visibility. But with this opportunity comes complexity. International shipping after checkout is one of the toughest challenges for online sellers.
If your customers face delays, unexpected fees, or confusing tracking, they may hesitate to buy from you again. On the other hand, smooth post-checkout experiences build trust and loyalty. Handling these challenges well is not just about logistics, it’s about protecting your brand reputation and driving repeat business.
This guide explores the key international shipping challenges you’ll encounter after checkout and practical ways to solve them.
International shipping is the process of sending packages or mail from one country to another, and it’s a vital part of expanding your business to reach new customers around the world. Unlike domestic shipping, international shipments require a thorough understanding of customs forms, shipping services, and the regulations that govern cross-border delivery. Each country has its own rules for what can be shipped, how it must be documented, and which shipping services are available. Navigating these requirements is essential for ensuring that your packages arrive safely and on time. By mastering the basics of international shipping, including the correct use of customs forms and choosing the right shipping services, businesses can open up new markets and deliver a seamless experience to customers in any country.
Choosing the right shipping service is crucial for successful international shipping. Options like First Class Mail International, Priority Mail International, and Priority Mail Express International each offer different delivery speeds, shipping costs, and features. First Class Mail International is an economical way to send lightweight packages and large envelopes, but it may have limited tracking and longer delivery times. Priority Mail International provides faster delivery and includes tracking and insurance for added peace of mind. For urgent shipments, Priority Mail Express International offers the quickest delivery speed and enhanced tracking, making it ideal for time-sensitive packages. It’s important to consider the destination country’s restrictions and regulations, as these can affect which shipping service is best suited for your needs. By understanding the differences in shipping cost, delivery speed, and available features, businesses can select the most appropriate service, minimize customs delays, and enhance the overall customer experience.
Properly preparing international packages is key to avoiding customs delays and ensuring smooth delivery. Start by accurately completing all required customs forms, such as the commercial invoice, which details the contents, value, and purpose of the shipment. Attach the correct shipping labels to each package, making sure all information is clear and legible. Use sturdy packaging materials to protect your items during transit, and securely seal each package to prevent damage. Clearly address the package, including the recipient’s full name, address, and contact information, following the destination country’s format. By paying close attention to these details and complying with all relevant regulations, businesses can reduce the risk of customs issues and ensure their international packages reach customers efficiently.
One of the most common hurdles in cross-border shipping is customs. Incomplete or missing customs forms and supporting documents can cause significant delays. Packages may get stuck if paperwork is incomplete, descriptions are vague, or duties haven’t been prepaid. Customs authorities require a detailed description of the contents, including the harmonized system (HS) code or tariff code, to assess duties and taxes. Shipments with no commercial value, such as documents, may have different customs requirements. Providing a pro forma invoice can help customs authorities determine the value and purpose of the shipment. When descriptions are vague, detailed information including the correct HS code is necessary for smooth customs clearance. This leads to frustrated customers who have to wait longer than expected.
International shipping often comes with expensive rates and hidden surcharges. Postage prices for international shipments can vary based on destination, weight, and service level, making it difficult to estimate the total cost upfront. Fuel adjustments, remote delivery fees, and unexpected carrier charges can quickly add up, making it hard to predict final costs. Some carriers offer flat rate pricing, which provides predictable costs regardless of weight or distance. For example, USPS offers flat rate envelopes and boxes, where prices start at a set amount for these services. International postage can be purchased online or at the post office, and understanding the different pricing structures helps avoid surprises. If these aren’t communicated clearly, customers might feel misled.
Domestic shipments usually offer reliable tracking updates. International shipments, however, often switch between carriers once they cross borders. Customers may experience gaps in updates or unclear statuses, which increases anxiety and leads to more “Where is my order?” inquiries.
Shipping across countries takes more time, especially if customs clearance or multiple handoffs are involved. Customers may accept longer delivery windows, but they expect clear communication throughout the process.
Returns are already a pain point for many ecommerce stores. Add international shipping and the costs, time, and complexity multiply. Businesses that don’t plan for international returns risk losing repeat customers.
International shipping comes with unique risks, from customs delays to lost or damaged packages and regulatory challenges. To manage these risks, businesses should invest in shipping insurance to protect valuable shipments and use trackable shipping services that provide real-time updates. Ensuring that all customs forms and documentation are complete and accurate is essential for smooth customs clearance and to avoid unnecessary delays. Staying informed about the latest restrictions and regulations in each destination country helps prevent compliance issues. By proactively addressing these risks, businesses can safeguard their shipments, maintain reliable delivery, and build lasting trust with their customers.
Nothing frustrates customers more than surprise charges. To avoid this:
Use Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping options so fees are calculated upfront.
Integrate duty and tax calculators at checkout.
Provide clear, easy-to-understand breakdowns of all costs.
It is important to clarify who is responsible for paying duties and taxes on international shipments. Providing specific information about the shipment, such as accurate addresses and product details, at checkout helps ensure duties and taxes are calculated correctly.
Transparency builds trust. Customers are more willing to pay higher shipping fees if they know exactly what they’re paying for.
Choose carriers experienced in international shipping. Leading carriers offer a variety of international services, including scheduled pickups, customs handling, and date-certain delivery options. International shipping services may differ depending on the destination, as certain countries have unique import or export restrictions that carriers must navigate. Look for:
Strong customs clearance expertise.
Partnerships with local carriers for last-mile delivery.
End-to-end tracking visibility.
Carriers like DHL Express, FedEx International, and UPS Worldwide are trusted for global deliveries, but you can also consider regional partners depending on your target markets.
Tech-driven solutions can reduce errors and speed up shipping. Invest in platforms that:
Automate customs forms and shipping labels, allowing for easy creating of all necessary documentation for international shipments.
Enable creating international shipping labels, which combine address and customs information—essential to ship internationally and comply with regulations.
Offer multi-carrier shipping options.
Provide real-time tracking updates.
Creating shipping labels and customs forms online streamlines the process and ensures compliance with international shipping requirements. Once the shipping label and customs form are created, packages are ready for pickup or drop-off.
Platforms like EasyPost or WeSupply integrate with ecommerce stores to simplify these tasks and improve visibility.
Never overpromise on delivery timelines. Instead:
Display estimated delivery ranges at checkout.
Send proactive updates if delays occur.
Provide order tracking links that update in real-time.
Clear expectations reduce customer anxiety and lower the volume of support tickets.
Don’t leave returns as an afterthought. Instead:
Offer printable return labels.
Partner with 3PLs that manage international reverse logistics.
Consider return hubs in key regions to cut costs.
Making returns easier increases customer confidence to buy from you again, even across borders.
Combat inconvenience with proactivity & self service
Book a quick call with our experts to see how WeSupply can help you make returns easy for your customers with a beautiful, self-service solution that makes their experience easier while also providing new ways to lower costs and earn back revenue.
Secure payment processing is a critical part of shipping internationally, protecting both your business and your customers. Use reputable payment gateways, such as PayPal or major credit card processors, to ensure that all transactions are encrypted and secure. Offering a money-back guarantee can further reassure customers, providing them with confidence to shop with you even across borders. By prioritizing secure payment methods and clear refund policies, businesses can reduce the risk of fraud, ensure timely payment, and deliver a superior customer experience when shipping internationally.
Localize the customer experience. Provide checkout in local currency and preferred payment methods.
Offer multiple shipping speeds. Some customers will pay more for faster delivery.
Bundle shipments where possible. Reduce costs by consolidating multiple items into one package.
Check eligible items for international shipment. Ensure that all items you ship comply with postal and import/export regulations, as some goods may be restricted or prohibited.
Select the correct service to ship packages. Not all postage options can be used to ship packages internationally; choose the appropriate service for your international shipment needs.
Properly address packages, including box numbers. For military or special addresses (such as APO/FPO/DPO), always include unit and box numbers to ensure successful delivery.
Track shipping performance. Monitor delivery times, costs, and failed shipments to spot improvement opportunities.
Educate your customers. Use FAQs, post-purchase emails, and tracking portals to answer common international shipping concerns.
Platforms like WeSupply can transform how you manage international post-checkout challenges. With features like branded tracking pages, automated notifications, and proactive updates, you reduce uncertainty and deliver a better customer experience. Instead of generic carrier tracking, customers see your branding and consistent communication.
Automation also minimizes manual work, ensuring forms and fees are handled correctly before a package leaves your warehouse. This reduces customs delays and keeps deliveries on track.
Managing international shipping after checkout can be complex, with issues like high costs, delays, undeliverable shipments, and rising WISMO calls. WeSupply, powered by EasyPost, simplifies these challenges with an all-in-one platform designed for speed, savings, and transparency.
With WeSupply, you can:
Access discounted global rates – Save up to 83% on international shipping without contracts, fees, or volume minimums.
Compare top carriers instantly – UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, and 100+ others, all in one place.
Automate shipping labels – Generate accurate labels in seconds with synced order data.
Track every shipment in real time – Stay ahead of delays and proactively notify customers.
Reduce WISMO calls – Provide branded tracking pages and proactive SMS/email updates.
Protect your profits – Add shipping insurance, resolve lost or stolen packages faster, and prevent costly returns-to-sender.
Handle undeliverable shipments efficiently – Re-route, re-label, or contact customers before orders bounce back.
Support multi-shipment orders – Keep customers informed on split deliveries across different carriers.
Gain full visibility – Use real-time dashboards and reporting to monitor shipping performance worldwide.
WeSupply transforms international post-purchase shipping from a cost-heavy pain point into a customer experience advantage. By combining discounted shipping, automation, proactive communication, and real-time visibility, you can lower expenses, reduce support workload, and deliver a smoother global shopping experience. See how WeSupply can simplify your international shipping. Book a free demo today and start delivering smoother post-purchase experiences worldwide.
Handling international shipping challenges after checkout is about more than logistics, it’s about building trust with every order.
WeSupply makes this easier by giving you access to discounted global rates of up to 83% with no contracts or volume minimums, instant carrier comparisons across UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, and 100+ others, and automated label creation that eliminates manual errors. Customers stay informed through branded tracking pages, proactive SMS and email updates, and real-time dashboards that spot delays before they become problems. Lost, stolen, or undeliverable packages can be resolved quickly with insurance, re-labeling, or re-routing, protecting both profits and satisfaction. Even multi-shipment orders stay clear and organized for shoppers.
With WeSupply, you don’t just manage international post-purchase shipping, you transform it into a smoother, more reliable experience that strengthens customer loyalty worldwide.
Simplify Returns for Your Customers and Support Team
Book a quick call with our experts to see how WeSupply can help you: simplify the Return experience with just a few clicks, reduce customer service calls and manual processing, notify your customer about their refund, automate returns and reduce user error.
1. What are the biggest challenges in international shipping after checkout?
The main challenges include customs delays, high shipping costs, limited tracking, long transit times, and complex returns. Addressing these with transparency, automation, and reliable carriers helps improve customer trust and repeat purchases.
2. How can businesses reduce customs delays in international shipping?
Complete customs forms accurately, include HS codes, and use automated shipping tools to avoid missing details. Partnering with carriers experienced in customs clearance ensures faster processing and fewer delays.
3. Why are international shipping costs unpredictable?
Costs vary due to distance, package weight, service level, and hidden surcharges like fuel or remote delivery fees. Flat-rate shipping or upfront duty-paid options provide more predictable pricing for both businesses and customers.
4. How does WeSupply help reduce international shipping costs?
WeSupply offers discounted global rates of up to 83% with no contracts or volume minimums, making cross-border shipping more affordable for ecommerce businesses of all sizes.
5. Can WeSupply improve international tracking visibility?
Yes. WeSupply provides branded tracking pages, real-time dashboards, and proactive SMS/email updates, keeping customers informed and reducing WISMO calls across borders.
6. Does WeSupply support international returns and undeliverable shipments?
WeSupply helps reroute, re-label, or resolve undeliverable shipments quickly. It also integrates return workflows, allowing businesses to manage cross-border returns efficiently while protecting profits.
7. Does WeSupply have an Official Shopify App?
Yes. WeSupply has an Official Shopify App. You can download it and start integrating with your Shopify Store.
8. Does WeSupply have an official Magento extension?
Yes, WeSupply has an official extension for Magento. The WeSupply x Magento integration allows for automating order tracking experiences, reducing customer inquiries, automating shipping email and SMS notifications, and providing a fully branded order tracking experience.
9. Does WeSupply have an official BigCommerce App?
Yes, WeSupply has an official BigCommerce App. You can integrate WeSupply with your BigCommerce store to improve your post-purchase customer experience.
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