Amid the booming wave of cross-border e-commerce, Etsy, as a globally renowned e-commerce platform, is attracting an increasing number of sellers
The home has moved in. For Etsy cross-border sellers, choosing the right freight forwarder service is not only related to logistics costs and transportation timeliness, but also the key to ensuring that goods reach customers smoothly. The following is a comprehensive guide to the freight forwarding process specially designed for Etsy cross-border sellers, helping you easily expand into overseas markets.
I. Comprehensive Analysis of the Freight Forwarding Process
- Select a freight forwarder: Conduct in-depth research on multiple freight forwarders, considering their service scope, reputation, costs, transportation network, and customs clearance capabilities, etc. Communicate fully with the freight forwarder company, clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, and sign a formal contract to ensure the stability and security of the cooperation. Here I recommend a freight forwarding service provider – SmartDropping, to help you embark on your e-commerce journey!
- Platform Operation and Settings: In the “Settings” > “Shipping” section of the Etsy backend, add a new shipping method, select the corresponding freight forwarder company or a custom shipping method, fill in the necessary information such as the API key and account provided by the freight forwarder company, and ensure the effective connection between the system and the freight forwarder company’s system. At the same time, set up the freight template. You can reasonably set the freight based on factors such as the order amount, weight, and destination. For example, set different freight rates for different transportation areas. You can also choose to include the freight in the product price or provide free delivery service.
- Prepare the goods: Based on the order information, prepare the goods to be dispatched, carry out packaging, labeling and other operations to ensure that the goods meet the transportation requirements, and fill in the waybill information correctly.
- Create shipping orders: In the order list of the Etsy backend, find the order that needs to be dispatched, click the “Dispatch” button, in the pop-up window, select the previously set shipping method of the freight forwarder, fill in the necessary shipping information, such as the weight, volume, and shipping address of the goods, and then click “Confirm Dispatch”. The system will automatically send the order information to the freight forwarder company.
The freight forwarder receives and processes the order: After receiving the order information, the freight forwarder company will handle it according to its internal procedures, including arranging for pick-up, warehousing, customs declaration and other operations. If the seller is required to provide additional customs declaration materials or information, the freight forwarder company will contact the seller in a timely manner. - Cargo transportation and delivery: The freight forwarder is responsible for transporting the goods to the designated destination and conducting the final delivery. During the transportation process, sellers can check the real-time transportation status and logistics information of their goods through the Etsy backend or the tracking system provided by the freight forwarder company.
- Update order status: Once the goods are successfully delivered to the customer, the freight forwarder will feed back the signature information to the Etsy backend, and the order status will be automatically updated to “Completed”.
Ii. Logistics Methods and Selection
International express delivery: such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc. They have strong timeliness and can usually be delivered within 3 to 7 days, but the cost is relatively high. They are suitable for small and light items or urgent orders. - Postal small packages: They are relatively inexpensive, have a wide coverage, and are suitable for small items. However, their delivery time is relatively slow, usually taking 10 to 20 days.
International dedicated line logistics: such as the China-Us dedicated line, it offers fast delivery, moderate prices, and a high success rate. Generally, it can be delivered within 7 to 15 days. It is suitable for large quantities or medium-weight goods and can provide door-to-door service.
Sea transportation: It has low costs and is suitable for large quantities of heavy goods, but the transportation time is long, usually taking 30 to 45 days. - Air freight: It is fast and suitable for high-value or time-sensitive goods, but the cost is relatively high, usually taking 5 to 12 days.
Iii. Advantages and Precautions of Overseas Warehouse Shipping - Advantages: Overseas warehouse shipping enables rapid delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction. It is suitable for sellers with relatively limited product categories, stable order volumes, and high requirements for delivery time.
- Note: Sellers need to send goods in bulk to overseas warehouses in advance, which involves the storage process of the goods. Therefore, they need to pay storage fees and may also face the situation of goods overstocking. In addition, before choosing to ship from an overseas warehouse, it is necessary to understand the regulations and policies of the relevant countries and regions, including import and export restrictions and tax policies, etc., to ensure that the goods comply with local regulations and avoid losses such as fines and detention of goods.
Iv. Customs Declaration and Clearance Process - Export customs declaration: Sellers need to prepare accurate commercial invoices, packing lists and other customs declaration documents and declare exports to the local customs. The freight forwarder company will assist the seller in completing the customs declaration procedures to ensure that the goods pass through the customs inspection smoothly.
- Import customs clearance: After the goods arrive at the destination country, the freight forwarder company or its agent will assist in completing the import customs clearance. Relevant documents such as the bill of lading, invoice, packing list, etc. need to be submitted, and taxes and fees should be paid.
V. Cost Control and Optimization - Reasonable inventory planning: Based on market demand and the sales situation of goods, rationally plan the quantity and variety of inventory to avoid inventory overstock or shortage, which may affect sales and customer satisfaction.
- Integrate logistics resources: Work closely with freight forwarders to integrate logistics resources, optimize transportation routes and distribution plans, and reduce costs.
- Select the appropriate logistics method: Based on factors such as the weight, size, and destination of the goods, choose the most cost-effective logistics method. For example, for light and small items, you can choose postal small packages or international express small package services. For large quantities of goods, sea or air transportation can be considered.
Vi. Customer Service and After-sales - Timely communication and feedback: During the shipping process, communicate with the buyer in a timely manner, inform them of the shipping progress and logistics information, and let the buyer know the transportation status of the goods. In case of any problems, such as transportation delays or lost packages, communicate with the buyer in a timely manner and provide solutions.
- Handle after-sales issues: Actively deal with buyers’ after-sales feedback, such as returns, exchanges, and refunds, to ensure buyer satisfaction and maintain the store’s good reputation.
For ETSY cross-border sellers who need a supply chain in China, I recommend SmartDropping, a freight forwarding service provider located in the core area of China’s industries. With its high-quality service, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed after using it! Contact information: +v: rongexpress