International shipping strategies: How to deliver your products abroad efficiently

International shipping is one of the biggest challenges in cross-border e-commerce. High shipping costs, customs regulations and long delivery times can put customers off. But with the right strategy, you can deliver your products abroad efficiently and cost-effectively.

What shipping methods are available? 

- Air freight - fast, but expensive

• Ideal for: Small, light & valuable products (e.g. electronics, fashion, food supplements).
• Delivery time: 2-7 days.
• Provider: DHL Express, UPS, FedEx, Turkish Airlines Cargo.

      -Expensive, especially for heavy or large parcels.

Tip: Use air freight for express deliveries or premium products.

 -Sea freight - favorable for large quantities

• Ideal for: Large quantities of goods (e.g. textiles, household goods, furniture).
• Delivery time: 3-6 weeks.
• Provider: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Turkish Cargo.

Slow delivery times, but very cost-efficient.

Tip: Perfect for B2B trade & stock in other countries.

 - Truck transportation - ideal for the EU area

• Ideal for: Regular deliveries within Europe & to Turkey.
• Delivery time: 5-10 days.
• Provider: DHL Freight, DB Schenker, DPD, GLS.

-Higher costs than sea freight, but faster.

Tip: Useful for exports from Germany to Turkey or within the EU.

- Post & courier services - Flexible for small parcels

• Ideal for: Retailers who ship directly to end customers (D2C, direct-to-consumer).
• Delivery time: 5-14 days (standard shipping), 2-5 days (express).
• Provider: DHL, UPS, FedEx, Hermes, PTT Kargo (Turkey).

–Expensive for larger or heavy products.

Tip: Good for small orders & e-commerce merchants.

3)How do you reduce shipping costs? 

• Use warehouses in target markets (e.g. fulfillment in Turkey, USA, China).
• Conclude contracts with logistics partners (secure volume discounts!).
• Optimize package size & weight - Compact packaging saves shipping costs.
• Offer free shipping above a certain order quantity to encourage larger shopping baskets.

Tip: Test different shipping options & analyze where you can save costs!

4) Fulfillment & warehouse solutions for international trade 

Option 1: Own shipping (Direct Shipping) 

• Full control over shipping & logistics.
  -Slower delivery times & higher shipping costs.

Tip: Good for small retailers who sell directly from Germany or Turkey.

Option 2: Use fulfillment center (FBA, third-party provider) 

• Faster delivery times, as goods are already stored on site.
• Lower shipping costs due to local delivery.
  –Storage costs & fees.

Best fulfillment providers:

• Amazon FBA (Worldwide)
• Trendyol Fulfillment (Turkey)
• ShipBob (USA)
• DHL Fulfillment (Europe)

Tip: If you sell in several countries, a local fulfillment warehouse is worthwhile!

5) Customs & import regulations: What you need to consider 

-Important customs regulations for international shipping:

• Products must be declared correctly (commercial invoice, HS code, certificate of origin).
• Customs & import sales tax vary depending on the country.
• Some products (food, cosmetics, electronics) require certificates.
• Turkey & EU have a customs union - industrial goods can be imported duty-free (ATR document required).

Tip: Get tax advice to avoid customs problems!

Returns management: how to avoid high return costs 

• Use clear product descriptions & high-quality images to reduce returns.
• Set up regional return addresses (e.g. use fulfillment centers).
• Offer customers alternative solutions (credit notes, discounts instead of returns).

Tip: In Germany, customers expect free returns - in Turkey, return costs are often borne by the buyer.