There are many ways to feel the joy of presenting a beloved one with a gift. You can give the gift in person. Or, if your loved ones living overseas, ship them a package. While sending a parcel is no less satisfying than congratulating a person eye to eye, it can get expensive.
But fear no more! Here are some tips and tricks that will help you to save money on packing and shipping gifts overseas.
Use light packing materials
In most cases, the price of international shipping depends on the package weight. Therefore, sending heavier gifts will cost more. It’s good to have this in mind when purchasing the item. But it doesn’t mean that you should restrain from buying the perfect present just because the item is weighty.
All you have to do is to be smart with packing materials. Select those which will protect your gift during shipment but won’t add much to the overall weight of the parcel. For instance, use packing peanuts for internal packaging instead of newspapers. They’re light and fill in the void perfectly.
Be mindful of package dimensions
Package weight is very important when shipping overseas. But it’s not the only cost determinant. Nowadays many carriers charge for their services based on package dimensions, too. If a parcel’s dimensional weight, i.e. the space it occupies, exceeds its actual weight, the shipping cost will be calculated with dimensions as the primary factor.
That’s why it’s crucial to select packing materials of the right size. Put single and small items into padded envelopes instead of boxes. And for multiple and larger goods, choose a shipping box that’s only a bit bigger to have space to add cushioning materials.
Dealing with dimensional weight on your own can be confusing. So it’s best to consult a shipping calculator to see how it affects the final cost.
Don’t go overboard with decorations
It’s lovely to receive a personalized gift. And gift wrapping with decorations can be a way to make it special. But not when sending gifts internationally. Avoid any decorations on the external packaging. There’s very little chance that they’ll survive till package delivery is completed. And they can become a burden to a courier if they dominate over the address label.
It may also be a good idea to refrain from double-boxing your gift, i.e. putting the items into a gift box and then the shipping box. It can add to the package weight and increase the shipping cost. And the fewer decorations you’ll use, the less money you’ll spend on them. The more so that the beauty of them may not reach the recipient in the end.
Plan shipping in advance
Planning is very helpful when dealing with international package shipping. Especially if you’re sending your gifts during the winter holidays. It is the busiest time of the year for postal services as many people want to cheer their loved ones with packages from abroad.
You’ll need to send your parcel earlier if you wish it to reach the recipient on time. The same is true for all other occasions as well. Sending gifts overseas takes time. And if you prepare your present beforehand, you won’t need to opt for express shipping in hopes of your parcel not being late. You’ll be able to choose the cheaper economy shipping and save money.
Packing and shipping gifts internationally don’t have to be expensive. With some effort and preparations, it won’t be hard to save money even when sending gifts to the farthest ends of the world.
