So, you’re going international with global merch distribution! Expanding your brand globally is an exciting move, but it comes with its fair share of complicated distribution challenges. For starters, every country in the world has its unique set of rules, regulations, and shipping standards, not to mention the hidden costs that seem to pop up right as your budget is bursting at the seams. 

Our team of logistics wizards has established Imprint Engine as a leader in global merchandise distribution because we manage successful global programs every day for some of the world’s largest companies. Read about how we consolidated, optimized, and managed a global Swag program for Postman.

Need to Skim? Key Takeaways:

  • Sneaky costs can often be found in customs duties and taxes, packaging and payment methods, translations and documentation, and more. (An experienced partner can dodge these.) 
  • Miscommunication with international recipients, lengthy back-and-forth with customs, or key information literally getting lost in translation are just a few common issues that can arise and waste your precious time.
  • Imprint Engine has warehouses in 8 countries and so far, we’ve shipped to 180 countries already this year. Needless to say, we know how to best leverage DHL and FedEx to get things moving.

Hidden Cost #1: International Moves? Prepare For A Higher Price Tag

Scaling for global merch distribution comes with its own set of unique challenges. Not only must you account for regional trends and regulations, the sneaky costs behind international logistics can be found in customs duties and taxes, packaging and payment methods, translations and documentation, and more. And according to Forbes, the high costs associated are likely here to stay.

How We Avoid This 

With the right international shipping partner (like us), you can minimize sneaky international costs. We own our warehouses globally to cut down on the need for international shipping altogether. Plus, with experience in shipping to more than 180 countries, we’re well-versed in customs laws, international regulations, anticipated duties and fees, and much more.

Hidden Cost #2: In International Distribution, Shortcuts Aren’t Actually Real

“Streamline” is a big buzz word in our industry. You don’t even have to get involved! We can streamline this! In reality, international bulk projects require some level of collaboration and attention to detail. Don’t believe in shortcuts when it comes to global merch distribution! 

How We Avoid This

We describe ourselves as partners to our clients, because it’s what we truly are! By getting to know your brand and goals, we operate as an extension of your team and keep you in the loop every step of the way—from product launch to reconciliation. 

Read about how we control merch quality for our global clients.

Hidden Cost #3: The Cost Of An Employee’s Time Spent Dealing With Issues

Time is money, and time can quickly get wasted on avoidable busy work. For instance, miscommunication with international recipients, lengthy back-and-forth with customs about a mis-documented shipment, or key information literally getting lost in translation are just a few common and time consuming issues that can arise for your team.

How We Avoid This

Gifting shouldn’t be this hard, even when it’s international! We’re able to take a localized approach to global logistics, including customer support for your end recipients, so your team can focus time and energy where it’s most needed.

Read about our 6 key elements for effective global account management. 

Hidden Cost #4: “We’ve Shipped Internationally Before” (When In Reality, They Haven’t)

Sure, maybe a potential shipping partner claims they’ve shipped internationally before, but do they really have the experience necessary to foresee the challenges of a far-reaching global project? It takes a lot of global experience to know how to optimize global logistics. In order to avoid unexpected processing fees or unprecedented taxes and paperwork, you need a partner who intricately knows the world of international distribution.

How We Avoid This

Imprint Engine has warehouses in 8 countries and so far, we’ve shipped to 180 countries just this year. Needless to say, we know how to best leverage DHL and FedEx to literally get things moving. Read more about our global operations and the many places we get to call “home.” 

Work With A Partner Who Gets It

Sending your brand around the world is exciting! And with the right partner, it can reach the right people without hidden costs and logistical nightmares. Imprint Engine helps companies of all industries and size reach global audiences within their budget and timeline.

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