Selling internationally from the UK

Start with the customer promise

Before offering an overseas destination, establish what can be sent, how it will be declared, who handles destination import arrangements and what the customer will pay. A postage quote alone does not answer those questions.

Map the route and charges

Build a repeatable route checklist. A smooth domestic order process does not automatically carry across borders. Customers need a clear promise on charges and delivery, while the carrier needs usable shipment information.

Information to gather

• A product description that works outside your internal catalogue.
• Destination and buyer type, including whether the customer is a business.
• Carrier service, packaging, dimensions and actual weight.
• Agreed delivery responsibilities and the intended importer arrangement.
• A plan for refused parcels, returns and corrections.

Build the export process

Use the official export steps to identify the requirements for your movement. Obtain a route-specific quotation. Check the proposed Incoterm and named place against the customer wording. Build the document information before accepting repeat orders. Keep evidence and arrange a review whenever the product, destination or service changes.

Worked sale

Where margin leaks

• Promising “all charges included” without a workable import arrangement.
• Using one carrier rate across materially different parcel sizes.
• Leaving the customer to discover destination charges at delivery.
• Treating every foreign sale as having the same VAT treatment.

Before you launch

Check destination product controls, local tax treatment, export evidence, sanctions where relevant and the carrier’s current terms. GB and Northern Ireland routes must not be assumed to follow the same process.