Shipping Internationally: Choosing Which Countries to Ship to From Your Etsy Shop

This post will help you determine which countries you should ship to from your Etsy shop so that you can remain as profitable as possible.

How to Choose Which Countries to Sell to on Etsy

Typically, it is easiest to sell to countries whose first language is your own or one that you are fairly fluent in. Sellers and buyers often communicate if they want minor changes or have special needs for packaging. Google translate doesn’t always cut it when it comes to translating messages properly. That being said, many people have been able to ship to countries without issue. If your product doesn’t require customization or you are up for the challenge, try expanding your shop’s borders. 

Who Is Your Target Audience? 

Some countries and cultures value some objects more than other countries. If your market research states that the French adore what you are trying to sell, you should definitely think about shipping internationally to them. Spend extra time researching their shipping regulations and how long it typically takes for a package to arrive at their location. 

Etsy Prioritizes Local Shops Over International Shops

Etsy will generally prioritize local shops when people search for items on their platform. This means that an Irish person will primarily see Irish shops, whereas a German will primarily see German shops with the same search term. 

This means that most shops won’t have to worry too much about shipping things internationally, even if they specify that they will. While you should still consider broadening your audience, don’t allow the fear of having to fill out international forms periodically weigh you down. 

Things to Consider When Shipping Etsy Product Internationally

There are obvious and “hidden” expenses when it comes to shipping your crafted items to your customers. Here are a few things you need to think about when you are deciding where to ship and what you personal shipping strategy should be:

• Postage costs

  It is substantially more expensive to ship internationally, so you will need to factor that into your pricing. Postage will also vary from country to country. Once you have narrowed down where you are willing to ship to, weigh your item (and packaging) on a kitchen scale and measure it so that you can get close estimates on how much it will actually cost to ship it. 

• Custom delays

  When giving an estimate about how long it will take to reach your customer, remind them that your package can also be delayed by customs for a few days. You should also make sure that the item you are sending is allowed into that country. 

• Taxes 

  Some countries require an additional tax when shipping something as a sale. Factor those prices into your final pricing as well. 

• Check the address

  Address styles will vary from country to country. If something looks confusing to you, don’t hesitate to ask the buyer for clarification. 

How Much Should You Charge to Ship Etsy Sales Internationally?

You should charge enough to cover the shop of shipping and perhaps a little extra for the extra effort it takes to ship internationally. Most people understand that it is a hassle that requires extra paperwork and won’t mind if you charge a dollar or two more than the overall shipping price. 

That being said, if you are serious about shipping internationally, don’t go overboard in your pricing either as this will limit the sales you get. People are probably already paying more than they usually would if they were purchasing a similar product locally. 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to a customer and explain the shipping costs. Sometimes the cost to ship even a small product can seem to be far too much.