Finding a great deal on a US website is always satisfying, but that bargain can quickly lose its appeal if international shipping costs more than you expected. The good news is that expensive shipping isn't inevitable. With a little planning, you can often reduce costs without compromising on the products you want.

Here are some of the best ways to keep your international shipping bill under control.

1. Combine multiple purchases into one shipment

One of the biggest mistakes international shoppers make is paying for separate international deliveries from every retailer. Instead, consider building a shopping haul and shipping everything together. Even when you factor in handling fees for additional items within the package, sending one larger parcel is often more cost-effective than paying for several smaller shipments, especially if you're shopping from multiple US stores.

2. Choose the right shipping speed

Fast isn't always your best option, and patience can pay! Express shipping is ideal if you need something urgently, but if you're happy to wait a little longer, economy services can offer significant savings. It can be useful to compare delivery times alongside shipping prices to help you choose the option that best suits your budget.

3. Avoid oversized packaging

Shipping costs aren't based on weight alone; many carriers also charge according to the amount of space a parcel takes up, known as dimensional or volumetric weight. Large retail boxes, excess packaging, and empty space inside a parcel can all increase shipping costs unnecessarily, so by getting a parcel forwarding service to repackage your items, you may be able to maximize space and save on shipping (after all, you don't want to pay to ship air!).

4. Shop during major US sales

Saving money on the product itself helps offset shipping costs, so it's a good idea to plan your purchases around key sales events. Remember that some stores have their own major seasonal and anniversary sales, so if there's something specific you've got your eye on, do your research and wait until the right moment to buy.

5. Build a shopping list before ordering

Rather than placing orders every time you see a good deal, keep a running list of products you want. Once you've found everything, you can arrange a single shipment instead of paying international delivery charges multiple times. This approach also makes it easier to compare prices across retailers so that you can get the best deals all round.

6. Understand customs charges

Shipping costs aren't the only expense to consider; depending on where you live, imported goods may also be subject to taxes and duties. Make sure that you check your country's import rules before placing a large order to help you budget for the total cost.

7. Compare retailers, not just products

The same product may be available from several US retailers, so don't make the mistake of buying from the first retailer you see. Comparing prices, promotions, and shipping options can sometimes save more than simply buying from the first website you find. With a little research, you may also discover exclusive bundles or retailer-specific discounts.

Parcel forwarding with Stackry

If you regularly shop from US retailers, or you're thinking of giving it a go, Stackry's parcel forwarding service can help you make your international shipping more efficient. Instead of shipping every purchase overseas as soon as you buy it, your orders are delivered to your personal US shipping address first. Once everything has arrived, you can decide when to send your purchases internationally.

Stackry offers several features designed to help shoppers save on shipping, including:

• Package consolidation, combining multiple purchases into one shipment
• Package repacking, reducing unnecessary packaging that can increase shipping costs
• Free storage, allowing you to wait for additional purchases before shipping
• A choice of international carriers, giving you flexibility over price and delivery speed
• Shipment tracking, so you can follow your parcel every step of the way

FAQs about avoiding overpaying on international shipping

Why is international shipping sometimes so expensive?

Shipping costs depend on several factors, including parcel size, weight, destination, carrier, and delivery speed. Larger parcels may also be charged using dimensional weight.

Is it cheaper to combine purchases?

Yes. Combining multiple purchases into a single shipment can reduce the shipping cost per item compared with sending several separate parcels.

Does slower shipping always cost less?

Generally, economy services are less expensive than express shipping, although delivery times will usually be longer.

How can I reduce shipping costs?

Planning purchases, avoiding oversized parcels, shopping during major sales, and combining multiple orders are all effective ways to keep costs down.

Is parcel forwarding worth using?

Yes! If you shop regularly from US retailers or buy from US stores that don't ship internationally, parcel forwarding can simplify the process and help you build more efficient shipments.

Spend less on shipping and more on shopping

International shipping is an important part of the overall cost of buying from US retailers, but it doesn't have to be the most expensive part. By planning ahead, comparing retailers, consolidating purchases, and choosing the right shipping option, you can often reduce your delivery costs while still enjoying access to the products and brands you love.

If you're shopping from multiple US stores, a parcel forwarding service like Stackry can help you organize your purchases, optimize your shipment, and make international shopping more cost-effective.