The international beauty industry is booming, thanks in part to the worldwide adoption of e-commerce. What was once a niche market has quickly become a global phenomenon as more and more consumers are buying products online. In fact, according to the Cosmetics Consumer Behavior report of 2016 to 2019, the average annual expenditure on cosmetics and perfumes is approximately 197 dollars per consumer in the United States. Purchasing these cosmetics and beauty products online can help save money and time. But there are a few things that you should be aware of when buying products internationally. Here are some tips on how to buy cosmetics abroad and receive them in the best and timeliest manner.
Consider freight insurance
Freight insurance can be an important part of your shipment because it covers your products while in transit. Most of the shipping carriers or freight companies provide insurance for goods in transit, but you must ask for it. You can buy this insurance through the carrier, or you can select a third party to take care of this process for you. In either case, check that the company providing the insurance is reputable and trustworthy. You can do this by asking around to see if anyone has used their services before, do an Internet search, or read some online reviews. If you purchase a third-party policy, check that they are licensed and fully insured to work with international shipments.
Ship with a trusted Ecommerce carrier
Many shipping companies offer international shipping, but not all of them are trustworthy or reliable. You also have to be aware of scammers and theft issues. Therefore, take time to do your research and select a company that you can trust to do the shipping. You can start by checking reviews online and choosing companies that have been in business for several years. A trusted carrier will also help you know your shipping fees according to the size and weight of your products since they have a calculator that can determine this information. They can also give you an exact shipping quote and delivery dates. This will help you know exactly how much to pay for the shipment and when it is expected to arrive.
Be aware of export and import regulations
Many countries have strict laws regarding cosmetics being shipped internationally. Export control laws differ from country to country, so it always pays to know what is allowed and not allowed before purchasing from an international company. The types of products you can and can’t ship internationally will change from time to time, so it’s good to stay updated with the rules, regulations, and procedures of specific countries before buying items. You should also read what goods are allowed for shipping from certain countries because they may have stricter laws when it comes to certain products. For example, if you are buying your cosmetics from China and want to have them sent to the U.S, you have to be aware of the import and export rules of both countries.
Know your products before buying
Different countries have different ingredients that are allowed to be used in cosmetics, as well as different laws regarding preservatives and animal testing. If you know what ingredients or shipping regulations from a specific country ahead of time, it will make purchasing and shipping easier when the time comes. For example, if you buy a chemical-based product from a different country that is not allowed to be shipped overseas, your product will most likely be returned to the sender.
With the above tips, you will be able to purchase your cosmetics and beauty products from different countries with confidence, and without fearing any issues with your shipment. Being aware of the rules and regulations when buying cosmetics abroad can help you save money, time, and effort.