Archive for September, 2011
International Shipping and Online Shopping
When you shop online, you can get some great deals, because the vastness of the World Wide Web increases competition among retailers. If you do not like the price at one retailer, you simply click over to another. Soon you will find the item you need or want at a truly bargain price.
When you find the perfect item at the best possible price, you add it to your cart, pull out your credit card, and start to make your purchase, pleased with the low price. Suddenly, you see that shipping charge. Little did you know, the retailer you were shopping is not located in your country. You are forced to pay excessively high international shipping charges. Suddenly your “great bargain” is not so great.
The Cost of International Shipping
International shipping costs more because it costs the retailer more to send you the item. Any time an item crosses borders, the shipping costs gets inflated. Even if you are shipping from the United States to Canada, which is not really a large distance, you will pay more. Always look at the shipping charge before you pay.
Inflated Charges
Some retailers will charge inflated shipping charges, simply because they know you will expect to pay more for international shipping. Research the shipping cost on your own before you pay. While you can expect to pay some sort of handling fee to cover time and mailing supplies, if the cost for international shipping is way higher than it appears to be if you were to ship the item, consider looking for a better deal at another retailer. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: international shipping, international trade and shippingRelated posts
Economic Significance of International Trade
International trade is also known as foreign trade or external trade which involves the exchange of goods and services between two or more countries. The principle underlying the buying and selling between one country and another is specialization. The theory of international trade, therefore, is based on the principle of comparative cost as propounded by David Richardo. The theory states that a country should specialize in the production of goods and services for which it has cost advantage over another country. This, he pointed out will bring about the production of goods at cheaper cost. For example, Nigeria purchases goods like automobiles and electronics from oversea countries and sells commodities like cocoa, groundnut, crude oil, etc to them.
Types of International Trade
There are two major types, these are:
1. Bilateral trade: Bilateral international trade is a trade agreement in which two countries exchange goods and services. It occurs when each country tries to balance its payments and receipts separately and individually with each other.
2. Multilateral trade: Multilateral international trade is a type of international trade in which a country trades with many other countries. This ensures international division of labor. It is a type of trade in which many countries exchange their goods and services. Multilateral international trade is necessary if the total volume of world trade is to be raised to its maximum. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: international trade and shipping, international tradingRelated posts
International Shipping – Transportation Options
International shipping can be a complex series of maneuvers, or it can be a simplistic handing off of your cargo at one end with the assurance that transportation will be carried out quickly and efficiently in time for scheduled delivery at the other end. The second option is definitely the most attractive, and most companies prefer to deal with a transport service that offers the combination of shipping options. Dealing with a single logistics company that offers access to ground, air and ocean transport can save you money, time and hassle on each shipment.
For international shipping between countries with adjoining borders (such as between the US and Canada or Mexico, or between various countries in the EU), overland freight transport is generally the most cost effective option. Ask your prospective carrier if they allow truck sharing for less than full cargo loads, and what their contingency plans are in case of break-down or inclement weather. If you require temperature controlled containers or have oversized cargo to ship, the shipping company you select should offer those options without a huge surcharge.
For international shipping over long distances with time sensitive cargo, air freight may be your best option. Although expensive compared to ground transportation, air freights has numerous advantages, allowing fast, reliable shipping from continent to continent with climate control as required. A reputable shipping company will have contracts with a variety of airlines to garner the best possible rate and efficient delivery to all major airports with no hassle at customs. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: international trade and shipping, shipping transportation