The logistics behind shipping garage doors internationally need not stop you from expanding your business to capture customers around the world. Its fairly easy for domestic manufacturers of garage doors to expand internationally. It seems that normal distribution channels will suffice for most garage door shipments, whatever the destination. Only the most efficient and cost-effective shipping methods will suffice to keep costs reasonable. Using lightweight components in standard sizes is very helpful.
Purchasing Internationally
When you place an order for a garage door on a US website, be prepared to provide part numbers, quantities, your complete address, phone number and email address. Usually, suppliers accept payment via credit card or PayPal. If using a credit card, you can usually pay online or over the phone.
Here are some facts about a few popular shipping destinations:
Canada: The favorable US-Canadian exchange rate makes ordering from the US a good choice. Canadians should know that website prices are invariably denominated in US dollars. There will inevitably be fees associated with an international transaction, such as duty, taxes (including provincial sales taxes) and brokerage fees. These are typically assessed and paid separately from the garage door supplier's invoice total. US suppliers rely mostly on the US Postal Service or UPS to ship to Canadian customers. UPS requires payment of PST, HST, GST, duties and other taxes (like excise taxes) for each separate shipment. They also charge a brokerage fee for processing and paperwork. Brokerage charges run from CAD$10 upwards, depending on the value of the shipment. Expect standard delivery time frames to range from two to ten days, depending on shipping method.United Kingdom: The exchange rate between the US and the UK is volatile, so check it out before ordering. American suppliers seem to prefer USPS Priority replacement Mail International for their shipments. British Customs assesses an import duty, of course, and there is a value-added tax. Brokerage fees run higher than for Canada, and you could end up spending $30 on fees for a $60 purchase, so research this first. Once again, all fees are usually invoiced separately from the garage door or parts.Continental Europe: Most US suppliers will accept orders by phone, fax or website. Once again, USPS is recommended. Each country has its own customs rules, so the taxes and fees will vary. Members of the European
Purchasing Internationally
When you place an order for a garage door on a US website, be prepared to provide part numbers, quantities, your complete address, phone number and email address. Usually, suppliers accept payment via credit card or PayPal. If using a credit card, you can usually pay online or over the phone.
Here are some facts about a few popular shipping destinations:
Canada: The favorable US-Canadian exchange rate makes ordering from the US a good choice. Canadians should know that website prices are invariably denominated in US dollars. There will inevitably be fees associated with an international transaction, such as duty, taxes (including provincial sales taxes) and brokerage fees. These are typically assessed and paid separately from the garage door supplier's invoice total. US suppliers rely mostly on the US Postal Service or UPS to ship to Canadian customers. UPS requires payment of PST, HST, GST, duties and other taxes (like excise taxes) for each separate shipment. They also charge a brokerage fee for processing and paperwork. Brokerage charges run from CAD$10 upwards, depending on the value of the shipment. Expect standard delivery time frames to range from two to ten days, depending on shipping method.United Kingdom: The exchange rate between the US and the UK is volatile, so check it out before ordering. American suppliers seem to prefer USPS Priority replacement Mail International for their shipments. British Customs assesses an import duty, of course, and there is a value-added tax. Brokerage fees run higher than for Canada, and you could end up spending $30 on fees for a $60 purchase, so research this first. Once again, all fees are usually invoiced separately from the garage door or parts.Continental Europe: Most US suppliers will accept orders by phone, fax or website. Once again, USPS is recommended. Each country has its own customs rules, so the taxes and fees will vary. Members of the European