Shopify International Shipping Not Working - How To Fix It

In the world of eCommerce, efficient and effective shipping is a crucial aspect of a successful business. One platform that is popular amongst thousands of online stores is Shopify. Its shipping features are robust, but some users have reported problems, particularly regarding international shipping. 

In this article, we will delve into the issue of Shopify international shipping not working, providing insights into common issues and offering solutions to help you navigate your way to a seamless shipping process.

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Common Shopify Shipping Issues

There are several common issues that Shopify users encounter when setting up international shipping with Shopify. These may include incorrectly configured shipping zones, unavailable shipping rates or issues related to third-party carriers. Luckily, here we discuss solutions on how to address them.

Incorrect Shipping Zones

One of the most common issues that Shopify users encounter is having incorrectly configured shipping zones. If some countries you send products to are not included in your shipping zones, your store will not be able to ship to those locations.

To avoid this issue, ensure all the countries you intend to ship to are included in your shipping settings. Check these settings regularly, especially if you expand your product range or decide to ship to new locations. If you realise that a country is missing from your shipping zones, add it immediately to prevent potential disruptions to your shipping process.

Unavailable Shipping Rates

Another common issue is having unavailable or incorrectly set shipping rates. Shipping rates are the costs that you charge customers for shipping their orders. If you have not set up shipping rates for specific regions, or if the rates are set incorrectly, customers from those regions may be unable to complete their purchases.

To resolve this issue, ensure you have defined shipping rates for all your shipping zones. It is also advisable to review your shipping rates periodically and make adjustments as needed to reflect changes in carrier fees, product weights or packaging costs.

Third-Party Carrier Issues

Sometimes, the issue may not be with Shopify itself but with a third-party carrier. This can happen when the carrier's services are not properly integrated with your Shopify store or when there are disruptions in the carrier's service. Problems with third-party carriers can lead to incorrect shipping rates being displayed or shipping options not appearing at checkout.

In such cases, contacting the carrier directly is necessary to resolve the issue. You may also need to check the carrier settings in your Shopify admin to ensure the carrier is correctly integrated with your store. If necessary, consider switching to a different carrier that can provide a more reliable service for your international shipping with Shopify.

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How to Set Up International Shipping with Shopify 

Setting up international shipping correctly on Shopify can prevent many common issues. Here are the steps to ensure a smooth setup:

Step 1: Set Up Shipping Zones

Shipping zones are the geographical areas to which you ship your products. You can create zones for individual countries, groups of countries or even specific regions within countries.

To set up shipping zones, navigate to the 'Shipping & Delivery' settings in your Shopify admin panel. Here, you can add all the countries you intend to ship to. Remember to review these shipping zones regularly, especially if you decide to expand or change your international shipping strategy.

Step 2: Establish Shipping Rates

For each shipping zone, define the shipping rates. Shopify offers flexibility in how you can set these rates, providing options for:

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• Weight-based rates: If you choose this method, shipping costs are calculated based on the total weight of the customer's order. You'll need to enter a weight range and a corresponding shipping rate for each range.
• Value-based rates: This method calculates shipping costs based on the total price of the customer's order. Similar to weight-based rates, you'll need to set up price ranges and their corresponding shipping costs.
• Carrier-calculated rates: If you use third-party carriers, you can use their rates. Shopify will automatically calculate the shipping cost based on the carrier's rates, the customer's location and the order details.

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Step 3: Integrate Carriers

If you're using third-party carriers for your international shipping, it's crucial to ensure their services are correctly integrated with your Shopify store.

Shopify supports integration with numerous carriers, such as USPS, UPS, DHL Express and more. You can set these up in your Shopify admin's 'Shipping & Delivery' settings. Here, you can enter your account details for the carrier, and Shopify will automatically sync with their system.

Step 4: Testing Your Shipping Setup

Before you go live with your international shipping option, you should run tests to check if everything works as expected. This includes checking that the correct rates are being applied based on the order's weight or value and that the correct shipping options are being shown to customers based on their location.

By testing thoroughly, you can catch and rectify any potential problems before they affect your customers. This proactive step can save you time and prevent customer dissatisfaction related to shipping issues.

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Best Practices for Shopify International Shipping

By following best practices for international shipping on Shopify, you can avoid common pitfalls and offer a smooth shipping experience to your customers. Here are some tips:

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• Clearly communicate shipping times: International shipping often takes longer than domestic shipping. Provide your customers with these timelines to manage their expectations. Include information about shipping times in your store's policies and product pages.
• Choose reliable shipping carriers: The choice of shipping carrier plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth shipping experience. Research various carriers and compare their services, rates and reliability. Some carriers may offer benefits such as tracking services or better handling of customs paperwork.
• Offer multiple shipping options: Giving customers a choice between faster, more expensive shipping options and slower, cheaper ones allows them to choose what best suits their needs. This improves the customer experience and can help avoid issues with abandoned carts due to high shipping costs.
• Accurate packaging and weight details: Precise packaging dimensions and weight are crucial for accurate shipping costs and avoiding carrier issues. Use a good quality scale to weigh your packages and ensure the dimensions are correctly entered in the Shopify system.
• Prepare for customs: Every country has different customs regulations, and it's your responsibility as a seller to comply with them. 
• Insurance and tracking: Consider including insurance in your shipping costs for more expensive items. This can protect you and your customer in case of lost or damaged items. 
• Transparent return policies: Ensure you have a clear and easily accessible return policy for your international customers. Understand the costs and logistics involved in international returns, and consider how to make the process as smooth as possible for your customers.

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Avoid Third-Party Carrier Issues with Bezos.ai

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As we mentioned before, third-party carrier issues can often become a stumbling block in the seamless operation of your Shopify store. Luckily, there is a solution to this. Bezos.ai is an eCommerce fulfilment service provider that offers robust and efficient fulfilment solutions to avoid such issues. Let's understand what makes Bezos a great choice for your shipping needs if you sell products using Shopify.

Seamless Integration with Shopify

One of the key features of Bezos is its seamless integration with Shopify. At Bezos, we integrate with over 30 eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce and Squarespace, amongst others​. The integration process is simple and can be completed in less than ten minutes​! Thanks to that, you can effortlessly sync your Shopify store with Bezos, eliminating the complexities of manual integrations. 

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Superior Quality of Services

Bezos outperforms traditional 3PL companies in several ways. We leverage AI-powered technology to enable real-time order tracking, we have the capability to handle small to oversized parcels, and we offer a dedicated account manager for each account. 

Regarding customer service, with Bezos, you can expect a response to tickets and issues within just two hours, a marked improvement over the up to seven days response time expected from most traditional 3PL services. 

Fast International Shipping

Typically, international shipping takes longer than domestic postage, with the exact duration depending on various factors like distance, customs checks and regulations, and the shipping method chosen. 

Bezos.ai has multiple fulfilment centres located across the UK and Europe, providing a wide network to dispatch your products from warehouses closest to your customers. Thanks to that, you can keep international shipping times down. Bezos's extensive reach can benefit businesses looking to expand their international customer base. It allows for faster delivery times and improved customer satisfaction.

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Choose Bezos and Overcome Shopify International Shipping Problems 

Shopify international shipping issues can cause significant headaches for eCommerce business owners. But these problems can be largely mitigated, if not completely eliminated, with the help of Bezos.ai. Wondering how to start?

The first step is to request an account. Once your account is set up, you gain access to your dedicated Seller Portal. This dashboard allows you to monitor your orders from the warehouse to the customer, providing real-time insights into the shipping process. 

Next, you need to ship your inventory. You can send your products to Bezos.ai's fulfilment centres, or if you prefer, they can handle the inventory transportation for you. This service can save you a significant amount of time and effort, as you can focus on other essential aspects of your business while Bezos.ai takes care of the logistics. 

Once your inventory is in place, the next step is to connect your sales channels. Bezos.ai supports integration with over 30 sales channels, including Shopify. The process is quick and easy, taking less than ten minutes per sales channel. This seamless integration ensures your Shopify store can communicate directly with Bezos's systems. If someone places an order using Shopify, we will be notified immediately. You do not need to do anything! Automating the order fulfilment process reduces the chance of errors that could lead to shipping issues.

Finally, once everything is set up, it's time to go live. With Bezos.ai, you can effectively put your fulfilment on autopilot. This means you no longer have to worry about the common problems associated with Shopify international shipping.

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By using Bezos, you can trust that your orders are being handled efficiently and accurately, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for your customers, no matter where they are.

Speak to an expert today and stop dealing with Shopify international shipping problems!

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the problems that often plague Shopify international shipping can become a thing of the past by employing Bezos. Through our seamless integration with Shopify, swift international shipping capabilities, superior quality services and dedicated account management, Bezos revolutionises the fulfilment process. 

We alleviate the common issues associated with Shopify's international shipping and enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. As eCommerce continues to break geographical boundaries, choosing a robust and efficient fulfilment service like Bezos is not just a luxury but a necessity. 

So why wait? Get a free quote and take a step towards worry-free international shipping with Shopify! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up international shipping on Shopify?

To set up international shipping, add shipping zones in your Shopify admin. Navigate to your Shopify admin, then click on 'Settings', followed by 'Shipping & delivery'. There, you can add or edit shipping zones. Remember to include all the countries you want to ship to in the respective shipping zones.

Why is my Shopify international shipping not working?

There could be several reasons why your Shopify international shipping is not working. It might be due to incorrect shipping settings, incorrect shipping destination, product restrictions, or incorrect shipping weight and dimensions. Ensure all your settings are correct and up-to-date. 

What should I consider when choosing a 3PL for my Shopify store?

When choosing a 3PL, you should consider factors such as cost, integration with Shopify, services offered (e.g., packaging, return handling), shipping speed, customer service and their experience with your type of products. If you're looking for a trusted and reliable fulfilment provider that integrates with Shopify, choose Bezos.