Streamlining International Fulfillment for Philippine Artisanal and Craft Brands

Local artisanal and craft brands can expand internationally by streamlining their international fulfillment process and partnering with a reliable logistics provider. International operations don’t need to be complicated; they can be simplified with a streamlined process. This can reduce delays and costs while still delivering exceptional handmade crafts.

How a Local Artisanal Business Grows

The growth of most Philippine artisanal and craft brands starts with sharing locally made products with fellow locals, initially through art markets and fairs. Whether it’s handmade jewelry, woven textiles, or other local goods, these brands build their identity on being authentic, carefully crafted, high quality, and locally made.

Once local operations are working efficiently, most businesses look to expand internationally and begin taking overseas orders.

Cross-Border E-Commerce and International Fulfillment

Cross-border e-commerce is the trade of goods and services online between stores and customers in different countries. If you’re a local Philippine craft brand, exploring cross-border e-commerce opens many doors when expanding internationally, especially if you don’t have enough financial resources for an international physical store yet. Through it, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can sell products to overseas customers. This provides a wider market for the brand and increases the visibility and revenue of the business.

However, selling through cross-border e-commerce also comes with challenges. You should consider shipping costs, customs and permits, delivery timelines, and consistent communication, aside from managing orders from Filipino buyers. Building a careful process for fulfilling international orders should include several steps your brand must take into account.

Hack: Some providers handle the entire end-to-end process of fulfilling orders abroad. No need for you to get overwhelmed with the technicalities of logistics; just focus on the operational side of things, and they’ll handle it! ZendEase is one of them. ;)

Things to Consider Before Accepting International Orders

When selling your products overseas through e-commerce, it’s best to understand the market and ensure compliance before sharing your catalog with potential clients. Here are 6 things to consider before accepting international orders:

1. Conducting market acceptance research - Before accepting international orders, it’s best to conduct market research on target countries you’d like to start shipping to. Worldwide e-commerce is beneficial, but understanding which countries already have established markets for crafts, handmade goods, woven clothes, and other artisanal work makes it easier to penetrate the market and attract potential customers, as opposed to selling in a country with no demand for them. Countries that already have a market for your goods will yield a much higher acceptance rate, after which you can proceed with a demand check.
2. Checking product demand - Next is checking the specific demand for your products beyond general market acceptance in your industry. Verify if the market is financially sustainable for your business, especially when scaling internationally, and focus on the market size and purchasing power of typical consumers of artisanal goods.
3. Securing licenses and permits and ensuring compliance - After identifying which countries to sell to, inquire about the licenses and permits required for artisanal and craft brands, and secure them as soon as possible. Understand the required labeling, packaging, and sanitation certifications. This helps you become familiar with international business requirements and ensures a smoother compliance process, reducing the risk of fines for selling unregulated products.
4. Developing a marketing strategy - Conducting market research and securing permits alone won't guarantee immediate sales. Develop a marketing strategy that captures the attention of local customers and encourages them to purchase and try your products.
5. Forming partnerships with logistics providers and warehouses - Partnering with logistics providers and warehouses in both the Philippines and destination countries helps minimize costs and optimize international shipments. You can take advantage of specialized deals from trusted couriers who can also guide you through specific shipping requirements for your destination countries.
6. Setting pricing and payment methods - When expanding into international markets, set a pricing strategy that works for overseas customers. Consider exchange rates, product value, competitor pricing, and transaction fees when setting prices. Establishing appropriate payment channels allows customers to purchase easily. Consider questions like: “What payment methods are common in this country?” “What are the bank transfer fees?” “What are the conversion rates?” Clarifying these details helps establish a centralized system where international orders are processed through specific, reliable payment channels.

The International Fulfillment Process

Now that key considerations have been covered, here is a general guide to the international fulfillment process:

1. Order Confirmation - The process begins with order fulfillment. An international customer checks out one of your artisanal products through your own website or a known e-commerce platform.
2. Packaging - Once the order is confirmed and the product is ready, proceed with packaging. For artisanal and craft brands, it’s essential to use protective materials for fragile, handmade items and ensure labels are clear.
3. Securing documentation - Before shipping, your logistics provider will prepare and send you a list of the documents required for the shipment. Usually, it includes a commercial invoice, product description, declared value, and other details.
4. Shipping - After you send the appropriate documents to your logistics provider, they start shipping your parcels from the Philippines to the destination country.
5. Customs clearance - Customs clearance comes when the shipment reaches its destination country. Customs officers inspect the parcel and its documentation for possible duties and taxes that may be charged on your end.
6. Settling duties and taxes - Duties and taxes are determined by customs officers. If charges apply, establish in advance whether they will be paid by your brand or the customer to ensure clear terms of business.
7. Delivery - Once customs cleared, the parcel proceeds to final delivery. Inform customers of the expected arrival timeframe so they can receive their order. Most logistics providers offer tracking numbers, which you should share with customers so they can monitor their shipment. Finally, communicate any potential shipping delays promptly.
8. Feedback - International fulfillment doesn’t end when the product is delivered. Establish a feedback system for international orders or direct customers to an existing review platform. Customer feedback helps improve service quality and encourages prospective buyers to place orders.

Streamline Processes with a Reliable Logistics Provider

Partnering with a reliable logistics provider helps local artisanal and craft brands simplify international fulfillment. Working directly with logistics experts streamlines international shipping and documentation. Providers often offer specialized business deals, helping you maximize reach while minimizing costs.

ZendEase Business can be your potential partner when it comes to international fulfillment. Just send us a message at hello@zendease.com or register through https://zendease.com/register to streamline your international fulfillment with us.