How to Save Money on International Shipping: Our Top Tips

Shopping online is one of the most convenient ways to get what you need, but for many people around the world, international shipping can feel like a deal-breaker. High fees, surprise customs charges, and long wait times can turn a great deal into a headache. At Unbox It Now, we’ve spent years finding ways to make global shipping more affordable  and today, we’re sharing our best tips so you can save money, stress less, and enjoy your shopping even more.

Why Does International Shipping Cost So Much?

Before we dive into how you can save, it helps to understand why international shipping can be expensive. The cost is based on multiple factors:

• Distance: The farther your package travels, the higher the cost.

• Weight & size: Heavier and larger packages cost more to ship.

• Shipping method: Express options cost more than standard.

• Customs & duties: Some countries charge extra fees to import goods.

• Fuel costs & carrier fees: These fluctuate and can add hidden costs.

While you can’t control everything, you can make smart choices that help reduce what you pay.

1. Combine Orders to Ship More Efficiently

One of the easiest ways to save on shipping is to order multiple items at once. Many online stores, including Unbox It Now, offer combined shipping discounts or even free shipping thresholds when you buy more.

Think about what you need for the season or upcoming occasions  gifts, personal items, or household essentials and place them in a single order. This reduces the per-item shipping cost and cuts down on unnecessary packaging.

Pro Tip: Always check if your favorite store offers free shipping above a certain amount. It’s better to buy one bigger order than pay multiple shipping fees for small orders.

2. Know Your Country’s Customs Rules

Surprise customs fees are one of the biggest frustrations for international shoppers. Each country has different thresholds for when customs duties apply some countries have low limits, while others let in a lot of goods duty-free.

Before you buy, look up your country’s customs allowance and factor that into your budget. If you’re close to the limit, you might choose a smaller item or split your order. At Unbox It Now, we try to include clear shipping and customs information for major regions so you know what to expect.

Pro Tip: Some items are exempt from duties or taxed at lower rates. Knowing this can help you plan purchases wisely.

3. Choose Standard Shipping When You Can

We get it  sometimes you need something fast. But expedited shipping is usually the priciest option. If you plan ahead, you can save a lot by sticking with standard shipping.

At Unbox It Now, we partner with trusted carriers who balance speed with affordability. Our standard shipping times are reliable for most countries, and the savings compared to express options are worth the extra few days.

Pro Tip: For gifts or special events, order a few weeks in advance to avoid paying rush fees.

4. Look for Stores That Negotiate Rates (Like Us!)

Many small online stores ship using standard carrier rates, which can be high for international deliveries. Larger stores or those that specialize in worldwide shipping, like Unbox It Now, often negotiate better rates with shipping partners.

We pass those savings directly to our customers. This is why you’ll often find our shipping rates are significantly lower than competitors  and we keep working to get better deals as we grow.

Pro Tip: Always compare total costs. A product might be slightly cheaper at one store, but if their shipping rates are higher, you could pay more overall.

5. Take Advantage of Local Warehouses

Some global retailers use multiple warehouses worldwide to get products closer to you. This cuts down on cross-border shipping costs.

At Unbox It Now, we’re expanding our network of regional hubs to serve customers faster and cheaper. When you shop with us, your order may ship from the nearest location to you  which means lower shipping fees and quicker delivery.

Pro Tip: Always check a store’s shipping information page. If they don’t mention local fulfillment, you may be paying more than necessary.

6. Avoid Unnecessary Packaging

Big, bulky packaging can increase dimensional weight, which means you’re charged more based on size rather than actual weight. Some sellers pack every item in its own big box, which drives up costs.

At Unbox It Now, we pack orders efficiently, using sturdy but minimal materials to protect your items without adding unnecessary bulk. This keeps your shipping cost as low as possible.

Pro Tip: If you’re buying fragile items, make sure the packaging is protective enough  but for everyday items, smaller is usually better.

7. Use a Reliable Tracking Service

This one won’t save you money upfront, but it can protect your investment. Reliable tracking means you always know where your package is and when it will arrive. This helps you avoid lost shipments, double payments, or the cost of replacing missing items.

Every order with Unbox It Now comes with tracking included. You’ll get updates as your package moves through each step, so you’re never left wondering.

8. Read the Store’s Refund & Return Policy

Sometimes things don’t work out  maybe the wrong item arrives or something gets damaged. Make sure you’re buying from a store that has a fair, clear return policy. Otherwise, you could end up paying return shipping yourself or losing money on items you can’t use.

We keep it simple: if your order isn’t right, we’ll make it right. That’s part of our commitment to giving you a stress-free shopping experience.

Final Thoughts: Affordable Shipping Is Possible

International shipping doesn’t have to break the bank. By combining orders, understanding customs fees, choosing standard shipping, and buying from stores that negotiate the best rates, you can keep your costs low while still getting what you want, when you want it.

At Unbox It Now, our mission is to make global shopping easy and affordable for everyone. We’re always working behind the scenes to negotiate better rates, build local warehouses, and streamline our process so you save every time you shop with us.

If you ever have questions about shipping costs, customs, or how to get the best deal, our team is always ready to help. Just reach out we’re here 24/7.

Ready to see how affordable worldwide shopping can be? Browse our latest collections, fill up your cart, and enjoy unbeatable shipping rates wherever you are.
Happy unboxing!