Making sure your business delivers

Operation Christmas Child

by | Nov 18, 2016 | News

This year UKP Worldwide staff members supported Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is an initiative of Samaritans Purse UK, a Christian relief and development charity working amongst communities in need across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

We completed 8 shoeboxes, each one filled with both fun and useful things such as toothbrush, toothpaste, flannel, soap, hats, gloves, colouring sets and toys for both girls and boys aged between 2-14.

A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal.

Early next year we will update you on our shoebox journeys.

UKP Worldwide granted full Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status

by | Nov 15, 2016 | News

UKP Worldwide has been approved and granted full Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, after a thorough and exhaustive audit by HMRC, covering both customs simplifications & security and safety.

UKP Worldwide provides international delivery services for eCommerce goods, as well as worldwide postal options for printed matter – including publications, direct mail and catalogues. In recognising the importance and benefits that international trade can bring to a business, we also understand the requirements of the international supply chain in terms of security, compliance and logistics, so applying for and subsequently achieving AEO accreditation means out customers are even more confident about our ability to work efficiently and compliantly process their work.

What is AEO?

AEO status is an internationally recognised accreditation in the global supply chain. It confirms that a business’ systems and processes have been audited by local customs authorities, the international supply chain is secure and that customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant. In the UK AEO status is granted to “trusted traders” who have undergone this audit and meet the rigorous conditions outlined by HMRC.

AEO status offers many benefits to the changes in the recently updated Union Customs Code (UCC). HMRC expect all importers and exporters who use simplified customs procedures e.g. inward processing relief, customs warehousing, temporary storage or community transit – to meet and comply with AEO criteria or cover the cost by providing financial guarantees to cover duties that have been suspended under any of these schemes. Using an AEO approved supplier can greatly reduce and on occasion eliminate these new requirements for duty guarantees.

Following BREXIT, whatever deal the UK negotiates, the UCC will need to be followed and AEO’s will play a part in complying with any new trade terms that are agreed between the UK and EU.

The Benefits

By being AEO accredited, UKP Worldwide’s customers can benefit from:

  • Consistent and faster customs clearances at both local and overseas borders for both outbound and returns traffic
  • Permitted access at time of increased border controls
  • A compliant and  secure supply chain, protecting people, cargo and information
  • Access to customs simplifications
  • Improved cash flow and increased margin, if participating in any tax and duty suspension programs
  • A compliant record of exports and any subsequent returns

If you would like to learn more about how we can offer you support on eCommerce export requirements, please get in touch on +44 (0) 1844 398880.

Amazon Tracked Shipping Requirements

by | Nov 8, 2016 | News

Amazon US is introducing guidelines for sellers to adhere to for selling products on their platform. Starting in February 2016, Amazon have confirmed that sellers will have to provide compliant tracking numbers for 95% of shipments.

Amazon wants their sellers to enhance the customer experience and by introducing this new metric, they are giving their customers clear visibility – allowing the customer to stay informed of the progress of their purchase by knowing exactly where their item is in the delivery process and when they can expect their delivery.

How will a seller and customer benefit from using a tracked service?

  • Amazon advises that approximately 40% of buyer contact through Amazon to a seller is about the status of a customer’s shipment, using the “Where’s My Stuff?” category. Tracking numbers automatically eliminate such enquiries because the customer themselves can check the delivery progress. A customer would only then message if they had an additional query, not answered by tracking their purchase.
  • If a customer currently claims an order wasn’t received and the item was sent untracked, then a seller automatically loses out under the A-Z claims. Tracking codes will help eradicate unnecessary losses.
  • Improving seller feedback – a seller is putting the customer back in control by using tracking numbers. A customer can track the order progress and know whether they are going to receive the package on time.
  • Sending goods via a tracked service could help reduce the number of order defects, as well as lost shipments. This in turn helping reduce associated costs with goods lost in transit or having to be replaced.

What happens if a seller is not currently shipping with a registered carrier?

If merchants are currently shipping goods on Amazon US via an untracked service or via a carrier not recognised by Amazon, then they have between now and February 2016 to switch over to a tracked service using a carrier integrated with Amazon. Below are some of the carriers compliant with Amazon:

  • USPS (UKP Worldwide are an accredited partner of USPS)
  • UPS
  • DHL
  • FedEx

UKP Worldwide are fully compliant with the latest Amazon.com seller requirements of sending goods using a tracked service – how can we help you?

We pride ourselves at keeping up to date with the latest industry knowledge and ensuring our customers are compliant with the new platform requirements and the latest exporting regulations.

If volume shippers regularly send goods valued under $200 USD to the United States, they could benefit from our eCommerce service.

As approved parcel wholesalers for the United States Postal Service (USPS), we have direct access to all of their tracked parcel services, which can be accessed from many countries around the world.

Our shipping platform allows merchants selling on marketplaces such as Amazon.com and ebay.com to integrate easily, meet these new requirements as well as being compliant with UK export regulations when shipping to the USA.

Our tracked service is simple and has been designed to help your business reach U.S. customers. It removes the hassle and high shipping costs that are often encountered with cross-border parcel distribution.

We follow defined procedures with strict timelines to enable us to process and get your goods delivered within 4-7 days, on time and within budget.

Need a return service? We do that too! Read full information on our services here.

To find our more about our eCommerce service, why not visit us at Stand 9 at the MetaPack Delivery Conference in London on 2nd February 2016. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 1844 398880 or email us on info@ukpworldwide.com.

New $800 De Minimis for Imports into the US

by | Mar 17, 2016 | News

On 24th February 2016, President Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act 2015, agreeing to increase the US de minimis value from $200 to $800. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on 10th March 2016 that the increase has come into force and, therefore, allowing people to ship goods into the US free of taxes and duties up to the value of $800.

This is a fantastic step forward and is the first time the de minimis value has been changed in over 20 years. This is not only good news for US residents but also great for retailers outside of the US participating in cross-border trade.

US shoppers are happy spending their money abroad, with the UK being their favoured destination at 49%*. As we continue to see an increase in cross-border purchases, and consumers carrying out research prior to purchasing, the emphasis on a retailer’s international delivery and return service is paramount.

Do you ship goods to the US? Or, do you need assistance in implementing a cross-border returns policy?

UKP offers a fully managed outbound shipping and returns service for eCommerce parcels to and from the US. As one of very few Approved Direct Entry Wholesalers accredited by the United States Postal Service (USPS), we deliver via a tracked service within five to seven working days. Taking care of EU export declarations, manages the clearance and eliminates the stress associated with cross-border eCommerce.

The UKP Returns Service provides US customers with a US return address, ensuring they only pay domestic rates for their returns. Alternatively, if you want to offer your customers free returns, we can provide that service too. The Returns portal captures return information via a bespoke online form, which then generates a return shipping label. The returns portal simplifies the process and improves the customer experience, reducing end-to-end shipping costs as well as providing clarity for online retailers. It enables a retailer to gauge how many returns they are expecting, optimise inventory and also assists in highlighting defects and faulty goods by SKU. 

Source: *IMRG US Passport 2016 Cross Border Trading Report

UKP Worldwide Celebrate 15 Years!

by | Oct 9, 2015 | News

October 2015 saw UKP Worldwide celebrate our 15th anniversary.

Established in 2000 as UK Postings Ltd, we provide fulfilment and distribution services to the publishing sector. The distribution of magazines and periodical mail around the world still remains at the heart of our organisation today.

In 2010, we incorporated our US Company, it’s sole purpose to directly inject mail into the US Postal System (USPS).

Over the last 15 years, we have diversified and extended our service offer from traditional mail to include an eCommerce parcel service. Using in-house expertise and extensive knowledge of the international mail industry, we have developed several innovative and specialist cross-border logistics solutions for eCommerce parcels. Many of which include a full merchant return solution too. We operate direct eCommerce services to the United States, Mexico, Australia and the EU with more destinations to follow.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, customers and suppliers for their support, dedication and the valued relationships we’ve developed over the last fifteen years, we look forward to working with you all for many more years to come!

eBay: New On-Time Delivery Metric… Are you ready?

by | Sep 17, 2015 | News

eBay have announced that they are updating seller performance standards to help recognise when a seller delivers a great buyer experience. Seller performance will no longer primarily be based on a buyer’s opinion, making it easier for seller’s to manage their standing and be recognised when they’ve given great service.

From 20th February 2016, eBay will evaluate a seller’s performance standard based on the updated defect criteria and the new on-time delivery metric.

What does the new on-time delivery metric mean for an eBay seller?

Buyers want their items delivered on time. With the new on-time delivery metric, eBay will measure delivery performance based on what the seller can control – posting items on time.

In order to meet the new on-time delivery metric, orders have to be:

  • Item tracking status as ‘Accepted’ within seller’s dispatch time
  • Item tracking status as ‘Delivered’ within estimated delivery time
  • The buyer confirms that the delivery was made on time

Deliveries will be considered late when:

  • A seller does not upload tracking information and the buyer states the item arrived after the estimated delivery date
  • Tracking shows no acceptance scan within the stated dispatch time and the item arrived after the estimated delivery date, plus the buyer does not confirm that the item arrived on time or states it arrived after the estimated delivery date

How can an eBay top-rated seller protect their performance?

All top-rated seller’s fall under tighter measurements for the on-time delivery metric, with a maximum of 4% of transactions that aren’t delivered on time.

Seller’s should review their dispatch times and the services they use to ship their items. If possible, they should switch over to a tracked service, which also means they are not relying on the customer to confirm they’ve received the item.

How can UKP Worldwide help?

If sellers regularly ship goods valued under $200 USD to the United States, they could benefit from our eCommerce service.

As approved wholesalers for the United States Postal Service (USPS), we have direct access to all their tracked parcel services, which can be accessed from most countries around the world.

The tracked service we offer is simple yet sophisticated and has been designed to help your business reach U.S. customers. It removes the stress and hassle that is sometimes encountered with cross-border parcel distribution.

We follow defined procedures with strict timelines to enable us to process and get your goods delivered within 4-7 days, on time and within budget.

To find out more information call us on +44 (0) 8456 444137 or email us on info@ukpworldwide.com.

Read full eBay article here.