Making sure your business delivers

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

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.