Shipping costs will be high for goods purchased from UK shops. However when the UK order packets are packed together it ends up being cheaper. This process is called parcel consolidation and it is also known as UK parcel consolidation.
Parcel Flow provides a UK address where the orders are collected before the shipment internationally.
The packets can be stored, repacked, consolidated and then shipped abroad.
What Does Combining UK Orders Mean?
Combining the orders from the UK into one package implies that all the orders will be delivered as one.
For instance an individual may purchase one order from Amazon UK. An individual may purchase another order from eBay UK. The other order can be purchased from Argos or John Lewis. Rather than having to send three parcels they can consolidate and deliver one.
Thus it will imply that fewer costs will be incurred on courier service fees. Moreover there is no need to track several delivery updates.
Parcel flow works best for:
- International customers
- Expatriates
- Small resellers
- Gift buyers
- Students studying in foreign nations
- People who wish to buy UK goods
Parcel consolidation involves combining several parcels to save on delivery charges.
How UK Parcel Consolidation Works
It is easy to consolidate UK packages using forwarding services. But the procedure should be adhered to properly.
1. A UK Address Is Generated
Firstly a UK address is allocated after signing up. The address is then applied at checkout time.
Parcel Flow gives customers a UK shipping address without charge. In addition there is no need for membership for registration.
2. Orders Sent to UK Warehouse
Secondly products are bought from UK stores. Afterward the UK address generated is provided as the delivery location.
For instance orders from Amazon UK, eBay UK, Argos or John Lewis can be forwarded there. Such merchants are popular amongst people buying from the UK from another country.
3. Goods Are Safely Kept
Thirdly, parcels are received at the UK warehouse. After that information about the deliveries is provided.
Parcel Flow notifies customers automatically whenever a parcel arrives at the depot. Tracking of such parcels is done from the user’s account page.
4. Goods Are Repacked and Consolidated
Finally consolidation of UK packages is made possible once all items have been delivered. At this stage unnecessary packaging might be eliminated.
In addition large sized packages might be repackaged into smaller sizes. Consequently reduced shipping costs will result.
5. One International Shipment Is Created
Lastly the merged parcel is dispatched overseas. Couriers can choose their preferred option.
Through Parcel Flow a courier option comparison tool can be utilized within an account. This way the best courier service can be chosen.
Why Cheap UK Shipping Is Available
Cheap UK shipping becomes available since fewer packages have to be shipped.
For instance three different parcels require three individual international couriers. But merging one single package requires just a single shipment charge.
Moreover packaging requirements may be limited hence reducing the dimensional weight.
Parcel Flow even provides repackaging services which assist in reducing the cost of oversized parcels if large retail boxes are involved.
A Simple Shipping Cost Example
An example of a customer who can save on shipping costs is one who buys:
- Shoes from one UK retailer
- Cosmetics from another
- And a jacket from yet another
If purchases are done individually then separate delivery charges apply. But by consolidating the purchases a single delivery may be required hence resulting in cheap UK shipping costs.
This explains how UK parcel consolidation works.
Why a UK Package Forwarding Service Is Needed
A UK package forwarding service is employed when the UK stores do not ship internationally.
There are instances where many UK shops will only make deliveries within the United Kingdom itself.
Additionally there could be cases whereby the retailers reject international credit cards and addresses.
In the case of the personal shopper offered by Parcel Flow the team is able to shop on your behalf at the UK or EU stores. The goods will then be received by them and shipped worldwide.
Hence UK package forwarding can help resolve two issues:
- It provides a UK delivery address.
- International shipping is taken care of post purchase.
Benefits of Using a UK Forwarding Warehouse
The UK Forwarding Warehouse serves as an intermediate link. It receives orders at the first step followed by preparation of the orders for international deliveries.
Packages may be sorted at a storage and forwarding facility that offers storage services, consolidation and repacking.
Main Advantages
- Several orders may be received at one location.
- Packs may be stored prior to shipment.
- Repacking may be arranged.
- UK parcel consolidation may be organized.
- Shipment tracking updates may be made.
- UK international delivery may be coordinated.
In addition a UK Forwarding Warehouse provides increased flexibility. For instance customers may hold their shipments until all orders arrive.
How Parcel Flow Helps With UK International Delivery
UK international delivery can feel confusing. Customs forms, courier costs and tracking updates may be involved.
However with Parcel Flow the process is made easier. Orders are received, stored, consolidated and forwarded through trusted courier options.
Tracking is available when the chosen service includes it. The tracking number and courier link are usually emailed after dispatch.
Customs and Delivery Notes
UK international delivery must not be selected without an understanding of customs.
Usually customs duties and taxes are separate and the responsibility of the recipient.
Furthermore international shipments may require customs forms which are usually needed when goods or gifts are shipped out of the UK.
Consequently precise information about products is important including:
- Product Name
- Quantity
- Value
- Origin
- Category of item
- Recipient Address
This will ensure there will be no delays.
When Should Multiple UK Orders Be Combined?
Multiple orders from the UK should be combined where more than one purchase will be made.
This means that the consumer could choose to ship after one week from the first order.
Such a practice would work when:
- More than one store from the UK is involved.
- Small goods are purchased.
- Gifts are being purchased.
- Clothing sizes are bought together.
- UK shopping is being performed on a regular basis.
However storage capacity should be considered before opting to delay shipment. Free storage could only be provided for some weeks and then there would be costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some mistakes might end up increasing the cost of shipping.
Late Orders
The storage period after the free period becomes chargeable. Hence all orders must be made in advance.
Restricted Items
Not all items will be accepted. Moreover some illegal or prohibited items may be screened.
Dimensional Weight
Even when parcels are light they will cost more due to big boxes. Hence repackaging should be considered.
Shipping Parcels Individually
Shipment in individual parcels will incur extra charges. Consolidation of UK parcels must be done where possible.
Conclusion
For bundling the UK orders into one consignment, an honest and reliable UK package forwarder is required. By using Parcel Flow online shoppers will get a UK mailing address and their packages can be received, held, re-packed and bundled into one consignment in that single location. So this is an easy way for UK parcel consolidation and it might even save on shipping charges.
