Going Global: How to Ship and Sell Handmade Goods Internationally Without the Headache
Published
21 Jul, 2025
4 min read
Selling handmade goods internationally opens up a world of opportunity. More customers. More recognition. More revenue. But it also comes with one big challenge: how to make it work without losing your mind to shipping nightmares, customs confusion, or endless customer emails. If the idea of going global sounds overwhelming, you're not alone—but you're also not stuck. With the right approach, you can scale your handmade brand beyond borders without the chaos.
The demand for handmade and artisanal goods is exploding worldwide. From Europe to Asia to Australia, customers are craving products with a personal touch—especially when they’re unique, sustainable, and tell a story. If you're only selling domestically, you're leaving serious money on the table. Going global isn't just about growth; it's about resilience. International sales can help balance out slow seasons in your local market and protect you against sudden changes in demand.
Before you start taking orders from every country under the sun, pause and prep. You need clarity on three key things: where you’re willing to ship, how much it will cost you, and what kind of experience you want your international buyers to have.
Start by researching your top potential markets. Use tools like Google Analytics or Shopify’s built-in reports to see where your site traffic is already coming from. You might find an untapped goldmine. Then look at shipping rates from your preferred carriers. Consider using services like Pirate Ship, Easyship, or Shippo—they can simplify international rate comparison and even handle customs forms.
But beyond cost, think logistics. How long will delivery take? Will tracking be reliable? Can customers easily return items if needed? These are questions your buyers will have, and your job is to answer them clearly on your site. A solid international FAQ page and transparent shipping policy are must-haves.
Customs is where a lot of handmade sellers get tripped up. Every country has different rules about what can be imported, how it’s classified, and what taxes or duties apply. As a seller, you’re responsible for providing accurate documentation—usually a customs declaration form that includes a description of the item, its value, and its country of origin.
Make sure you're using the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your product category. It affects whether the buyer will have to pay extra duties on delivery. If you're not sure, most shipping platforms will help you auto-generate these codes, or you can find them through your country’s customs website.
It's also important to manage buyer expectations. Some customers will get hit with import taxes, and it can sour the experience if they weren’t expecting it. You can avoid surprises by stating clearly on your product pages or checkout screen that import fees may apply depending on the buyer’s location. Some platforms let you pre-collect duties and taxes so customers know the full cost upfront. That’s a win-win.
When pricing your products for global customers, it’s not just about currency conversion. You have to factor in higher shipping fees, packaging costs, and possibly payment processing fees for foreign transactions. Don’t eat those costs just to stay competitive—build them into your pricing strategy so your profit margins hold steady.
Offering different currencies on your store (if your platform allows it) can also improve conversions. Customers feel more confident buying when they don’t have to guess how much something will cost in their local currency. Just make sure your return policy, delivery timeline, and any taxes are clearly displayed in the buyer’s language where possible.
When your product is crossing an ocean, it better arrive in one piece. That means investing in quality packaging—not just to protect the item, but to present your brand well. Your handmade piece might be the first impression a customer halfway around the world ever gets of your business. A beautifully branded box, a handwritten thank-you note, or eco-friendly materials can turn a one-time order into a lifelong fan.
At the same time, avoid overpacking. More weight means more shipping costs. Learn the sweet spot between secure and excessive. Flat-rate international boxes are often a great option for smaller handmade goods. They give you predictable pricing and come with built-in tracking.
Your own website gives you control, but marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or even Shopify Markets can help streamline your global selling strategy. They’ve already solved many of the payment, shipping, and tax complexities for you.
Etsy, for example, handles currency conversion and provides customs labels for international orders. Shopify Markets allows you to manage multiple country-specific storefronts from one dashboard. These tools don’t remove all the friction, but they significantly reduce it.
If you want to really scale globally, consider working with fulfillment services that specialize in international orders. Companies like ShipBob or Printful (for print-on-demand) have warehouses in different countries, which can reduce delivery times and costs for your customers.
Selling globally doesn’t mean you have to go all in at once. Start small. Offer international shipping to a few countries where you’re already seeing traffic or demand. Learn from each order—how long it takes, how customers respond, what issues come up. Then expand gradually.
Keep your eyes on feedback. Encourage international customers to leave reviews and share their unboxing experience. You’ll gain trust with new buyers and get insights on what’s working—and what needs adjusting.
At the end of the day, going global is less about perfection and more about process. If you stay clear, honest, and organized, you can build a handmade brand that ships worldwide without the stress.
