Many companies are beginning to embrace ecommerce as the globe becomes more linked on a global basis, and as a result, a rising number of customers are making purchases from retailers located outside of the nation in which a company is based.
If you own your own online business, it's critical that you stay current on the shifting competitive environment of ecommerce and beyond. In particular, being up to speed with the newest developments in the shipping industry may assist assure your ability to expand. Knowing the ins and outs of shipping may have a significant impact on your business, regardless of whether you use a dropshipping business model or are merely looking for the best shipping choices.
Given the increasing number of vendors with locations across various nations and the complexity of the global supply chain, it can occasionally be difficult to determine the most effective shipping arrangement for your company.
As many owners of online stores are aware, ePacket shipping frequently makes it much simpler to purchase products from China.
It's critical to comprehend what ePacket shipping is and why it has grown to be a popular shipping option from China and Hong Kong to preserve a competitive edge over China-based businesses.
This post will be much more useful to you if you source products from AliExpress and dropship them to clients. We'll go through the logistics of ePacket shipping and what ePacket tracking entails in this article. We'll also respond to frequently asked questions concerning ePacket delivery, including details about China EMS, the country's postal service.
What is ePacket?
Third-party logistics companies (3PL) in China and Hong Kong provide the ePacket shipping option. It enables sellers on online stores like AliExpress to offer quick and inexpensive delivery for small packages, which is crucial for people running dropshipping businesses. It is best if your clients can receive their orders as quickly as possible.
China EMS used to be the sole sensible and cost-effective alternative for sending consumer products to buyers abroad. Customers would, however, frequently have to wait a month or longer to obtain their purchases. Other faster choices, particularly for little, inexpensive products, were too pricey.
ePacket, new shipping service and cooperation with Hongkong Post and eBay China that enables parcels from China and Hong Kong to obtain USPS First-Class Mail service and delivery confirmation, was formally announced by the United States Postal Service in 2011. Before ePacket, the merchandise was transported by sea from China to the US. It took a while to ship because it was lengthy travel.
What is ePacket shipping?
As the “e” in its name suggests, ePacket is a shipping service created specifically for ecommerce, enabling customers to get their purchases from online shops and marketplaces that shipped out of China and Hong Kong faster and more economically.
On platforms like eBay, AliExpress, and Alibaba, Chinese sellers frequently offer ePacket as a delivery choice. However, provided the shipment complies with the conditions for an ePacket delivery, any retailer in China and Hong Kong may offer ePacket shipping.
When a package or cargo is shipped using ePacket, the USPS has its specifications. A package may be no longer than 24 inches (60 centimeters) in length, and it may not be any thicker or taller than 36 inches overall (90 centimeters).
The box cannot weigh more than 4.4 pounds (2 kilos) and the value of the package being transported cannot exceed $400 for ePacket delivery.
Additionally, the shipment needs to be sent to one of the 44 countries that accept ePacket from either China or Hong Kong.
What is ePacket delivery?
When ePacket delivery first started, it was a rapid and inexpensive way for Chinese and Hong Kong-based retailers to transport their products to the US. It has grown over time to include more than 40 more ePacket nations, including Canada and Australia.
A “local” carrier is in charge of handling ePacket delivery to the final location. When we refer to local carriers, we mean those that are based in the nation where the parcel will be delivered, such as USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail & Post Office, Japan Post, etc. Each carrier has different delivery procedures, costs, and restrictions for packages.
Who delivers ePacket?
ePacket delivery involves several parties. The shipment is first brought to the border by the Chinese or Hong Kong airline. From there, it is transported internationally to the final location.
The parcel is picked up by a carrier in the country of destination once it has crossed the border. This varies according to the shipping method and location. They are in charge of delivering it to the address your consumer specified when placing the order as the destination.
Does ePacket deliver to your door?
Technically, ePacket delivery only covers the trip to customs and does not always ensure any kind of delivery window with the target carrier, which is significant for individuals who operate a drop shipping business. Although many carriers provide doorstep delivery, some locations may not be eligible for it or may be outside of their service area.
How to track ePacket
Customers who use ePacket tracking receive free end-to-end tracking, allowing them to quickly track and find their shipment on the official websites of EMS, USPS, or China Post. The return of any undeliverable mail is also free, so businesses will have no trouble issuing refunds to customers who never get their orders.
You should be aware of the several methods you may follow for the delivery of your ePacket.
Depending on where your ePacket package is en route, you should utilize one of the official websites as a starting point. Use EMS while the shipment is still in China. Use USPS to send your shipment within the US.
If you're experiencing trouble utilizing the official websites, you may also utilize third-party tracking services:
Customers may utilize self-service to track their orders and ePackets to learn exactly where their packages are and when to anticipate them. As a result, there are fewer support questions about upcoming deliveries, which enhances the customer experience.
💡 Note: China EMS is a carrier and ePacket is a distinct shipping method.
Which countries have ePacket shipping available?
46 countries support ePacket deliveries as of August 2022:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Great Britain
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Hungary
- Ireland
Israel- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Spain
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vietnam
How long does ePacket take to deliver from China to the US?
ePacket shipping to the US typically takes 10 to 20 days from the date of shipment to arrive. Similar or somewhat longer average shipment times may be seen in other nations. About half of that time is spent getting there, and the other half is spent getting to the right places before reaching the client in the destination nation.
Shipping timeframes might change based on the package's destination, customs, public holidays, and other delays. Comparing ePacket shipping to other cheap shipping choices from China and Hong Kong, it appears to be a lot more reliable option in terms of average shipment timeframes.
It's crucial to keep in mind that this is quite quick given the volume of shipments that are handled in bulk every day as they go to their destinations and the number of pauses each package makes.
Fortunately, all of this can be readily followed up on because these deliveries come with free ePacket tracking, offering clients piece of mind while their shipment is being delivered.
How ePacket works on AliExpress
When choosing which items to sell utilizing dropshipping from AliExpress or Alibaba, ePacket shipping needs to be one of the primary considerations, if not the most crucial one. With ePacket shipping, your clients can track their orders while they wait and get their products promptly.
Additionally, both customers and businesses prefer it because of its consistency. Unless you consider more expensive shipping choices from China and Hong Kong, other delivery options might not be as dependable.
Last but not least, ePacket is frequently provided as a free or affordable delivery alternative. As a business owner dropshipping with AliExpress, enables you to provide free delivery.
How do I know if my shipment is an ePacket delivery?
Look under Orders and select View Detail if you're placing an order through AliExpress dropshipping. The shipment method utilized will be listed under International Shipping Company while browsing under Logistics Information. If the package was sent via ePacket, it should state “ePacket” and the tracking number.
If you aren't purchasing on AliExpress, you may also use the tracking number to find out how the shipment was delivered. Tracking numbers for ePacket often begin with “L.” If there isn't an ePacket tracking number, the shipment was probably transported by a different route.
Will the customer have to pay customs/duties/taxes with ePacket shipping?
Traditional customs clearances are required for ePacket delivery, and clients may be asked to pay any applicable fees and taxes when they arrive. To find out when and for what sorts of things you would be required to pay customs or taxes on imported purchases, it is also essential to examine your local legislation.
Check with the shipping company to see if there will be any tariffs or taxes due when the package arrives. They may have more knowledge about whether tariffs or taxes will be due because they have more experience shipping to your nation.
Ultimately, what’s the benefit of the ePacket service?
Your competitive edge when shipping locally will always be delivery time. Some clients will not put up with a product taking a few weeks to arrive. These people are your clients.
In comparison to other Chinese shipping services, ePacket also offers:
- Customs clearance. It promises fast since it uses China Post's customs clearing system.
- Fast shipping speeds. China Post Air Mail cannot match the speed and cost of ePacket. Additionally, you may monitor products and return packages for free.
- Transparent pricing. There are no additional costs or hidden charges, which is unusual when dealing with international online businesses.
Keeping this in mind, competition is ever-evolving. It's critical to keep your perspective on the factors that influence client choices and ascertain their true needs. Once you are aware of it, you will be more equipped than your rivals to satisfy your clients.
How to use ePacket dropshipping on Shopify
Shopify sellers of low- to medium-value items that wish to cut expenses on shipping from China can use ePacket. When utilizing ePacket on Shopify, packages normally arrive between 15 to 30 days. You must confirm that you have chosen ePacket delivery with your supplier to set it up for your store.
ePacket shipping and tracking FAQ
Third-party logistics (3PL) organizations in China and Hong Kong provide ecommerce enterprises ePacket as a shipping alternative. ePacket shipping allows retailers to ship smaller packages quickly and economically.
Packages sent with ePacket are delivered in fewer than 30 days. According to evaluations, shipping usually takes between 7 and 10 days. It is typically free or inexpensive.
Customers may follow their orders from beginning to end via ePacket delivery at no additional cost. With a tracking code, you can simply trace the ePacket on official websites such as EMS and USPS.
The fact that ePacket is transported by air makes it faster than other Chinese delivery options. Packages from China were traditionally carried by sea in containers with no tracking possibilities.
A motivating discussion is worth commenting on. There’s no doubt that you ought to publish more about this subject matter; it might not be a taboo subject, but generally, people don’t talk about these subjects. Onward and upward! All the best!