Australia’s leading courier service for small businesses, Sendle has expanded its international shipping network by 40%, to enable more small businesses to ship to customers in over 220 countries. Another 865 new pick-up suburbs across Australia will be available for international shipping.
Expanding its capacity with partners, Sendle now offers international pick-up for small businesses in over 3,000 suburbs, stretching from Bellmere in Queensland, down to Gordon in New South Wales, Kew in Victoria across to Kilkenny in South Australia and Cottesloe in Western Australia. Small businesses can ship as little as 250 grams around the world to New Zealand, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Asia and Europe while saving up to 42% compared to Australia Post.
Internationally, ecommerce sales are growing, but many small businesses are hesitant to trade cross-border due to the costs involved with overseas shipping, according to Sendle Australia managing director, Laura Hill.
“Sending small parcels to the United Kingdom can cost as much as $19.96 with Australia Post, which is a significant barrier to growth for small businesses. With more than 200 international destinations, Sendle’s expanded pick-up locations, competitive international rates and fast delivery times can now help more small businesses move into overseas markets at an affordable price,” she said.
Sendle’s latest Small Business Survey shows more than one-third (37%) of small businesses are planning to expand into overseas markets to grow their business in 2024. Additionally, 37% expect up to one quarter of total sales growth to come from outside Australia over the next 12 months.
Sendle data also shows almost half (45%) of international shipping demand among small business customers is to the United States, followed by New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada.
“With so many businesses expanding online and selling beyond Australian borders, having a door-to-door international pick-up service is critical to success. Small businesses want to reach new customers and engage with shoppers looking for high-quality products from Australia. Whether you’re sending socks to customers in New Zealand or sentimental jewellery to loved ones in the United States, small businesses are well positioned to service this demand with Sendle as their preferred global shipper,” Hill added.
“A lack of market competition hurts small businesses in different ways. When it comes to the postal and parcel delivery industry in Australia, the majority (84%) of small businesses want to see greater competition and access to low-cost carriers or shippers. Our vision has always been to level the playing field for small businesses and we continue to do that by offering more choice on parcel delivery solutions.”