Cross-border e-commerce guide for handling returned shipments, slow sales and dumping goods

During the operation of cross-border e-commerce, sellers may encounter many challenges, such as unsalable products, dumping of goods, and returned shipments. This article will combine multiple aspects to provide solutions and methods for cross-border e-commerce sellers.

1. How to handle cross-border e-commerce returns

The return of international packages may occur due to quality problems or other reasons. Whether it is returned to the country or to the seller, the shipper or consignee can apply for return procedures according to customs regulations. The scope of return shipping includes:

• Return shipping agreement reached by both parties.
• The model of the goods does not match the contract, and a return agreement needs to be reached.
• Overloading or missing unloading caused by wrong delivery or transportation.
• Goods ordered to be returned by the customs.

When processing the return of imported and exported goods, the required documents include the “Direct Return Application” and related supporting materials, customs documents, etc.

2. Measures for handling slow-selling products in overseas warehouses

When cross-border e-commerce sellers face unsalable products, they can take the following methods:

1. Product discounts: Use discounts to facilitate inventory clearance, such as flash sales, bundle sales and other measures to attract buyers and reduce inventory pressure.

2. Overseas Distribution: Distribute products on multiple platforms, or entrust third-party companies to handle slow-moving goods, thereby broadening sales channels.

3. Destruction processing: For products that are approaching their shelf life or of low value, it is a common practice to destroy them to reduce management costs, especially on the Amazon platform.

4. Transfer: Sell unsalable products to a third party, process the goods quickly and easily, and usually transfer them at a lower price.

3. The phenomenon of counter-dumping and its countermeasures

“Container dumping” is a common situation in the foreign trade and logistics industries, especially in the operation of shipping containers. Due to the peak cargo season and fierce competition, shipping companies often abandon certain containers when the shipping space is full. Dumping usually occurs in the following situations:

• The shipping company released too many slots, resulting in the actual inability to load.
• Shipping companies give priority to getting rid of containers with lower shipping costs, moderate or less important relationships with the company.

In order to reduce the risk of container dumping, sellers should strengthen their relationship with shipping companies to ensure the stability of cargo volume and dispatch.

4. Solving customs clearance exemption issues

In cross-border transactions, customers are responsible for customs clearance procedures, but sometimes buyers refuse to assume customs clearance responsibilities due to customs reasons. At this time, the seller should communicate with the buyer in a timely manner to discuss solutions together. For example, sellers can offer discounts or reissue goods to compensate for the inconvenience.

Conclusion

The above measures can help cross-border e-commerce sellers deal with a variety of potential challenges, including returned shipments, slow sales, and dumping of goods. In actual operation, rapid and effective communication, reasonable promotion strategies and management of logistics and transportation are crucial. By applying these methods flexibly, cross-border e-commerce sellers can better respond to market fluctuations.