For small business owners and entrepreneurs who need to ship goods internationally, everyone hopes for the fastest and safest delivery. However, it's always a headache when a shipment is returned, as it may mean that the carefully selected goods haven't reached the recipient as expected. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and damage the reputation of the product and service. But why do shipments get returned, and how can we handle this frustrating situation? 

Why was my package returned after I sent it?

The destination address is incorrect: It may seem like a simple reason, but believe it or not, this happens more often than you think and is a popular reason for packages being returned. Incorrect or unclear address information can prevent delivery personnel from delivering the package. To prevent this, you should always double-check your address details to ensure they are correct and complete before sending any goods.

No recipient at the destination: Sometimes, packages are returned because the delivery person is unable to deliver them to the recipient. Alternatively, problems may arise if the recipient lives in a condominium or building without a management office to receive the package. It's best to discuss the delivery and pickup details with the customer beforehand to ensure the package will be delivered safely. 

This is a prohibited item. Some items are prohibited goods. Shippers need to carefully study international shipping laws before sending goods and consider whether their items fall under the prohibited category. If the goods are prohibited, they may be returned or, in some cases, seized.

Missing necessary documents: Certain goods, such as medicines or chemicals, require accompanying documentation for shipment. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the shipment being returned. Therefore, shippers must carefully study the regulations and permit application procedures before shipping goods.

How do I handle it if a shipment is returned?

Contact the shipping company: Inquire with the shipping company about what happened and why the goods were returned, in order to understand the problem in detail. For example, issues such as incorrect or unclear addresses, missing permits, or the goods not being authorized for export.

Verify documents and address: Ensure the destination address is correct and complete, and correct any errors. Also, check if all necessary documentation for product permits and regulations of the destination country is required.

Check the laws and regulations of the destination country: Study the laws and regulations regarding shipping goods to the destination country to understand any prohibitions or procedures. Make necessary corrections and complete all necessary documents before attempting to ship the item again.

Consider changing service providers: Some shipping providers may lack experience in international shipping, making them unable to advise or successfully handle the delivery of goods to their destination. If this occurs, consider changing service providers. 

For those seeking an experienced, safe, and reliable service provider, SME SHIPPING specializes in international shipping of documents and parcels worldwide. Our services are ideal for small and medium-sized businesses and individual customers, utilizing leading shipping companies such as FedEx, Thailand Post, SF Express, and Teleport.

 The key feature of SME SHIPPING is its convenient Door-to-Door Service, where documents and packages are picked up from the sender and delivered safely to the recipient.