Key points:

• Dutch eCommerce market is booming: An over $30 Billion opportunity for sellers, but finding affordable shipping is crucial
• Compare rates for best value: Consider speed, reliability, price, and tracking. Flat Export is cheapest ($20.88) but slow (10-13 days), Asendia - ePAQ Standard offers balance ($26.65, 6-15 days)
• Optimize your process: Research carriers, negotiate rates, offer multiple options, and use shipping software for efficiency. Easyship helps compare rates and offers discounts

The Dutch love to shop online! In 2023, the eCommerce market hit a whopping €33 billion, growing by 9% from the year before. That means Dutch consumers spent a massive €30.6 billion online in 2022. With this impressive growth, the Netherlands is becoming a top market for both entpreneurs and established retailers to start selling into!

Here's the key takeaway: the Dutch e-commerce market is booming, offering a big opportunity for ambitious eCommerce stores looking to scale

This quick guide explores how to find the cheapest shipping prices to the Netherlands from the US. Plus, find out how Easyship can help growing online stores reduce shipping costs while boosting conversions and customer satisfaction today!

How to Find the Cheapest Shipping With a Shipping Calculator

If you are shipping to the Netherlands from the USA, you might be expecting expensive international shipping rates and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping services available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from the US to the Netherlands.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare pre-negotiated, discounted prices from 250 plus couriers:

• Package Weight: 2lb
• Package Size: 12in x 11in x 1.5in
• Contents for Customs Declaration: shipment of books
• Origin: New York, USA
• Destination: Netherlands

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked the best international shipping rates between the USA and the Netherlands for sending a package. Based on the estimated shipping cost from over 250 global couriers. 

While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

For budget-conscious eCommerce stores, finding the sweet spot between price and delivery time is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the value propositions:

For speedy deliveries:

• Asendia - ePAQ Select: This option delivers in 4-9 days for $63.83, still relatively fast with regular tracking. However, the price jump compared to UPS makes it less attractive for pure value.

For budget-friendly options:

• Flat Export Cheapest: The clear winner for pure affordability at $20.88, but the limited tracking and 10-13 day delivery might not suit all businesses.
• Asendia - e-PAQ Standard: Provides a balanced option with basic tracking and 6-15 day delivery for $26.65, potentially suitable for non-urgent shipments.

Ultimately, the best value depends on your priorities. If speed is paramount, 2-day delivery reigns supreme. For maximum cost savings, Flat Export is unbeatable but consider the slower delivery and limited tracking.

Asendia - e-PAQ Standard offers a middle ground, balancing affordability with a reasonable delivery timeframe and basic tracking. Analyze your target audience's expectations and profit margins to make the most informed decision.

The shipping rates displayed on the Easyship blog are for informational purposes only and may not be accurate information at the time of shipping. Easyship does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any shipping rates displayed on the blog.

Top 5 Best Value Picks for US-Netherlands eCommerce Shipping

For eCommerce businesses seeking value-driven options from the US to the Netherlands, the top shipping price contenders offer a balance between affordability and delivery time. Here's a breakdown of the 5 cheapest options, highlighting their pros and cons:

1. Flat Export (Cheapest): 

At $20.88, it's the clear winner for those looking to save money. However, expect longer delivery times (10-13 days) and limited tracking. Consider it for non-urgent items where cost is paramount.

2. Passport - Priority Delcon: 

Offers a slightly faster option (18-21 days) for $26.59 with regular tracking. Still budget-friendly, but the extended delivery time might not suit all needs.

3. Asendia - e-PAQ Standard: 

With a 6-15 day delivery range and basic tracking at $26.65, it's a good compromise between speed and cost. However, keep in mind the basic tracking might not be sufficient for high-value items.

4. OrangeDS - Expedited: 

Similar delivery timeframe (10-15 days) as Asendia but with a slightly higher price ($29.03). Basic tracking is included, but consider potential delays within this wider delivery window.

5. USPS - First Class International: 

This familiar option offers a balance of cost ($32.60) and speed (8-14 days) with basic tracking. However, USPS might not be the most reliable option for international shipments.

Ultimately, the best value economy shipping option for shipping packages depends on your priorities. If cost is king, Flat Export or Passport might suffice. For a faster option with basic tracking, avoid slower delivery methods and consider Asendia or OrangeDS.

If you prioritize a smooth shipping process and are willing to spend a bit more, USPS could be a good choice. Remember to factor in your specific needs and customer expectations when making your decision.

US Shipping to the Netherlands: How to Choose Your Shipping Options

There are a wide range of factors that can determine the best shipping option for you store. Check out this quick breakdown below and pick the optimal shipping solution for every international order:

1. Shipping Costs:

Compare Carriers: Tools like Easyship's shipping calculator help you compare rates across major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. But simply looking at price isn't enough. Consider these factors:

• Speed: How quickly do you need your items to arrive? Express options are fastest but most expensive. Standard shipping offers a good balance, while economy is slowest and cheapest.
• Reliability: Track record of on-time deliveries and handling fragile items is crucial. Research carrier performance and customer reviews.
• Insurance: Choose a carrier that offers adequate insurance coverage for your products' value.

Negotiate Rates: As your shipping volume increases, negotiate with carriers for better rates. Highlight your projected volume and commitment to using their services.

Consider Duty and Taxes: Dutch customers pay import duties and taxes. Be transparent about these costs upfront. Include estimated duty and tax amounts on your website and product pages to avoid customer surprises. Use tools like Easyship's duty and tax calculator for accurate estimates.

2. Shipping Methods:

Express: Ideal for urgent shipments or high-value items. Expect faster delivery times (1-3 business days) but higher costs. Consider options like USPS Priority Mail Express International or DHL Express.

Standard: A balanced option for most products. Delivery times range from 3-7 business days. Popular choices include USPS Priority Mail International or UPS Standard.

Economy: Cheapest option, but slowest delivery times (7-14+ business days). Suitable for non-urgent items where cost is a priority when shipping internationally. 

Fulfillment Services: Consider partnering with a fulfillment center to store inventory and ship multiple packages directly within the Netherlands. This reduces Netherlands shipping times and potentially save money with a local cost-effective delivery method. Plus any that offer package forwarding can handle returns.

3. Customs Regulations:

Harmonized System (HS) Codes: Classify your products accurately using the HS code customs documentation system. Incorrect customs value classification can lead to shipping restrictions, delays, processing fees, and higher duties. Utilize resources like the Easyship HS code finder!

Commercial Invoices: Ensure your invoices are complete and accurate, especially if you combine multiple packages. This includes:

• Product descriptions and quantities
• Individual product values
• HS codes
• Country of origin
• Total invoice value

Duty and Tax Prepayment: Consider prepaying duties and taxes, especially for high-value shipments with competitive prices. This streamlines customs clearance and improves delivery efficiency for your customers.

4. Streamlining Your Operations:

Invest in Shipping Software: Integrate shipping tools with your eCommerce platform to automate tasks like:

• Label generation and printing
• Customs document creation
• Order tracking and management

This saves time, reduces errors, and improves overall efficiency.

Centralize Order Management: Manage all orders and shipments from one central platform. This provides better visibility and control, allowing you to track shipments, identify potential issues, and proactively address them.

Offer Multiple Shipping Options: Give customers choice and control over their shipping experience. Offer express, standard delivery, and economy options, along with estimated delivery times and costs. This caters to different needs and budgets.

5. Choosing the Right Carrier:

Carrier Network: Consider the carrier's coverage in the Netherlands and their track record for on-time deliveries within the country. Research carrier networks and customer reviews to find one with reliable service in your target market.

Price and Services: Compare rates, transit times, insurance options, and additional services offered by different carriers. Consider factors like:

• Dimensional weight pricing: Some carriers base prices on package dimensions, not just weight. This can impact costs for bulky items.
• Tracking options: Choose a carrier with robust tracking capabilities to provide transparency to your customers.
• Returns and exception handling: Understand the carrier's policies for returns, damaged items, and other potential issues.

Customer Support: Choose a carrier with reliable and responsive customer support to address any issues that may arise during the shipping process. Look for carriers with multiple support channels and knowledgeable representatives.

Remember:

• Research and compare: Don't settle for the first carrier you find. Take the time to research options and compare prices, services, and reliability.
• Consider your needs: Choose the shipping method and carrier that best aligns with your budget, delivery timeframes, and customer expectations.
• Stay informed: Stay updated on changes in shipping regulations and carrier policies to ensure smooth operations.

By following these tips and utilizing the resources mentioned, you can navigate the complexities of US shipping to the Netherlands and deliver a seamless experience for your Dutch customers.

Reduce Your Shipping Costs with Easyship Today

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

Some of our major discounts include the following:

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process
• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers