1. Stocking: Small-batch & Frequent Shipment + Multi-warehouse Layout
Ship 30%-50% of historical sales volume in small batches; use fast shipping for bestsellers and slow shipping for long-tail products. Distribute goods to 2-3 overseas warehouses or destination ports to avoid risks like port congestion and warehouse overloading. Ensure packaging complies with ISPM 15 standards and products meet destination country certifications (e.g., CE, FDA).
2. Booking: 1 Primary + 2 Backup Channels + Written Agreement
Cooperate with 1 core first-tier freight forwarder plus 2 backup channels to book space through multiple channels during peak seasons and prevent space cancellation risks. Sign a written agreement to clarify space guarantee rate, freight rate ceiling, and delay compensation standards. Prioritize direct routes; for transshipment, select hub ports and obtain through bills of lading.
3. Shipping: Real-time Tracking + Documentation for Evidence + Contingency Plan
Monitor cargo status in real time via carrier official websites or third-party tools; prepare customs clearance documents 3-5 days before arrival. Take photos/videos during loading, and keep all documents (B/L, packing list, invoice) and communication records. Reserve 10%-20% of air freight budget for peak seasons to cope with unexpected delays.
4. Customs Clearance & After-sales: Compliance Declaration + Overseas Warehouse + Marine Insurance
Declare cargo name and value truthfully to ensure consistency between documents and goods, and accurate HS code classification. Choose overseas warehouses that support return, replacement and repair services to reduce reverse logistics costs. Purchase marine all-risk insurance (premium: 0.3%-0.8% of cargo value), with insured amount set at 110% of cargo value and warehouse-to-warehouse coverage.
5. Long-term Risk Management: Data Review + Community Information Sharing
Establish a logistics data ledger to record route efficiency, costs and damage rates; regularly evaluate and eliminate underperforming freight forwarders. Join industry communities to obtain real-time alerts on port congestion, freight rate hikes and policy changes, and adjust stocking and booking plans dynamically.
💡 Pro Tip: With weak risk resistance, SME sellers should never "put all eggs in one basket". The core of full-link risk control is to minimize losses through decentralization and compliance.
