The parcel industry was struggling before the Trump administration began levying and threatening tariffs. Add a hefty dose of uncertainty around import fees, and UPS and FedEx stock took a tumble in anticipation of even lower demand.

A Nosto study of US and UK shoppers' thoughts and behaviors regarding international purchases revealed that 41.25% of consumers say additional fees are a key purchasing deterrent. Instead of lamenting the loss of business, UPS unveiled a new service it calls game-changing: UPS Global Checkout.

Today, we're talking about what UPS Global Checkout is, how it can boost business with international shoppers, and how you can receive refunds while shipping with FedEx and UPS.

What is Global Checkout?

A press release on the UPS site says, "Until now, international purchases often arrived with an unpleasant surprise – an additional bill for unpaid import costs. UPS Global Checkout solves that problem by guaranteeing upfront the amount online shoppers pay in duties, fees and taxes, and eliminating the frustration of unexpected costs at delivery."

Available in 43 origin countries and delivering to over 200 countries, UPS Global Checkout offers near-real-time updates to its system for policy changes, international tax laws, and duties and tariffs— eliminating the element of surprise for shoppers. Currently, it is the only global integrated carrier to incorporate this service seamlessly into its technology for international shipping.

How can I access UPS Global Checkout?

Kate Gutmann, EVP and president of International, Healthcare, and Supply Chain Solutions at UPS, says, "Online shoppers can now enjoy full transparency and peace of mind with no surprises, knowing what they pay at checkout is the total cost for a cross-border purchase."

UPS Global Checkout is an application programming interface (API) that gives customers a guaranteed landed cost at checkout, covering all duties, taxes, and fees. When UPS customers integrate this API into their checkout, the carrier collects and remits duties and taxes— eliminating the hassle for you and your customers. By giving shoppers a straightforward buying experience, sellers are free to expand globally without fear of disappointing customers with surprise fees upon arrival.

UPS Global Checkout is a huge step in promoting transparency with buyers. How can ShipRx help level the playing field for sellers?

This new service is game-changing for shoppers and shippers who mail products internationally through UPS. This level of transparency is a step in the right direction.

However, both FedEx and UPS lack transparency regarding refunds due to late deliveries, invalid surcharges, inaccurate rates, and packages manifested but not shipped. In these instances, shippers must catch the pricing error and request a refund within a limited timeframe to get money back. Because the impetus is on shippers, UPS and FedEx keep billions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year.

ShipRx parcel audits automatically check over 40 factors to discover refunds due and request them on your behalf. Boost your international sales through UPS Global Checkout and secure 100% of the refunds you're owed through ShipRx parcel audits.