Shipping done right.

International Consolidation

We realize that every inch of packaging space costs you money, so we have one-warehouse consolidation for all orders that ship direct to international retailers. International consolidators are trained to minimize dimensional weight; smaller items are packed in and around larger items to save you shipping costs. They do this to the best of their ability with what is in the order, as long as it does not damage the retail packaging.

Customs Documentation

All International shipments are sent with proper customs documentation. This paperwork includes HTS codes (tariff numbers) and country of origin for all products. Please contact your Sales Representative if you are in need of additional documentation data.

Product Costs

Invoices must be paid in dollars. Visit the Customer Portal to view costs on any item. There is also an option to view product costs in your shopping cart. Credit card payments are posted at the point of final transaction, which is the time the order passes through quality check in our distribution center. We do pre-authorize your card before we begin processing the order; this holds the funds in your account until the order is finished and shipped. Freight Terms are FOB Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Shipping Rates

International shipping rates are based on weight and dimension. Shipping companies take the greater of dimensional weight (LxWxH/150in) or actual weight for each box and then charge based on the total dimensional weight. They add fuel surcharges that fluctuate with jet fuel market prices and destination surcharges when applicable. Because of these factors please understand that freight estimates are not reliable until your order is packed. Your Sales Representative is able to furnish base rates and/or actual weights of finished orders upon request. See freight options below:

International Freight Options

DHL Express

DHL Express is an air-express courier, delivering to most countries within two to three days. We have very competitive discounts with DHL. DHL is a full-service carrier and provides to-your-door service with customs clearance included. If you choose to open a DHL account, please contact your local DHL office. Duties, taxes and fees will be billed by DHL. Generally, freight charges are added to your invoice, so you do not need to wait for freight charges to be billed separately. If freight is not added to your invoice, it will be posted to a debit memo within a few weeks. Contact your Sales Representative to have invoices automatically emailed to you after your orders have shipped.

UPS WorldEase

UPS WorldEase is a consolidated air freight program. To most countries, for most orders, door to door delivery with UPS Express Savor should be 3 days. Freight charges, duties, and taxes will be added to your Notions invoice. Please see your sales representative for more information on shipping options or a more accurate delivery time estimate for your shipment.

Ground Transportation to the US-based Freight forwarder of your choice

If you prefer to work with a freight forwarder, the shipping charges to that US-based freight forwarder are free* with a $200 order, however, it is processed as a domestic shipment and does not go through our international consolidation process.

USPS International Priority Mail

We have found the advantage of this service is that freight rates are assessed by weight only (not dimensional weight) and there are no fuel surcharges. We have experienced USPS shipments to be subject to extensive custom delays more frequently than other carrier options. All customers that choose this shipment method do so at their own risk. ORM-D items are not available with this shipping method.

* Some carriers charge extra fees for customs clearance, residential delivery or delivery addresses that are beyond normal points of delivery. These carrier charges will be added to your invoice.

Canada Ship Processing

Shipments to Canada ship via UPS. Brokerage and GST are straight percentages. We do offer other services for Canadian shipments. Please see your sales representative for more information on shipping options.

Item Limitations

Hazardous Items

Items noted by ORM-D flags on the website are removed from international orders and cancelled. The exception is UPS Canada, provided the service selected does not include air shipment.

Dropship Items

Items noted as Dropship in the website product description (also noted in catalogs) are designed to ship directly from the manufacturer to the retailer. Dropship purchases by international retailers are possible but are logistically challenging so please allow extra time. Dropship items can be routed directly to your freight forwarder or routed to our distribution center in Grand Rapids for consolidation with your outbound order; this option does create additional freight expense.

Export Restricted Items

Some products are marked as “Export Restricted.” In these cases, the manufacturer has chosen to restrict the sale of this product to your market. If you would like to order it from Notions, please contact the manufacturer directly to discuss future sourcing solutions.

Ordering Tip for International Customers

To minimize your per product shipment cost, consider carefully what you’re ordering. If you order two dozen large scrapbooking organizers, it will be expensive to ship because they are large and lightweight; the dimensional weight is high. Our consolidators are trained to pack small items in and around large items (like organizers) to minimize carton cube. You get more value for your freight dollar when you balance your needs for bulky organizers with small items that can be packed inside the bulky items.