January Sales International Shipping Guide | SAMOS ecommerce [SAMOS e-commerce LTD](/)Open main menu Search Services Pricing Resources Blog [ Login ](https://connect.samos-e.com/login) ![](https://samos-e.com/storage/277/conversions/Main-Graphic's-5-main.jpg) International Shipping Solutions For January Sales ================================================== January is a month of opportunity for e-commerce sellers — especially at the start of the year when the January sales kick in. But for brands shipping internationally, it can also be a challenging month to navigate. Getting what you think are the best shipping solutions can be a costly mistake with hidden charges eating in to your tight margins. ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://samos-e.com/storage/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS - [Prepare for post-holiday backlogs and slower transit times](#content-prepare-for-post-holiday-backlogs-and-slower-transit-times) - [Get ready for the global returns surge](#content-get-ready-for-the-global-returns-surge) - [Use the right packaging for long-distance winter shipping](#content-use-the-right-packaging-for-long-distance-winter-shipping) - [Double-check customs and duties requirements](#content-double-check-customs-and-duties-requirements) 15th December 2025 Updated 3 months ago Share this article - [Share on Facebook]() - [Share on WhatsApp]() - [Share on LinkedIn]() - Copy Link **In this article:** **- Why peak times like the January cause extra headaches for online retailers** **- Best strategies for avoid extra costs, admin and delays** **- How to prepare and sail through January sails like a shipping pro** **New year, new sales opportunities**For many UK e-commerce brands, the January sales are one of the most important trading periods of the year. It’s the perfect time to clear seasonal stock, boost margins and engage customers who are actively looking for discounts after the holiday peak. **However, this period also brings:** - An international surge in returns - Tariff and rate changes from major global carriers - Customs rule resets in many countries - Slower international delivery routes due to winter weather and backlogs For UK businesses selling overseas, January offers huge potential — but only if your international shipping strategy is ready. Here's what to expect and how to keep your cross-border deliveries running smoothly. [\#](#content-prepare-for-post-holiday-backlogs-and-slower-transit-times "Permalink")Prepare for post-holiday backlogs and slower transit times ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Boxing Day through mid-January, global postal and courier networks are still working through the holiday aftermath. This includes clearing the backlog of holiday packages, higher returns volumes, weather-related disruptions (especially in parts of Europe and North America) and the early Lunar New Year bottlenecks in Asia towards the end of the month. As a result, international delivery times often stretch by 2–5 days depending on destination. What can you do: - Set clear, region-specific delivery times on product and checkout pages - Use a reliable international shipping partner offering Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) options, so customers avoid unexpected fees - Ensure your shipments include fully tracked delivery to keep customers updated in real time [\#](#content-get-ready-for-the-global-returns-surge "Permalink")Get ready for the global returns surge ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January is the busiest month of the year for returns. For international sellers, this means higher costs, more admin and increased risk of customs holdups — particularly when paperwork isn’t completed correctly. What you can do: - Offer clear, country-specific returns instructions on your website - Make sure your return labels include accurate customs descriptions to avoid parcels being held or rejected - Consider using a smart returns solution that keeps costs predictable and protects your margins [\#](#content-use-the-right-packaging-for-long-distance-winter-shipping "Permalink")Use the right packaging for long-distance winter shipping --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Snow, ice, rain… January weather can be unpredictable in certain parts of the world which can lead to damaged packaging, wet labels and goods spoiling. Poor packaging doesn’t just lead to returns — it damages your brand too. What you can do: Good packaging is one of the simplest ways to reduce breakages, delays and unnecessary customer complaints. - Use strong outer packaging for long-distance routes - Consider insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive items - Use waterproof labels and internal invoice slips so key information stays readable - Review our shipping labels guide for best practices [\#](#content-double-check-customs-and-duties-requirements "Permalink")Double-check customs and duties requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January is a time when some countries reset or revise their duties and customs requirements. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it can be a real pain – especially when you’ve been running on autopilot. What you can do: January is the ideal time to conduct a quick international compliance audit. - Check you’re using the correct HS codes - Ensure product descriptions are accurate, compliant and detailed - Review VAT, GST and import tax rules for each destination country - Revisit restrictions on goods such as batteries, electronics, cosmetics and supplements **SAMOS keeps shipping simple – in January and all year round.** At SAMOS, we make global e-commerce shipping fast, reliable and frustration-free. With decades of hands-on experience, we help UK businesses navigate international delivery with confidence — especially during high-pressure periods like the January sales. We know that major carriers often use a one-size-fits-all approach. So we’ve built something better. What SAMOS offers: - One-to-one bespoke support from real shipping experts - Reliable, fully tracked global delivery with DDP options - Smart returns solutions that protect your margins - Transparent pricing tailored to your business If you’re looking for a partner who understands the realities of international e-commerce —and won’t leave you dealing with delays, surprise fees or lost parcels — we’re here to help. Sound like the service you’ve been searching for? Get in touch today. **Final Thoughts** The January sales offer huge potential for UK brands selling internationally — but only if your logistics, customs documentation and returns processes are ready. By planning ahead, reviewing country changes and tightening up your international shipping processes, you can turn January into a powerful launchpad for your best year yet. If you want to streamline your international shipping, reduce costs or simplify your cross-border returns, the SAMOS team is here to help. Get in touch for tailored solutions that keep your global shipping running smoothly. Grab a coffee, let's chat about how to make January sales shipping simple and affordable. [**Pick a time that suits you.**](https://cal.com/samos) [**View our shipping and return rates**](https://samos-e.com/pricing/samos-shipping-rates) and start shipping globally with confidence. Still not convinced? [**See what our customers say.**](https://samos-e.com/customer-stories) **SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth.** [**It all starts here.**](https://samos-e.com/start-shipping)**SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth.** [**It all starts here.**](https://samos-e.com/start-shipping) ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://samos-e.com/storage/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS - [Prepare for post-holiday backlogs and slower transit times](#content-prepare-for-post-holiday-backlogs-and-slower-transit-times) - [Get ready for the global returns surge](#content-get-ready-for-the-global-returns-surge) - [Use the right packaging for long-distance winter shipping](#content-use-the-right-packaging-for-long-distance-winter-shipping) - [Double-check customs and duties requirements](#content-double-check-customs-and-duties-requirements) 15th December 2025 Updated 3 months ago Share this article - [Share on Facebook]() - [Share on WhatsApp]() - [Share on LinkedIn]() - Copy Link Who is SAMOS? ------------- SAMOS is parcel logistics company based in London, specialising in creating and engineering customer-focussed e-commerce parcel delivery and returns solutions. [Find out more about SAMOS ](/about-samos) What our customers are saying ------------------------------ SAMOS customers had difficulties shipping into the EU and beyond - until they found SAMOS. [Read more about our customers ](/customer-stories) How to contact SAMOS -------------------- Need more help or do you have any questions for us? Talk to us Why not try shipping with SAMOS? -------------------------------- Request a demo to learn more about how SAMOS can help you ship directly to your customers. [Request a demo ](/request-a-demo) ### Related Articles [![Global Peak Trading & Ecommerce Delivery Times Explained](https://samos-e.com/storage/306/conversions/Thumbnail--Graphic-2-main.jpg)](/blog/e-commerce/global-peak-trading-ecommerce-delivery-times-explained)17th April 2026[E-commerce](/blog/e-commerce) ### [ Global Peak Trading & Ecommerce Delivery Times Explained](/blog/e-commerce/global-peak-trading-ecommerce-delivery-times-explained) From Ramadan and Easter to the Christmas sprint, peak trading periods should bring opportunity not operational strain. 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We also explain why getting it right impacts conversion, customer experience, and overall shipping costs for your business. ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://samos-e.com/storage/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS [![Top 10 Cross-Border Shipping Mistakes](https://samos-e.com/storage/302/conversions/Thumbnail--Graphic-main.jpg)](/blog/e-commerce/top-10-cross-border-shipping-mistakes)1st April 2026[E-commerce](/blog/e-commerce) ### [ Top 10 Cross-Border Shipping Mistakes](/blog/e-commerce/top-10-cross-border-shipping-mistakes) In this guide to cross-border ecommerce shipping, we cover the most common international shipping mistakes, including duties, taxes, customs clearance, and delivery optimisation. ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://samos-e.com/storage/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS Footer ------ ### Services - [Parcel Delivery ](/services/parcel-delivery) - [Parcel Returns ](/services/parcel-returns) - [All Integrations ](/services/integrations) - [Parcel Tracking ](/services/parcel-tracking) - [Shipping to the EU](/services/parcel-delivery/europe) - [Shipping fragrances & cosmetics to the EU](/blog/eu-shipping/problems-shipping-cosmetics-and-fragrances-across-the-eu-your-solution) - [Learn about IOSS for EU Shipping ](/blog/ioss) ### Integrations - [Shopify](/services/integrations/shopify) - [Shipstation](/services/integrations/shipstation) - [Linnworks](/services/integrations/linnworks) - [Mintsoft](/services/integrations/mintsoft) - [WooCommerce](/services/integrations/woocommerce) - [Shiptheory](/services/integrations/shiptheory) - [Despatch Cloud](/services/integrations/despatch-cloud) - [Magento](/services/integrations/magento) - [Pimento](/services/integrations/pimento) ### Company - [About SAMOS ](/about-samos) - [Customer Stories ](/customer-stories) - [Shipping Rates ](/pricing/samos-shipping-rates) - [Return Rates ](/pricing/samos-return-rates) - [Request a Demo ](/request-a-demo) - [Sustainability ](/resources/sustainability) - [Resources ](/resources) - [Contact Us ](/contact-us) ### Terms & Conditions - [Website T&Cs ](/website-terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy & Cookies ](/privacy-and-cookie-policy) - [Shipping T&Cs ](/shipping-terms-and-conditions) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/samos.ecom/)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/samos-e-commerce/)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/samosecommerce/?hl=en)[YouTube](https://youtube.com/@samose-commerce4997?si=rqZ4UmQ6V1we6Kuk) © 2026 SAMOS e-commerce LTD