International Finance - Question and answers

I primarily deal with suppliers in Germany and customers in the UK, with payments in EUR and GBP. I've tried using simple forward contracts through my bank, but the fees are cutting into my profits, and I'm not sure if I'm timing them right. Are there more flexible or cost-effective methods like currency options or ETFs that could work for monthly transactions under 50,000 euros?

I run a small export business that ships goods to multiple countries, and I've been using forward contracts for predictable orders. However, I'm exploring futures for more flexibility with irregular shipments. I've researched both, but I'm struggling with the practical implications, especially regarding margin requirements and how they handle changes in delivery schedules. Any insights would be really helpful!