Summary of this article：Forwarding services provide an address in a specific country, allowing you to order items that aren’t shipped to your country of residence. The service then receives the items, consolidates them, and ships them to you.
What Is a Reshipper?
The reshipper provides you with a receiving address in a certain country, the warehouse that stores the items you have ordered, some extra options (like consolidating your goods and sending you a single consolidated package) and finally delivering it to you. Simply speaking:
Store -> Reshipped warehouse -> You.
Who needs the reshipper service?
People who buy from stores that restrict deliveries to certain countries
Collectors who buy limited-edition items such as sneakers, figures, card packs etc.
Small vendors who sell certain products and use areshipper to send them to their clients in other countries (risky goods are not accepted).
How does the reshipper service work?
1. You sign up to the reshipper and get your unique receiving address.
2. You add this address as the receiving one to the online store while you make an order.
3. When the product reaches the warehouse it is registered, you are informed about it and the delivery can begin.
4. If needed, you can order some extra services: consolidation and repackaging your order, photographic services etc.
5. You choose the method and pay for the shipping (international shipping+handling+insurance).
6. The item gets past customs control and is delivered to you.
The charges from the reshipper are usually divided into four main types: membership charges (for some reshippers), warehouse fees (related to receiving and storing items,consolidation and repackaging your items,taking photos, etc), international shipping (the largest portion, based on the dimensions and weight of the item) and destination duties/taxes (paid at the customs of your country, your responsibility, not the reshipper's).
Which is better reshipper or something else?
Reshipper-if you're buying everyday goods or items that need to be shipped in small volumes, especially from online shops restricting the delivery to your country.
Freight forwarder-the best fit for bulk cargo shipping via air or sea freight, which is more efficient when you need to import large volumes for business.
Sourcing agent-if you are buying something online through a local marketplace and have difficulties with payment or communication.
Pros & Cons:
•Pros: enable online shopping at stores that do not deliver internationally, savings can be made through consolidation, repacking reduces size and risk of damage, photos help track the order.
•Cons: additional fees for processing and storage, complicated returns, stores block certain reshipper addresses, prohibition for battery products or liquids, unexpected duties and taxes.
What cannot be shipped?
The following items cannot be shipped: lithium-ion batteries, perfumes, aerosol sprays, alcohol, tobacco products, weapons and counterfeit goods, however some of the following items are accepted if properly packed (check with your reshipper).
How to choose a reliable reshipper?
Consider a detailed explanation of the fees involved, how long it takes to register the inbound item, if the carrier choice is versatile, if the consolidation and repackaging process is thorough, photographic services and the dispute-solving procedures offered. Watch out for suspiciously low rates and vague fee policies.
Conclusion:
A reshipper is the most convenient way to shop online beyond your country's borders. Get the most out of the reshipper by taking full advantage of consolidation and reducing the dimensional weight, and by selecting non-restricted items.
