Posted by Colleen Hazelrigs on Wed, May 16, 2012
Saving more while using a Package Forwarder
You have learned the value of using a package forwarder to shop in the US from your international location. As a savvy international shopper you know that using a package forwarder in the state of Oregon in the US to ship your purchases to your overseas address saves you even more by eliminating sales tax.
So you might be happy to learn more ways you can save while shopping online.
Join on-line Shopping Rewards Programs
You can earn rewards points, travel miles and even cash by using an on-line shopping rewards program. Here are a few that you might consider joining:
- MyPoints "Since when does shopping pay you back? MyPoints members earn Points every time they shop from our network of top retailers. Join MyPoints to receive personalized deals every day, and reward yourself with gift cards, cash back or travel miles."
- Ebates "You get cash back at any of 1,500 stores any time you start your shopping trip at Ebates.com. There are no points to redeem, no forms to mail in, and no fees. Stores pay Ebates a sales commission for sending shoppers their way, and Ebates uses the commission to pay you cash back. To date, our members have already earned more than $100,000,000 and you can join them today!"
- Upromise "Upromise is a service that helps families earn extra money for education to help make a college education more attainable. It's a service that helps members jumpstart their college savings or pay down student loans by earning 1-25% back on qualified everyday spending shopping online or in-store, eating out, buying groceries, purchasing travel and more."
- FatWallet "Why FatWallet? We take the best deals and make them better by offering easy-to-use shopping solutions that help you search and find the right things at the right price, right now. Features include cupons, cashback from shopping, Best deals of the web, a helpful forum community, and free membership."
- ShopAtHome "Save at all your favorite stores with coupon codes and special offers. PLUS Members earn Cash Back! You’ll automatically receive Cash Back for your online purchases at participating sites, PLUS be alerted to coupons for additional savings! Earn 1%-30% Cash Back from 1000’s of stores. Stores pay us a commission on your purchase and we share that commission with you! We guarantee that we have the best Cash Back on the web with our 110% Guaranteed! If you find a better deal out there, we’ll give you 110% cash back of your qualified purchase."
- MrRebates "Simply shop at one of over 2000 cash back stores such as Buy.com, Dell, QVC, Target and more. Combine online coupons plus a cash back rebate and you save big money with Mr. Rebates! Each purchase you make at a Mr. Rebates' store will earn you up to 30% cash back on every dollar you spend! Once you've earned enough rebates, you can simply cash out and you will receive a check or Paypal payment!"
Have you used any of these? We would love to hear about your experience. What other on-line shopping rewards systems do you use and what do you think about them?
Posted by Reid Wegner on Mon, May 14, 2012
Electronic devices are some of the post popular items to buy from the US and ship overseas with a package forwarding service. But as of May 16th, the United States Postal Service will no longer ship Apple's iPad, Amazon's Kindle, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic items containing lithium ion batteries outside the US.
The business magazine Fast Company ran an article last week explaining the upcoming restrictions. Essentially, the reason is a disagreement between the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union, two organizations that set guidelines for international shipments, about the safety of shipping such items.
How to Keep Shipping Electronics from the US
It's important for package forwarding shoppers to know that this new regulation only affects USPS shipments. Laptops, iPads, and all other products containing lithium ion batteries can still be shipped internationally using private carriers like DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
Since most package forwarding shipments are sent via these carriers anyway, the majority of shoppers won't be affected. The only cases in which lithium ion products can no longer be sent at all are for shipments to Russia or APO addresses, which private carriers don't serve.
Other Impacts on Package Forwarding
Even though most package forwarding shipments already go through DHL or UPS, many merchants who ship internationally themselves do so via USPS. This means that many merchants will no longer be able to ship internationally at all.
And that makes it even more important to have a package forwarding address if you're interested in buying electronic devices from the US to ship internationally. Ordering with your package forwarding address may be the only way to get the products you want.
Which Electronic Devices Contain Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Most common devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets contain li-ion batteries these days, but here's a bigger list in case you aren't sure if the product you want to order is shippable via USPS:
- Video cameras
- Digital cameras
- Bluetooth headsets
- Power tools
- Walkie-talkies
- Radio scanners
- Smartphones
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- GPS devices
- Laptop computers
- Portable DVD players
- MP3 players
One way to check whether or not your products contain lithium batteries is to simply look on the manufacturer's, or even the merchant's, website. The product description will often refer to the battery type.
How Will the New USPS Regulations Impact Your Shopping?
Will this new rule impact the way you buy products from the US? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Posted by Colleen Hazelrigs on Thu, May 10, 2012
Summer Vacation Shopping
Summer is approaching in the northern hemisphere and vacation plans are in the works. You might be planning to visit the US from overseas to tour our beautiful countryside and cities. Perhaps you have family here or even have an upcoming business trip.
You know how you like to shop for yourself, your friends and family when you travel but you might not like so much hauling all that stuff back home on the plane and through customs on the other end.
Ship Home using Package Forwarding
To simplify your travel while indulging your impulse to get wonderful things while you are traveling, use a package forwarder to send those purchases home.
There are a couple ways you can do this. One way is to box up your purchases while you are still in the US and ship them to your address at our warehouse. Or, even better, when you buy something have the store ship it directly to us. That way you save sales tax also since we are in a sales-tax free state.
Consolidate and Ship Home
Either way, you can watch your account online for when everything arrives at our warehouse, have it all consolidated to save on shipping cost and sent to you to arrive perfectly coordinated with your arrival home. And, because your purchases are going through customs on their own you will not be held up in customs as you pass back into your home country.
What would you like to take home from the US when you visit us here?
Posted by Reid Wegner on Mon, May 07, 2012
May the Forwarding Be with You
Each month brings new holidays and sales to US stores. As the seasons change, so do the types of products that you can buy from the US at the best prices.
Most of the best things to buy from the US in April are already starting to creep back up to regular year-round prices, but the good news is that there's a whole new wave of great prices at US online stores this month. If you've been thinking of purchasing any of the below items, now is the time to make use of your package forwarding address, because they won't be getting any cheaper as the year goes on.
Holiday Sales at US Online Stores
First of all, before you look at specific product categories, check out store sales related to two big holidays this month. The first is Mother's Day, celebrated the 13th this year. Most stores have already started their Mother's Day sales, but they'll be over by next week, so you'd better buy fast.
The second holiday in May is Memorial Day. Memorial Day sales are typically some of the biggest of the whole year. They'll likely be going live shortly after Mother's Day, so be sure to check your favorite stores if what you want isn't on sale yet.
Spring Clothing
After May, US clothing stores will have to start filling their inventory with summer wear. That means May is a great month to find sales on Spring clothing lines, either to wear for the next few weeks, or to hold onto until next year.
Outdoor and Sporting Equipment
Many stores are getting ready for summer, but outdoor equipment merchants are especially eager to get a jump on everyone's favorite season. Try popular US stores like REI, Patagonia, or Columbia Sportswear, all of which will be competing for your summer spending with sales in May.
Ultra-Portable Laptops
Prices started to drop on this popular new class of laptop computers after the Consumer Electronics Show in January, but they are continuing to go lower. Ultra-portable also means ultra-shippable, so these are great models to buy from US stores and ship overseas.
3D TVs
According to Dealnews, prices on high-end televisions dropped more than 30% last year, and are continuing to decrease. They may be bigger than a laptop, but most consumers can still save hundreds of dollars by buying a new TV from the US and shipping it to their country.
Tips for Buying from the US in May?
Are there products that are especially expensive in your country at this time of year? If so, May is a great time to get those items from the US with your package forwarding address. Share you tips in the comments section to help ther package forwarding shoppers.
Posted by Reid Wegner on Fri, May 04, 2012
Buying from US Stores for Mother's Day
Mother's Day is celebrated on different days around the world, but more than 80 countries celebrate it on the second Sunday of May. The US is one of those countries, so if you're preparing for the May 13th holiday this year, here are a few gift suggestions that you can buy from US stores using your package forwarding address.
Apple Products for iMoms
This year, Apple has set up its own Mother's Day gift guide. Ideas include a new iPad or iPhone, or even an Apple TV. What makes these gifts truly Mom-worthy is that Apple will engrave them with your message for free. Even gift wrap is available!
And if you're one of those who is worried about ordering from the US Apple Store with a package forwarding address, don't be! OPAS can help you get the products you want from the Apple Store. :)
Personalized Mother's Day Gifts
If the Apple Store is a little too industrial for you, try getting your mom something more personal. Many US stores offer personalized items like jewelry, glassware, or decorations that will remind your mother how much you care every day.
A few US online stores that offer such items, and have special selections set up for Mother's Day, are Personalization Mall, Red Envelope, and Uncommon Goods.
Amazon.mom
If variety and practicality are what you're after, you can't beat the Mother's Day gifts at Amazon.com. There are the typical "mom" gifts like household items, but also more creative Mother's Day categories like "Professional Mom," "Fit Mom," and "Crafty Mom."
Moms for Men
For men having a hard time deciding how to honor their mothers, AskMen.com offers 10 Mother's Day gift ideas. Some of them, like flowers and spa treatments, won't export very well but others, like candles or home decor, are perfect.
Yes, you can ship perfume internationally with your package forwarding address. And that gift card is even good for free international shipping.
This Mother's Day, What Are You Buying from the US?
What great gifts have you found using your package forwarding address? Many shoppers are still looking for ideas, so share yours in the comments section!
Posted by Colleen Hazelrigs on Tue, May 01, 2012
Buying Online in the US from the Far East
Today we had a slew of interesting purchases come in for our customers; items they had bought that had arrived for our check-in process. I thought you might like to see some of the most interesting items, where they came from and where they are going.
- One box non drowsy Claritin from amazon.com going to Japan
- 9 t-shirts from Hollister.com going to Singapore
- Hugo Boss Men’s Boxer Briefs from Amazon.com going to Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
- Black and white Coach handbag from Hitch N Post on eBay going to Osaka, Japan
- Yoga Clothing from Gilt going to New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Pink hard shell iPhone case from Kate Spade going to San Mateo, CA along with a red patent leather Coach wallet from amazon.com
- Size small Victoria Secret leopard print satin PJ’s going to Hong Kong
- 2 US Army Vietnam war era veteran shirts going to Tokyo
- Another black iPhone hard case from Green Valley Trading going to Tokyo with a Samsung and a Motorola phone.
- Book “The Venetian Money Market; Banks, Panics and the Public Debt. 1200 – 1500, Money & Banking in Medieval & Rennaissance Vol 1 Venice” from Better World Books in Mishawaka IN going to Sedro Wooley, Washington USA
- Book: “Understanding Health Care” by Richard Worman from Amazon.com going to Mizuho-Ku,Nagoya-Shi, Aichi, Japan
- Children’s clothing from Carter’s Osh Kosh B’gosh going to Hong Kong
- Guitar case from Amazon.com going to Nishikimachi,Iwaki-shi , Fukushima-ken, Japan
What interesting items have you bought from the US to ship overseas?
Posted by Reid Wegner on Fri, Apr 27, 2012
How to Spot Fake Items when Shopping at US Online Stores
For the most part, using a package forwarding address to buy products from US online stores is pretty safe. Counterfeit goods aren't very common in the US, and most US merchants aren't willing to risk their business by breaking the law.
However, small sellers on eBay or other sites that let individual sellers sell items quickly without much verification may occasionally try to sell fake or counterfeit items, even though doing so violates eBay's terms of service. To make sure the product you're buying is real and not a fake, follow some of these basic guidelines when buying from US online stores from overseas.
Be Cautious if the Price is Too Low
Low prices are probably the reason why you're buying from the US in the first place, but be careful. If the price is too low, it might be because the item is a fake.
Try using a price comparison tool like iDeal Chooser (for retail merchandise) or Priceonomics (for used goods) to get a sense of what a reasonable price is. For example, if you find an iPad 3 for only a few hundred dollars, you might want to be suspicious.
Check the Item's Packaging
This can be a difficult one, because you can't actually inspect the product up close when buying online from the US. If possible, ask the seller for close-up photos of the packaging. (Most eBay sellers will oblige.)
Packaging with many spelling or printing errors is a dead giveaway. Look for model numbers, bar codes, or other manufacturer information. If this information is missing, it's a sign that the product may not be legitimate.
Do a Google Search
Many times, simply searching Google for information on counterfeit versions of specific brands or products will give you good clues about how to spot a fake. Try searches like, "How to spot fake Prada" or "iPad real or fake."
Ask the Seller
If you aren't sure whether a product for sale is genuine or fake, definitely ask the seller. Selling fake products in the US is illegal, so it's unlikely that anyone will openly tell you that they're selling a fake. But, if you have their word that a product is genuine, at least you have valid grounds to ask for a refund if it turns out to be a fake in the end.
What To Do If You Receive a Fake Product from the US
If you thought you were buying a genuine product but realized it was a fake once it was delivered, the first thing to do is to contact the seller. It's possible that they didn't even know the product was fake, and will refund your purchase.
If you receive a fake product and the seller won't accept a return, you should contact eBay or whatever website the seller is using. Selling fake products in the US is illegal, and in some cases eBay will arbitrate if you were sold fake goods.
Your Tips for Spotting Fake US Products Online?
Have you ever received a fake product from a US online store? How did you know it was a fake? Share your tips, stories, or experiences in the comments section.
Posted by Colleen Hazelrigs on Mon, Apr 23, 2012
Classy, well-tailored, cheap and ethical – Zara, the world's favorite clothing store
Zara’s worldwide fashion presence has made headlines in the fashion and business worlds with their innovative approach to both fashion and business. Their brick and mortar stores often require security to control the rush of eager customers for weeks after their grand opening.
Their online stores are also opening throughout the world; the US online site opened in September 2011. The prices are supposed to be the same in-store and online but you cannot find online store (or even land-locked stores) in every country. AND, Zara does not ship outside any country. Nor do they take foreign credit cards.
But with your OPAS US address you can shop the US Zara store from anywhere in the world, and if you do not have a US credit card you can use our Personal Shopper Service and have us buy your items for you.
Shopping Green at Zara.com
Zara’s mission statement says “we aim to contribute to the sustainable development of society and that of the environment with which we interact.” Features of the green commitment are saving energy, an eco-friendly store design, less manufacturing waste, social equity for all staff, and a commitment to only use animal products from animals raised on food farms and under no circumstances from animals sacrificed exclusively for the sale of their hide.
Their clothing and accessories are made with ecological fabrics such as organic cotton, and they feature PVC-free footwear. Purchases are wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.
Free US Shipping from Zara and no Sales Tax with OPAS
Zara ships free within the US and if you use your OPAS US address you pay no sales tax as Oregon is a sales-tax free state.
Posted by Reid Wegner on Thu, Apr 19, 2012
Use "Priceonomics" as a Guide to Buy Used Products from the US
There are a number of good price comparison tools that help package forwarding shoppers find the best prices when buying products from the US, but most of these tools only include new, retail products in their comparisons.
Priceonomics is a price comparison tool that helps you find the best price when buying used, or second-hand, products from the US. Unlike retail products, the price of used products can vary greatly from seller to seller, so it's not always easy to know if you've found a good price.
Using Priceonomics is very simple. All you have to do is type the name of the item you're looking for into the search box, and Priceonomics will give you a report on the price of used items from various sources.
The report includes both a "fair price" for the item you're looking to buy from the US, as well as a range of acceptable prices. This can be helpful if you're planning to buy an item on eBay, but aren't sure what a reasonable bidding range is.
Additionally, the report lists items for sale locally on sites like Craigslist. If you're using Priceonomics from outside the US, you might want to try using a web proxy near your package forwarding address to make sure you get accurate results. You can then use a personal shopper to make the purchase locally.
Finally, Priceonomics has a feature called "I Want to Buy This at a Great Price." All you have to do is enter your email address, and Priceonomics will automatically contact you when the item you want is available at a good price.
Again, this works similarly to other price comparison tools like iDeal chooser, but the difference is that Priceonomics only searches for used items, so the prices are likely to be much lower than sites that compare retail prices.
Best Sites to Buy Used Products from the US?
Priceonomics analyzes over 130 million listings from across the internet. Craigslist and eBay are two of the most popular US sites for used products. Do you have any other favorites? Share your suggestions in the comments section.
Posted by Colleen Hazelrigs on Mon, Apr 16, 2012
Honing your Golf Skills for Spring
Spring is here in the northern hemisphere and summer is coming soon. Some of our customers are preparing to be in tip top form with their golf swing by buying golf equipment to train with and use on the course. I thought you might be interested in hearing about this unusual shipment that passed though our warehouse recently.
The Golf Equipment Purchase in the US
Our customer is a family man; he bought training equipment for his son and himself from three different US on-line stores. First he bought an Explanar Training System and an Explanar Junior Training System to hone up on form. The full-size system was $990+$99.95 S&H and the junior system was $599 with no S&H to our OPAS warehouse.
Then he bought a set of Tour Striker training clubs for his son, for $99.95+$10 S&H as well as a set of standard Tour Striker clubs for $219.98 with no S&H.
The total cost to our warehouse was $2,018.88. He saved as much as $200.44 on sales tax by using OPAS since we are in a no-sales-tax state.
The Tour Striker clubs arrived on April 4th at our warehouse. The full-size Explanar Training System arrived on the 5th. The Junior Explanar Training System and the training clubs arrived on the 6th making the delivery complete.
The OPAS Shipment from the US to Japan
Our customer asked us to inspect the packages when they arrived to be sure the items were as ordered ($5 fee). And he asked us to consolidate the packages ($10) and to expedite the processing of the shipment ($5). 
He wanted to insure the package for $2,018.88; the 2% insurance fee was $40.38.
The packages we received had an actual combined weight of 189 pounds with a dimensional weight of 233 pounds. We consolidated the four packages into two. The new single package with the clubs was long and over-sized. The combined actual weight was 187 pounds and the dimensional weight was 206 pounds, saving 27 pounds of shipping weight over the original packages. Our customer could have added up to 19 pounds of gloves, tees, or balls to the packages for free shipping on those items.
We were asked to expedite the shipment using DHL so we sent it off on April 9, 4:35 pm to the Osaka region in Japan. The shipping fee was $646.84 plus a fuel surcharge of $90.56 and an over-size charge of $50 for the clubs. The total cost leaving our dock was $847.78.
The packages traveled from Portland, to Los Angeles, to San Francisco, to Osaka, and was delivered to our customer’s address on April 12th at 2:26 pm local time; two days and six hours of transit time door to door thanks to DHL's excellent service commitment.
Father and Son on the Golf Course
I can imagine the joy and expectation of fun times as they pulled the clubs out and assembled the trainers. I’d like to be a fly on the golf bag as they show off their new skills on the course with friends. What a great idea for Father's day - coming up in the US on June 17 - a gift of clubs or a round with friends on the course.