International Shopping Guide: Freight Forwarders for the Philippines
Ever seen this frustrating message on when shopping from US store like Amazon? 👉 “This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. Please choose a different delivery location.”
Buying products from U.S.-based online stores like Amazon can be challenging for Filipinos due to shipping restrictions.
Don’t worry—here’s how you can still get your favorite U.S. products from Amazon to the Philippines! Door to door delivery!
Step 1: Check Shipping Eligibility on Amazon
Amazon ships many items directly to the Philippines, but not all products are eligible. To check:
- Set Your Delivery Address: Update your Amazon address to a Philippine location.
Look for “Ships to the Philippines”:
If an item can be shipped internationally, this message will appear on the product page.
If the item you want isn’t eligible, don’t worry—there are alternative solutions.
Step 2: Use a U.S. Shipping Address via Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarding services give you a U.S.-based address where your orders can be delivered. Once received, the company ships the items to your Philippine address. Popular services include:
How It Works:
- Sign up for an account with your chosen service.
- Use their U.S. warehouse address when checking out on Amazon.
- Once the item is delivered to the warehouse, the company forwards it to the Philippines.
Tip: Compare rates, handling fees, and delivery times to choose the best service for your needs.
Step 3: Navigate Product RestrictionsCertain items like electronics, cosmetics, or food might have shipping restrictions due to customs regulations. Here’s how to deal with these:
- Check Amazon’s Export Policy: Some products are restricted due to international laws or brand policies.
- Consult Your Freight Forwarder: Many forwarders can advise if your item is allowed. Some also offer repacking or special handling for restricted items.
- Alternative Routes: Some services like ShippingCart specialize in handling restricted products like batteries and cosmetics.
Step 4: Calculate Cost
International shipping and import taxes can add up. To avoid surprises:
- Freight Forwarder Fees: These often include handling, shipping, and sometimes repacking charges.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: Items above PHP 10,000 are typically taxed. Check the Bureau of Customs’ website for the latest rates.
- Amazon’s Import Fee Deposit: For direct Amazon shipping, the estimated customs fees are added at checkout.
Pro Tip:
- Always check the weight for the item as International shipping is weight concept and not by piece.
- To know how much is the customs fee and taxes to ship from US to the Philippines, use online calculators provided by freight forwarders to estimate your total cost.
Step 5: Monitor and Track Your Shipment
- After placing your order, monitor your package to ensure a smooth delivery:
- Use the tracking number provided by Amazon or your forwarder.
- Check updates frequently for potential delays, especially during peak seasons.
Top Tips for Hassle-Free Shopping
- Bundle Orders: Save on shipping by consolidating multiple items into one shipment.
- Avoid Prohibited Items: Check both Amazon and your forwarder’s prohibited items list.
- Shop During Sales: Take advantage of deals like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day for discounts.
- Communicate with Your Forwarder: If you’re unsure about a product’s eligibility, contact their customer service before purchasing.
Conclusion
With freight forwarders and the right strategies, buying from the U.S. and shipping to the Philippines is easier than ever. Follow these steps to expand your shopping options and enjoy access to a world of products without the frustration of restrictions.
Happy shopping! 🌏🛒
With freight forwarders and the right strategies, buying from the U.S. and shipping to the Philippines is easier than ever. Follow these steps to expand your shopping options and enjoy access to a world of products without the frustration of restrictions.
Happy shopping! 🌏🛒
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