Best Package Forwarding Service for International Shoppers

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best package forward service

The US has the world’s largest choice for online shoppers. However, very often the eCommerce giants based in the USA will not ship products around the world, (or if they do the price can be very expensive).

The solution is simple. If you live outside of the US yet want access to all that online retail glory, you should sign up for a package forwarding service.

There are now a ton of options available. However, in this review roundup, we have selected 5 of the most reliable and cost-effective services currently available.

The following package forwarders will provide you with a US address to use while online shopping. These services will then ship the package out to you (repackage and consolidate items if requested) at extremely competitive prices.

For our findings at a glance, head to the table below. For an in-depth review of each of our top 5 picks, keep on reading.

Best Package Forwarding Service for US Orders

TOP PICK

SHIPITO

MYUS.COM

STACKRY

PLANET EXPRESS

USGOBUY

2 Member Plans
PFC Warehouse
Online Portal
45 Day Storage
US Orders Only

PFC Warehouse
30 Day Storage
US Orders Only

Free Membership
PFC Warehouse
45 Day Storage
US Orders Only

2 Member Plans
PFC Warehouse
Online Portal
45 Day Storage
US Orders Only

4 Membership Levels
Online Portal
Mail Handling
US Orders Only

The Reviews

Package forwarding companies can be graded depending on their quality of service delivery, convenience, pricing structure, and other benefits.

Based on these rating criteria, the following 5 package forwarding companies are our pick of the bunch for 2021.

1. TOP PICK FOR 2021: Shipito Review

shipito

My top pick package forwarding service for 2021 is Shipito. The company is a registered PFC that offers dependable, affordable, and efficient package forwarding service and mail forwarding service that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

Its scope of services is almost similar to the service scope of MyUS.com, (reviewed below). Shipito offers packaging forwarding services to over 220 nations and territories around the world.

As expected, it works to make online shopping and cross-border package forwarding convenient, easy, and secure, as well as cost-effective.

To this end, it offers 2 membership plans for its users, the Free Account plan and the Premium Membership plan. It also features Assisted Purchase, a paid option that allows the PFC to source the product for its customer and then ship it to him/her.

However, unlike MyUS.com, it does offer a browser extension. Nonetheless, Shipito allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands including Amazon.com, Forever 21, Dell, eBay, Gilt, Walmart, Macy’s, Target, 6 PM, Ipsy, The Disney Store, H&M, Polo, and more.

Expectedly, its existing shipping agreements with popular e-retailers minimize shipping costs from the e-retailer warehouse to the PFC warehouse.

Shipito has warehouses in California and Tualatin in Oregon. It supports reverse product flow through its package return services.

Also, its mail forwarding fees vary depending on the membership plan that one chooses, and it is exclusive of postage. Shipito prides itself on offering fast and worry-free package forwarding services.

Its fast delivery timelines are offered at a discount because the PFC has long-term partnerships with leading public carriers including USPS, AirMail, FedEx, DHL, and UPS.

Registration & Use of Service

There are 3 basic steps that the customer needs to complete to enjoy the benefits of package forwarding services.

Step 1: Online registration

In the first step, the customer must complete an online registration process and submit it, and then be given the option of choosing either of the 2 membership plans which are explained later. Either membership package offers discounts and coupon codes.

Step 2: Shop online using provided address

online shopping

The second step is to simply shop online and enter the provided native address in the checkout form for the goods to be shipped to the PFC warehouse.

One can choose either of the 2 PFC warehouse locations, Oregon or California. Like MyUS.com, Shipito allows its customers to shop online without paying sales tax.

Step 3: Select method of delivery (shipping and/or consolidation of packages)

The third step is for the customer to choose how the products are to be shipped. Here, the user just needs to choose the shipping method and public carrier, as well as inform the PFC which items to be consolidated into a single package and whether extra-packaging materials should be used.

Shipito offers a free 7-day storage service for the Free Account plan, and this is extended to free 45 days of storage in the Premium Membership plan. This PFC boasts a delivery time of 7 days and supports real-time package tracking during transport.

Membership Plans

Free Account

The free Account plan is most apt for one-time online shoppers, and it offers the native address, shipping discount, and sales-tax-free shopping in popular US e-retailer platforms.

There are no membership fees. Even so, there is a processing fee, and the following services are charged; Assisted Purchase, package consolidation, special request, customs declaration filling, shipping insurance, photos of products in package, extra packing materials, and mail forwarding services.

Premium Membership

Premium Membership plan is apt for online shoppers who will make more than 2 shipment requests per year. It offers the Free Account plan services but the paid services are a bit cheaper. It also offers 45 days of free storage service.

Shipito supports end-to-end secure transaction processing and has integrated an EPS that serves as the primary payment gateway.

It also ensures that products are packaged properly and transported carefully to the right destination. As expected, it provides for package labeling and documentation. This labeling includes an itemized list of products, individual product weight, disclosure of any hazardous items, and destination of the package.

Likewise, it provides an online package tracking system that can be accessed instantly after the user has logged into his/her customer account.

Working with the online portal

girl on laptop

Its online portal features a good clean UI and affords the customer a good user experience. However, like Stackry (reviewed below), the search field is not provided for non-customers.

The CMS of Shipito allows for seamless integration of the procedures in the transaction cycle. It also allows for notifications to be sent promptly to user accounts via its messaging module. This allows the user to be notified about payment status, package location, and package arrival.

It also offers good customer service that is able to answer user concerns appropriately and in a timely manner. One can call the customer service number on the PFC website, or simply use the online chat to interact with customer service representatives.

Like Stackry, the website of Shipito is multilingual. In fact, Shipito supports 13 languages including English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, German, Russian, Portuguese, Hebrew, Japanese, and Turkish.

Pros of Shipito
  • Its procedurized services make package forwarding convenient, easy, and secure, as well as cost-effective.
  • Allows non-US resident online shoppers to purchase products from the popular American e-retailer brands.
  • PFC has long-term partnerships with leading public carriers including USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
  • Offers discounted carrier rates.
  • Offers 2 membership packages for its users to rationalize costs.
  • Offers storage for up to 45 days in its Premium Membership plan.
  • Offers package consolidation.
  • Offers mail forwarding.
  • Transparent pricing scheme
  • Supports reverse product flow through its package return service.
  • The online portal features a good UI that affords a good user experience.
  • Supports end-to-end secure transaction processing.
  • Has global experience in the provision of package forwarding services.
  • Its multilingual website supports 13 languages.
The Cons
  • Repackaging and parcel processing are not free.
  • Does not offer a browser extension.

Bottom-line

Shipito is a registered PFC that offers dependable, affordable, and efficient package forwarding service and mail forwarding service that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

It offers packaging forwarding services to over 220 nations and territories around the world. Also, it affords 2 membership plans for its users, the Free Account plan and the Premium Membership plan.

Moreover, it features Assisted Purchase option that allows the PFC to source the product for its customer and then ship it to him/her.

Relatedly, it allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands and can store the products for free for between 7-45 days depending on the membership plan chosen.

Essentially, the service does what it needs to at a great price. My recommended pick for 2021 for good reason.

2. MyUS.com Review

myus logo

This is a registered PFC that offers a dependable, affordable, and efficient package forwarding service that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

It offers packaging forwarding services to over 220 nations and territories around the world, and this allows for transcontinental trade and drop shipping for non-US residents who do not have a MyUS.com account.

It works to make online shopping and cross-border package forwarding convenient, easy, and secure, as well as cost-effective.

To this end, it offers 3 membership packages for its users, with the Single and Premium packages being free, while the third package – dubbed Premium + Mail – costs USD25 per month because it includes mail forwarding services.

These membership packages allow for PFC fees to be rationalized and made affordable for the customer/buyer.

Moreover, it provides a browser extension that allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands including:

Browser Extension for a number of US Online Retailers
  • Amazon.com,
  • Forever 21,
  • eBay,
  • Walmart,
  • Macy’s,
  • 6PM (of Zappos IP, Inc),
  • Nordstrom
  • The Disney Store
  • Century 21,
  • and Ralph Lauren.

This also means that most US e-retailers can ship products to MyUS.com warehouses. As expected, its existing shipping agreements with popular e-retailers minimize shipping costs from the e-retailer warehouse to the PFC warehouse.

MyUS.com has been in business since 1997. Its current operational headquarters is in Sarasota in Florida, and it has a marketing center in Chicago, Illinois.

It uses TruePrice™ Guaranteed Pricing to offer upfront pricing, as well as breakdown individual costs so that the customer knows what (s)he is paying for.

It also supports reverse product flow through its package return services.

This PFC prides itself on offering fast and worry-free package forwarding services. Its fast delivery timelines are offered at a discount because the PFC has long-term partnerships with 4 leading public carriers:

Basic steps to sign up and use MyUS.com

There are 4 basic steps that the customer needs to complete to enjoy the benefits of package forwarding services.

Step 1: Signup & Choose Plan

myus prices
Current MyUS.com package details [Image: MyUS.com]
To begin with, the customer must complete and submit an online registration and then be given the option of choosing between 1 of 3 membership plans which are explained later.

As expected, registration entails providing personally-identifiable data including full names, the nation of residence, physical address, and credit card details.

This physical address is then associated with a native MyUS.com address. Also, all membership packages offer discounts and coupon codes.

Step 2: Shop online using provided MyUS.com address

The second step is to simply shop online and enter the provided native address in the checkout form for the goods to be shipped to the PFC warehouse, usually free of charge.

MyUS.com enjoys a tax-free status that allows its customers to shop online without paying sales tax if they use its custom browser extension.

Moreover, the PFC provides tax information and exchange rates about the destination nation, which allows its customers to understand their fees.

Step 3: Choose a shipping method and consolidate packages

The third step is for the customer/user to choose how (s)he wants the products to be shipped, once (s)he has received an email notification that his/her good(s) have been received in the PFC warehouse.

The user just needs to choose the shipping method and public carrier, as well as inform the PFC which items to be consolidated into a single package and whether extra-packaging materials should be used, and fragile stickers attached to specific items.

Likewise, one can use the Quick Ship Pledge to let the PFC choose the best shipping method.

For package consolidation services, MyUS.com offers a free 30-day storage service to allow for goods to be received from the e-retailer and packed together into a single package.

Step 4: Items are shipped to the destination address

The fourth is to have the package shipped through the preferred carrier and delivered to the destination address. This PFC boasts of a delivery time of 3 days, while allowing for real-time package tracking during transport.

The 3 Membership Plans

The 3 membership plans on offer are a free plan, one trial-and-pay plan, and one paid plan. One must also remember that these membership plan fees can be changed by the PFC at their own discretion, and they are separate from the shipping fees.

1. Single Package

The Single Package Membership is most apt for one-time online shoppers, and it offers the native address, shipping discount, and sales-tax-free shopping in popular US e-retailer platforms. There are no membership fees.

2. Premium Package Membership

The Premium Package Membership is most apt for online shoppers who will make more than 2 shipment requests per year.

It offers single-package services plus package consolidation and packages repacking services. It also offers a 30 days storage service.

It is free for a one-month trial, and thereafter, one is expected to pay USD7 per month.

3. Premium + Mail Package Membership

The Premium + Mail Package Membership is the Premium Package with the additional service of US Mail Post service. It costs USD25 per month.

This PFC provides a MyUS Mobile App for convenient mobile e-shopping. It also offers a browser extension that allows for easy online shopping without the need for constantly logging in and out, while the capability of holding some of the shopping and shipping data in the browser cache greatly reduces the chances of the user suffering phishing attacks.

This is because the browser can easily detect phishing links by comparing TDL (top domain level [TDL] in the website address) data in the cache, with phishing TDL and immediately notify the user, and block the phishing webpage.

Another advantage of having a browser extension is that the process of order placement and delivery are streamlined because all the orders that the user makes in an e-retailer website can be automatically updated to his/her MyUS.com account, while the e-retailer is automatically notified to deliver the products to a specific native address when the user completes a purchase.

As expected, the delivery fees for shipping the product to the native address are included in the product cost. This means that if one purchases a product from

Amazon.com, the product cost is inclusive of delivery fees because the e-retailer knows where to deliver the product and automatically calculates the shipping fees which are then added to the cumulative purchase price of the products brought.

Even so, MyUS.com benefits from free delivery from most popular e-retailers.

ecommerce-laptop

MyUS.com supports end-to-end secure transaction processing and has integrated an EPS which serves as the primary payment gateway.

The PFC ensures that products are packaged properly and transported carefully to the right destination. It also provides package consolidation and labeling.

Its packaging takes into account the condition of goods, mode of transportation to be used by the public carrier, transport conditions, need for multiple handling, and need for special transportation and storage environments.

As expected, labeling includes an itemized list of products, individual product weight, disclosure of any hazardous items, and destination of the package. It also handles documentation.

It also offers an online tracking system that can be accessed instantly after the user has logged into his/her customer account.

Its online portal features a good clean UI whose appearance is a product of a good blend of a coherent color scheme, typography, and well-placed visual elements.

Additionally, the clean graphical layout and decent UI allows for easy navigation of web resources available, easy input of search queries, a simple scroll through webpages, and easy input of information into forms. This shows that MyUS.com online portal offers a good user experience.

Its CMS allows for seamless integration of the procedures in the transaction cycle. It also allows for notifications to be sent promptly to user accounts via its messaging module.

This allows the user to be notified about payment status, package location, and package arrival.

As expected, the MyUS.com service allows each customer to own his/her own unique user account that contains his/her registration and transaction data, as well as allowing the user to review purchase history, track order status, and receive documentation.

This PFC has good customer service that is able to answer user concerns appropriately and in a timely manner, as well as inform the customer of which services they offer, besides helping him/her choose the right forwarding option if it offers multiple shipping options.

One can call the customer service number on the PFC website, or simply use the online chat to interact with customer service representatives.

Pros of the MyUS.com package forwarding service
  • Its procedurized services make package forwarding convenient, easy, and secure, as well as cost-effective.
  • Allows non-US resident online shoppers to purchase products from the top 20 popular American e-retailer brands including Walmart, Amazon.com, and eBay.
  • PFC has long-term partnerships with 4 leading public carriers: USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
  • Offers discounted carrier rates.
  • Offers 3 membership packages for its users: Premium, Premium + Mail, and Single packages.
  • Offers storage for up to 30 days in its Premium and Premium + Mail packages.
  • It provides a browser extension that allows for easy checkout.
  • Its package consolidation services are supported by a free 30-day storage service that allows for goods to be received from the e-retailer and packed together into a single package.
  • Repackaging and parcel processing is free.
  • Transparent pricing scheme.
  • Supports reverse product flow through its package return services.
  • The online portal features a good UI that affords good user experience.
  • Supports end-to-end secure transaction processing.
  • Has global experience in provision of package forwarding services.
The Cons
  • Only supports US-based e-retailers.

Bottom-line

MyUS.com is a registered PFC providing package forwarding services that allow people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

It offers packaging forwarding services to over 220 nations and territories around the world. It works to make online shopping and cross-border package forwarding convenient, streamlined, and secure, as well as cost-effective.

To this end, it offers discounted carrier rates, and 3 membership packages: Premium, Premium + Mail, and Single packages.

The Premium + Mail package includes mail forwarding services. These membership packages allow for PFC fees to be rationalized and made affordable for the customer/buyer.

Moreover, it provides a browser extension that allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands.

Finally, this PFC has long-term partnerships with 4 leading public carriers: USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS; and it offers 30-day storage in its paid membership plans.

3. Stackry Review

Stackry_Logo

Stackry is a registered PFC that offers a package forwarding service that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

Unlike MyUS.com, it does not have membership plans nor monthly membership fees, and membership is free. However, consolidation and repackaging are charged, currently at a flat rate of USD2 and USD5 respectively.

It also charges a fixed fee of USD12.50 for processing a hazmat product, as well as charges a fee for special requests of information.

Moreover, it offers shipment value protection for precious, or high-value, items (such as jewelry, precious metals, and fine art) whose declared values are subject to limitation (that is, one can only order items that do not exceed a specific declared value).

This shipment value protection is charged at USD2 per USD100 of the declared value, with the minimal charge being USD4. This PFC offers packaging forwarding services to over 200 countries, and this allows for drop shipping for non-US residents who do not have a Stackry account.

Like MyUS.com, Stackry works to make online shopping and cross-border package forwarding convenient, secure, and cost-effective.

It allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands including Amazon.com, Etsy, eBay, Newegg, Macy’s, 6PM (of Zappos IP, Inc), Nordstrom, Gap, Zulily, and Levi’s.

Free warehouse storage for up-to 45days

Warehouse
Generic warehouse image

Unlike MyUS.com, Stackry offers free warehouse storage for up to 45days, which allows for additional products to be shipped for consolidation.

Stackry LLC has been in business for 30 years. Its current operational headquarters is in Amherst Street in Nashua in the state of New Hampshire, and it also maintains an office in Woburn in Massachusetts. It uses dimensional weight to calculate shipping fees.

Unlike MyUS.com, it does not offer a browser extension nor support reverse product flow, which means package returns are charged at normal rates.

Partnerships with 3 leading public carriers

Nonetheless, it prides itself in offering fast and worry-free package forwarding services. Its fast delivery timelines are offered at a discount because the PFC has long-term partnerships with 3 leading public carriers: USPS, FedEx, and DHL.

There are 5 basic steps that the customer needs to complete to enjoy the benefits of package forwarding services.

Simple Registration Process

The first step is for the customer to complete an online registration process and submit it. Registration requires one to provide personally-identifiable data including full names, the nation of residence, physical address, and credit card details. This physical address is then associated with a native Stackry address.

The second step is to simply shop online and enter the provided native address in the checkout form for the goods to be shipped to the PFC warehouse.

Like MyUS.com, Stackry allows its customers to shop online without paying sales tax. The third step is for the package to be received in the Stackry Locker which serves as the native address.

This also allows for package consolidation. The fourth step is for the customer/user to choose how (s)he wants the products to be shipped, once (s)he has received a notification that his/her good(s) have been received in the PFC warehouse.

The final step is to have the package shipped through the preferred carrier and delivered to the destination address. This PFC boasts of a delivery time of 3 business days, as well as provides for package tracking during transport.

Like MyUS.com, Stackry supports end-to-end secure transaction processing and has integrated an EPS that serves as the primary payment gateway.

Is the packaging and labeling secure and reliable?

packages

Also, like MyUS.com, Stackry ensures that products are packaged properly and transported carefully to the right destination.

Its packaging takes into account the condition of goods, mode of transportation to be used by the public carrier, transport conditions, need for multiple handling, and need for special transportation and storage environments.

Moreover, labeling includes an itemized list of products, individual product weight, disclosure of any hazardous items, and destination of the package. Stackry also handles documentation.

The Stackry online portal

Stackry online portal features a good clean UI with a good blend of matching color scheme, typography, and well-positioned visual elements.

As expected, the clean graphical layout and decent UI allow for easy navigation of web resources available, a simple scroll through webpages, and easy input of information into forms. Therefore, the online portal of Stackry offers a good user experience.

On the downside, no search field is provided for non-customers unlike MyUS.com, which offers the search function to everyone.

The CMS of Stackry allows for seamless integration of the procedures in the transaction cycle. It also allows for notifications to be sent promptly to user accounts via its messaging module. This allows the user to be notified about payment status, package location, and package arrival.

Also, this PFC has good customer service that is able to answer user concerns appropriately and in a timely manner. Moreover, one can call the customer service number in the PFC website, or simply use the online chat (labeled as Support) to interact with customer care representatives.

Additionally, its website is multilingual and supports 5 languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish.

Pros of Stackry
  • Its procedurized services make package forwarding convenient, easy, secure, and cost-effective.
  • Allows non-US resident online shoppers to purchase products from popular American e-retailer brands.
  • PFC has partnerships with 3 leading public carriers: USPS, FedEx, and DHL.
  • Offers discounted carrier rates.
  • Membership is free.
  • Offers free storage for up to 45 days.
  • Allows for package consolidation.
  • Transparent pricing scheme.
  • The online portal features a good UI that affords a good user experience.
  • Supports end-to-end secure transaction processing.
  • Has global experience in the provision of package forwarding services.
  • A multilingual website supports 5 languages.
The Cons
  • Does not have a partnership with the public carrier, UPS.
  • Lacks browser extension.
  • Repackaging and parcel consolidation are charged.
  • Does not offer mail forwarding.

Bottom-line

Stackry is a registered PFC that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

It does not have membership plans nor monthly membership fees, and membership is free. However, consolidation and repackaging are charged, and the same applies to hazmat processing, shipment value protection, and special requests for information.

It offers packaging forwarding services to over 200 countries. Moreover, Stackry allows non-US residents to easily check out when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands. Additionally, it offers free warehouse storage for up to 45days.

4. Planet Express Review

planet express review logo

This is a package forwarding and mail forwarding service that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

Its scope of services is almost similar to the service scope of Shipito. Planet Express offers packaging forwarding services to over 200 nations and territories around the world.

Like Shipito, it offers 2 membership plans for its users, the One Package plan and the Consolidated Package plan. It also features Shop For Me (which is analogous to Assisted Purchase of Shipito), a paid option that allows the PFC to source the product for its customer and then deliver it.

This PFC also allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products from popular American e-retailer brands including Amazon.com, Walmart, Macy’s, and Target.

About Planet Express

So why do Planet Express and Shipito offer an almost a similar range of services? The answer is that the founder of Planet Express, Jason Luong, worked for Shipito for 10 years and retired as its chief operating officer, and then proceeded to establish Planet Express in 2017.

Currently, Planet Express is headquartered in Gardena, California, and like Shipito, it has warehouses in California and Oregon. However, unlike Shipito which has another warehouse in Germany, Planet Express is focused on helping American e-retailers serve a global customer base.

However, Planet Express does not support reverse product flow in the way that Shipito does. Even so, Planet Forwarding offers reverse logistics services which are priced differently from forwarding services.

Also, the mail forwarding fees of Planet Express vary depending on the membership plan that one chooses, and as expected, it is exclusive of postage.

Still, the major difference between Planet Express and Shipito is in the service scope of their Free plans, with Shipito providing consolidation in its Free Account plan, while Planet Express does not offer package consolidation in its One Package plan.

Planet Express offers fast and worry-free package forwarding services. Its fast delivery timelines are offered at a discount. There are 3 basic steps that the customer needs to complete to enjoy the benefits of package forwarding services.

Registration and use of service

Step 1: Online registration & choose your plan

The first step involves the completion of an online registration process and its submission, whereupon the customer can choose either of the 2 membership plans. Either plan offers discounts and coupon codes.

Step 2: Shop online using provided address

The second step is to simply shop online and enter the provided native address in the checkout form for the goods to be shipped to the PFC warehouse, or to choose the Shop For Me option and await the goods.

One can also choose either of the 2 PFC warehouse locations, Oregon or California. Like Shipito, Planet Express allows its customers to shop online without paying sales tax.

Step 3: Choose shipping method

The third step is for the customer to choose how the products are to be shipped. As expected, the user just needs to choose the shipping method and public carrier, as well as inform the PFC which items to be consolidated into a single package and whether extra-packaging materials should be used.

Planet Express offers a free 10-day storage service for the One Package plan, and this is extended to free 45 days of storage in the Consolidated Package plan. This PFC also offers real-time package tracking during transport.

Membership Plans

One Package Plan

One Package plan is most apt for one-time online shoppers and it excludes package consolidation. It offers the native address, shipping discount, and sales-tax-free shopping in popular US e-retailer platforms.

Also, there are no membership fees. Even so, there is a processing fee, and the following services are charged; Shop For Me, special request, documentation, pallet handling, photos of products in package, extra packing materials, and mail forwarding services.

Consolidated Package Plan

The Consolidated Package plan is apt for online shoppers who will make more than 2 shipment requests per year. It offers package consolidation, alongside all the services of the One Package plan, but with the paid services priced cheaper. It also offers 45 days of free storage service.

Like Shipito, Planet Express supports end-to-end secure transaction processing and has integrated an EPS that serves as the primary payment gateway. It also ensures that products are packaged properly and transported carefully to the right destination. As expected, it provides for package labeling and documentation.

Using the online portal

laptop 2

The online portal of Planet Express features a good clean UI and affords the customer a good user experience. Also, like Shopito, the search field is not provided for non-customers.

Relatedly, the CMS of Planet Express allows for seamless integration of the procedures in the transaction cycle. It also allows for notifications to be sent promptly to user accounts via its messaging module and this allows users to be notified about payment status, package location, and package arrival.

It also offers good customer service that is able to answer user concerns appropriately and in a timely manner. One can call the customer service number in the PFC website, or simply use the online chat to interact with customer service representatives.

Unlike Shipito, the multilingual website of Planet Express only supports 6 languages: (American) English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Czech, and Russian.

Pros of Planet Express
  • Its procedurized services make package forwarding convenient, easy, and secure, as well as cost-effective.
  • Allows non-US resident online shoppers to purchase products from the popular American e-retailer brands.
  • Offers discounted carrier rates.
  • Offers 2 membership packages for its users to rationalize costs.
  • Offers storage for up to 45 days in its Consolidated Package plan.
  • Offers package consolidation in its Consolidated Package plan.
  • Offers mail forwarding.
  • Transparent pricing scheme.
  • The online portal features a good UI that affords a good user experience.
  • Supports end-to-end secure transaction processing.
  • Has global experience in the provision of package forwarding services.
  • Its multilingual website supports 6 languages.
The Cons
  • Package consolidation not offered in the One Package plan.
  • Repackaging and parcel processing is not free.
  • Does not offer a browser extension.

Bottom-line

Planet Express is a registered PFC that allows people outside the US to order and receive products from US e-retailers.

It offers packaging forwarding services to over 200 nations and territories around the world. Likewise, it offers 2 membership plans for its users, the One Package plan and the Consolidated Package plan.

It also features the Shop For Me option that allows the PFC to source the product for its customer and then deliver it.

Moreover, it allows non-US residents to easily checkout when purchasing products and can store the products for free for between 10-45 days depending of the membership plan chosen. Even so, package consolidation is only offered in the Consolidated Package plan.

5. USGoBuy Review

USGOBUY-LOGO

USGoBuy is a reputable parcel forwarding agency that offers virtual mailbox services.

USGoBuy is dedicated to providing parcel forwarding services to foreign individuals or businesses who need a U.S address in order to buy or sell products in the U.S.

However, it also specializes in providing virtual mailbox addresses as well as parcel forwarding services. USGoBuy differs from other services reviewed here in that it also comes bundled with 2 virtual mailbox services; mail storage and mail scanning.

Furthermore, USGoBuy offers only one service plan, however, shipping discounts are obtained by reaching the four different membership levels. The more you use the package forwarding services the more benefits you get in terms of cost reductions.

As expected, the full-service suite of USGoBuy only allows one to set up a U.S-based virtual address for receiving and storing parcels, before they are forwarded to specific physical addresses.

It, therefore, allows one to shop for products in the U.S, export products to the U.S, as well as set up a remailing service for sending packages to U.S-based customers (by taking advantage of the cheaper U.S postage rates).

This service provider allows for shipment and inventory hard-copy documents to be converted into digital documents through secure scanning so that they can be uploaded into digital mail platforms such as e-mails, apps, or its official website portal for the user to view, process, and download the documents.

This allows for transactions for the parcel forwarding to be done online.

USGoBuy uses an online mailbox management service that allows its clients to access their mails from anywhere and at any time.

It also notifies a client via email that a parcel has been received. This online mailbox management offers 3 main options for mail handling; scan mail contents, forward mail, or hold mail.

As mentioned earlier, the services offered by USGoBuy are bundled into a single service plan that lists all the available services.

It is still mandatory for one to have a virtual address in order to access the services offered, and this requires the client to select a virtual mailbox post from the available addresses provided by USGoBuy, as the selected address serves as the virtual mailbox address for receiving mails.

Its mail forwarding service allows for an exterior (digital) scan of the received items to be sent to your email address or to an online mailbox.

You can then decide if the mail or package should be forwarded to a specific real address (usually belonging to one of your U.S-based customers) or if it should be stored in the warehouse.

If you choose parcel (mail) forwarding, you need to create a shipment profile that determines how the items are packaged, when they are to be shipped, and the shipping insurance to be bought.

Thereafter, the parcel is shipped through USPS, FedEx, DHL, or Aramex.

Pros of the USGoBuy Service
  • Provides dedicated parcel forwarding services to foreign individual or businesses who require a U.S address.
  • Provides virtual mailbox post addresses.
  • Provides efficient mail forwarding services for both documents and packages.
  • Its digital mail platform comes with an online mail management portal.
  • Superb customer support.
The Cons
  • Lacks a dedicated API platform.
  • Poor integration with existing business software.
  • A narrow range of virtual mailbox services.

Bottom-line

USGoBuy is a reputable parcel forwarding company that is dedicated to providing mail forwarding services to foreign individuals or businesses who need a U.S address in order to establish a virtual presence in the U.S for trading purposes.

It specializes in providing virtual mailbox addresses and parcel forwarding, alongside mail storage and mail scanning. Its mail forwarding service support shipment through USPS, FedEx, DHL, or Aramex.

A Short Guide to Choosing the Right Package Forwarder Company

So how can you determine which PFC is suitable for you? Moreover, you need to use a PFC that is reliable and dependable so that you do not lose your products, or have damaged products delivered to you. The main factors to consider when choosing the right PFC are explained below.

Does the PFC serve your country?

As discussed, a PFC must ensure delivery of non-damaged products to the right physical address. This means that the PFC must be able to send goods to your country, and to your physical location. As expected, you should choose a PFC that is allowed to operate in your country.

Therefore, the first thing to check in any PFC website is the countries that it serves, and find out if your country is on their list.

Relatedly, you should also check if the PFC is allowed to operate in the country where you are sourcing the goods from. In this review round-up, all the PFCs operate in the USA so you just have to confirm that they serve your nation.

Does the e-retailer work with the PFC?

The second consideration is to find out if the e-retailer – where you plan to purchase your goods – can ship the goods to the native address provided by your PFC.

If the e-retailer can ship to your native address, how much does it cost? This cost consideration is important because your native address may be in a different state from your e-retailer.

Expectedly, it is best to choose a PFC that has extant (product) shipping agreements with popular e-retailers, as such a PFC offers discount shipping costs from the e-retailer to your native address.

Delivery and Scope of Ancillary Services

The PFC must also ensure that your products are packaged properly and transported carefully to your location. You should also be assured that your products will not be damaged.

Some PFCs offer insurance against product damage during shipping, but this type of insurance is usually offered by the carrier (who is expected to deliver undamaged products to the destination port).

The delivery time should also be considered. This is usually determined by the mode of transport used by the common carrier.

Normally, choosing the expensive express air service gives you the shortest delivery time, while sea shipping has the longest delivery time (considering the time the ship is at sea, and the after reaching the seaport, your product must be loaded onto a truck to be transported to your location).

Package consolidation

The most important ancillary service is package consolidation because common carriers charge their shipping rates based on dimensional weight, and a good PFC must be able to maximize package density so that more items are packed in a package.

This reduces carrier charges, which also means that you benefit by paying less for shipping fees. Another ancillary service offered alongside package consolidation is repackaged.

Other ancillary services include storage while awaiting the arrival of other products that you have shopped online so that all the products are packed in one package for shipping.

Discounts and coupons can also be considered as ancillary services.

Customer Service

customer services

A good PFC must be able to answer your concerns appropriately and in a timely manner, as well as inform you of which services they offer, besides helping you choose the right forwarding option if they it offers multiple shipping options.

As mentioned previously, the PFC should make your cross-border business convenient, easy, and secure, as well as cost-effective.

To assess if the PFC suits your shipping needs, you may need to ask the question and the PFC should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily.

As a rule of thumb, a reputable PFC offers good customer service because it does not want to water down its brand value. You can call the customer service number on the PFC website, or simply use the online chat to interact with customer service representatives.

User Management

girl on laptop

As explained earlier, the PFC provides a web portal as the interface between it and its customers. This means that the PFC has a website where you can check it services, initiate a transaction life cycle (by requesting for its forwarding service), and interact with its customer service.

The use of a website necessitates consideration about user management. User management in this context means the way information is presented in the website, inputted by the user (either the customer or company representatives), and how easily the user interacts with the website (in terms of navigation and accessibility of information), as well as information processing, storage, and retrieval.

Regarding the website, the two main considerations for the customer are user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). The UI is the appearance of the website, its color scheme, and typography, as well as visual elements in a webpage such as icons and pictures.

Definitely, you will be attracted to a website with a good, clean appearance. After being attracted to this website, you would need to navigate the website, input search queries, scroll through webpages, and input your information and have it sent to the company database, and in return, you receive a confirmation that your user data has been received. These interactions that you have with the website is described as the user experience.

A good PFC website with a clean graphical layout and decent UI allows for easy navigation of web resources available. This shows that UI and UX are inextricably linked. Additionally, UX allows you to interact with the customer management system of the PFC.

Customer management system (CMS)

A good customer management system (CMS) for a PFC entity must provide for transaction management, creation and management of individual accounts, shipment tracking, and a versatile bug-free content management system for managing information shown to the user.

This CMS is a backend office system that the PFC maintains, updates, and debugs; and the services it supports provide the backbone of the PFC transaction cycle.

The PFC customer management system must provide for the following:

User Account: As mentioned earlier, you must register with the PFC, and this registration allows the CMS to create a unique customer account for you which is linked to your identity and physical address.

From this account, you can review your purchase history, track your order status, and receive documentation such as invoices.

Secure Transaction Processing: This provides for the processing of all the payments that the customer makes. A good PFC must provide for end-to-end secure transaction processing that allows you to calculate shipping fees, taxes, and other charges; as well as pay for them securely.

Usually, this is provided for by an OTP application that is integrated in the website, and which encrypts your financial information.

Invoicing: The system should provide automated invoicing so that you can receive your invoice as web pages that can be converted into a PDF (portable document format) document for printing as a hard copy.

EPS: The payment system must also be integrated with the transaction cycle, and be accessible to you via the website. Most PFCs integrate PayPal (Pro) as their primary payment gateway as it is convenient and easy to use by both customers and PFC.

Product Tracking System: An online tracking system must be integrated into the website so that you can track where your package is, preferentially in real-time.

As expected, you should be able to achieve instant access to this tracking system once you have logged in to your customer account. Most importantly, the tracking system must provide accurate data about your product location.

Messaging: This messaging module allows you and the company to communicate, as well as send notifications to your account, for example, notifications about payment status, package location, and package arrival.

About V50

The editorial team here at Vault50.com is made up of a number of writers based all over the world. Our interests and experience cover the full range of what we talk about here. Clare Turner is one of our key contributers writing about the home. David Lachance is our resident e-commerce and business guru, if it's anything to do with that, he's your man. Kevin Simpson takes care of the website layout and publishing and also heads up our education section, with in-depth reviews and articles on courses and training. Find out more about all of us here.

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