Shopping

Is it cheaper to ShopandBox or ship directly from a USA-based site? – Part I

Today, we address one of the most frequently asked questions from current and interested Shoppers regarding our service:

Is it cheaper to ShopandBox coveted goods from USA or to shop directly from the brand’s site?

Firstly, it’s important to take note that ShopandBox is a service that gets you what you want across 27 countries with the help of our personal Boxers, and the best way you can utilise our service is by consolidating items across stores. Here is what consolidating means –

Scenario:

You are interested in getting your hands on the best-selling Kylie Lip Kit, a handful of Colourpop items (2 Lippie Stix, 1 Brow Pencil, 1 Blush and 1 Eyeshadow), and skincare essentials from Herbivore Botanicals (1 Rose Mist, 1 Mask, 1 Lip Balm).

This is how your box will look along with the total amount you will need to fork out for all items:

SNB_Shipping_Comparison1

SNB_Shipping_Comparison2

There are two options that you go with from here.

OPTION 1: SHIP DIRECTLY FROM BRANDS

The first is to ship directly from each of these three brands and opt for international shipping from each. As you can see from the screenshots below, you will need to pay for three separate shipping charges, including USD25 from Colourpop, USD25.03 from Herbivore Botanicals, and USD14.95 from Kylie Cosmetics. This amounts to a total of USD91.09 for international shipping.

Not forgetting, the delivery time for each site differs—your shipment from Colourpop can take a whopping three weeks to get to your doorstep!

SNB_Shipping_Comparison3

OPTION 2: SHOP AND SHIP WITH SHOPANDBOX

The second option that also works out most economically is to ShopandBox all items with the help of our Boxers. Yes, ShopandBox charges both a service fee (this acts like a ‘tip’ for your Boxer to do all your shopping, repackaging and checking) and international shipping but even with these two fees, it still works out cheaper to use ShopandBox to consolidate your items and have it shipped to you at one go. And don’t forget, we never inflate the prices of items (if it costs your Boxer 10 USD, that’s what you’ll be paying too!).

For example, take a 500g parcel that contains the items mentioned above. With our special DHL rates, it will only cost you USD14 – 19 to ship it from USA (to Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia)! All in, this means you’ll be paying  USD41 – 46 for total international shipping and service fees depending on where you reside at.

SNB_Shipping_Comparison4In a nutshell, you save between USD44 – 50 just by using ShopandBox to get your coveted beauty items. The best part? You will receive all items in one shipment within 1-3 working days—so no more waiting (impatiently) for three weeks just to get your goodies and brag to your friends about the latest Kylie Lip Kit you’ve cinched.

The beauty about using ShopandBox is that you can shop for anything and everything across the board, whether it’s seasonal snacks, the latest fashion apparel, or even a pair of cool kicks. Another option is to consolidate your box with your friends and family for the best bang for your buck.

On a related note, read more here about how sites charge differently according to your location across the globe. And if you wanted a visual on how heavy things actually weigh, do check out our weekly #shopandweigh segment on @shopandbox!

*All prices accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 20/09/2016. Please note Paypal fees, customs and duties are not reflected above and subject to each individual’s country laws.

 

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Masa Sojer
    December 10, 2016 at 2:47 am

    Just a quick question… if you order through this website, do you have to pay customs fees when the package arrives (To Slovenia in Europe for example where you usually have to pay customs if the order total is above 21€ )?

    • ShopandBox
      Reply
      ShopandBox
      December 15, 2016 at 4:14 pm

      Hi Masa, customs and taxes are the Shopper’s responsibility but if it’s a gift, you can ask your Boxer (Personal Shopper) to label it accordingly.

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