How does package forwarding work?
When you sign up for packaging forwarding with Ships US, we will provide you with a unique US address. Simply have your packages mailed to this address and we will forward them on to your international address.
What phone number should I use to place my orders?
You should be able to use your international phone number when ordering from most US merchants. If a US number is required, you can obtain one from www.magicjack.com or www.skype.com, or, if you prefer, we can provide you with a US number for an additional fee.
What if a US website won’t accept my credit card?
We offer concierge services to enable you to make purchases from US sites like eBay that do not accept international credit cards. Simply calculate the total cost of your order including sales tax and our concierge fee, and deposit this amount in your Ships US account. Once the funds have cleared we will make your online purchases for you.
When will you ship my packages and/or mail?
We ship most packages within 2 to 3 business days of receiving them, unless you have requested a different shipment schedule requiring us to hold and consolidate your packages. All of our members get at least 7 days of package storage for free.
How long does package forwarding take?
The amount of time it takes to receive your package will depend on the shipping company (USPS, FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.) you are using, the type of service (priority, express, etc.) you have chosen, and the customs procedures in your country.
Do you open my packages?
Yes. We open all packages before forwarding in order to confirm that they do not contain any prohibited items. For your convenience, we will also check for obvious damage and compare the contents of the package to the invoice (if provided).
Do you offer package consolidation service?
Yes. Just let us know how many packages you are expecting and we will open them and carefully repack the items into a single box as per your instructions. Package consolidation service is an excellent way to reduce your international shipping costs.
Do you ship items requiring refrigeration or temperature control?
No. We do not have refrigerated or temperature controlled facilities.
Do you ship food items?
Yes, we can forward non-perishable food items for you, provided that these items are legal for export from the US and import into your country.
Do you ship prescription medications?
No. However, many non-prescription medications can be shipped.
Do you ship perfume, nail varnish, and aerosols?
Yes. These items can be shipped provided they are properly identified and packaged correctly under the requirements established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Ships US will handle compliance for you.
Do you ship lithium batteries?
Yes. Lithium batteries, as well as items containing these batteries (such as laptop computers) can be forwarded to your international address. We will make sure your package includes all the necessary labels and documentation.
Do you provide international package forwarding for dangerous goods?
Yes. Please notify us when a package contains items considered “dangerous goods,” such as:
- Aerosols
- Ammunition
- Batteries (Lithium & Wet)
- Camping Stoves
- Chemicals
- Drain Cleaners
- Fireworks
- Flammable Gas Torches
- Gasoline Powered Devices
- Lighters
- Matches
- Oil-Based Paint
- Oxygen Generators/Oxidizing Cases
- Parts Containing Gasoline, Jet Fuel or Kerosene
- Perfume
- Propane
- Radioactive Materials
- Solvents
We will make sure your shipment is properly labeled and packaged before forwarding it to you, so that it will meet any relevant International Air Transport Association (IATA) or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.
Are there any items that cannot be shipped at all?
Yes, there are certain items that cannot be shipped either because they are illegal to export from the US or illegal to import into your country. Some common prohibited items include:
- Firearms, Weapons, and Tactical Equipment (including guns, gun accessories, knives, swords, stun guns, night vision goggles, sights, handcuffs and other restraints)
- Hazardous Materials (including perfumes, nail polish, flea collars, flea sprays, aerosols, bleach, pool chemicals, paints, matches, batteries, gasoline or other fuels, any container that once contained fuel, airbags, dry ice, mercury thermometers, cleaning supplies, glues, fireworks)
- Animals or Animal Skin Products
- Human Body Parts
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Perishable Foods
- Alcohol
- Gambling Devices and Lottery Tickets
- Pornography
- Prescription Medication of ANY KIND
Can I use my Ships US address to apply for financial products, passports, drivers licenses, business licenses, etc.?
No. Your Ships US address may only be used for package forwarding.
Can I use my Ships US address as a correspondence address?
You may only receive letters and correspondence at your Ships US address if you have signed up for mail forwarding as part of our First Class Membership.
Do you ship to PO boxes?
Whether or not your package can be forwarded to a PO box depends on the specific carrier you choose to mail your package. Many carriers require a street address for delivery.
Is there any limit on the weight or size of packages you can handle?
No, we can forward packages of all shapes, sizes, and weights, as long as the carrier of your choice will accept them.
Do you charge bank fees?
Bank fees do not apply to the cost of our membership fees and services. However, bank fees may apply to your shipping costs, depending on the payment method you choose. If you pay your postage with a bank wire, there will be a $15 bank fee. If you pay by credit card, the fee will be up to 4.5% of the cost of you postage. To avoid these fees, we suggest prefunding your account by money order or Western Union and then using those funds to pay your postage.
Who fills out the customs forms?
We will fill out the customs forms for you. If we need additional information, we will contact you.
Are customs fees included?
No. Taxes, tariffs, and customs fees will vary by item and by destination and are not covered by Ships US. If you have questions about these fees, contact your country’s customs office.
Do you offer package storage?
Yes. If you need us to hold packages for consolidation or for any other reason, please just let us know. All members get at least 7 days of storage for free.
Will I have to pay sales tax on Amazon purchases?
Yes. The US address we provide for you will be in California, and California now requires sales tax be collected for Amazon orders shipped to addresses in the state.
Can I return items purchased through Ships US concierge service?
Yes. Check the seller’s return policy first. If the item is eligible for return, you can mail it back to them directly. You will be responsible for any return shipping fees that may apply. Once the seller receives the return and issues a refund, we will transfer the credit to your Ships US account.
What if my package gets lost or stolen?
Although we take excellent care of your packages while they are at our facility, we cannot control what happens to them once we hand them over to the courier. We recommend purchasing insurance for all your packages. If your package is lost or stolen, the insurance will cover the value of the items inside. Insurance will not cover the cost of postage or our service fees. If you decline the insurance, you will not receive any kind of refund in the event of a lost or stolen package.
What happens to unclaimed merchandise?
If we do not have contact with a client within a period of three months we reserve the right to auction off any merchandise to recoup our storage fees and other administrative cost.
