International Package Forwarding and Mail Forwarding

The international marketplace is beginning to get more and more advanced.  Companies are starting to realize that there are enormous volumes of people around the world that like to buy products online.  One of the best places to shop is in the US.  US products are much less expensive than they are around the rest of the world.  Especially with the value of the dollar being so low at this time.

Consumers in other countries are beginning to realize different ways to get these American products.  One of the most common ways to get US Products is to use a mail forwarding or parcel forwarding company. 

Your first question is most likely going to be..."What is a parcel or mail forwarding company?"  Well, here is an explanation of what they are and how they work.

First thing would be to sign up at one of the many mail forwarding companies.  Most of them require a minimal subscription fee of usually around $10-$20 per month.  This fee gets you a personalized American address at their warehouse in the US.  You then have the ability to shop online any any US retailer or e-tailer.  You make purchases just like you lived in the US.  The obvious advantage is that most online companies will not ship products internationally.  This gives you the ability to shop ANYWHERE!  Typically people overseas run into the issue of international credit cards.  Many companies in the US will decline your purchase if you don't us an American credit card.  Luckily, most of the mail and package forwarding companies have thought of a way to fix this problem too.  Many of them offer Personal Shopper Services where they will make the purchase for you.  All you have to do is wire them the money ahead of time or hold a pool of money in an account with them.  They will then make purchases for you.  Many of the companies will also shop for you.  They go out and try to find the best deals on US products as you request them.

Now, you have the trouble of finding the company that works the best for you.  Here are some of the comparisons that I have created to help you analyze each company. I have bolded the best option in each category...

 Ability to Pay Per Use

• Bongo International - Yes
• US Global Mail - No
• USA 2 Me - No
• Borderlinx - No
• Access USA - No

Sign up fee

• Bongo International - None
• US Global Mail - None
• USA 2 Me - $15.00 or $23.00
• Borderlinx - $5.00
• Access USA - $35

Monthly Subscription Fee

• Bongo International - $15.00
• US Global Mail - $15.00
• USA 2 Me - $44.00
• Borderlinx - Free
• Access USA - $15.00

Cost for Creating a Commercial Invoice

• Bongo International - $0.00
• US Global Mail- $0.00
• USA 2 Me - $0.00
• Borderlinx - $0.00
• Access USA - $8.00

Ability to see an image of your product before it is shipped

Shipping Costs (1=Least Expensive, 5=Most Expensive)

Cost for Consolidating Multiple Items

Insurance Cost per $100 in Value

Personal Shopper Service Offered

Countries Served

Overall, I would have to say that Bongo International is the best option.  They have the best combination of cost, services, and technology to handle your personal US Mailbox.  They were only beat out by one other company on rates, but that company charges a sign up fee and an extra $8.00 for every commercial invoice and an extra $3.00 per box that gets consolidated.  In addition to having the best overall scoring, Bongo International also offers the most knowledge about international shipping on their site.  You can go here to see their rates for shipping to whatever country you live in.