7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering from Overseas

E-commerce has revolutionized international shopping by making it easy for people to access goods from all over the world. From exclusive U.S. brands to unique finds on foreign websites, online shopping has erased geographical barriers. However, the thrill of a great deal can quickly diminish if you frequently make mistakes, such as overlooking fees or mishandling logistics. This article discusses seven common mistakes to avoid when purchasing from other countries, along with practical recommendations for international shopping that will help you save money and enjoy a smooth experience.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Shipping Costs

Many people only consider the item’s price, overlooking the cost of shipping, which can significantly increase the total cost. Shipping costs between countries vary significantly and can often be a surprise to buyers. They depend on the distance, weight, and service.

Example: You see a $25 tool on a U.S. website, but when you check out, the shipping to your country costs $35. It used to be cheap, but now it costs $60.

Tip: Always add up the total price, including shipping, before you buy something. At checkout, most stores offer shipping calculators or prices. It is best to compare prices from different sellers or carriers to get the best deal.

Mistake 2: Not Paying attention to Customs Duties and Taxes

It can be costly to get your goods through customs due to charges, VAT, and clearance fees. These fees depend on the rules in your country and the type or value of the product, which can be confusing for people who are shopping abroad for the first time.

In the European Union, electronics may be subject to a 20% VAT, and things worth more than €150 may be subject to duties. A $100 buy can cost $130 or more after taxes and fees.

Tip: Before you buy, find out what the customs rules are in your country. Clear rules on duty limits and tax rates can be found on websites like the U.S. Customs Service or the European Commission’s taxation portal. Include these prices in your budget to avoid paying extra money later.

Mistake 3: Not looking at the return rules

It can be expensive, time-consuming, or even impossible to return items bought abroad. Some stores won’t accept returns from people outside the United States, and others will charge you a significant fee to restock or return the item.

For example, you buy a $50 jacket in the UK, but it doesn’t fit. It costs $25 to ship it back and another $10 to replace it, which is almost the whole price of the item.

Tip: Before you buy something, read the store’s return policy carefully. Learn about the shipping prices, times, and conditions for returning your purchase. If the policy is too strict or unclear, consider buying from a store with less strict rules.

Mistake 4: Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method

When shipping internationally, you may have options like express, standard, or economy, each with its own costs and arrival times. If you choose the wrong way, you might pay too much or miss the delivery date.

Case Study: A customer wants a gift to come in 10 days and pays $50 for express shipping when standard shipping for only $15 would have been sufficient. They could have saved $35 if they had planned ahead.

Tip: Figure out how long you need the package delivered and pick the right shipping way. If you don’t need your order right away, economy or standard delivery is usually fine. For purchases that need to be delivered quickly, express shipping is best. Find the best deal on delivery services by comparing their prices.

Mistake 5: Ordering things separately instead of all at once

When you order multiple things from different stores or separately, the shipping costs may be higher because of the different packages. Combining purchases into one package can save you money and make it easier to keep track of.

You buy three small items from three different U.S. stores, paying $30 each for shipping, for a total of $90. The price could go down to $40 if you put them all in one package. Package consolidation services like Global Shopaholics let you ship multiple items at once, saving you money and giving you up to 210 days of tax-free storage.

Tip: When shopping, try to bundle items together whenever possible. If you buy things from more than one store, use a package forwarding service to combine your orders, save money, and speed up delivery.

Mistake 6: Giving in to scams or sellers you haven’t checked out

There are numerous fake websites and sellers on the internet that offer deals that look too good to be true. If you order from untrustworthy sources, you might receive counterfeit items or nothing at all.

Example: A person buys a $40 “designer” watch from a website they have never been to before. After paying, they either receive a fake product of poor quality or nothing at all, and the website disappears.

Tip: Buy only from sellers or websites that have positive feedback. PayPal and credit cards are safe ways to pay that keep the buyer protected. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, and verify the seller’s ratings on other review sites.

Mistake 7: Ignoring Package Tracking & Insurance

If you don’t choose tracking or protection, your packages could get lost or damaged. You can’t track your shipment without it, and without insurance, it’s hard to get your money back if it gets lost.

Example: You order a $150 camera without insurance. The package is lost in transit, and the retailer refuses to refund because no insurance was purchased.

Tip: Always choose tracked shipping so you can keep an eye on your package and quickly fix any problems that come up. Insurance, which doesn’t cost much, saves you from damage or loss. For extra safety, check if your payment method offers additional protection for purchases.

Tips to Avoid These Mistakes

To shop internationally without any problems and save money, follow these useful tips:

• Search for Couriers: Check out shipping costs and arrival times on retailer websites or comparison tools. In some countries, certain carriers offer better deals.
• Find out about customs rules: To escape surprises, check the customs website for your country to learn about duties, taxes, and items that aren’t allowed.
• Make use of shipping calculators: It’s easy to get an idea of how much something will cost by using one of the many tools that stores and couriers offer. Before you check out, use them.
• Bundle Purchases: When you buy a bundle, combine items to save money on shipping costs. Package forwarding services can send more than one package at once.
• Check out sellers: Use reviews and scores to learn more about sellers. Don’t fall for deals that seem too good to be true, and make sure your payments are safe.
• Keep track of your package and consider getting insurance for valuable items if you opt for tracked shipping. Keep track of receipts and tracking numbers so you can easily find them.

Conclusion

You can buy things from all over the world when you shop internationally, but you need to prepare ahead to avoid making expensive mistakes. You can save money on overseas orders and have a smooth experience by avoiding mistakes like forgetting about shipping prices, customs fees or choosing merchants who aren’t verified. If you know about these common shipping issues and have these useful recommendations, you’ll be able to shop smarter and get the most out of global marketplaces.