How is international shipping cost calculated?

Freight is charged on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, rounded up to the next half kilo. Volumetric weight is length × width × height in centimetres divided by 5,000 for most air express services, or 6,000 for some economy routes. That is why a light but bulky item — a duvet, a lamp shade, a large plush toy — can cost more than a dense one twice its weight. Consolidating several parcels often helps here: we can remove outer boxes and repack tightly, which reduces the volumetric figure. On top of freight there is our service fee (banded, from US$7), the payment fee, and any destination tax. We show each line separately in the quote so you can see what is weight and what is not.

• Charged on the greater of actual or volumetric weight
• Volumetric divisor is usually 5,000
• Repacking can cut the bill on bulky goods

Common questions

How is international shipping cost calculated? Freight is charged on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, rounded up to the next half kilo. Volumetric weight is length × width × height in centimetres divided by 5,000 for most air express services, or 6,000 for some economy routes. That is why a light but bulky item — a duvet, a lamp shade, a large plush toy — can cost more than a dense one twice its weight. Consolidating several parcels often helps here: we can remove outer boxes and repack tightly, which reduces the volumetric figure. On top of freight there is our service fee (banded, from US$7), the payment fee, and any destination tax. We show each line separately in the quote so you can see what is weight and what is not.

Is this included in the service fee? Sourcing, negotiation and the inspection are included in the banded service fee. Freight and destination taxes are quoted separately, so you always see what each part costs.

How do I start? Send the product link on WhatsApp or through the quote form. You get a written, itemised price within two working hours.