Why does shipping cost more than the item?

Because international freight is priced on space, not on what you paid. A US$12 lamp shade can cost US$40 to ship if its carton is 40×40×40 cm, because the volumetric weight is 12.8 kg while the actual weight is 600 g. Couriers charge the greater of actual and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5,000 for most air services). Bulky, light goods therefore pay for air. Dense, heavy goods usually pay close to their real weight. The fix is packing: removing retail boxes, nesting items and cutting cartons can halve the volumetric figure. We do that by default on consolidated shipments and tell you the before-and-after weight.

• Charged on the greater of actual or volumetric weight
• Divisor is usually 5,000 for air express
• Repacking often cuts the bill by 20–50% on bulky goods

Common questions

Why does shipping cost more than the item? Because international freight is priced on space, not on what you paid. A US$12 lamp shade can cost US$40 to ship if its carton is 40×40×40 cm, because the volumetric weight is 12.8 kg while the actual weight is 600 g. Couriers charge the greater of actual and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5,000 for most air services). Bulky, light goods therefore pay for air. Dense, heavy goods usually pay close to their real weight. The fix is packing: removing retail boxes, nesting items and cutting cartons can halve the volumetric figure. We do that by default on consolidated shipments and tell you the before-and-after weight.

Is this included in the service fee? Sourcing, negotiation and inspection are included in the banded service fee. Freight and destination taxes are quoted separately so each line is visible.

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