If you’ve ever been browsing the web for that perfect gift idea or unique online purchase and found yourself unable to ‘add to cart’ or ‘check out’ because the US based store won’t ship to Australia… you’re now in luck!
With most sites now offering Australian shipping, it tends to be the more boutique stores and small online sellers (i.e, on Ebay, Etsy, etc) that are providing the problematic purchases of those desirables.
Australia Post have recently launched ShopMate, which is the convenient new service designed to enable Australian shoppers access to products from American retailers who do not ship to Australia.
Parcel Post general manager Kelly Heintz says ShopMate was created to meet the changing consumer needs when it comes to online shopping.
"We know that Australian shoppers want access to international brands and products that are not available locally, but importantly they also want an international delivery and payment service they can trust.
"With record numbers of Australians now shopping online, we're committed to providing consumers with trusted delivery services and secure online payment options for shipping, no matter where they purchase their items from,” Kelly says.
ShopMate allows Internet shopaholics the chance to purchase US products, that may be more unique or affordable than Australian products. When you sign up for a ShopMate account you are given a US address that your parcel/s will be shipped to and then they forward the parcel/s to your Australian address.
While the price probably could be a little lower, a quote on their shipping rates page puts the price of posting a pair of man’s sneakers at $60.65, the secure service will probably attract the interest of mindful Australian online shoppers.
Would you use the service?
