Some samples on how much it costs to send packages/parcels to Russia using USPS and Shipito (2010-2011)

Shipito allows you to shop online in the USA and then ship your parcels/packages to international addresses. Shipito has one of the best shipping rates (compare with their competitors).

In this article I will show you some real examples how much shipping to Russia costs. You can notice that USPS Express Mail is slightly more expensive than USPS Priority Mail, but the former allows to deliver your parcels/packages much faster (usually 2-3 weeks instead of 2-3 months), plus your packages will be delivered to your door.

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail to Russia in 2012-2013

See the following articles:

• How much it cost to ship a package to Russia from the USA via Shipito and Mainbox parcel forwarders (USPS vs. courier service) in 2014  
• Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2013 for sending packages from the United States to Russia  
• Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2012 for sending packages from USA to Russian Federation

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail to Russia in 2011

Updated on December 23, 2011: Added a USPS Express Mail package

• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  26.10 lbs (11.84 kg)
  36"x17"x17" (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $18.00 (9 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $151.53
  Discount: -$2.91
  Insurance: $7.01
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.38
  TOTAL: $182.13
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  35.70 lbs (16.19 kg)
  36"x17"x17" (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $14.00 (7 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $201.61
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $8.9
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $8.88
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.31
  TOTAL: $247.85
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  34.70 lbs (15.74 kg)
  36"x17"x17" (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $10.00 (5 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $179.4
  Discount: -$3.59
  Insurance: $10.28
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $8
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $14.14
  TOTAL: $222.59
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  30.30 lbs (13.74 kg)
  36"x17"x12" (92x44x31 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $26.00 (13 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $162.4
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $12.1
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $7.36
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.47
  TOTAL: $223.11
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  35.50 lbs (16.1 kg)
  36"x17"x17" (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $14.00 (7 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $201.61
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $17.73
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $9.26
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.21
  TOTAL: $257.06
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  23.50 lbs (10.66 kg)
  26"x20"x11" (67x51x28 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $6.00 (3 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $132.65
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $12.39
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $6.23
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.55
  TOTAL: $165.77
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  19.90 lbs (9.02 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $6.00 (3 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $115.65
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.56
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.56
  TOTAL: $149.41
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  21.70 lbs (9.84 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $22.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $124.15
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.93
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $17.7
  TOTAL: $174.28
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  24.10 lbs (10.93 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $136.9
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $6.48
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.25
  TOTAL: $177.58
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  12.30 lbs (5.58 kg)
  17"x13"x10" (44x34x26 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $8.00 (4 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $85.9
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $15.15
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $4.34
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $21.84
  TOTAL: $121.89
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  14.50 lbs (6.58 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Storage fee: $2.00
  Postage: $94.4
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $4.65
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $20.55
  TOTAL: $135.25
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  19.90 lbs (9.02 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $6.00 (3 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $115.65
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.56
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.56
  TOTAL: $149.41

Note that Shipping companies like to increase prices by few percent each year in January. FedEx, UPS, DHL and USPS increased prices in January 2011.

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail to Russia in 2010

• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)
  27"x17"x10" (69x44x26 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Postage: $70.75
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $2.15
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.13
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.61
  TOTAL: $84.53
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  19.50 lbs (8.84 kg)
  19"x16"x15" (49x41x39 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $16.00 (8 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $113.25
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.55
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.45
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $17.73
  TOTAL: $156.75
• USPS Express Mail Int'l
  14.90 lbs (6.76 kg)
  28"x20"x9" (72x51x23 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Postage: $92
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $0.75
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.99
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.57
  TOTAL: $105.24

Package sent by USPS Priority Mail to Russia in 2010

• USPS Priority Mail Int'l
  13.50 lbs (6.12 kg)
  26"x15"x10" (67x39x26 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $10.00 (5 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $73.75
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $18.4
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.96
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.73
  TOTAL: $114.61
• USPS Priority Mail Int'l
  12.30 lbs (5.58 kg)
  17"x13"x10" (44x34x26 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $8.00 (4 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $70
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $18.4
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.8
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.48
  TOTAL: $108.7

If you want to see more detailed examples about fees charged by Shipito (including Shipito mailout fee, Shipito repacking fee, Postage, Insurance, Shipito bank fee), please click onto the image below.



If you want to calculate USPS shipping costs only, you can use USPS Shipping Calculator for Russia





Hope this will help you to understand better whether shopping in the USA and delivering packages with Shipito is cheaper than buying in Russia or not. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.



Visit www.Shipito.com to learn more about the company. You can register for FREE (there are no monthly fees) and upgrade your account anytime.

www.shareasale.com review: Is ShareASale a scam? Why not to use ShareASale?

[caption id="attachment_343" align="alignleft" width="266" caption="ShareASale: Scam & Fraud?"][/caption]
I've been a successful affiliate for more than 10 years. I've been promoting hundreds of advertisers through Commission Junction (CJ), Connect Commerce (Google Commerce), BeFree, Linkshare and other networks. The only fraud with affiliate networks having 100+ advertisers I had was with ShareASale (www.shareasale.com). As soon as I requested payment, they suspended my account.

I've tried to contact the ShareAsale (www.shareasale.com) support several times to no avail. They explained me that my web-site was using language other than English. My web-site was using several languages indeed, but all pages using ShareASale links were in English. ShareASale support didn't care about this fact.

My main income wasn't coming from ShareASale anyway due to the low quality of advertisers of the network. ShareASale has been using a small threshold which was attracting small companies. The latter companies often disappear from the network and are hardly worth advertising. Besides I managed to persuade all advertisers that I really needed to switch to other affiliate networks (CJ mainly).

Commission Junction (CJ) likes international advertisers and affiliates. It doesn't like scams, fake leads, ... but I've never been involved in anything like that, so I guess they have been happy to send me payment since 2001!
[caption id="attachment_351" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Commission Junction: Check"][/caption]

If you still plan to join ShareASale (www.shareasale.com) as an affiliate, make sure to read other users reporting suspended accounts for no reason.

[caption id="attachment_346" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="ShareASale: Affiliate agreement"][/caption]And if you plan to join ShareASale as an advertiser, make sure to use other affiliate networks if you need affiliates promoting your offers in different languages. ShareASale still has a draconian policy about non-English content (See ShareASale affiliate agreement)

Why would you need affiliates having pages in non-English? For example, ShareASale has several Chinese shops that ship worldwide; they could have much better promotion by allowing content in all possible languages. Or another example, some software vendors selling software worldwide use ShareASale; why wouldn't they want to promote their software on web-sites using German, Japanese, French, Spanish and other languages? Or imagine that you have a Canadian web-site that has content in both English and French; you will be able to use ShareASale links on the English part only, not on the French one. Or may be your web-site is translated automatically, but again you can use ShareASale links on English pages only.

Other affiliate networks just allow offers when affiliates are paid for sending customers from select countries. And it is understandable especially when advertisers pay for leads. It prevents cheating indeed.

Hope you will have better luck with ShareASale, if you eventually decide to join it.

Shipping from Amazon.com outside the USA despite the "We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination." error

Amazon and shipping outside the USA

Amazon.com accepts international debit and credit cards, so there are no problems paying for your items. But when ordering from Amazon.com you may get the following error message:

We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination. You may either change the shipping address or delete the item from your order by changing its quantity to 0 and clicking the update button below. ( See geographical restrictions.)

 Amazon message: We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination

Similar error messages on Amazon:

"This item cannot be shipped to the address you selected"
"We are not able to ship this item to your default shipping address"
"Item cannot be shipped to the selected address"

It is easy to overcome this limitation and ship to your country. Just get a virtual address in the USA using a parcel forwarding (mail forwarding, package forwarding, freight forwarding) company like Shipito.

Shipito allows you to use virtual USA addresses. They have multiple locations in the USA. If you use their warehouse in Tualatin, Oregon, you will be able to consolidate your packages (if needed) and send them to your country by USPS Express Mail, USPS Priority Mail, Polonez Parcel, USPS Flat rate box and Flat rate envelope, FedEx, FedEx MPS, Fedex Freight, Shipito Air Mail, DHL. Plus this location will allow you to avoid sales tax competely, because Oregon is a no sales tax location.

I've received 30+ packages from Amazon.com using my Shipito virtual USA address. Here is one of them:

My package from Amazon in the Shipito warehouse (before package forwarding)

Amazon Shipping Restrictions

Amazon ships to the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Åland Islands, Angola, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua And Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and Mc Donald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa (Independent), San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (U.S.), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Amazon has the following Shipping restrictions:

Warranty issues and manufacturer restrictions prevent us from shipping certain products to all geographical locations. In addition, some items too big to ship to a P.O. box must be shipped to a street address. You'll be notified while placing your order if we're unable to ship specific items to the address you've selected. Below are some general guidelines for items shipped by Amazon.com to the following destinations:

• Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico


• APO, FPO, and DPO Addresses


• DOS Addresses


• U.S. Protectorates


• Prisons


• International Shipping Help

If you are purchasing an item from Amazon Marketplace, read about Marketplace shipping restrictions.


Books that require special handling because they are extremely heavy (for example, multi-volume sets) can be shipped only to locations within the U.S. Please also check the product detail pages for this and any other item-specific shipping restrictions.

---

Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico Addresses

Some items from our Tools & Hardware, Electronics, and Outdoor Living stores can't be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico if they are extremely heavy, oddly-shaped, or considered hazardous. Additionaly, some items from our Health and Personal Care store cannot be shipped to these destinations. Check the item's product detail page for eligibility and available shipping options. Only specific shipping options may be available for some addresses. Available shipping options will appear at checkout when you enter a shipping address.

APO, FPO, and DPO Addresses

Most items can be shipped to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses, except:

• cell phones and service


• computers


• furniture


• grocery items


• outdoor living items


• Target@Amazon.com items

Additionally, some apparel, baby, camera and photo, electronics, health and personal care, housewares, jewelry, software, sports, and tools and hardware items cannot be shipped to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses. An error message will appear at checkout if you enter an APO, FPO, or DPO address and the item isn't eligible to be shipped to that address. Check the item's product detail page for eligibility.

Learn more about shipping to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses at Amazon.

DOS Addresses

Many items can be shipped to DOS addresses, except:

• Food items (for humans and/or pets)


• Some liquids


• Heavy items


• Items that look like weapons

For a full list of shipping restrictions at a specific DOS address, please contact the DOS facilities staff at that location or review the DOS restrictions beginning on page 26 here: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/88704.pdf

U.S. Protectorates

Only the following items can be shipped to U.S. Protectorates:

• baby items


• books


• DVDs


• music


• software


• toys


• VHS videos


• video games

Learn more about shipping to U.S. Protectorates at Amazon.

Prisons

Amazon.com delivers to penitentiaries, but we strongly suggest you contact the prison first to confirm that they accept deliveries and to note any special regulations the prison might have. Some prisons don't allow delivery of hardcover books. Others place a limit on the number of items contained in a package.


We're unable to affix any special labels or instructions to the packages and on the outside will indicate only the destination address, our company name, and our return address. We also cannot allow gifts to be sent anonymously to inmates; the sender's billing address will appear on the order invoice.


Because inmates cannot sign for deliveries, packages must be sent via U.S. Mail. While Amazon.com often sends packages via U.S. Mail, we also use UPS and FedEx. There is no way for customers to request a specific shipper. To avoid delivery problems, you might consider having the items shipped to you and then shipping them to the penitentiary via U.S. Mail.

Share your experience on overcoming the "We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination." error

You got the following error

We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination. You may either change the shipping address or delete the item from your order by changing its quantity to 0 and clicking the update button below. ( See geographical restrictions.)

but have a better solution than mentioned here? Please share your experience by posting a comment.

Links

Visit the Shipito web-site

How to buy ebooks from Amazon Kindle Store outside the U.S.

Is it possible to buy ebooks from Amazon Kindle Store outside the U.S. ?

To buy ebooks from Kindle Store ebooks outside the U.S., you may register a new Amazon account using an address in the USA. You can use the address of your family member, friend. Or you can get a virtual address mailbox in the USA from a service like Shipito.

If you have problems paying for Kindle Store ebooks with your credit card, just buy an Amazon.com Gift Card (e-mail gift card or printable gift card) and you will be able to pay with it for your order.

Please note that Amazon.com Gift Cards may not be redeemed for the purchase of products at Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.co.jp, Amazon.ca, or any other website operated by Amazon.com. You can use them on Amazon.com or Endless.com only.

How to buy ebooks from Kindle Store outside the U.S.A.

How to buy ebooks from Kindle Store outside the U.S. using Kindle for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

1. Download the Kindle for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch application from the iTunes App Store. It's free.


2. Create a new account with Amazon.com. Use a US address as your delivery address. You can use a virtual USA address from companies like Shipito.


3. Sign in to the Kindle for iPad, iPhone, iPhone Touch app with your new account. Your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch should appear in the "Manage Your Kindle" app.


4. If you have a US debit or credit card, you can pay with it.
   
   

   If you don't have a US debit or credit card, just buy an Amazon.com Gift Card (e-mail gift card or printable gift card) from your non-US Amazon account.



5. Select a Kindle book. On the payment page, enter your Gift Card. Your payment will be processed and your ebook will be downloaded the next time you sync your Kindle for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch app. Your purchased book will appear in the "Archive" section on the Kindle for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch app.

   Note that Amazon can reject your transaction if you use a non-US IP address. You can get one by using a US proxy server, a US VPN.

How to buy ebooks from Kindle Store outside the U.S. using Kindle for PC

1. Download the Kindle for PC application from the Amazon, and install it onto your PC. It's free.


2. Create a new account with Amazon.com. Use a US address as your delivery address. You can use a virtual USA address from companies like Shipito.


3. Sign in to the Kindle for PC with your new account.


4. If you have a US debit or credit card, you can pay for books from US Kindle Store with it.

   If you don't have a US debit or credit card, just buy an Amazon.com Gift Card (e-mail gift card or printable gift card) from your non-US Amazon account.



5. Select a Kindle book. On the payment page, enter your Gift Card. Your payment will be processed and your ebook will be downloaded the next time you sync your Kindle for PC. Your purchased book will appear in the "Archive" section on the Kindle for PC.

   Note that Amazon can reject your transaction if you use a non-US IP address. You can get one by using a US proxy server, a US VPN or Tor (note that using Tor is risky).

Using assisted purchases for buying Amazon Kindle Store ebooks from outside the U.S.

"Assisted purchases" are offered by many parcel/package forwarding services. One of them is Shipito. It allows you to get a virtual address in the U.S. for free. Shipito charges 10% for making purchases in online stores.

Buying free ebooks from Amazon that are not free outside the U.S.

Some books from Amazon are free for US customers only. If you pretend to be a customer from the USA, you can get these books for free. You don't need a US debit or credit card for that. You only need a USA street address and a U.S. IP address.

Free ways to get a U.S. IP address

Amazon uses HTTPS protocol, so you won't be able to use many free proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs). But you can use freeware (adware) software for Windows called Hotspot Shield. It shows ads, but is is a free VPN software supporting HTTPS protocol.

Another free way to get a U.S. IP address is by using free Tor. Tor is a system intended to enable online anonymity, composed of client software and a network of servers which can hide information about users' locations and other factors which might identify them. This method is more difficult to set up, because you need to set it up with US "exit nodes" only. Besides someone else from the Tor network can potentially do something unlawful using you as an exit node, so Tor is pretty risky.

Share you experience about buying ebooks from Amazon Kindle Store outside the U.S.

What device do you use to buy ebooks from Amazon Kindle Store? How do you pay for your ebooks? How do you get a U.S. IP address?

How to ship oversized packages/parcels from the USA to Poland, SlovakRepublic, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova,Belarus

To ship oversized packages/parcels from the USA to Eastern Europe you can use middlemen. For example, Shipito allows to ship oversized packages/parcels to Poland, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Belarus.

Oversized items shipping by Shipito.com

Some packages cannot be sent using USPS (United States Postal Service). USPS is usually the least expensive option for sending packages overseas but there are size and weight limitations for packages.  To check mailing conditions and allowed size of packages please check the USPS website.



If your package is over the USPS limit we can send it to you by FedEx. We have a big discount on FedEx pricing and we will pass that discount to you.


If you don't see a shipping method in the calculator then we do not officially support it. We can try to accommodate you but there is no guarantee we will be able to ship the oversize package. Please take it in to consideration before using Shipito service.

Container shipping to Eastern Europe by Polonez Parcel (ocean freight)

Packages are sent by ocean freight in a shipping container.


Shipito fees


Shipito basic fee for smaller packages up to 30 lbs is only $8.50, packages over 30 lbs and under 70 pounds require $17 in handling fees. Packages over 70 pounds have require a $30 overweight charge (same overweight charge applies as Polonez Parcel fee).



For packages with larger dimensions please use following formula: (height x length x width) : 140 = weight in lbs.



Oversized packages are charged based on cubic meters. Minimum price for 1 cubic meter is $200.


Shipito will provide you with a quote once we know the dimensions, exact weight and declared value.

For countries in which container transportation is not available we will ship by FedEx.



Polonez parcel service

Areas	Price/lb.	Service/parcel	Insurance/$100	Delivery time	Minimum Weight	Maximum Weight
Poland	$1.20	$10 per parcel +$30 for 71-90lbs +$60 for 91-120lbs +$100 for 121-200lbs	$1.00	6-10 weeks	20 lbs	no max
Slovak Republic	$1.45	$10 per parcel +$30 for 71-90lbs +$60 for 91-120lbs +$100 for 121-200lbs	$5.00	10-13 weeks	20 lbs	no max
Czech Republic	$1.45	$10 per parcel +$30 for 71-90lbs +$60 for 91-120lbs +$100 for 121-200lbs	$5.00	10-13 weeks	20 lbs	no max
Ukraine	$1.29	$10.00	$5.00	13-15 weeks	20 lbs	66 lbs
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia	$1.49	$20 per parcel +$30 for 71-90lbs +$60 for 91-120lbs +1$00 for 121-200lbs	$5.00	13-15 weeks	20 lbs	66 lbs
Moldova	$1.49	$20.00	$5.00	13-15 weeks	20 lbs	66 lbs
Belarus	$1.49	$20.00	postal service	approx. 13-15 weeks	20 lbs	66 lbs

*Polonez Parcel quotes are live only for Czech Republic and Ukraine in the shipping calculator. We have to do a manual quote based on the numbers above if you want to ship to other country. That can be done through special request you place on your account. Or you can calculate it yourself from the table above.

To find out how much it will cost you to ship a package/parcel with Shipito, just use Shipito shipping calculator

Do you know better ways to ship oversized packages/parcels from the USA to Eastern Europe?

Problem with Amazon: Important Message: Item cannot be shipped to the selected address. How to ship outside the US?

Part 1: Amazon Shipping Restrictions
Part 2: Overcoming Amazon Shipping Restrictions and shipping outside the US

Amazon Shipping Restrictions

Amazon has the following Shipping restrictions:

Warranty issues and manufacturer restrictions prevent us from shipping certain products to all geographical locations. In addition, some items too big to ship to a P.O. box must be shipped to a street address. You'll be notified while placing your order if we're unable to ship specific items to the address you've selected. Below are some general guidelines for items shipped by Amazon.com to the following destinations:

• Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico


• APO, FPO, and DPO Addresses


• DOS Addresses


• U.S. Protectorates


• Prisons


• International Shipping Help

If you are purchasing an item from Amazon Marketplace, read about Marketplace shipping restrictions.

Books that require special handling because they are extremely heavy (for example, multi-volume sets) can be shipped only to locations within the U.S. Please also check the product detail pages for this and any other item-specific shipping restrictions.

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Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico Addresses

Some items from our Tools & Hardware, Electronics, and Outdoor Living stores can't be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico if they are extremely heavy, oddly-shaped, or considered hazardous. Additionaly, some items from our Health and Personal Care store cannot be shipped to these destinations. Check the item's product detail page for eligibility and available shipping options. Only specific shipping options may be available for some addresses. Available shipping options will appear at checkout when you enter a shipping address.

APO, FPO, and DPO Addresses

Most items can be shipped to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses, except:

• cell phones and service


• computers


• furniture


• grocery items


• outdoor living items


• Target@Amazon.com items

Additionally, some apparel, baby, camera and photo, electronics, health and personal care, housewares, jewelry, software, sports, and tools and hardware items cannot be shipped to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses. An error message will appear at checkout if you enter an APO, FPO, or DPO address and the item isn't eligible to be shipped to that address. Check the item's product detail page for eligibility.

Learn more about shipping to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses.

DOS Addresses

Many items can be shipped to DOS addresses, except:

• Food items (for humans and/or pets)


• Some liquids


• Heavy items


• Items that look like weapons

For a full list of shipping restrictions at a specific DOS address, please contact the DOS facilities staff at that location or review the DOS restrictions beginning on page 26 here: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/88704.pdf

U.S. Protectorates

Only the following items can be shipped to U.S. Protectorates:

• baby items


• books


• DVDs


• music


• software


• toys


• VHS videos


• video games

Learn more about shipping to U.S. Protectorates.

Prisons

Amazon.com delivers to penitentiaries, but we strongly suggest you contact the prison first to confirm that they accept deliveries and to note any special regulations the prison might have. Some prisons don't allow delivery of hardcover books. Others place a limit on the number of items contained in a package.

We're unable to affix any special labels or instructions to the packages and on the outside will indicate only the destination address, our company name, and our return address. We also cannot allow gifts to be sent anonymously to inmates; the sender's billing address will appear on the order invoice.

Because inmates cannot sign for deliveries, packages must be sent via U.S. Mail. While Amazon.com often sends packages via U.S. Mail, we also use UPS and FedEx. There is no way for customers to request a specific shipper. To avoid delivery problems, you might consider having the items shipped to you and then shipping them to the penitentiary via U.S. Mail.

Overcoming Amazon Shipping Restrictions and shipping outside the US

Amazon.com accepts international debit and credit cards, so there are no problems paying for your items. But when ordering from Amazon.com you may get the following error message:

Important Message: Item cannot be shipped to the selected address

[caption id="attachment_279" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Amazon.com: Item cannot be shipped to the selected address"][/caption]

 

It is easy to overcome this limitation and ship to your country. Just get a virtual address in the USA using a company like Shipito. Shipito allows you to use virtual USA addresses. They have multiple locations in the USA. If you use their warehouse in Torrance, California, you will be able to consolidate your packages (if needed) and send them to your country by USPS Express Mail, USPS Priority Mail, Polonez Parcel, USPS Flat rate box and Flat rate envelope, FedEx, FedEx MPS, Fedex Freight, Shipito Air Mail, DHL.

I've received 10+ packages from Amazon.com using my Shipito virtual USA address. Here is one of them:

[caption id="attachment_284" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="My package from Amazon on a Shipito warehouse (before package forwarding)"][/caption]

Visit Shipito web-site

How to shop on Zulily.com from outside the USA (international shipping from Zulily)

Zulily is one of the best US private shopping clubs for moms and kids. It ships to USA and Canada only, but international shipping is also possible.

Zulily.com states the following:

Can zulily ship internationally?
Zulily can ship packages to street address in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, plus all US territories and APO/FPO/DPO addresses. Note that packages containing liquids cannot be shipped outside of the contiguous United States. If you're shipping to an APO/FPO address, you may need to call their service team to complete your order. If you're shipping to a PO Box, Zulily may contact you for more information.

Besides USA, Zulily ships to Canada. They use their global partner FiftyOne for payment and shipment of Canadian orders.

You need a US debit card or credit card to make a purchase on Zulily, a US Paypal account or a Gift Card. You can also use Zulily store credits.

Zulily.com payment methods

But you can still shop on Zulily from outside the United States even if you want your purchases to be shipped outside the USA. You need to get a virtual address in the USA from a company like Shipito.

You may pay for your Zulily order using an international debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard). If your card is not accepted online, just call their toll-free number (You can call toll-free numbers for free using free Skype). This worked fine for me.

If your English is not good enough for making a phone call, you may use the "Assisted purchases" service from companies like Shipito. You may use the assisted purchase to buy the items that you want. Or you may use it to buy a Zulily gift card, and then pay for your order with the gift card.

Here is my package from Zulily (ordered by the phone using an international debit card):

Package from Zulily.com on Shipito

I use Shipito to consolidate my packages from online stores and private shopping clubs, and then send them overseas.


Update (September 2012)
Zulily offers international shipping and accepts international credit/debit card. It uses its partnet Borderfree (FiftyOne) for accepting international payment methods and shipping worldwide.

Zulily ships to Russia via DHL Express courier service. Personally I don't like this shipping method at all. And it is very expensive. So I still prefer to consolidate my packages via Shipito parcel forwarding company and then send a 8-15 kg package to Russia via USPS Express Mail.

www.shipito.com complaints: Reports that Shipito is a scam, fraud

Are there any complaints about www.shipito.com? Is Shipito a scam or fraud?

What is Shipito?

www.shipito.com allows you to shop in the USA. and have packages forwarded to you by USPS, Fedex, Shipito Air Mail,...

Company information:
Shipito
2972 Columbia St., Torrance, CA 90503, USA
Torrance, California, United States of America

Shipito services:

• VIRTUAL MAILBOX - unlimited size. Consolidation and free storage up to 45 days.


• MAGAZINES and LETTERS are mailed out for just $1. Postage for a magazine is $2.65 anywhere in the world.


• INDIVIDUAL PACKAGES with no monthly or set up fee. $8.50 per package + postage


• ONLINE ACCOUNT. Details about each package including its tracking number. Select the best shipping method. Email notifications.


• PACKAGE CHECK - they can check content of your package, making sure everything is in good shape and nothing is missing.


• RETURNS and REFUNDS - Help with returns and refunds for products.


• ASSISTED PURCHASES in stores which require complicated verifications or accept only US credit cards.


• Assisted purchases in OFFLINE STORES.

Is Shipito a scam or fraud?

Shipito is one of the largest freight forwarders. It has tens of thousands of customers from all over the world. Shipito Facebook page has more than 5'000 likes:



Several friends of mine suggested me this service. Last year I decided to try it myself. I joined it on November 2010. Shipito has consolidated 100+ my packages saving me several thousands of dollars on shipping.

[caption id="attachment_1716" align="alignnone" width="302" caption="Shipito package consolidation savings"][/caption]

I have sent 20+ packages from Shipito using USPS. I received all of them. No items lost or damaged. I'm happy with the service.

What are the main complaints about Shipito?

• You need to provide them some documents like scans of your IDs and utility bill. If you don't provide them, you won't be able to spend much on the service.


• If you pay for their service by a debit/credit card or paypal, they charge you additional 4.13%. You can also make a wire transfer and they will charge you a fixed amount of $16.


• Hidden fees. You can find all the fees their charged me here and here.

Can you recommend www.shipito.com?

Absolutely

If you think that Shipito is a scam, fraud, or want to report unauthorized debit/credit card charges, rip off, poor service, please leave your comment.

Ideel (former Ideeli) and international shipping: How to shop on Ideel.com from outside the USA

What is Ideel

Ideel is an american private shopping club (fashion sale site, private sale club, flash sale site, sample sale site). It offers designer clothing for men, women, kids at discounted prices. Private shopping clubs organize sales events for its members that typically last 1 to 6 days. Members can buy fashion clothing as well as other stuff at a 30-90% discount. Ideel (former Ideeli) is owned by Groupon.

Billing and international shipping restrictions on Ideel

Ideel.com states the following:

You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction (which is generally 18 years old, but does vary state to state). You cannot have more than one membership.

You need a US debit card or credit card to make a purchase on Ideel. You may also pay for your order via Paypal. No other payment methods accepted:

Screenshot: Ideel.com: Payment method

And Ideel can ship to the USA addresses only.

Overcoming billing and international shipping restrictions on Ideel

You can shop on Ideel.com from outside the USA even, if you want your purchases to be shipped outside the USA. You need to get a virtual address in the USA using a service like Shipito.

Here is a package from Ideel.com delivered to my virtual USA address:

Screenshot: Package from Ideel.com in the Shipito warehouse before package consolidation and international shipping

How to make purchases in US online shops if they allow customers from the USA only

Many goods, products and services are much less expensive in the USA, so it is a good idea to make purchases in the US online shops. The problems is that many online shops in the US do not ship to international addresses. Most US online sellers ship to the USA only and may be to Canada.

But you can shop on sites like Amazon, NewEgg, Buy.com, Overstock, Endless,... using services like Shipito that offer package forwarding, virtual mailboxes and even assisted purchases (you can make purchases in the US online shops and online auctions like eBay, even if you don't have a credit card, or when a US seller accepts US credit cards only).

Shipito services:

• VIRTUAL MAILBOX - unlimited size. Consolidation and free storage up to 45 days.


• MAGAZINES and LETTERS are mailed out for just $1. Postage for a magazine is $2.65 anywhere in the world.


• INDIVIDUAL PACKAGES with no monthly or set up fee. $8.50 per package + postage


• Online account. Details about each package including its tracking number. Select the best shipping method. Email notifications.


• PACKAGE CHECK - they can check content of your package, making sure everything is in good shape and nothing is missing.


• RETURNS and REFUNDS - Help with returns and refunds for products.


• ASSISTED PURCHASES in stores which require complicated verifications or accept only US credit cards.


• Assisted purchases in OFFLINE STORES.

p.s.
I've received 20+ packages to my virtual address that I got from Shipito, consolidated them and sent 6 packages overseas. Paid $50 for my first year and saved $623 by consolidating packages already:

[caption id="attachment_227" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Screenshot: Main interface of Shipito: Saved $623 by consolidating packages"][/caption]