In the United States, there is no uniform GST or VAT, and amount of tax a buyer will pay depends on the individual state. In case of online shopping, the amount of tax depends on the state where the goods are shipped to and adds 7-10% (and up to 15% for goods that are considered luxury).
Now good news:
So you can ship clothes, shoes and most orders directly to Pennsylvania and electronics, cosmetics, home goods, etc. to Delaware and pay no US sales tax whatsoever!
You can always email us on help@shopfans.com if you have any questions or concerns and we will reply within 1 business day (please keep in mind the time difference)
A Suite number is a unique number for your account that helps the warehouse staff correctly identify your purchases. This number must be included in your U.S. address.
We can store your UNconsolidated purchases at our warehouse for 75 days and consolidated shipments for 14 days.
We ship via USPS, DHL and we also offer our own shipping method with the best affordability-speed combination.
You can read more about our shipping options here.
We also have a Shipping calculator that you can use to determine which method works best for you!If the store's system automatically tries to change your address or deletes the second address line, try to write in the full address on one line.
If the store's system automatically tries to change the street address from "Crossing" to "Xing" or the zip code from "19032" to "190322011" (or "19032-2011"), no need to worry. The purchase will be delivered to our warehouse without a problem. The most important thing is to make sure that your suite number is included!
If you are sending the purchase to our warehouse in Delaware and the store's system changes Circle to CIR, accept it. If the store's system tries to change "19804" to "19804-1618", you can accept the changes - this will not affect the delivery of your purchase.
Imagine you're browsing online and stumble on a really great dress, or the latest cool gadget. You pick it out, get out your credit card, and click "buy." And that's when you realize that the store is in the U.S. and doesn't accept cards from Australia. You want to apply for an international card, but you need a U.S. address.
Shopfans offers you not just one, but two different addresses in the United States. These are secure warehouses that you can send your orders to - one in Pennsylvania and one in Delaware. Why two?
When you buy from a U.S. store you are paying for the goods, sales tax (in some states), and for international delivery which can be very costly if you add it up.
Shopfans offers you the chance to order from many different stores and consolidate them all into one package to significantly cut those delivery costs. It is much cheaper to send one large, heavy package, than many small, light ones.
In Pennsylvania, there is NO sales tax on clothing and shoes
In Delaware, there is NO sales tax on accessories, toys, books, or electronics.Any flammable liquids or powders
Antiques
Aerosols
Air Bags
Alcoholic Beverages
Ammunition
Cigarettes or other tobacco products
Dry Ice
Explosives, including fireworks
Gasoline
Glues, paints
Lithium batteries
Matches
Money, currency notes, coins, credit and debit cards, securities of any kind
Nail Polish
Perfumes (containing alcohol)
Perishable items
Poison
Prescription drugs
Precious stones in any form and condition, natural diamonds, with the exception of jewelry
Radioactive materials
Seeds and parts of plants
Thermometers containing mercury
Tax-free threshold for Australia is AUD1000 for packages not containing alcohol or tobacco.
Here is a list of prices for individual services:
We do not expect you to pay up to the moment when you press "Ship" (or "Pack and Ship"). In other words, we are ready to receive your orders from online stores and consolidate your purchases even if you have a $0 balance.
We accept Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards and PayPal.
There is a different processing fee for each method:
There is no sign-up or subscription fee, and no minimum balance requirements. You also don't need to wait for approval or provide any documents or credit card details. You can start shopping right after registration!
If you send more than 240 lbs (~109 kg) per calendar month, we will credit 3% of postal charges back to your account.
If you spend more than $270 per calendar month on warehouse services (i.e. excluding postage), we will also credit back 70-120% of the overage depending on the average parcel weight.
Please email help@shopfans.com for more information.
It is important to register an incoming purchase because it allows us to identify the package quickly when it arrives at our warehouse (some stores may cut off the Suite number on the address label). It only takes a minute to register an incoming package and you can find all the information in a shipping confirmation sent by the store.
In rare cases stores do not send the Shipping confirmation. Don't worry, your package won't be lost, but it may take a bit longer for it to appear in your Account. Just fill out as many fields as you can.
You need to fill out a simple form. You can read more about Adding Purchases on our Shopfans Guide.
Stores can send one order in multiple packages, either because some items are not available (backordered) or because they are located at different warehouses.
We recommend registering each shipment in the Shopfans system. In order to do so, put the same order number and different tracking numbers (you can find them in the shipping confirmations).
It may take up to 24 hours for your order to be processed after it has been physically delivered to the warehouse (usually it is much faster).
Please make sure that the order was delivered to the right address:
*Please remember that the warehouse is closed on weekends, so if an attempt was made to deliver your order on Sunday, the post office will try again on Monday morning.
You will receive an email notification with the store name, order number, tracking number and weight, and the status of your order will change to "Arrived".
When you shop in more than one store, or the store ships your order in multiple packages (many stores including Amazon, Gap, J.Crew, etc. do that really often), i.e. you have more than one package going to the same delivery address, you can save money by consolidating / combining your packages.
It is always cheaper to send one big package than a few smaller ones.
For example, three 4 lbs (approx. 1.8 kg) packages can be shipped to Australia for 3 x $69.60 = $209.90 using USPS Priority mail. At the same time you can combine your purchases in one box and send one 12 lbs package - it will cost only $114, so you save $95.90!
In reality you will save even more, because we will remove excess packaging, thus reducing the weight (don't worry about fragile items - we always use plenty of bubble wrapping!)
The idea is to combine smaller packages and place them into one (larger) box. We get rid of the excess packaging materials so you do not pay to ship cardboard. In addition, we add extra bubble wrapping to protect delicate items.
Here are the steps we take:
Once again we would like to draw your attention to the fact that by default we remove outside (postal) boxes. Without additional request we will only keep boxes for Kindles, laptops, dishes, chandeliers, and some large toys which are shipped in the original boxes.
If you have an oversized package which does not exceed the postal size limits, but for which we do not have a box big enough, we will send it the original box, after wrapping it with paper and reinforcing it with tape. If you ordered the consolidation of an oversized box with a small package, we will try to fit the small package into the larger box.
Any doubts, questions, suggestions? Email us at help@shopfans.com. We will reply within 1 business day (please keep in mind the time difference).
Create a consolidation request in your account in the Consolidation tab - it's easy. You decide which packages you want to be included in the consolidated shipment, choose the address, and delivery method - your good will be en route to you really soon.
Choose "Pack" if you want your Shipment to be packed so you can see the final weight in your account and decide on the shipping method (the Shipment will have status 'Packed').
Choose "Pack and Ship" to get your Shipment packed and ready to go. In other words, instead of returning to the warehouse, your Shipment will receive the 'Ready for shipping' status and will be sent out in the next batch, saving you up to 24 hours.
However, with "Pack and Ship" option you cannot change the delivery address, shipping method, and you also need to have sufficient funds on your balance for the Shipment to be sent out straight away. If your account balance is too low, your Shipment will be returned to the warehouse with the status "Payment Required".
You will receive a tracking number in about 24 hours after your Shipment received a "Shipped" status in your email. You can also always track the Shipment in your account.
Size and weight limits depend on the shipping method you choose. You can read more about shipping methods on our Tour.
USPS Priority Mail
Weight limit: 66 lbs
Maximum length: 42 inches
Maximum length and girth combined: 97 inches
USPS Priority Mail Express
Weight Limit: 66 lbs.
Maximum length: 36 inches
The declaration lists of all the items in a package along with their value. International shipments always require a customs declaration - it is a rule. The Shopfans system is designed to help you with completing your declaration as much as possible.
You do NOT need to send us a scanned copy of your ID or any invoices. Read more about filling out the customs declaration.
You can always email us at help@shopfans.com if you have any questions or concerns and we will reply within 1 business day (please keep in mind the time difference).
We use only new sturdy boxes, reinforced tape and protective film for all packages. All packaging materials are free for customers.
Learn about some of our other packing options in the "Prices and Payment options" section:
We take the utmost care when handling and packing our customers' goods. We always add additional packaging such as bubble wrap for delicate items. However if you have any specific requests, please email us at help@shopfans.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
IMPORTANT! Do not create a consolidation request until you receive a confirmation from one of our staff members.
There could be a number of things that are preventing your package from shipping. You can check the following to find out what is causing the delay:
Please email us at help@shopfans.com in case you have a question that is not covered here (don't forget to put your suite number).
During its time at our warehouse,
your shipment box can have the following statuses:
"New Box"
status means that you have added orders to your new shipment and saved them in
your account. At this time you can add/remove purchases, change the shipment
method and address, and add packing options.
"Created"
status means that you have created a new shipment and the warehouse has received
your instructions. At this stage you are still able to make adjustments.
"Consolidating"
warehouse has begun consolidating your orders. Your purchases will be
collected, packed, and then registered as one large shipment. During this
stage, you can NOT make any changes or cancel your shipment. You can, however,
purchase insurance.
"On Hold"
status indicates that there may be a problem with your shipment. We will send
you a message if you have prohibited goods, some of the items arrived
broken/spilled, or you need to change the service due to size/weight limits.
"Packed"
(shipment address and weight) is correct. You can also see if some of your
orders did not fit due to limits. We are waiting for you to click "Ship".
"Payment Required"
but do not have enough funds in your account, you will see this status. Just
add the needed amount to your account and press "Ship".
"Processed"
the next batch and we are preparing the needed documents.
"Shipped"
office and is on its way to you! Congratulations! You will receive a tracking number within 24 hours.
So team up with your friends and family and save!
(Tip: you can transfer packages from one Suite to another at no cost at all! Cooperation has never been easier.)
Many stores pick your IP-address and show you prices in AUD 'for your convenience', but in reality prices for Australians are 1.5 - 2 times higher. Once you choose US as your destination country, prices go down like a charm.
Moreover, many sales and promo codes are invisible unless you switch to the US version and actually ship to a US address.
We ship via USPS, DHL and we also offer our own shipping method with the best affordability-speed combination.
You can read more about our shipping options here and use our Shipping calculator to figure out which method works best for you!
Shopfans Australia Mail: You can track your package in your Shopfans account (en route from the warehouse to Australia) and when it arrives in Australia on auspost.com.au as well as in your account.
DHL: You can track your package on www.dhl.com.au
USPS: You can track EMS - Express and Priority shipments on www.usps.com*auspost.com.au does not always show correct and up-to-date information.
You can definitely still track your package on www.usps.com
Yes, we can send packages to literally anywhere in the world. Please refer to the shipping calculator.
Any flammable liquids or powders
Antiques
Aerosols
Air Bags
Alcoholic Beverages
Ammunition
Cigarettes or other tobacco products
Dry Ice
Explosives, including fireworks
Gasoline
Glues, paints
Lithium batteries
Matches
Money, currency notes, coins, securities of any kind
Nail Polish
Perfumes (containing alcohol)
Perishable items
Poison
Prescription drugs
Precious stones in any form and condition, natural diamonds, with the exception of jewelry
Radioactive materials
Seeds and parts of plants
Thermometers containing mercury
Tax-free threshold for Australia is AUD1000 for packages not containing alcohol or tobacco.
Customs Limits for some other countries:
You will have to pay GST and other duties and fees for the whole amount, not only for the excess. Alternatively, if you do nothing after you receive the First Notice from Customs, in 30-45 days your package will be returned to sender (Shopfans) and you can arrange it to be repacked and rearranged (make 2 boxes instead of one). It will cost you an additional $5-60 and you will have to pay for postage again.
We strongly recommend to keep your package value under AUD1000 unless it is an indivisible item.
More information can be found on the Australians Customs website http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5653.aspThe U.S. Departent of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administer export control regulations that affect some aspects of our business. We request that you (the "Customer") read and familiarize yourself with the following regarding certain applicable export regulations.
The sale, transfer, transportation, or shipment outside of the U.S. of any product prohibited or restricted for export without complying with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including proper export licensing, documentation or authorization, is strictly prohibited and may result in fines, penalties, and imprisonment.
Fashion Cute has implemented an Export Management and Compliance Program, which safeguards all export controlled technical data, product, software or technology from illegal export as per the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) regulations. Fashion Cute will not engage in any transaction that requires the illegal export of any products and will not assist directly or indirectly with the illegal export or re-export of any products. Furthermore, Fashion Cute will not export shipments that require a formal government authorization (i.e. export license, agreement, license exemption, or license exception) or require an Automated Export System (AES) Export Electronic Information (EEI). Below are some items that generally required a formal U.S. government authorization:Items listed below may require an export license, including, but not limited to, the following:
Generation 2, 3, or 4 Night Vision Equipment and Night Vision Accessories
Thermal Imaging Equipment and Heat Seekers
Optical Sighting Equipment and Tactical Lights (both Hand-Held and Weapon-Mountable), Accessories, and Mounting Hardware
Tactical Gear and Weapon Accessories
Knives
Military Apparel including Body Armor, Helmets and Helmet Accessories, and Shields (all Levels/Types)
Some Laboratory Equipment (e.g. spectrometers, certain rubber gloves, crucibles, etc.)
Some Electronic Equipment (High powered computers, integrated circuits used in many communication systems, gyros, accelerometers, etc.)
Telecommunications products with high levels of encryption (e.g. network switches, LAN or WAN servers, cellular base stations, etc.). Off the shelf cell phones are generally okay.
Manufacturing Equipment (e.g. certain pipes, valves, pumps, generators generally used in the production or development of chemicals, gas & oil, energy, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries).
Jet engine or aircraft navigation equipment (civilian and military).
Guns (all types) and accessories (e.g. scopes, stands, handles, ammunition, cases, silencers, etc.)
Vehicles
Important Export Restrictions Warning!
Export of items requiring a valid export license, agreement, license exception or license exemption executed by Fashion Cute, LLC. is strictly prohibited. These shipments will require special services that Fashion cute does not offer. More information may be found in International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 C.F.R. 120-130) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 C.F.R. 730-774). See website information below.
Fashion Cute does not provide services for shipments that require a U.S. AES EEI submission.
Generally shipments that require an AES EEI Submission are:
U.S. law prohibits the sale, transfer, or export of items to certain restricted parties, end-uses, and embargoed countries, as identified on lists maintained by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Treasury. It is the responsibility of the Customer to be aware of these lists, which can be found at the following U.S. Government websites. By proceeding with any transaction, the Customer certifies that the Customer will not engage in any unauthorized transaction involving the export of Fashion Cute, LLC products to any restricted parties or destinations.
Restricted Parties
Fashion Cute will not execute shipments for individuals, companies or any other entity that are subject to restriction or denial of export privileges by any agency of the United States government, including without limitation by reason of being named on the Department of Commerce's Denied Parties List or Entity List; the Department of State's Debarred List; or the Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals List. A consolidated list is provided at http://export.gov/ecr/eg_main_023148.asp.
Prohibited End-uses
Fashion Cute will not execute shipments that contain hardware, software or technology that will be used for the development, production, stockpiling or use of weapons of mass destruction.
Sanctioned/Embargoed Destinations
Fashion Cute will not export items to U.S. embargoed or sanctioned countries. For a complete list of countries please refer to the EAR, ITAR and OFAC regulations. Most of the U.S. prohibited destinations are listed on the OFAC website (refer to link below).
For further information regarding the applicable laws, regulations, and policies contact:
U.S. Department of Commerce
Bureau of Industry and Security
Tel.: (202) 482-4811
Website: http://www.bis.doc.gov
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Directorate of Defense Trade Control
Tel.: (202) 663-1282
Website: http://www.pmddtc.state.gov
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Office of Foreign Assets Controls
Tel.: (202) 622-2480
Website: http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofacIMPORTANT! The sum of all items in the Declaration form should not exceed $2500 (this is a maximum amount of one consolidated box to be shipped out of the United States).
This is our recommendation for filing out a Declaration form:
For Example: you have one yellow umbrella ($10) from store A, one green umbrella ($15) from store B, and one grey umbrella ($20) from store C.
So it would look like this on the Declarations form –
Item: Umbrella, Quantity: 3, Price: $45
If you have 10 identical t-shirts, don't fill in as "T-shirt – Quantity: 10", it's is better to split it into 2 or 3 sections - "T-shirt – Quantity: 5" and "Top – Quantity: 5"
Shopfans does not accept COD (cash on delivery) deliveries, they will be rejected and returned to sender.
All
international orders over $50 (from Europe, for example) may be subject
to custom duties. We do not offer broker services for such shipments.
View detailed instructions here: https://shopfans.com.au/guide/shopfans/writing_customs.html
You can order photos of your purchases in your account - to the right of each order there is an icon button with a photo strip.
Photos will be uploaded within 24 hours of the request (excluding weekends).
*We cannot check or verify contents of your orders.
To request this service, please email us at help@shopfans.com with the subject "Divide incoming purchase" and the purchase number.
Dividing small packages that weight LESS than 20 lbs:
Electronics and clothing (2-10 items) - $8 for every new part
Clothing (more than 10 items) - $8 for every new part (division of items is done randomly)
*So dividing one package into two new purchases is $8, one into three is $16, one into four is $24…
Dividing purchases that weigh over 20 lbs:
** We reserve the right to make price corrections depending on the difficulty of the division
*** Please keep in mind that we do not divide products that require special toolsThis service is mainly for clients whose shipment returned to the
warehouse because of a "customs notification" that was refused due to
customs regarding it as a commercial shipment.
The price is determined by the weight of the returned shipment:
*Please keep in mind that division of boxes that weigh more than 10 lbs is done randomly (not by item description)
*Returns are available only for UNconsolidated purchases.
To request this service, please email us at help@shopfans.com with the subject "Return/Partial Return" and the purchase number (or tracking number).
Please check the store policy on returns.
If the store offers a prepaid shipping label, - $8
A prepaid shipping label can be found in the original order, in your store account, or must be requested from the seller. Please attach the label as a .jpg, .doc, or .pdf in your email
If we need to create a shipping label - $10 + UPS Ground shipping (starting from $15 and depending on weight and destination)
2. Please send us the store's return address.
** If you are receiving a shipping label from Amazon, please choose "UPS Dropoff", NOT "UPS pickup"
For partial returns (this also applies if you need to combine 2 or more purchases into 1) there is an additional fee based on the weight of the purchase:
So, if you need to return 2 items from a purchase that weighs 10 pounds, the return price will be $10+$3+UPS Ground shipping (about $15).
IMPORTANT! If the return is not paid for in 7 days (one week), we will be forced to VOID the shipment and donate the items to charity.
To request this service, please email us at help@shopfans.com with the subject "Deconsolidation" and the shipment number.
This service is mainly required for clients who changed their mind after packing a shipment and want to add more purchases.
*The shipment will NOT be divided back into its original purchases, but will be reflected in your account as ONE new incoming purchase.
IMPORTANT! The declaration for the deconsolidated shipment will be deleted and you will have to fill it out again. The cost of services is not covered by our discounts on processing purchases.
To request the service, please email us at help@shopfans.com with the subject "Remove items", the shipment number, and which goods (description and quantity) you would like to take out. Please also attach photos of the items to eliminate any misunderstandings.
The service is mostly required for clients who did not thoroughly acquaint themselves with the list of prohibited items or other delivery rules for the chosen shipping method.
The cost of the service depends on the weight of the packed shipment (consolidation) from which the items need to be removed:
* This service may also be used to decrease the weight and/or size of your shipment.
** Please be advised that in some cases it may be required to deconsolidate your shipment, divide it, and then re-pack it at the warehouse (for oversized boxes).
In the rare and unfortunate event that you do not receive your shipment in the allotted time frame, and the tracking information has not been updated for some time, we (as the sender) are able to file a claim on your behalf.
To request this service, please email us at help@shopfans.com with the subject "File a USPS claim"
Cost - $8 per phone call
*You can file a claim BEFORE the shipment is imported into the destination country. Please provide us with the following information:
Tracking number
Recipient's full name
Recipient's full address (including zip code)
Recipient's telephone number
List of goods and quantity of goods (you may generalize)
The value of all goods
The delivery price (please do NOT include the warehouse services!!)
Shipment weight
Date of dispatch
*The phone call and/or claim does not guarantee that your shipment will be found, but usually USPS just needs a little push to get your package to you.
You can use the assisted purchase service from Personal Shoppers, and we have a few trusted names below. They can place the order(s) according to your instructions using their American credit card if the store does not accept yours and get it shipped directly to Shopfans.
*Please note that this list is just for reference, we are neither associated with either of them nor bear any responsibility for their actions.
You need to transfer the order value + commission (in USD) before the goods can be purchased, as well as PayPal commission (AUD 7.50) if applicable.
Email: usashopforyou1@gmail.com
Commission: 4.5 %, but not less than $10 from one order PLUS $0.50 for one item in one store
ATTENTION: We will NOT be able to accept any changes to the order after it is placed.
Example:
You pay $150 for an order of 6 items. Our commission $10 + (6 items*$0.50) = $13
Total to transfer to PayPal: $150+$13+PayPal commision = $169.93 + PayPal commission if applicable.
You transfer money and we will place your order the same day and provide a copy of your order by email.
Yulia - shopping assistant who can help you pay for your orders.
Send your order with direct links and needed parameters for each item (size, color, etc.) to Patriacca @ yahoo . com
Write in subject line: only bank - shopfans
Commission: 4% from total, but not less than $15 from one store and not less than $1 per item.
Accept payments through PayPal.