So, we're big fans of Mail Forwarders here at Never Shopped Out, and today we chat to Fiona from Shaopholiques.com, a aussie expat living in the US, and has been receiving rave reviews on the Vogue Forum for her fantastic services...
Tell us a bit about how you started Shopaholiques?
I had already been doing some work for girlfriends and family (and a few who were friends of friends!) when I realized that there was a public need for a reliable, efficient and personal service. I set up a web site and was instantly contacted by shoppers who were looking for an alternative to existing services.
Can you give us a quick overview of how the order process works?
I have tried to make it as simple as possible – many clients use a combination of these services.
If the site accepts your credit card, then email me and let me know that you have placed an order and to expect its arrival. I open a file under your name and contact you when your parcel(s) arrive. I charge $15 for the first parcel and $2 for each that I consolidate.
Some U.S. sites will not accept credit cards from outside the U.S. Send your order to me and I will place it on your behalf, email you the purchase confirmation for your records, open a file, and contact you when it arrives. Purchases under $200 are $15, under $400 are $20 and 5% for all above $400.
What would you say to those who have yet to try a mail forwarder?
Even with the deflated Aussie dollar you can still come out victorious purchasing from the USA.
I would advise shoppers to look around, the States has great sales all the time, especially around ANY holiday…Columbus day, Thanksgiving, any excuse for a sale! Keep an eye on promotional codes…and don't hesitate to remind me to use them for you!!
Be a smart consolidator…a few cosmetics that barely have any weight will make a shoe purchase far more profitable. If the shoes are costing you $37 to mail home, throwing in a few of your favourite Sephora items may add $5 in postage, and you will save a bundle. You can ‘share’ the shipping with your sister, girlfriends, or your Mum !!
DON'T PAY U.S. SALES TAXES…..all the US states charge different percentages in sales tax, usually 3% and as much as 9%. New Jersey – home of shopaholiques – has 0% sales tax on shoes and clothing, saving you $$$.
What payment methods do you accept? (i.e.. Credit Card/Bank Deposit/Paypal etc)
I accept only Paypal.
What are your favorite online stores to shop at?
I am a big fan of Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com) , I love a good JCrew sale and also like to browse Amazon or Smartbargains. I have to admit that I really enjoy it when I really go shopping for my customers at one of the fantastic malls near my home, especially the cosmetics, I usually can't resist a little treat for myself !!
Head to www.shopaholiques.com for a complete rundown of services, and don't forget to check out the products page, where a few fallen through orders are for sale at bargain prices!
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