Question 1

How does Forwardme.com work?

Accepted Answer

Forwardme.com provides you with a unique U.S. address. You can use this address when shopping from U.S. retailers online. When your packages arrive at our facility, we notify you. You can then choose to consolidate multiple packages and have them shipped to your international address using various shipping carriers.

Question 2

How do I sign up for a Forwardme.com account?

Accepted Answer

Signing up is easy! Just click the 'Sign Up' button on our homepage, fill out the required information, choose a membership plan (if applicable), and verify your email address. You'll receive your U.S. address immediately after registration.

Question 3

What are the membership plans and fees?

Accepted Answer

We offer different membership plans to suit various needs, including a free option and premium tiers with additional benefits like longer storage time or consolidation discounts. You can find detailed information about our plans and associated fees on our Pricing Page.

Question 4

What U.S. address will I get? Is it a P.O. Box?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a unique, physical U.S. street address at our secure warehouse facility, not a P.O. Box. This allows you to shop from retailers that do not ship to P.O. Boxes. Your unique suite number ensures your packages are correctly assigned to your account.

Question 5

How quickly can I start using my U.S. address after signing up?

Accepted Answer

You can start using your Forwardme.com U.S. address immediately after completing the registration process and verifying your account.

Question 6

Do you offer a tax-free U.S. address?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a U.S. address located in a state with no sales tax. This can save you money on your U.S. purchases.

Question 7

How will I know when my package arrives at the Forwardme warehouse?

Accepted Answer

We will notify you via email as soon as your package is received and processed into your account. You will also see the package details, including tracking information and photos (if requested), in your online dashboard.

Question 8

How long can Forwardme.com store my packages?

Accepted Answer

Storage times vary depending on your membership level. Free members typically receive free storage, while premium members enjoy longer periods. After the free storage period expires, storage fees may apply. Please check our Pricing/Storage Policy for details.

Question 9

Can you consolidate multiple packages into one shipment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Package consolidation is one of our key services. We can combine multiple packages into a single, larger box to significantly reduce your international shipping costs. You can request consolidation through your account dashboard.

Question 10

Can you open and inspect my packages? Or take photos?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer optional services such as content photos, package inspection, and special requests. These services can help you verify contents, check for damage, or ensure you received the correct items before shipping internationally. Fees may apply for these services.

Question 11

Are there any size or weight limits for packages I can receive?

Accepted Answer

While our warehouse can handle a wide range of package sizes and weights, extremely large or heavy items may be subject to carrier limitations or additional handling fees. Please contact our support team if you plan to ship oversized or heavy items.

Question 12

What happens if a package arrives damaged at your warehouse?

Accepted Answer

If a package arrives visibly damaged, we will note the damage and notify you immediately, often including photos. You can then decide how you wish to proceed (e.g., return to sender, ship as-is, discard).

Question 13

Which shipping carriers do you use?

Accepted Answer

We partner with major international carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS to offer you a range of shipping options, balancing speed and cost. You can select your preferred carrier during the ship-out process.

Question 14

How can I calculate my international shipping costs?

Accepted Answer

We provide an online shipping calculator where you can estimate costs based on package weight, dimensions, destination country, and chosen carrier. The final cost is confirmed when you submit your ship-out request.

Question 15

How long will it take for my shipment to arrive?

Accepted Answer

Transit times vary depending on the destination country, the shipping carrier selected, and customs processing times. Estimated delivery times are provided when you select a shipping option.

Question 16

How can I track my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Once your package ships from our facility, we will provide you with a tracking number. You can track its progress directly through the carrier's website or via a link in your Forwardme.com account.

Question 17

Can you help me return a package to the U.S. retailer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can assist with returns. You'll need to coordinate the return with the retailer (obtain an RMA, prepaid shipping label if possible) and then request the return service through your Forwardme account. Service fees may apply.

Question 18

Who is responsible for paying customs duties, taxes (like VAT or GST), and import fees?

Accepted Answer

The recipient of the package (you) is responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, and import fees levied by the destination country's customs authorities. Forwardme.com does not calculate or collect these fees in advance.

Question 19

How do I declare the value of my items for customs?

Accepted Answer

You are required to accurately declare the contents and value of your shipment when creating a ship-out request. This information is used for the customs declaration form. It is illegal to undervalue or misrepresent the contents.

Question 20

Can Forwardme.com fill out the customs declaration for me?

Accepted Answer

While we prepare the shipping label and basic customs paperwork based on the information you provide, you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the customs declaration. We offer guidance, but cannot legally complete declarations on your behalf with assumed values.

Question 21

What happens if my package is held up by customs?

Accepted Answer

Customs delays can occur for various reasons (inspection, missing paperwork, unpaid duties). Usually, the shipping carrier or your local customs office will contact you if action is needed. We recommend contacting the carrier directly for updates if your package experiences customs delays.

Question 22

How can I estimate potential customs duties and taxes?

Accepted Answer

Estimating duties and taxes can be complex as it depends on the item's value, category, and your country's specific regulations. We recommend checking your local customs authority's website or using online duty calculators for estimations.

Question 23

Do you offer an 'Assisted Purchase' or 'Buy For Me' service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if a U.S. retailer doesn't accept your international credit card or won't ship to package forwarders, our Assisted Purchase service can help. We buy the items on your behalf using our U.S. payment methods and have them shipped to your Forwardme address. Service fees apply.

Question 24

Can you repackage my items to save space?

Accepted Answer

Yes, upon request, we can offer repackaging services, such as removing items from bulky retail packaging or shoe boxes, to help reduce the overall dimensions and potentially lower shipping costs. Fees may apply for this service.

Question 25

Do you offer gift wrapping services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can offer gift wrapping services for your items upon request. Please specify this in your special requests when preparing your shipment. Fees may apply.

Question 26

What kind of special requests can you handle?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate various special requests, such as checking specific item details, plugging in electronics to test power, splitting contents into multiple packages, etc. Submit your request through your account, and we'll let you know if it's feasible and provide a quote if applicable.

Question 27

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept various payment methods, typically including major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, and potentially bank transfers or other regional payment options.

Question 28

How do I add funds to my Forwardme.com account?

Accepted Answer

You can add funds through the 'Billing' or 'Account' section of your dashboard. Choose your preferred payment method and follow the instructions to deposit funds, which can then be used for shipping, services, or membership fees.

Question 29

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Refunds for shipping costs are typically handled via insurance claims if a package is lost or damaged (see Claims section). Membership fees are generally non-refundable after a certain period or use of service. Please refer to our official Terms and Conditions for detailed refund policies.

Question 30

Is my payment information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, protecting your payment information is a top priority. We use secure, encrypted connections (SSL) and partner with reputable payment processors that adhere to strict security standards (PCI-DSS compliance). We do not store your full credit card details on our servers.

Question 31

What should I do if my shipment is lost or arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

If your shipment is lost or damaged, please contact our customer support team immediately. We will guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim with the shipping carrier. It's important to keep all packaging materials for damaged items, as they may be needed for inspection.

Question 32

How do I file an insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

To file a claim, you'll typically need to provide proof of value (invoices), photos of any damage (including packaging), and complete the necessary claim forms. Our support team will assist you in gathering information and submitting the claim to the carrier or insurance provider.

Question 33

What does shipping insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Shipping insurance generally covers the declared value of your items against loss or damage during transit. Coverage limits and specific exclusions (e.g., prohibited items, inadequate packaging) apply based on the carrier and insurance option selected. We offer various insurance options.

Question 34

How does Forwardme.com protect against fraud?

Accepted Answer

We employ various security measures, including address verification, payment verification, and monitoring for suspicious activity. We may require identity verification documents for certain accounts or high-value shipments to prevent fraudulent use of our services.

Question 35

How does the Forwardme.com Affiliate Program work?

Accepted Answer

Our affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by referring new customers to Forwardme.com. When someone signs up using your unique referral link and uses our services (e.g., ships a package), you earn a percentage of the revenue generated.

Question 36

How can I join the Affiliate Program?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for our affiliate program through the 'Affiliate' section on our website. Fill out the application form, and we will review it.

Question 37

What are the commission rates and payment terms?

Accepted Answer

Commission rates and payout schedules are detailed in our Affiliate Program Agreement. Payouts are typically made via PayPal or Bank Transfer once your earned commissions reach a minimum threshold.

Question 38

Do you provide marketing materials for affiliates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, approved affiliates get access to a dashboard with their unique tracking links, banners, logos, and other promotional materials to help them effectively promote Forwardme.com.

Question 39

Where can I find the list of items I cannot ship with Forwardme.com?

Accepted Answer

We maintain a comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted items on our website. It's crucial to review this list before ordering items to your Forwardme address.

Question 40

Why are certain items prohibited?

Accepted Answer

Items may be prohibited due to U.S. export regulations, international shipping carrier restrictions (especially hazardous materials), or import restrictions in the destination country. Shipping prohibited items can result in seizure, fines, or account suspension.

Question 41

What happens if I accidentally ship a prohibited item to my Forwardme address?

Accepted Answer

If we identify a prohibited item upon arrival, we will notify you. Depending on the item and regulations, options might include returning it to the sender (if possible, at your expense), disposal, or handing it over to authorities. We cannot ship prohibited items internationally.

Question 42

Are items like lithium batteries, perfumes, or aerosols restricted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, items classified as Dangerous Goods (DG), such as lithium batteries (especially loose ones), flammable liquids/aerosols (perfumes, hairspray), are heavily restricted. Some carriers may transport them under specific conditions and with additional fees/paperwork, while others prohibit them entirely. Check our restricted items list and carrier guidelines.

Question 43

Does the prohibited list vary depending on my destination country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we have a general list based on U.S. regulations and carrier rules, your destination country will also have its own list of prohibited or restricted imports. You are responsible for ensuring the items you ship comply with your local laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Packages

Shipping, Tracking, Returns

Customs, Duties and GST

Services

Payments & Refunds

Claims, Insurance & Fraud

Affiliate FAQ

Prohibited Item List