Pacme helps rescue online shoppers

American forwarding service Pacme has come to the rescue of online shoppers in Asia, helping them avoid high shipping fees when they reach the checkout of their favourite US online stores.

Now, all purchases from any American online outlet can be consolidated and forwarded in just one package by the Pacme service, saving shipping costs. Incoming packages have their invoices scanned and contents photographed, and every outgoing package has a dedicated online chat box for support. And as international shipments can get knocked around, the items are repacked their own double-walled strong box built to arrive intact.

Customers can walk through the consolidation options or set defaults and ship with one click.

The more customers shop, the more they can save on shipping fees. PacMe advises users to load up on merchandise because at 10kg the savings start to increase with every extra kilogram.

Shoppers in Hong Kong learning of the service say it is not only helpful by offering savings on occasionally exorbitant shipping fees, but also because some online stores in the US do not ship to Asia.

“I have drooled over the rugs on Lulu & Georgia for pretty much a year now, and have come close to shedding a tear or two knowing they don’t ship to Hong Kong,” says Maura. “I am in major need of a rug renovation at my flat, so knowing PacMe can swoop down and save my ‘rug lust’ woes has me feeling like my home decor game can be so much stronger.

Shaneli says when she travels to the US she can end up “going more than a bit nuts” at Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret buying underwear. She says underwear there is reasonably priced compared to Hong Kong – plus Macy’s has frequent sales – and the selection and variety is better.

“If I have no plans to travel to the States, I’d totally use PacMe so I can load up my virtual shopping cart, while they make sure my items are repacked and consolidated.”

Surmayee, who describes herself as a “total makeup fiend”, says that when ColourPop launched in the US and the buzz reached her in Hong Kong, she couldn’t wait to get her hands on it. “Sadly, ColourPop’s FAQ page destroyed my dreams by telling me they don’t ship to Hong Kong and I wouldn’t be able to use their [products]. PacMe will…. consolidate all my makeup desires because they recommend that I ship more to save more.”

Signing up to Pacme is free (use the code SASSYHK).

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