A Guide to Buying Products from Stores/Websites Abroad for People in India

In today’s global marketplace, buying toys, electronics, and cosmetics from international stores and websites has become more accessible for people living in India. Many are attracted to the wide variety, exclusive products, and sometimes better deals found abroad. However, purchasing these goods from international markets comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating foreign websites to dealing with high shipping costs and customs duties, the process can feel overwhelming. This is where a personal shopper can assist, making the experience smoother and more efficient.

Challenges of Buying from International Stores

1. High Shipping Costs: One of the biggest hurdles when ordering from abroad is the steep shipping fees. Many stores, especially in the U.S. or Europe, charge high shipping rates to deliver to India. Additionally, international shipping can take weeks, depending on the location.
2. Customs Duties and Taxes: After paying for shipping, buyers often face additional customs duties and taxes on imported goods. These fees can significantly increase the overall cost of the product, especially for electronics and luxury items. Understanding customs regulations and calculating these duties can be tricky for most buyers.
3. Website Restrictions: Some international websites don’t offer shipping to India or may limit access to certain products based on geographic location. This restriction makes it difficult to order exclusive items that are only available in certain countries.
4. Payment Issues: Payment methods can also be a barrier. Some foreign websites don’t accept Indian credit or debit cards, or they may require international payment options like PayPal, which not all customers have set up.
5. Product Authenticity: There is always a concern about product authenticity when buying from lesser-known international websites. Without a guarantee or the ability to easily return items, buyers take a risk when purchasing high-value goods.

How our Personal Shopper Can Help

Our personal shopper can provide the expertise and assistance needed to navigate these challenges. Here’s how they can make the process of buying goods from abroad easier for those living in India:

1. Sourcing Products: Our personal shoppers have experience sourcing products from a variety of international stores and websites like Amazon (US, UK, etc.), Sephora, BestBuy, Walmart, Balenciaga, Prada, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Tory Burch, Chanel, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Lululemon, Saks Fifth Avenue and many others. They know where to find the best deals, which websites offer international shipping, and how to avoid common scams or counterfeit products.
2. Handling Shipping and Customs: Our personal shoppers are well-versed in international shipping and customs procedures. They can find the most cost-effective shipping options and guide customers through the process of calculating and paying customs duties. This saves buyers from unexpected fees and long delivery times.
3. Payment Assistance: For websites that don’t accept Indian payment methods, our personal shopper can complete the transaction using their international accounts. This service is particularly useful for customers who may not have access to international payment platforms.
4. Consolidating Orders: Our personal shopper can consolidate multiple items from different stores into a single shipment, reducing overall shipping costs. This is especially helpful for customers ordering a variety of products like toys, electronics, and cosmetics.
5. Real-Time Assistance: With services like live video shopping or real-time chat, our personal shoppers can offer immediate assistance. They can ensure the product is genuine, get the best deals, and even help with returns or exchanges if needed.

Aren’t some of these branded products available in India? (ex: AJIO)

Yes, but no. The products available in AJIO have a limited selection that might not fit your needs. Even if some premium brands are available on AJIO, using a personal shopper offers many advantages like exclusive collections like limited edition or newly launched products, better pricing in case there is an ongoing sale, customized assistance tailored to your needs, quality assurance by physically inspecting items, shipping and customs, efficient returns, trend access and convenience.

While buying goods from international brands offers many advantages, the challenges can be daunting for people living in India. Our personal shopper can take the hassle out of the process, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the latest gadgets, exclusive cosmetics, or toys for your children, our personal shopper can make international shopping convenient and worry-free.

How to use Shoppin’s personal shopping service assist in shopping products from international stores/websites?

Here’s how to use Shoppin’s personal shopping service:

1. Message your shopping list items on WhatsApp.
2. Shoppin will assign a personal shopper in India to understand your requirements and fulfill your shopping list.
3. Personal shopper shops for all your items from multiple online and offline stores then inspects the condition of all products and shares details/photos with you.
4. All the products are consolidated, packed, and shipped to your address.
5. Enjoy items from your shopping list without any hassle.

THE END.