6 Roadblocks International Shoppers Face Buying from the U.S.

International shoppers often have an uphill climb when it comes to shopping from the United States. While there are clear advantages to doing so — or else there wouldn’t be billions of packages shipped out of the U.S. each year — there are also plenty of roadblocks that threaten to trip up the experience without the right help. Let’s take a moment to look at several of these. We’ll also address how PuntoMio can help you past each one.

1. Customs issues

We could write a book on all the issues that can occur when a package arrives at customs. Many international shoppers are at the mercy of this process because they don’t know where to begin. If there is something wrong with their order, they have to call a dozen people just to figure out who they need to be talking to. It’s frustrating when all you want to do is make a purchase. PuntoMio has anticipated these issues and has clear processes in place for diagnosing and responding to customs issues as soon as they occur. It’s a hands-free way of dealing with one of the most frustrating parts of buying from the U.S.

2. Finding retailers willing to ship outside the U.S.

Some retailers are hesitant about shipping out of the U.S. because they’re as uncertain about international shipping as buyers are. PuntoMio has partnered with scores of the most popular retailers so that there are no limitations for international buyers. By offering a U.S. address to ship to, PuntoMio brings both parties together without either having to do any more work than they would need to if the purchase happened from within the U.S.

3. Higher costs

The cost issue usually occurs because of shipping delays or mishandling. Buying from the U.S. can actually get you a much better deal on items than you would get if you bought them domestically. Since PuntoMio has customs response processes in place to control these ancillary costs, it’s likely buying from the U.S. will still save you money.

4. Lack of convenience

Even if you did have the knowledge and systems in place to handle the frustrating parts of buying from the U.S., you would still have to do the legwork. PuntoMio does that for you, ensuring that you never find yourself wanting for convenience and peace of mind. 

5. Returns

The more you buy, the greater the likelihood that you will receive an item that isn’t to your satisfaction. If buying within the U.S., you can simply repack the item and ship it at your local post office. Or, you could take the item to a physical retail location in some instances and get your money refunded there. International buyers don’t have this option; but they do have PuntoMio. The PuntoMio service will handle returns for you as well, picking up and dropping off the package to ensure faster delivery. Pricing is highly competitive as well, assuming the retailer doesn’t offer free return shipping. (Some do.)

6. Communication barriers

When dealing with separate languages, there is always the potential of a communication breakdown on one or both ends. PuntoMio offers personal shopping services if you’re concerned about this where you provide your order to your shopper and they handle it for you.

Have any of these roadblocks stopped you buying from the U.S.? If so, we can ease your fears and offer a truly peaceful shopping experience.