Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Your Guide to Our Services.
Global Shopaholics helps you ship products from U.S. stores to any country, even from US companies that do not typically ship directly to your country. We give you a U.S. shipping address with 180 days of storage and forward the packages delivered directly to you at the lowest guaranteed shipping cost.
Anyone from anywhere in the world can become a Shopaholic. It is free and easy. On the home page, click on ‘Account’. Then click on ‘Register’.
We currently ship to all countries except: Cuba, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan, Iran, and Syria.
We also don’t ship locally. If you want to have your items ship within the USA then you can ship your items directly from the seller.
Note: We do not conduct any type of transactions whatsoever (shipping, business, payment etc.) with the following countries: Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
Some US online stores do not allow you to use foreign credit cards for payment on their websites and some require you to have a US shipping address. For such scenarios, we offer Assisted Purchase.
Simply fill out the Assisted Purchase Request form and let us know what you would like us to purchase on your behalf online from any US-based sellers. We will purchase your products online using our US credit card and receive the requested items for you at our US-based warehouse, from where your shipment will then be forwarded to your international address.
If the store that you are buying from does not ship to package-forwarding companies (for example: Sephora, ULTA, Coach), we will provide a special address instead of our warehouse address.
You can purchase unlimited items at a time if you buy them from the same store.
Although not required, we recommend you fill out the incoming package form in your dashboard. If you have done so, you will be instantly notified when your package arrives at our warehouse. You do not have to wait 12-16 business hours for your package to be uploaded to your account.
Yes, we can consolidate as many of your small packages as possible into the maximum size of a single box available.
To submit a Consolidation Request:
– Go to your Storage
– Click on “Add Custom Declaration”
– Fill in the details for each item
– If you have a special request, click on ‘Add Special Service’ and write the special request
– Select the packages which you want to consolidate and ship by selecting checkboxes on left side.
– Click on “Consolidate and Ship” and select your address
Your consolidation request has been submitted!
It usually takes 12 to 24 business hours for your shipment to be prepared after you have submitted a consolidation request. You will be notified when your shipment is ready.
Please check before you shop. Due to the USA export regulations and carrier restrictions, we are not able to export certain items. Before you buy items from the USA or other countries, please be sure they are not on our Do not Purchase List.
Some online stores will ask for a US phone number. Do not add our phone number as it may lead to the cancellation of your order because if the seller receives several orders on different names and credit cards but with the same phone number, their system could detect it as a risky order. You need to add your own phone number. You can get a US phone number with many online services.
Insurance is available via DHL, UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Aramex will only cover up to $100. In case of damaged or lost products, we will file the claim with the shipper on your behalf. Please contact us to file any claims within 2 days of receiving your order.
Click the attachment icon to send a picture using our Live Chat option.
To shop from US stores online, create your Global Shopaholics account by clicking here. Once you sign up for free and verify your email, we’ll provide you with a unique US shipping address that you can use for your purchases. Once you’ve made your purchase, let us know, and we’ll ship your package to your address/country anywhere in the world.
As we only accept packages that have been received and signed by a warehouse representative, the packages need to be delivered on working days. If your estimated delivery is on the weekend, you can ask your courier to reschedule the delivery so it is delivered on a weekday instead. Please note that Amazon offers the option to have packages delivered only during the weekdays. If you have an Amazon account, you can go to your delivery preferences and turn off weekend delivery.
For fast communication, Global Shopaholics team might reach to their customers via SMS campaigns using the provided contact numbers.
Currently, the following modes of payment are available:
– Credit/Debit Cards – from all over the world:
– PayPal
– Bitcoin
– Bank Wire Transfer
•Go to the “Wallet” section
•Click on the “Add Credit Card” button
•Our system will deduct two small transactions on your card. You will get notified of these transactions.
•Enter the transacted amounts in US dollars and your card will be verified.
Your wallet can be utilized for the following purposes:
– To notify you of any due charges that you need to pay. This is in case you are charged with any cancellation fee or return shipment cost.
– To store any money that has been refunded to you in case of return of any products.
– To deposit money in advance to be used for future shipments.
Your wallet can show a negative balance for any of the following reasons:
– You have canceled a prepared shipment and have been charged a cancellation fee.
– You returned a shipment from outside of the USA and have been charged shipping charges for the return.
You can withdraw money from your wallet in the following scenarios:
– If your ‘Assisted Purchase’ order is canceled for any reason, the amount that you transferred to us is added back to your wallet.
– If you file any claims for damaged or lost items and the claim is accepted by the shipping carrier, the money is transferred to your wallet.
– If any of your products are lost or damaged at our warehouse, we will add the amount that your product(s) is worth as compensation to your wallet.
– If you return a shipment from within the USA, your shipping fee is refunded to your wallet..
– If you return an assisted purchase, your payment will be refunded to your wallet.
– If you choose to withdraw any money that you deposited into your wallet for future purchases.
There is no spending limit for Assisted and Direct Purchase requests. If your request is for more than $800, you can pay via Bank Wire Transfer. For more details on paying via Bank Wire Transfer, refer to the ‘Pricing’ section of the FAQs.
Global Shopaholics has absolutely no hidden charges. We are upfront about all our charges.
Customs Value: This is the value that we put on the Commercial Invoice. It is the value that the Customs Department of your country will assess to determine whether customs duty is due on the items being imported. It is up to you to decide this value, we simply put the value that you tell us to. For example, in the United States, personal items exceeding $800 will be charged with customs tax. If the value is less than $800, you do not have to pay customs tax in the United States. It is your responsibility to know how your Local Customs Agency functions and what they charge.
Insurance Value: If you want to insure your package through the Shipping Carrier, your package will only be insured up to the value you put in this field.
Both Customs and Insurance values share the same field because they have to be the same. You cannot claim, for example, that your package is only worth $10 to your Customs Department and then claim insurance for $100 if your package is damaged.
Please note that the published shipping rates are for door-to-door delivery. You may also be liable to tax and import duty, which differs from country to country. Many countries have a duty-free limit where goods below a certain value can be imported without duty and/or tax. Please refer to your country’s local Customs Department for more information on duties or import fees.
An extra $15 is charged on perfume bottles.
By selecting Express Processing, you can prioritize your package processing for just $5. While the processing typically takes 12 to 24 business hours, it will only take 10 business hours with Express Processing. You will receive an email asking you to choose your carrier and make your payment.
If you submit a standard Assisted Purchase request, you must pay 5% of your order’s cost as a processing fee (a minimum of $5).
If you submit an expedited Assisted Purchase request, you must pay 10% of your order’s cost as a processing fee (a minimum of $10).
If a special address (other than the warehouse address) is required to purchase your requested products, you can submit an executive-assisted purchase request; you have to pay $10 for the special address AND 10% of your order’s cost as a processing fee.
The insurance fee is min. $10 and max. 2% of the declared value.
The return fee is $5 per Package if you provide the return labels. However, without the return labels, you are charged a $5 processing fee and the return shipping fee.
We charge $5 for Vape Liquids and $15 for Vape Devices as an extra handling fee.
We offer international shipping at affordable rates.
Shipping costs vary from country to country. It also depends on the weight and dimensions of your final shipment’s box.
Use our ‘Quick Look Shipping Calculator’ to find out the shipping rates for your shipment.
Our shipping rates do not include customs fees, tariffs, or taxes.
The published shipping rates are for door-to-door delivery. You may be liable for tax and import duty, which differs from country to country. Many countries have a duty-free policy where goods below a certain value can be imported without duty or tax.
Please consult your country’s local Customs Department for more information on duties or import fees.
Packages are updated on your account within 12-16 business hours of their arrival at the warehouse. If you want your package updated as soon as it arrives, please fill out the ‘Incoming Package Form,’ our team will scan and upload it to your account as soon as it arrives.
Congratulations! Now that your shipment is ready, kindly choose your carrier service and make the payment. Your package will ship on the same day if the payment is received before 12 pm EST.
You are required to make the payment within 15 days after your shipment is prepared. After that, you will be charged an additional $1 per lb per day for the next 15 days. If you still fail to pay for your prepared consignment, you will not be able to claim it anymore.
This depends on your carrier service and can range from 3 to 15 days. We will provide shipping confirmation with your tracking number so you can track your order while it’s on its way.
Please contact [email protected] with ‘Insurance Claim’ written in the subject field. You can also file your insurance claims on our Live Chat.
If you received a damaged item, we will require details of the damage, along with photos and videos, so we can submit them to the shipping company.
It is important to note that insurance is necessary for your shipment to file a claim in case of damaged or lost products.
If your item is damaged due to packaging, you may be responsible if you request that it be packed in a very small box to reduce shipping costs. We always accept your requests as facilitators, but we DO NOT recommend this.
If your insurance claim is accepted by the shipping company, they will send a return shipping label, and the product must be returned as unused. Insurance is only covered for the amount stated in the insurance and customs field on your request. Shipping costs cannot be recovered unless you add them to the insurance and customs value. There are three instances of claiming for insurance of damaged goods:
– If the shipper is responsible, we file the claim with the shipper on your behalf and pay you the amount we receive from the shipper.
– If an item reaches our warehouse and is already damaged, we will inform you before shipping it. In this case, you have to contact the seller you purchased the item for any requests for further processing.
– If our warehouse employees are responsible for any damage caused by handling your products, we will refund the value of your product.
Please note: If you don’t report any issues regarding your shipments, damaged, missing, or wrong items within 3 days, we will not accept any claim.
Please send us the following details to clear your account:
Please include a picture of the credit card you used to make the payment, showing your name and the last four digits of your card number(if you purchased the items using your card).
A picture of any legal identity showing your name and face, e.g., National Identity Card/ any government identification/ driver’s license.
A short video clip of all these documents, along with yourself.
Detailed invoices of the items in your shipment.
Forward the order confirmation email and invoice email that you got from the seller to [email protected]
Add the card you used for the purchase to your Global Shopaholics account to verify that it is the same card.
Once prepared, your shipment is in the ‘Pending Payments’ section. If you cancel your shipment at this stage, you will be charged $5 cancellation fee.
Unfortunately, we can’t ship your package to any package forwarding company in the USA.
Global Shopaholics will store your inbound packages in our warehouse according to your subscribed plan (For the Basic Plan: up to 30 days, For Premium: up to 180 days, and For Business: up to 210 days) without charge. If you exceed the inbound storage allowance, you will be charged $1 per pound per day for up to 15 additional days. If we do not receive a request to ship within the 15-day inbound storage extension, we will deem the package Unclaimed and Abandoned (please review the Unclaimed and Abandoned section). Note: For large and heavy packages, the storage duration will be limited to 30 days for all plans.
We only ship internationally.
We do not retain leaking or damaged items; we promptly dispose of them.
For Assisted Purchases: We hope you love your purchase. However, if there is any reason you are not completely satisfied, we are happy to offer a refund of your merchandise cost within 20 days of placing your order. Our timeframe for returns also depends upon the vendor’s return policy. For example, if the vendor who supplied your items has a 14-day return policy, we may not be able to process your return as it may take that long for us to receive your items.
Note: You are responsible for paying the return shipping label and any bank fees to process your refund.
All returned items must be unused and in their original packaging. To begin the return process, please email[email protected]
terms and conditions apply.
For direct purchases, you can initiate a return request with Global Shopaholics. However, while most USA retailers refund the product in full, sometimes there is a deduction or the product is non-refundable. Make sure you check the return policy with the store before making a purchase or processing a return request.
Due to the costs associated with global purchases, the following fees are non-refundable:
– Processing Fees
– Shipping charges
– Express processing fee (if there is any)
If you have received a defective or damaged item, send a photo to[email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!
To return a package you ordered, just follow these steps:
– Log in to your Global Shopaholics account.
– Go to the ‘Storage and Ship’ section.
– Click on the ‘My Storage’ tab.
– Select the ‘Return’ button on the right side of the item you wish to return.
– You will be asked for a return label, which can be provided by the seller of the item. Attach a picture of this return label and submit your return report.
Every courier service has restrictions on the shipping of different items.
For Restricted Items when shipping with Aramex, click here.
For Restricted Items when shipping with DHL, click here.
We are certified to ship specialized and regulated goods with DHL, including battery-operated gadgets, perfumes, and makeup products. Some items may be restricted by couriers; please refer to our restricted items section of FAQs page for more details. Before you place an order, you should check with our customer service team to make sure that you can have these items shipped to your country.
DHL applies a special handling fee for shipping perfumes. The exact charges may vary based on destination and regulations. Before you place an order, you should get in touch with our customer service team to check the fees and shipping options.
Since this category is heavily regulated, please contact us at [email protected] to know if the battery-operated gadget that you are interested in can be shipped or not.
Firearms or Firearm parts, or parts of any weapons. Firearms, guns & accessories, including replicas.
Prescription medications, including dental & veterinary.
Prescription medical devices.
Medical devices not FDA-approved.
Prohormones, Human Growth Hormones, stem cell treatments, steroids or synthetic versions.
The following items that are not labeled in English, or without FDA-approved labeling requirements: Non-prescription medications, Food.
Dietary supplements, Cosmetics (only with some carriers).
Any food, drug or cosmetic that has been issued a Consumer Safety Advisory Warning.
Perishable products of any kind.
Lab reagents, biologics, cultures, medical specimens.
Poisonous substances.
Toxic substances, including inhalation hazards.
Infectious substances.
Explosives, fireworks, gun powder, flares or matches.
Gasoline, diesel or other fuels.
Lighters containing fuel or empty.
Meals Ready to Eat (MRE).
Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides.
Radioactive elements or products.
Self-balancing boards (hoverboards).
Oxidizing agents.
Fire extinguishers.
BB/pellet/airsoft/paintball guns, parts and projectiles.
Ammunition, magazines & bayonets.
Stun guns & tasers.
Tear gas, mace & pepper spray.
Gas masks & gas mask filters.
Law enforcement striking weapons, including saps, batons & Billy clubs.
Handcuffs of any material, including plastic zip tie restraints & straitjackets.
Body armor, helmets or personal protection articles with Kevlar or ballistic ratings.
Military/tactical/police shields.
Government, police or military uniforms, IDs and Badges (real or replica).
Military training equipment.
Military and/or dual-use flight helmets and flight jumpsuits.
Military and law enforcement equipment.
Thermal imaging, InfraRed or other night vision devices.
Rifle scopes, laser pointing & aiming devices for firearms.
Defense articles controlled under the US Munitions List as defined under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Self-propelled vehicles.
Damaged batteries.
Any dual-use or commercial article controlled under the Commerce Control List (CCL) as defined under the Export Administration Regulations, where the control status requires a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) approved export license.
Counterfeit products.
Contraband or illegal substances.
Lottery tickets.
Gambling devices & accessories.
Lock picking devices.
Rough diamonds.
Live or dead animals or insects.
Human remains.
Coral.
Brazilian rosewood.
Skin or leather of snakes, alligators, crocodiles, stingrays, and other reptiles or amphibians.
Skin, fur or leather of wolves, bears, elephants, rhinos and certain deer and foxes.
Sturgeon or Beluga caviar.
Agricultural products, including certain seeds, live or dead plants, unfinished or untreated wood & soil.
Items containing animal products controlled under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, or requiring a permit under CITES.
Any unidentifiable material, substance or chemical.
Toy Gun.
Sex Toys.
Alcoholic drink.
Besides what is listed above, you are responsible for knowing your country’s import restrictions. We are not responsible if your shipment is detained or returned due to import restrictions imposed by your country.
Aramex ships batteries to following countries:
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Bahrain
Yes, you can import a package to our warehouse. If the package’s declared value is less than $800, then USA Customs will not charge any duty, but if the customs value is more than $800, then USA Customs will charge the duties. We will then charge that amount to you while turning your wallet negative, and after inspecting the package, we will assign it to your storage.
Shipping weapons is strictly prohibited. If your shipment is found to contain weapons or weapon parts, they will be confiscated and handed over to the police. You will not be able to return the weapons to the seller. Similarly, shipping any form of military gear and equipment, including military clothing or accessories of any kind, is prohibited.