If you’ve survived the lockdown and your first journey on the London tube/ Delhi metro, then congratulations. I would not get beyond yourself and venture to retail stores just as yet. COVID-19 risks aside, this is one year when retail sales are being massacred and online bargains represent exceptional value for money.
But first….
Should I always look for free worldwide delivery?
Generally, yes, but make sure it includes returns. I am happy to pay GBP 20 for net-a-porter if I have a 30 day no-cost free return option. If I spend over GBP 200 on net-a-porter, I get free delivery as well as free returns.
A new delivery mechanism I have noted is with Selfridges, who offer unlimited global delivery for US$ 55 for 12 months. I can send friends & family things in different locations, as well as my own, and still just pay US$ 55. This is a pretty fabulous deal. However, please note this does not cover returns.
If you are buying products from India…
Some brands do this extremely cheeky thing of charging a mark-up for products that are sold outside India. Kama Ayurveda is the paradigm of this model. For example, the Organic Almond Oil is Rs 1,195 but USD 47 (or Rs 3,513) for outside India sales. That is a 300% mark-up.
My suggestion is to buy the same product in INR on Nykaa and have it delivered via Shop & Ship.
Similarly, smaller clothing retailers will on average charge USD 40+ for shipping excluding import duties. They then use a third rate delivery service for products that arrive 3 weeks later.
If you are buying from the US…
These are the tips I follow for buying from the US:
- I always use Shop & Ship so that free delivery can take place to a US address.
- I try and shop on the weekend, where most retailers will throw in an extra 25%.
- Always, always check Macy’s first, especially for clothing.
- I never use Borderfree. Recently, Elie Tahari, an American brand I favour had a fabulous sale on. My shopping cart was just under US$ 300. My shipping and import duties were US$ 100+. Given my import duties should not be more than US$ 20, why would I pay US$ 80 shipping?
If you are buying from the UK….
Far some bizarre reason, local UK websites contain many items in the sale, but not their corresponding overseas website. Monsoon is guilty of this. Again, Shop & Ship is the way forward.
Pay import duties in advance?
Yes. If (e.g.) DHL deliver, you pay a hefty admin fee and the import duty. However, some very popular websites don’t give you an option (e.g.) cultbeauty, but they do compensate by giving free worldwide delivery over GBP 40.
Know your import restrictions
For example, in Dubai if you keep imports below AED 1,000 than you don’t have to pay the 5% VAT or 5% GST. It is easier on the wallet if you keep your orders below AED 1,000 but its not great for the environment.