Forwardbuy.com Reviews

Based on checking the website, Forwardbuy.com appears to be a legitimate parcel forwarding and shopping concierge service.

It aims to simplify international online shopping by providing virtual addresses in Singapore, USA, and India, allowing users to purchase items from local e-commerce stores and have them consolidated and shipped globally.

While the concept of facilitating cross-border trade can be beneficial, it’s crucial to approach such services with a discerning eye, focusing on their operational transparency, cost structures, and how they align with ethical consumption principles.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Forwardbuy.com Review & First Look

When you first land on Forwardbuy.com, it presents itself as a straightforward solution for global shoppers. The website highlights its core services: parcel forwarding and shopping concierge. This means they offer you a virtual address in specific countries currently Singapore, USA, and India where you can send your online purchases. Once your items arrive at their warehouse, they can consolidate them and then ship them to your actual address anywhere in the world. Their “Shop For Me” service is also prominently featured, designed to assist those who face issues with international payment methods or direct shipping from foreign online stores.

The site immediately emphasizes ease of use, cost savings claiming “Save More Than 60% In International Shipping”, and trustworthiness. They boast “SECURED WAREHOUSES” monitored by “CCTV 24/7” and offer “FREE PACKAGE REPACKING”, “FREE PACKAGE CONSOLIDATION”, and “FREE STORAGE” for up to 30 days. These are significant perks for anyone looking to optimize shipping costs and manage multiple purchases. The platform seems designed for individuals looking to access products from markets like Singapore, India, and the USA that might not directly ship to their location or have prohibitive international shipping costs.

What is Forwardbuy.com?

Forwardbuy.com positions itself as a global parcel forwarding and shopping assistant service.

Their primary function is to act as an intermediary between international online shoppers and e-commerce stores in specific countries.

• Virtual Addresses: They provide users with local shipping addresses in Singapore, the USA, and India.
• Package Reception: Your online purchases are sent to these virtual addresses.
• Consolidation: Multiple packages can be combined into one larger shipment to reduce overall shipping costs.
• Forwarding: The consolidated package is then shipped to your international destination.
• Shopping Concierge “Shop For Me”: This service helps users purchase items from local stores when their international payment methods aren’t accepted or direct shipping isn’t available.

How Does Forwardbuy.com Work?

The process outlined on their website is quite simple and follows a four-step model: Use4free.no Reviews

1. Register For Free: Sign up for a free account to get your forwarding address.
2. Shop:
   • Option A Self-Shop: Use your assigned warehouse address to shop directly from local stores in Singapore or India.
   • Option B Shop-for-Me: Provide Forwardbuy.com with product details, and they will make the purchase on your behalf, especially useful for Indian stores where payment issues might arise.
3. Consolidate & Ship: Once packages arrive at their warehouse, you get notified. You can review items, request photos, consolidate multiple packages, pay for shipping, and arrange for delivery.
4. Receive: Your package is shipped via your chosen method and delivered to your global destination.

Forwardbuy.com Cons

While Forwardbuy.com presents a compelling value proposition, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks and risks, especially from an ethical and financial perspective.

International shipping, even with forwarding services, can carry hidden costs and complexities that users should be aware of.

The inherent nature of cross-border transactions, while potentially convenient, also opens doors to unforeseen issues.

Potential Hidden Costs and Fees

Even with claims of “saving more than 60%,” international shipping often involves various charges that might not be immediately apparent.

• Customs Duties and Taxes: These are often the biggest hidden costs. While Forwardbuy.com facilitates shipping, they typically don’t cover or even accurately estimate the import duties and taxes levied by your destination country. These can add a significant percentage e.g., 10-25% or more of the item’s value to your total cost, depending on the product type and country regulations. A 2023 report by the World Customs Organization indicated that mismanaged customs declarations lead to billions in lost revenue and delays globally.
• Value-Added Services Fees: While “free package repacking” and “free consolidation” are advertised, ensure there aren’t any subtle caveats. Services like “photos of your packages” or “basic testing of your items” might incur additional, albeit small, fees not clearly listed upfront for all scenarios.
• Payment Processing Fees: International transactions often come with currency conversion fees or foreign transaction fees from your bank or payment processor. These can range from 1% to 3% of the transaction value.
• Insurance Costs: While standard shipping might include basic coverage, if you’re shipping high-value items, purchasing additional insurance for damage or loss during transit would be prudent, and this will be an extra cost.

Dependence on Third-Party Logistics

Forwardbuy.com acts as an intermediary, meaning your items pass through multiple hands, increasing the points of potential failure. Concept-production.com Reviews

• Shipping Carrier Issues: Once a package leaves Forwardbuy.com’s warehouse, its journey is subject to the reliability of the chosen international shipping carrier e.g., FedEx, DHL, USPS. Issues like delays, lost packages, or damage become the responsibility of the carrier, and resolving them can be time-consuming and frustrating. Global parcel volume reached 161 billion packages in 2022, with an estimated 0.5% to 1% reported as lost or damaged, translating to millions of problematic shipments annually.
• Communication Delays: While they promise 24/7 customer support, communication between Forwardbuy.com, the original merchant, and the final shipping carrier can sometimes lead to delays in resolving disputes or tracking issues.

Limited Control Over the Shopping Process

Using a “Shop For Me” service introduces an extra layer of dependency and reduces your direct control.

• Product Verification: When Forwardbuy.com purchases on your behalf, you are relying entirely on their team to ensure the correct item, size, color, and specifications are ordered. If there’s an error on their part, returns or exchanges can become significantly more complicated and costly due to international shipping.
• Return Policies: If an item needs to be returned due to defect, wrong size, or simply not meeting expectations, the process becomes complex. You would likely need to ship the item back to Forwardbuy.com’s warehouse, and then they would handle the return to the original merchant. This could involve double shipping costs back to Forwardbuy.com and then potentially back to the merchant and significant delays, often making returns impractical or too expensive.
• Warranty Issues: For electronics or other items with warranties, purchasing through a forwarding service might complicate warranty claims, as the original purchase might not be directly from the authorized retailer in your country.

Forwardbuy.com Alternatives

Given the potential complexities and costs associated with international parcel forwarding, exploring alternatives that align more closely with ethical and responsible consumption is a prudent approach.

Rather than relying solely on third-party services for cross-border shopping, consider strategies that promote local economies, reduce environmental impact, and simplify financial transactions.

Supporting Local Businesses and Economies

Prioritizing local purchases can circumvent many of the issues related to international shipping and also strengthens your immediate community.

• Boost Local Growth: Every dollar spent locally tends to circulate more within the community, supporting jobs, local infrastructure, and small businesses. A 2023 study by the Small Business Administration found that $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the local economy, compared to only $43 when spent at large corporations.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: International shipping has a significant environmental impact due to fuel consumption and emissions. Buying locally drastically cuts down on transportation-related carbon emissions. Shipping one 5kg package by air freight from China to the US can produce around 3.5 kg of CO2 equivalent, whereas local delivery is a fraction of that.
• Immediate Access and Returns: No waiting for weeks or dealing with customs. If an item isn’t right, returns or exchanges are often straightforward and hassle-free.
• Tailored Products: Local businesses often cater to specific community needs and preferences, offering unique items not found elsewhere.

Utilizing Reputable Global Retailers with Direct International Shipping

Many large e-commerce platforms and brands now offer direct international shipping, simplifying the process significantly compared to using a forwarding service. Bahnhof.se Reviews

• Streamlined Process: Companies like Amazon, eBay, ASOS, and many global brands handle all aspects of international delivery, including customs documentation and often even pre-calculating duties and taxes. This eliminates the need for an intermediary.
• Transparency in Costs: When purchasing directly, the total cost including shipping, and often duties, is typically presented upfront, reducing hidden fees. For example, Amazon’s Global Shipping program aims to show all costs at checkout.
• Dedicated Customer Support: You deal directly with the retailer for any issues, leading to quicker resolutions.
• Wider Selection Potentially: While forwarding allows access to stores that don’t ship internationally, many major global retailers now offer a vast selection that does. By 2027, cross-border e-commerce is projected to reach $7.9 trillion, indicating a growing trend of direct international sales from major players.

Exploring Ethical and Halal-Certified Products and Services

For those prioritizing ethical consumption, seeking out products and services that align with Islamic principles is paramount.

This extends beyond food items to financial services, manufacturing practices, and overall business ethics.

• Halal Lifestyle Products: Look for products with clear halal certifications, not just for food, but also for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even clothing, ensuring no haram ingredients or unethical practices in production. The global halal market is projected to reach $4.9 trillion by 2030, reflecting a growing demand for such products.
• Islamic Finance: Avoid interest-based credit cards, loans, or traditional insurance riba by exploring Islamic banking and Takaful Islamic insurance options. Islamic finance assets reached $4 trillion in 2022, demonstrating the viability of interest-free financial models.
• Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade: Support businesses committed to fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable practices. Many companies now proudly display fair trade certifications, ensuring producers in developing countries receive fair compensation.
• Avoid Unnecessary Consumption: Before purchasing, ask if the item is truly needed. Reducing overall consumption is the most effective way to save money and reduce environmental impact. Embrace minimalism and thoughtful purchasing.

How to Cancel Forwardbuy.com Account

Based on information typically available on parcel forwarding websites, canceling an account with Forwardbuy.com should be a straightforward process, though it often requires direct communication with their customer support.

It’s crucial to ensure all outstanding shipments are handled and any remaining balance is cleared before initiating a cancellation to avoid complications. Tradifyhq.com Reviews

Steps to Initiate Account Deletion

While the specific steps might vary slightly, generally, you would follow these actions:

1. Log In: Access your Forwardbuy.com account using your registered credentials.
2. Check for Outstanding Shipments/Balance: Before attempting to close your account, ensure there are no packages currently in transit or waiting at their warehouse. Also, verify that your account balance is zero or that any dues are settled. Any pending shipments or outstanding payments could delay or complicate the cancellation process.
3. Navigate to Account Settings or Contact Support:
   • Look for an “Account Settings,” “Profile,” or “My Account” section within your dashboard. Sometimes, a direct “Delete Account” or “Close Account” option might be available there.
   • If no direct option is found, the most common method is to contact their customer support. Their website states they offer “CUSTOMER SUPPORT” and answer tickets within “24 hours.”
4. Submit a Cancellation Request:
   • Via Support Ticket: Use their online support ticket system if available to submit a formal request for account cancellation.
   • Via Email: Send an email to their designated support email address, clearly stating your request to close your account. Include your account ID and registered email address for verification.
   • Via Live Chat: If they offer live chat, you might be able to initiate the process there.
5. Confirm Cancellation: After submitting your request, await confirmation from Forwardbuy.com. They might send an email confirming the account closure or ask for additional verification. Keep records of your communication.

Important Considerations Before Canceling

• Shipping Address Removal: Ensure that your virtual shipping addresses are no longer active or linked to any future purchases.
• Data Retention Policy: Inquire about their data retention policy. Legitimate companies will have a policy regarding how long they keep your personal data after account closure.
• Unused Credits: If you have any unused credits or balances, confirm how these will be handled upon cancellation. Some services might offer refunds, while others might not.

Forwardbuy.com Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of a parcel forwarding service is paramount, as this is where the perceived “savings” can quickly evaporate if not properly accounted for.

Forwardbuy.com emphasizes “economical pricing” and claims to save you “more than 60%,” but the real cost lies in the specifics of their shipping calculator and any additional fees.

Core Shipping Costs

The primary cost you will incur is the international shipping charge. Forwardbuy.com encourages users to “Calculate Shipment Price” via their online tool. This calculator will be the most critical tool for estimating your expenses.

• Weight-Based Pricing: International shipping is almost always based on the weight of the package, often with different rates for actual weight vs. volumetric weight which considers the package’s size.
• Destination-Specific Rates: Shipping rates vary significantly depending on the destination country. For instance, sending a package from the USA to the UK will have a different rate than sending it to Australia. Forwardbuy.com mentions “More than 220 Countries included in Our Network,” indicating a broad reach but also varied pricing.
• Carrier Options: They likely offer various shipping carriers e.g., DHL, FedEx, standard post with different speed and cost tiers. Express services will be more expensive than slower, economy options. A 2023 analysis of shipping costs shows that express carriers can be 2-3 times more expensive than standard postal services for the same weight.

Value-Added Services and Their Costs

While some services are advertised as “FREE,” others might come with a charge or be limited. Elegantthemes.com Reviews

• FREE Package Repacking: This is a valuable service designed to reduce volumetric weight by optimizing package size. It’s often free, but ensure there are no limitations e.g., only for certain package types.
• FREE Package Consolidation: Combining multiple packages into one shipment is a key money-saver. This being free is a significant benefit, as many forwarders charge for this.
• FREE Storage 30 days: This is a generous period. Beyond 30 days, expect storage fees to kick in, which can add up quickly if packages are left for extended periods. Typical extended storage fees can range from $1-$5 per day per package, depending on size.
• Photos of Packages Received: This is often a paid service that allows you to visually inspect your items upon arrival at their warehouse. Costs can range from $2-$5 per photo.
• Basic Testing of Items: This implies checking if an electronic item powers on, for instance. This is a specialized service and would certainly incur a fee, likely on a per-item basis.

What to Look Out For in the Price Calculator

• Customs Duties & Taxes: As mentioned, verify if their calculator includes an estimate for these or if you are solely responsible upon delivery. Most forwarding services state that customs duties are the recipient’s responsibility. Over 80% of cross-border e-commerce transactions incur customs duties, which average 10-15% of the product value.
• Fuel Surcharges: International shipping carriers often add fuel surcharges that fluctuate based on oil prices. These might not be fixed but rather a percentage of the shipping cost.
• Remote Area Surcharges: If your delivery address is in a remote or less accessible area, carriers might levy an additional “remote area surcharge.”
• Insurance: The base shipping cost typically includes minimal insurance. For valuable items, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage, which is usually a percentage of the declared value.

Forwardbuy.com vs. Competitors

The parcel forwarding industry is competitive, with many players vying for international shoppers’ business.

Understanding how Forwardbuy.com stacks up against other major services is crucial for an informed decision.

Key competitors often include established names like Shipito, MyUS, and Borderlinx, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and pricing models.

Key Differentiators to Consider

When comparing Forwardbuy.com to its rivals, several factors stand out:

• Warehouse Locations:
  • Forwardbuy.com: Singapore, USA, India. This is a unique selling proposition, particularly the India and Singapore addresses, which are less common among global forwarders. Many competitors primarily focus on the USA and sometimes the UK.
  • Competitors e.g., Shipito, MyUS: Primarily USA California, Oregon, Florida for sales tax benefits and often some European locations e.g., Austria, UK. The presence of India and Singapore addresses gives Forwardbuy.com an edge for shoppers targeting those markets.
• Pricing Structure and “Free” Services:
  • Forwardbuy.com: Emphasizes “FREE” account registration, package consolidation, repacking, and 30 days of storage. This “free” model for core services is very attractive and can offer significant savings. Their claim of “saving more than 60%” needs to be validated against actual shipping rates.
  • Competitors: Many competitors offer similar services, but often with a tiered membership structure. For example, Shipito has a free basic account but charges for consolidation and longer storage. Their paid “Premium” or “Virtual Mailbox” accounts offer these for a monthly fee. MyUS often operates on a similar model, with membership tiers affecting access to discounted shipping rates and free services.
• Value-Added Services:
  • Forwardbuy.com: Offers services like package photos and basic item testing.
  • Competitors: Most major forwarders offer a comprehensive suite of value-added services, including detailed content photos, item inspection, personal shopper services, gift wrapping, and even return assistance. The depth and breadth of these services can vary, as can their respective fees.
• Customer Support:
  • Forwardbuy.com: Claims 24/7 support with 24-hour response times.
  • Competitors: Generally offer robust customer support via email, phone, and live chat, often with multi-language options. Reviews of competitor customer service often highlight response times and helpfulness as critical factors.
• Ease of Use & Transparency:
  • Forwardbuy.com: Website appears user-friendly with clear steps. The online shipping calculator is a big plus for transparency.
  • Competitors: Have refined their platforms over years, offering highly intuitive dashboards, detailed tracking, and comprehensive FAQs. Some competitors have stronger reputations for clear communication regarding customs and duties.

Market Share and Reputation

While specific market share data for parcel forwarders is hard to pinpoint, the industry is dominated by a few major players. Livingcity.co.uk Reviews

• Shipito: One of the oldest and most well-known, with a reputation for robust services and multiple US warehouse locations. They ship hundreds of thousands of packages annually.
• MyUS: Another long-standing giant, known for its strong carrier partnerships and competitive rates, particularly for high-volume users. They claim to have shipped to over 220 countries and saved customers over $70 million.
• Forwardbuy.com: Appears to be a smaller, potentially more niche player, leveraging its unique warehouse locations in Asia. Its emphasis on simplicity and “free” core services could appeal to those seeking a cost-effective solution without complex membership tiers.

Ultimately, the “best” service depends on individual needs:

• For shoppers primarily focused on USA goods and comprehensive services, Shipito or MyUS might be preferable.
• For those specifically targeting India or Singapore markets with an emphasis on cost-effective core services and a simple model, Forwardbuy.com presents a strong option.

It’s always recommended to get quotes from multiple services for your specific shipping needs before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Forwardbuy.com is a parcel forwarding and shopping concierge service that provides virtual shipping addresses in Singapore, USA, and India.

It allows users to shop from online stores in these countries and have their purchases consolidated and shipped to their global destination.

Is Forwardbuy.com a legitimate service?

Based on the website’s presentation and stated services, Forwardbuy.com appears to be a legitimate parcel forwarding service offering a clear operational model. Sockaffairs.com Reviews

However, like any online service, it’s always advisable to conduct thorough due diligence and check independent user reviews.

How does the “Shop For Me” service work?

The “Shop For Me” service allows Forwardbuy.com to purchase items on your behalf from online stores in Singapore, USA, or India.

This is particularly useful if you face issues with international payment methods or if the store doesn’t directly ship to your location.

You provide them with product details, and they handle the purchase.

What countries does Forwardbuy.com ship to?

Forwardbuy.com states that they ship to “More than 220 Countries included in Our Network,” covering a vast global reach. Prestigetravel.co.uk Reviews

Popular destinations mentioned include the UK, USA, Brazil, South Africa, India, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Canada, Brunei, and countries in the Middle East.

How much does Forwardbuy.com cost?

The core cost is the international shipping fee, which depends on package weight, dimensions, destination, and chosen carrier.

Forwardbuy.com offers free account registration, free package consolidation, free repacking, and 30 days of free storage.

Additional services like package photos or item testing may incur extra fees.

Does Forwardbuy.com provide free storage for packages?

Yes, Forwardbuy.com offers free storage for your packages for up to 30 days from the date they receive your package at their warehouse. Beyond this period, charges may apply. Yourhrpartners.co.uk Reviews

Can I consolidate multiple packages into one shipment?

Yes, Forwardbuy.com offers a free package consolidation service.

This allows you to combine multiple individual packages into a single, larger shipment, which can significantly reduce your overall international shipping costs.

What is package repacking?

Package repacking is a service where Forwardbuy.com optimizes the packaging of your items.

They can remove unnecessary original packaging and repack your items into smaller, more efficient boxes to reduce the package’s volumetric weight, thereby lowering your shipping costs. This service is advertised as free.

How long does it take for my package to arrive at the Forwardbuy.com warehouse?

The time it takes for your package to arrive at Forwardbuy.com’s warehouse depends on the shipping speed of the original merchant you purchased from. Coinmarketcapai.com Reviews

Once received, Forwardbuy.com aims to process and notify you promptly.

How do I track my shipment with Forwardbuy.com?

Once your package is shipped from Forwardbuy.com’s warehouse to your international destination, they will provide you with a tracking number.

You can then use this tracking number on the chosen carrier’s website e.g., DHL, FedEx to monitor your shipment’s progress.

Does Forwardbuy.com handle customs duties and taxes?

Typically, parcel forwarding services like Forwardbuy.com facilitate the shipment, but the responsibility for customs duties, import taxes, and any other local fees usually falls to the recipient in the destination country.

It’s crucial to verify this directly with Forwardbuy.com or research your country’s import regulations. Boostgram.nl Reviews

What if my package is lost or damaged during transit?

While Forwardbuy.com handles your package at their warehouse, once it’s handed over to the international shipping carrier, any issues like loss or damage during transit become the responsibility of that carrier.

You would likely need to file a claim with the shipping carrier, potentially with assistance from Forwardbuy.com’s customer support.

Can I return items purchased through Forwardbuy.com?

Returning items purchased through a forwarding service can be complex and costly.

If you need to return an item, you would likely have to ship it back to Forwardbuy.com’s warehouse, and then they would assist with the return to the original merchant.

This often involves additional shipping fees and potential delays. Zooplus.ie Reviews

What payment methods does Forwardbuy.com accept?

The website doesn’t explicitly list all accepted payment methods on its main page.

However, most online services accept major credit/debit cards Visa, MasterCard, American Express and sometimes PayPal or other local payment options.

You would typically see these options during the checkout process.

How do I contact Forwardbuy.com customer support?

Forwardbuy.com states they offer 24/7 customer support, with all tickets/questions answered within 24 hours.

You would typically contact them through their website’s support ticket system, email, or potentially a live chat function if available. Aq-living.com Reviews

Is there a mobile app for Forwardbuy.com?

The website does not explicitly mention or link to a dedicated mobile application for iOS or Android.

Most users would likely manage their account and shipments through the web-based platform.

Can I use Forwardbuy.com for commercial shipping?

Forwardbuy.com primarily promotes itself as a service for individual shoppers.

While they handle packages, large-scale commercial shipping might require different services and licensing.

It’s best to contact them directly for clarification on commercial use. Mtechcomms.co.uk Reviews

What if an Indian e-commerce store doesn’t accept my international credit card?

Forwardbuy.com’s “Shop For Me” service is specifically designed to address this issue.

If an Indian e-commerce store doesn’t accept your international payment method, you can use their assisted purchase service, where they make the purchase for you.

Does Forwardbuy.com offer insurance for packages?

While basic shipping might include minimal coverage, for high-value items, it’s crucial to check if Forwardbuy.com offers additional, purchasable insurance for your shipment.

This would protect your items against loss or damage during international transit.

How do I cancel my Forwardbuy.com account?

To cancel your Forwardbuy.com account, you should first ensure all packages are shipped and any outstanding balances are cleared. Homesecurity1st.co.za Reviews

Then, contact their customer support team via their support ticket system or email to request account cancellation.

They will guide you through the process and confirm the closure.