Importsquare.com Reviews

Based on checking the website, ImportSquare.com presents itself as an international package forwarding and assisted purchase service designed to help individuals and businesses shop from U.S.

And other international online retailers and ship items worldwide.

This service aims to bridge the gap for shoppers in countries where direct international shipping from certain stores isn’t available or is prohibitively expensive. In essence, they provide you with a U.S.

Shipping address, receive your packages, and then forward them to your international destination, often with options for consolidation to save on shipping costs.

This can be particularly appealing for those seeking specific products not readily available in their home country or looking to leverage better pricing from international markets.

While the concept of facilitating global trade is generally positive, especially for accessing goods not otherwise available, it’s crucial to delve into the specifics of their service, costs, and overall reliability.

The appeal of a service like ImportSquare.com lies in its promise of convenience and potential savings for international shoppers.

Many online retailers, particularly in the U.S., limit their shipping to domestic addresses or charge exorbitant rates for international delivery.

ImportSquare.com positions itself as a solution to this common problem, allowing users to tap into a wider market of products ranging from electronics and clothing to household goods and specialized items.

They also offer an “Assisted Purchase” service, which can be invaluable for those who face issues with payment methods or direct ordering from foreign sites.

However, as with any service that handles your money and possessions, a thorough review is essential to ensure it aligns with expectations and offers a trustworthy, efficient experience.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

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.

ImportSquare.com Review & First Look

When you first land on ImportSquare.com, it presents a clear and straightforward proposition: Shop & Ship Worldwide. The site is designed to be user-friendly, immediately highlighting its core services—getting a U.S. address, shopping, and international shipping. For anyone who has ever hit the “international shipping unavailable” wall on a U.S. retail site, this instantly grabs attention.

Initial Impressions and User Interface

The website itself is clean, though not overly modern in its design.

It prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics, which can be a good sign for a service-oriented platform.

Key information, like the shipping calculator and service explanations, is accessible from the homepage.

• Navigation: The navigation is intuitive, with clearly labeled sections for “Shipping Calculator,” “Shipping Methods,” and service explanations like “Assisted Purchase Services” and “International Package Forwarding Service.”
• Clarity of Purpose: There’s no ambiguity about what ImportSquare.com does. It directly addresses the common pain points of international shopping.
• Call to Action: Prominent calls to action like “Register for Free Today!” and “Create Account & Get Your Address” guide new users.

Trust Factors and Transparency

A major concern with any online service, especially one handling your purchases and shipping, is trust.

ImportSquare.com makes efforts to establish this from the outset.

• Clear Service Descriptions: Each service, whether it’s package forwarding or assisted purchase, is explained in detail, outlining “How it Works” and “Features & Benefits.” This transparency is crucial.
• Customer Support: They highlight “Dedicated Customer Support,” which is a positive indicator, though the true test is the responsiveness and effectiveness of that support in practice.
• Photo Inspection: The offer of “Free Inspection Photo of Arrived Packages” is a significant trust-builder. It allows users to verify their items before international shipping, mitigating risks of incorrect orders or damaged goods. This feature alone can save a lot of headaches and disputes down the line.

ImportSquare.com Features

ImportSquare.com packs a solid suite of features designed to make international shopping and shipping as seamless as possible.

They focus on common pain points and offer solutions that cater to both individual shoppers and small businesses.

International Package Forwarding

This is the cornerstone of their service. ImportSquare.com provides you with a dedicated U.S. shipping address in their warehouse.

When you shop online, you simply use this address at checkout. Getbooksreviewed.com Reviews

• Dedicated U.S. Address: You get a unique address, ensuring your packages are correctly identified and processed.
• Package Reception and Storage: They receive your packages and store them securely until you’re ready to ship.
• Consolidation: This is a major cost-saving feature. You can combine multiple packages from different retailers into one larger shipment. For example, if you buy a shirt from Amazon, a book from Barnes & Noble, and electronics from eBay, ImportSquare can bundle them into a single box. This drastically reduces the per-item shipping cost compared to sending each item individually.
  • Data Point: Consolidating multiple small packages can reduce international shipping costs by 30-70% in some cases, according to various freight forwarders, as it optimizes volumetric weight and base shipping charges.
• Repackaging: They can repackage items to reduce volume and weight, further optimizing shipping costs.
• Free Inspection Photo: Upon arrival at their warehouse, they provide a free photo of your received items. This is invaluable for verifying the correct item, size, or condition before it travels internationally.
• Online Account Access: A user-friendly online portal allows you to track incoming packages, view photos, request consolidation, and manage your shipments.

Assisted Purchase Services

For those who encounter issues buying directly from U.S.

Or other foreign online shops e.g., payment method restrictions, retailer not accepting international cards, ImportSquare.com offers an “Assisted Purchase” or “Shopping Proxy” service.

• Proxy Shopping: You tell them what you want to buy, and their team will purchase it on your behalf.
• Wide Retailer Access: They state they can purchase from “countless online shops including Amazon, eBay, Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Bath & Body Works, Mark & Spencer, Barnes & Noble, and countless others!” This significantly expands your shopping horizons.
• Simplified Payment: You make a single payment to your ImportSquare account, and they handle the multiple transactions with various retailers. This streamlines the process and avoids potential international transaction fees on your end.

Order Fulfillment Services

This feature is geared towards small businesses, e-commerce stores, or retailers looking to ship internationally without managing their own logistics.

• Streamlined International Shipping: ImportSquare handles the “labor-intensive processing involved with shipping overseas.”
• Ideal for Retailers: If you’re selling products online and want to expand your reach internationally, this service can manage the packing, customs documentation, and shipping for your customers.
• Efficiency: It allows businesses to focus on sales and marketing while outsourcing the complex aspects of international fulfillment.

Additional Value-Added Services

Beyond the core offerings, ImportSquare.com provides several supplementary features that enhance the user experience and add convenience.

• Shipping Calculator: A crucial tool that allows users to estimate shipping costs based on weight and dimensions before they even make a purchase. This transparency helps in budgeting.
• More Photos: For a small fee, you can request additional photos of your goods for a more detailed inspection.
• Special Request: Need something unusual done with your package e.g., removing original packaging, specific labeling? This feature allows for custom requests.
• CSV Upload & Download: For bulk orders or business clients, this feature streamlines the process of placing orders or managing data.

ImportSquare.com Pros & Cons

Like any service, ImportSquare.com has its strengths and weaknesses.

Understanding these can help potential users make an informed decision about whether it’s the right fit for their international shipping needs.

Pros

ImportSquare.com offers several compelling advantages, particularly for shoppers looking to access goods from the U.S. and other international markets.

• Access to Restricted Retailers: This is arguably the biggest benefit. Many U.S. stores don’t ship internationally, or their international shipping costs are exorbitant. ImportSquare provides a workaround, effectively opening up a vast new shopping arena. You can buy from popular sites like Amazon.com, eBay, Target, Walmart, Macy’s, and many more that might otherwise be inaccessible.
• Significant Shipping Cost Savings through Consolidation: Their ability to combine multiple packages into one larger shipment is a huge money-saver. Instead of paying individual base shipping rates for each small item, you pay one consolidated rate, which can lead to substantial reductions in overall shipping expenditure. For instance, if you purchase items from three different stores, consolidating them into one box can reduce shipping costs by 50% or more compared to sending them separately, as the fixed costs associated with each shipment like customs declaration, handling fees, and carrier pick-up are significantly reduced.
• Free Package Inspection Photos: This is a crucial trust-building feature. Receiving a photo of your actual package upon arrival at their warehouse allows you to verify the contents, condition, and accuracy of your order before it’s shipped internationally. This minimizes the risk of receiving incorrect, damaged, or counterfeit items.
• Assisted Purchase Service: For those who face issues with international payment methods, or if a retailer doesn’t accept international cards, the assisted purchase service is invaluable. ImportSquare acts as your proxy, simplifying the buying process. This is particularly useful for niche U.S. stores that might not be equipped for international transactions.
• Tax-Free Warehouse: Their U.S. warehouse is likely located in a state that does not charge sales tax for online purchases, which can result in additional savings on the purchase price of goods, especially for high-value items.
• Transparent Shipping Calculator: The ability to estimate shipping costs upfront helps users budget effectively and avoid surprises. This transparency is a strong positive.
• Dedicated Customer Support: While the quality of support can vary, the emphasis on dedicated customer support suggests a commitment to resolving user queries and issues.
• Order Fulfillment for Businesses: This is a niche but valuable service for small e-commerce businesses looking to expand globally without the overhead of managing international logistics.

Cons

While ImportSquare.com offers many benefits, there are also potential downsides and considerations that users should be aware of.

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• Reliance on Third-Party: You are entrusting your purchases and funds to a third-party service. While ImportSquare.com aims for transparency, there’s always an inherent risk when your items are out of your direct control during transit through their facility.
• Potential for Delays: The process of forwarding, consolidating, and repacking adds extra steps, which can inherently introduce delays compared to direct shipping from a retailer. If you need something urgently, this service might not be the fastest option.
• Fees and Costs Beyond Shipping: While they aim to save on shipping, there are other potential fees:
  • Service Fees: There might be small processing fees for consolidation, repacking, or assisted purchase services. While these are typically minor, they add up.
  • Customs Duties and Taxes: Crucially, ImportSquare.com does not handle or include destination country customs duties, taxes, or import fees. These are the responsibility of the recipient. This means the final cost of your imported goods can be significantly higher than just the item price and ImportSquare’s shipping fees. For example, if you import electronics into a country with a 20% import duty and 15% VAT, you’d pay an additional 35% on the item’s value upon arrival. This can be a significant surprise for unaware users.
  • Storage Fees: While initial storage might be free for a certain period, prolonged storage of packages in their warehouse can incur fees. Users need to be mindful of these timelines.
• Communication Challenges: As with any international service, time zone differences and language barriers though less likely with an English-focused service could potentially lead to communication delays or misunderstandings with customer support.
• Returns and Exchanges: If an item is incorrect or faulty after it’s been shipped internationally, the process of returning or exchanging it through ImportSquare.com back to the original U.S. retailer can be complex, costly, and time-consuming. You would likely be responsible for return shipping costs to the U.S. warehouse and then back to the retailer.

ImportSquare.com Alternatives

While ImportSquare.com offers a robust service, the market for international package forwarding is competitive.

Several other reputable companies offer similar services, each with its own nuances in pricing, features, and target markets.

Exploring these alternatives can help you find the best fit for your specific needs.

MyUS.com

MyUS.com is one of the oldest and most well-known players in the package forwarding industry.

They offer a comprehensive suite of services and cater to a global audience.

• Key Features:
  • Personal U.S. Address: Similar to ImportSquare, you get a U.S. address.
  • Consolidation and Repacking: Strong capabilities for combining packages to save on shipping.
  • Assisted Purchase: They also offer a “Personal Shopper” service.
  • Large Carrier Network: Partner with major carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
  • Customs Forms Assistance: Offer help with customs declarations and documentation, which can be a complex area.
• Pros: Very established, strong reputation, often competitive shipping rates due to high volume, robust tracking, and insurance options.
• Cons: Can be more expensive for very small, lightweight packages. Their membership plans premium tiers might not be cost-effective for infrequent users. Some users report slower processing times during peak seasons.
• Target Audience: Ideal for frequent international shoppers, businesses, and those who value a highly established service with extensive features.

Shipito.com

Shipito.com is another popular choice, known for its flexibility and multiple warehouse locations including a tax-free warehouse in Oregon and sometimes locations in California and Europe.

*   Multiple Warehouse Locations: Offers addresses in California and Oregon tax-free, which can be advantageous depending on where your desired retailers ship from and if you want to avoid sales tax.
*   Consolidation and Repacking: Standard features.
*   Assisted Purchase: Available for those who need help purchasing.
*   Live Chat Support: Often praised for responsive customer service.
*   Different Membership Tiers: Free account option pay-per-package and premium options for frequent users.

• Pros: Good for avoiding sales tax Oregon warehouse, flexible membership options, often competitive pricing, and good for shipping a wide variety of items.
• Cons: Some users report variability in processing times. Package inspection photos might not be as detailed as some competitors unless specifically requested as an add-on.
• Target Audience: Good for both casual and frequent shoppers, especially those looking to save on U.S. sales tax.

Planet Express

Planet Express is a newer entrant but has quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing, often attracting customers looking for a more modern platform.

*   Modern User Interface: A very intuitive and clean dashboard for managing packages.
*   U.S. Address Oregon & California: Offers tax-free Oregon address.
*   Consolidation & Repacking: Standard.
*   Assisted Purchase: Yes.
*   Variety of Shipping Options: Good range of carriers and shipping speeds.
*   Package Contents Photos: Offers detailed photos of package contents.

• Pros: Excellent user experience, competitive pricing, often faster processing times than some older services, and detailed photos.
• Cons: Being relatively newer, they might not have the same extensive carrier network or long-standing reputation as MyUS.
• Target Audience: Shoppers who prioritize a modern, easy-to-use platform and competitive rates.

Stackry

Stackry focuses on simplicity and competitive shipping rates, especially for heavier packages.

They aim to provide a straightforward service without too many complex tiers.

*   U.S. Tax-Free Address New Hampshire: Another excellent option for avoiding U.S. sales tax.
*   Consolidation & Repacking: Yes.
*   Assisted Purchase: Available.
*   Focus on Affordability: Often cited for their competitive shipping rates, particularly for bulkier items.

• Pros: Good for tax-free shopping, often good rates for larger shipments, and generally straightforward pricing.
• Cons: User interface might not be as polished as some newer services. Some users have reported less frequent communication updates compared to others.
• Target Audience: Shoppers looking for a reliable, no-frills service with competitive pricing, especially for items where sales tax savings are significant.

When choosing an alternative, consider factors like: Boulder.urbanmattress.com Reviews

• Shipping Costs to your Country: Get quotes from multiple providers.
• Warehouse Location: Does it offer a tax-free state address?
• Processing Time: How quickly do they process and ship packages?
• Customer Service: How responsive and helpful are they?
• Additional Fees: Be aware of any hidden fees for storage, handling, or assisted purchase.
• Insurance and Tracking Options: What level of protection do they offer?

How to Cancel ImportSquare.com Subscription

Based on the information available on their homepage and general industry practices, ImportSquare.com primarily operates on a pay-as-you-go model for its package forwarding services. This means that for the core service of receiving and forwarding packages, you generally do not have a recurring “subscription” in the traditional sense.

You sign up for a free account, get your U.S.

Address, and then only pay when you instruct them to ship a package or utilize their assisted purchase service.

Therefore, there isn’t typically a monthly or annual fee to “cancel.”

However, if ImportSquare.com were to introduce premium features or special membership tiers in the future which is not explicitly advertised on their current homepage but is common in the industry, the cancellation process would typically involve:

General Steps for Cancelling Online Services If Applicable

1. Log In to Your Account: The first step for any online service cancellation is to log into your user account on ImportSquare.com.
2. Navigate to Account Settings/Profile: Look for sections like “My Account,” “Settings,” “Profile,” or “Subscription Management.” These are usually found in a drop-down menu under your name or email in the top right corner.
3. Find Cancellation Option: Within the account settings, there should be a clear option to “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Membership,” or “Close Account.”
4. Follow Prompts: The system will usually guide you through a series of prompts to confirm your cancellation. This might include asking for a reason for cancellation or offering alternatives.
5. Confirmation Email: Always look for a confirmation email indicating that your subscription has been successfully canceled. Keep this email for your records.

What if I Can’t Find a Cancellation Option?

If you’re unable to find a clear cancellation path within your account, or if you have an ongoing issue you need to resolve before completely stepping away, the next step is to:

• Contact Customer Support Directly:
  • Look for a “Contact Us” page, email address, or support ticket system on the ImportSquare.com website.
  • Clearly state your intention to “cancel my account” or “inquire about potential subscription fees.”
  • Be prepared to provide your account details for verification.

Important Considerations for Account Closure

Even if there’s no ongoing subscription fee, closing an account might have implications:

• Pending Packages: Ensure all your packages have been shipped out and delivered before considering account closure. You wouldn’t want to lose track of any items.
• Balance: Confirm that your account balance is zero, meaning you don’t owe any money for past services or have any remaining credit.
• Data Retention: Be aware of their data retention policy, though for a package forwarding service, this is usually less of a concern than with social media or financial platforms.

In summary, for ImportSquare.com’s primary service, you likely won’t need to “cancel” a subscription as it appears to be a transactional, pay-per-use model after the initial free account creation. If they introduce premium memberships in the future, follow standard online cancellation procedures or contact their support.

How to Cancel ImportSquare.com Free Trial

Based on the information provided on their homepage, ImportSquare.com does not explicitly advertise a “free trial” in the traditional sense, where you sign up for a limited-time premium service that automatically converts to a paid subscription.

Instead, their model seems to be a “free account” or “free registration.” This means: Questrade.com Reviews

• “Register for Free”: You can sign up for an account without any initial cost.
• “Get Your U.S. Address”: Upon free registration, you immediately receive your personal U.S. shipping address in their warehouse.
• Pay-as-you-go: You only incur costs when you actively use their services, such as:
  • When you instruct them to ship a package to your international address.
  • When you utilize their “Assisted Purchase Services.”
  • Potentially, if your packages are stored for an extended period beyond their free storage allowance though this would be a usage fee, not a trial conversion.

Therefore, there is generally nothing to “cancel” as a free trial for ImportSquare.com.

You are simply registering for a free account that enables you to use their services when you choose.

If you decide not to use the service after registering, you simply don’t instruct them to ship anything, and you won’t be charged.

What if I want to “un-register” or close my free account?

While there’s no financial obligation if you don’t use the service, if you wish to formally close your account and remove your data, you would typically follow these steps:

1. Log In to Your ImportSquare.com Account.
2. Navigate to Account Settings: Look for options like “My Account,” “Profile,” or “Settings.”
3. Find Account Closure Option: Search for a button or link that says “Close Account,” “Delete Account,” or similar. This is not always available as a self-service option for free accounts, as there’s no recurring billing to stop.
4. Contact Customer Support: If you cannot find a self-service option, the most direct way to request account closure and data removal would be to contact ImportSquare.com’s customer support directly through their “Contact Us” page or email address. Clearly state that you wish to close your free account and request that your associated data be removed from their systems.

Key takeaway: With ImportSquare.com, you’re not dealing with a “free trial” that auto-converts to a paid subscription. You’re entering a pay-per-use relationship after a free registration. If you don’t use it, you don’t pay.

ImportSquare.com Pricing

ImportSquare.com’s pricing structure is primarily based on the shipping cost of your packages and any additional services you opt for. They aim for transparency with their “Shipping Calculator,” which is a key tool for estimating costs upfront.

Core Pricing Components:

1. International Shipping Fees: This is the largest component of your cost and depends on several factors:

   • Weight of the Package: This is a primary determinant.
   • Volumetric Weight: Carriers often charge based on the “greater” of actual weight or volumetric weight how much space a package takes up. Consolidation and repacking services aim to reduce this.
   • Dimensions of the Package: Larger dimensions can increase costs.
   • Destination Country: Shipping rates vary significantly depending on where you are sending the package.
   • Shipping Method/Carrier: Different carriers e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS and different service levels e.g., express, economy have different price points. ImportSquare states they use the “most efficient and at the maximum discounted rate from our carrier.”
   • Fuel Surcharges: Standard with most international carriers, these fluctuate.

2. Assisted Purchase Service Fee if used:

   • While the exact percentage or flat fee is not explicitly stated on the homepage, assisted purchase services typically involve a small commission or service fee on the total purchase amount. This compensates ImportSquare for the labor and financial transaction involved in buying on your behalf.
   • Example: Many similar services charge a fee ranging from 5% to 10% of the item’s value for assisted purchases, often with a minimum fee. You would need to request a quote from them for the exact amount.

3. Additional Service Fees if applicable:

   • More Photos: Requesting additional detailed photos of your package contents beyond the free inspection photo would likely incur a small per-photo fee.
   • Special Requests: Custom requests e.g., removing specific packaging, extra packing materials might have associated charges depending on the complexity and labor involved.
   • Storage Fees: While they offer initial free storage the duration is not specified on the homepage, prolonged storage of packages beyond this period will likely incur daily or weekly storage fees. This is standard industry practice.

What’s NOT Included in ImportSquare’s Pricing:

It is crucial to understand what ImportSquare.com’s fees do not cover to avoid unexpected costs upon delivery:

• Customs Duties, Taxes, and Import Fees: These are the responsibility of the recipient. When your package arrives in your country, your local customs authorities may levy import duties, value-added tax VAT, sales tax, or other import fees based on the declared value and type of goods. These can be substantial and vary greatly by country and product category.
  • Real Data Example: For a new electronic device valued at $500, a country might impose a 5% import duty $25, a 15% VAT $75, and a customs processing fee $10. This means an additional $110, or 22% of the item’s value, would be due upon import, on top of ImportSquare’s shipping costs.
• Brokerage Fees: Some countries require a customs broker for certain shipments, and these fees would also be your responsibility.
• Insurance Optional: While carriers offer basic liability, purchasing full insurance for higher-value items is usually an optional add-on with its own cost, which you should consider.

How to Get a Price Estimate:

The best way to understand your potential costs is to use their: Codendesignstudios.com Reviews

• Shipping Calculator: Input estimated weight and dimensions, and your destination country to get a shipping quote.
• Assisted Purchase Quote: If using assisted purchase, they will provide a total quote covering the item cost, their service fee, and estimated shipping.

In conclusion, ImportSquare.com operates on a pay-as-you-go model for package forwarding, with shipping costs being the main variable. Be sure to account for potential assisted purchase fees, any extra service fees, and especially your country’s customs duties and taxes to get a full picture of the total cost.

ImportantSquare.com vs. Competitors e.g., MyUS, Shipito

When evaluating ImportSquare.com against major competitors like MyUS.com and Shipito.com, it’s like comparing different tools for a similar job.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the “best” choice often depends on your specific needs, shipping frequency, and budget.

ImportSquare.com: The Streamlined Option

ImportSquare.com appears to focus on a straightforward, user-friendly experience, making it accessible for those new to package forwarding.

• Strengths:

  • Simplicity: The website and service explanations are very clear and easy to understand. This is a big plus for new users who might find other platforms overwhelming.
  • Free Account: No recurring membership fees for the basic package forwarding service, which makes it appealing for infrequent shoppers. You only pay when you ship.
  • Free Inspection Photo: A valuable trust-builder that is often an extra charge on other platforms.
  • Assisted Purchase Focus: They heavily emphasize this service, making it a strong option for those needing help with purchases from U.S. retailers.
  • Tax-Free Warehouse Likely: While not explicitly stated as such, the general industry practice for these services is to operate out of a sales-tax-free state, which is a key advantage.

• Considerations:

  • Less Information on Carriers/Membership Tiers: The homepage doesn’t detail specific carrier partnerships or if there are different service tiers for frequent users, which larger competitors often showcase.
  • Newer/Smaller Scale: Compared to giants like MyUS, ImportSquare might have less volume, potentially leading to slightly less aggressive shipping rate discounts, though this isn’t always the case.
  • Fewer Advanced Features: May not offer as many advanced features e.g., detailed content photos for every item, specific customs assistance programs as some larger, more established services.

MyUS.com: The Established Powerhouse

MyUS.com is often considered the industry leader, known for its extensive network and comprehensive features.

*   Volume Discounts: Due to massive shipping volume over 10 million packages shipped, MyUS often secures highly competitive rates from major carriers DHL, FedEx, UPS.
*   Extensive Carrier Network: Offers a wide range of shipping options and speeds.
*   Membership Tiers: Caters to both casual and frequent shoppers with different membership plans, including a free tier for occasional users. Premium tiers offer further discounts.
*   Robust Online Platform: Very mature and feature-rich account management system with advanced tracking.
*   Experienced Customs Assistance: Often provides more detailed guidance and tools for customs declarations.

*   Membership Fees: While they have a free option, unlocking the best rates often requires a paid membership, which adds a recurring cost.
*   Complexity: The sheer number of options and features can be a bit overwhelming for new users.
*   Processing Time: During peak seasons, some users report longer processing times due to high volume.

Shipito.com: The Flexible and Cost-Conscious Choice

Shipito.com is well-regarded for its flexibility, multiple warehouse locations, and often competitive pricing, especially for smaller packages.

*   Multiple Tax-Free Warehouses: Offers addresses in Oregon tax-free and California, providing flexibility and sales tax savings.
*   Flexible Account Options: Has a free account option and premium options, catering to different usage levels.
*   Good for Small Packages: Often cited for competitive rates on lighter, smaller shipments.
*   Live Chat Support: Generally good responsiveness in customer service.

*   Pricing Structure: Can sometimes be a bit more complex with various small fees for specific actions e.g., specific photos, forms.
*   Less Polished Interface: While functional, the user interface might feel less modern than some newer competitors.

Key Differentiators to Compare:

• Pricing Model: Is it entirely pay-as-you-go ImportSquare or are there membership tiers that offer better rates for a recurring fee MyUS, Shipito?
• Warehouse Location: Does it offer a tax-free state Oregon, New Hampshire to save on U.S. sales tax? ImportSquare’s location isn’t specified on homepage but implied to be US.
• Free Features: Does it offer free package consolidation, repacking, or inspection photos ImportSquare offers the latter?
• Carrier Options: What range of carriers and shipping speeds are available?
• Customer Support: How accessible and responsive is their support?
• Assisted Purchase Fee: What’s the fee structure if you use their shopping proxy service?
• Overall User Experience: Is the platform easy to navigate and understand?

In essence, ImportSquare.com seems like a solid, straightforward option, particularly for casual shoppers who appreciate simplicity and the free photo inspection. For high-volume users or those who want the absolute lowest rates on every package and are willing to pay a membership, MyUS or Shipito might offer better overall value. Always get a shipping quote from several providers for your specific package to make the most informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ImportSquare.com a legitimate service?

Based on looking at the website, ImportSquare.com appears to be a legitimate package forwarding service, offering clear descriptions of its services like package consolidation, assisted purchase, and international shipping. Alwaysincolour.com Reviews

How does ImportSquare.com work?

You register for a free account to get a U.S. shipping address. You then shop at any U.S. online store and use that ImportSquare address.

They receive your packages, and you can instruct them to consolidate them or ship them individually to your international destination.

What is the cost of using ImportSquare.com?

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

There might be additional fees for assisted purchase services, extra photos, special requests, or prolonged storage beyond a free period.

Does ImportSquare.com offer a free trial?

No, ImportSquare.com does not offer a traditional “free trial” that converts to a paid subscription.

They offer a “free account” registration, where you only pay for the services you use e.g., shipping, assisted purchase.

How do I get a U.S. address from ImportSquare.com?

You can get a U.S.

Address by registering for a free account on their website. Upon successful registration, your unique U.S.

Proxy shipping address in their warehouse will be provided.

Can ImportSquare.com help me buy items from U.S. stores that don’t ship internationally?

Yes, ImportSquare.com offers an “Assisted Purchase Service” or shopping proxy where they can buy items on your behalf from various U.S. Sweetbirth.net Reviews

Online shops, even if those shops don’t directly ship to your country or don’t accept international payment methods.

Does ImportSquare.com consolidate packages?

Yes, a key feature of ImportSquare.com is package consolidation.

You can combine multiple purchases from different retailers into a single shipment, which can significantly reduce international shipping costs.

Are there any hidden fees with ImportSquare.com?

ImportSquare.com aims for transparency with its shipping calculator and outlined services. However, users should be aware that customs duties, taxes, and import fees levied by your destination country are not included in ImportSquare’s fees and are your responsibility upon package arrival.

How long does ImportSquare.com store packages for free?

The exact duration of free storage is not explicitly stated on the provided homepage text.

Typically, package forwarding services offer a limited free storage period e.g., 30 days, after which storage fees may apply.

It’s advisable to check their terms of service for precise details.

What shipping carriers does ImportSquare.com use?

While specific carriers are not listed, ImportSquare.com states they will “ship your parcel using the most efficient and at the maximum discounted rate from our carrier,” implying partnerships with major international shipping companies.

Can I track my packages with ImportSquare.com?

Yes, ImportSquare.com offers “Online Access to Your Account,” where you can likely track the status of your incoming packages and outbound shipments.

Does ImportSquare.com provide photos of my received packages?

Yes, ImportSquare.com offers a “Free Inspection Photo of Arrived Packages” at their warehouse, allowing you to visually verify your items before they are shipped internationally. Wallpics.com Reviews

You can also request “More Photos” for an additional fee.

What if my package arrives damaged at the ImportSquare.com warehouse?

The free inspection photo feature allows you to see the condition of your package upon arrival.

If it appears damaged, you should immediately contact ImportSquare.com’s customer support to discuss options before it’s shipped internationally.

How do I pay for ImportSquare.com services?

For assisted purchases, you pay into your ImportSquare account, and they handle the purchasing.

For shipping, once your package is ready, you would pay the calculated shipping and service fees through your online account.

Specific payment methods credit card, PayPal, etc. would be detailed in their payment section.

Is ImportSquare.com suitable for businesses?

Yes, ImportSquare.com offers “Order Fulfillment Services” designed for retailers, e-commerce stores, or small businesses that need assistance with the labor-intensive processing of shipping overseas.

Can I remove original packaging to save on shipping weight?

While not explicitly detailed as a standard option, services like “Repack, Consolidate Package” suggest they can optimize packaging.

For specific requests like removing original packaging, you might need to use their “Special Request” feature.

How do I calculate estimated shipping costs before buying?

ImportSquare.com provides a “Shipping Calculator” on its website, allowing you to estimate shipping costs based on the package’s estimated weight and dimensions and your destination country. Evexperts.co.uk Reviews

What if I want to return an item I bought through ImportSquare.com?

Returning items purchased through a package forwarding service can be complex.

You would likely need to ship the item back to the ImportSquare warehouse at your expense, and then they would forward it to the original U.S. retailer.

You would be responsible for any return shipping costs to the U.S. and potentially restocking fees from the retailer.

Does ImportSquare.com ship to all countries worldwide?

ImportSquare.com states “Shop & Ship Worldwide,” implying they ship to a vast number of international destinations.

However, it’s always wise to confirm if they ship to your specific country before using the service.

How do I contact ImportSquare.com customer support?

ImportSquare.com highlights “Dedicated Customer Support.” You would typically find contact information e.g., email, contact form, support ticket system on their website, likely under a “Contact Us” or “Support” section.