Big Apple Buddy vs. Crowdshipping

Big Apple Buddy vs. Crowdshipping

What is Crowdshipping?

Crowdshipping, occasionally also written as crowd shipping, is a type of crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing is having regular people perform tasks that have previously been reserved for professionals. In recent years, several different crowdshipping companies and apps have come on to the market. Some offer same day delivery of goods from stores in the local vicinity. Examples include: Deliv, Zipments, and in Australia, MeeMeep and Postrope. Another type of crowdshipping involves shipping products with international travelers. Examples of these services include: Fill Up My Luggage, Friendshippr, Tinycarrier, Nimber (previously Easybring), Entrusters, Packmule, Entrusters, Packmule, PiggyBee, Shipizy, Bringrs, and jib.li. The problem with using crowdshipping is that you are taking a huge risk with reliability, time and the legitimacy of your purchases. With Big Apple Buddy, we only buy from authentic sources and have contracts with international shipping providers to deliver your purchases to your door, fast.

Reliability: Crowdshipping vs. Big Apple Buddy

Although crowdshipping is likened to asking a friend or relative to pick up something for you while they travel, you know your friends and relatives can be trusted. With crowdshipping, there is no way to verify that the person who offers to ship or travel with your parcel is trustworthy. Scam tactics include showing up with the item and then demanding more money or misusing your sensitive personal and financial information. Big Apple Buddy has no hidden costs. We provide free, no obligation quotes so you always know the cost upfront.

Authenticity: Crowdshipping vs. Big Apple Buddy

Crowdshipping services cannot guarantee the authenticity of any item you buy because they do not verify purchases. As a result, you may pay high-end prices but receive a poor quality, or possibility even illegal, imitation item. When you place an order with Big Apple Buddy, you can rest assured that you will be receiving the genuine product you request. We only purchase items through reputable US stores. We inspect every package and ensure each item is correct and undamaged before repackaging and shipping.

Shipping: Crowdshipping vs. Big Apple Buddy

Some of these companies may advertise that they offer free international shipping. While that may be technically true, it is deceptive. These services charge fees to broker the transaction and to pay the courier for the delivery. These charges may add up to more than international shipping rates. Additionally, your shipping options are limited to the discretion of the shipper. For example, options such as international priority shipping may not even be available. At Big Apple Buddy, we partner with USPS international shipping, UPS, DHL, or FedEx and can have your parcel delivered in as few as 2-4 business days.

Customer Service: Crowdshipping vs. Big Apple Buddy

Even with the most legitimate crowdshipping options, what happens if there is a problem? If you use crowdshipping to purchase an item, what happens if it is damaged, missing pieces, or even the wrong item? Many of the sites offer no recourse after you accept the delivery. This means you need to receive every delivery in person and verify the item is correct and undamaged before accepting it. At Big Apple Buddy, we can assist you with any returns or exchanges. If a problem does occur, let us know! We are highly responsive and respond to all emails within 24 hours.

Buy From the USA with Big Apple Buddy

At Big Apple Buddy, we understand that getting the products you want from the U.S. with international shipping can be a hassle. We’ve made it our mission to help you get the hottest items faster and at up 70% off international shipping rates. Every parcel we ship comes with a free tracking number. We offer tracking for DHL, USPS shipping, UPS, or FedEx. We ship to over 110 countries including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the UK. Why worry about the possible risks of crowdsourcing when you have a Big Apple Buddy? Contact us today for a free quote.