Guides
Buying from a US store when you live somewhere else can be simple, or it can stop at the checkout. These guides answer the questions we hear most, including the options that do not involve us.
Big Apple Buddy is a personal shopping service based in New York. We buy from US stores for you, check the item, pack it, and ship it to your door in over 75 countries.
There are three ways: order direct if the store ships to your country, use a package forwarder and buy the item yourself, or use a personal shopper who buys it for you. This guide explains each one, what it costs, and where to read about customs.
A US store may decline an international card because of its billing-address rules, fraud checks, or a decline by your bank. This guide shows how to find out which side declined it, which payment options to check at the store's checkout, and when a personal shopper can place the order instead.
Some US stores ship to Australia directly, and many do not. This guide covers your options, delivery with FedEx and UPS, and how GST works on goods you import. Where required, we collect GST at checkout. Other import charges may still apply.
Some US stores refuse orders sent to known forwarding addresses, and say so in their own shipping policies. This guide shows how to check a store's policy before you order, how to get your refund, and what your options are if your order is cancelled.
Ready to order? Shop US stores or ask for a free quote. Comparing services? See our comparisons.
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