Seems very attractive, but after researching more into it, I find that it is a very problematic company:

* fake reviews and feedbacks all around the Internet
* inflate your package weight to charge a higher shipping price
* slow customer service response

I have used vsHub before and they suck. Package reached way later than what was originally promised. Customer service not very responsive as well.

Currently I am using Shipito with a year of virtual mailbox subscription and so far so good with them Just gotta complain on the latest consolidated package - bad box

This post has been edited by Crazy.SoT.Gila: Apr 16 2010, 02:28 AM

The three reasons I posted above.

Glad to hear that you have a positive experience with them. Have you ever checked if their reported dimensions/weight are accurate? As I have read from many other users that they inflate the dimensions. I guess they've improved their customer service then

PS: I personally have not used viadress so what I say is just based on reviews I have read online.

This post has been edited by Crazy.SoT.Gila: Apr 17 2010, 12:14 AM

They are essentially the same. Just that HopShopGo only accepts PayPal, and comGateway accepts other payments too.

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Added on October 7, 2010, 10:05 amA question for comGateway users. For their consolidation option, do they just place all original boxes into one bigger box? Any options to remove original seller's box and just repack all contents into another box?

This post has been edited by Crazy.SoT.Gila: Oct 7 2010, 10:05 AM

All big boxes? Yup it helps to reduce the chances of getting taxes by the customs, but the shipping fee would be really high, no? More than likely higher than what would've been taxed.

I'm using Shipito, which gives me the choice to consolidate with original boxes, remove original boxes, or remove both original boxes and packaging. The option to remove original boxes can save a lot of money as some sellers (like Amazon) ships in hugeee boxes for small stuffs.

Another plus for Shipito is, it lets me fill up the customs declaration form myself, if you know what I mean Shipping fee to Malaysia is higher though compared to CGW, unless for really huge packages CGW prices are really good for Malaysia.

This post has been edited by Crazy.SoT.Gila: Oct 8 2010, 10:28 PM

You using both CGW and HSG?

But aren't they the same?

Eh? I looked into it and their rates are the same wor.

Btw guys, Black Friday coming up in 3 weeks. Prepare to shop from US!

Hey, sorry, haven't been checking this thread.

I think they do a pretty good job with consolidation, but I have been mostly purchasing clothes items. But their CEO do encourage good judgments when packing.

Recently, a customer requested for a consolidation with all external box removed. One of the items was something that looked like a PC motherboard (can't remember exactly what it was). The staff who attended to the customer's consolidation request saw the nature of the item and decided to pack it back to the original box that it was in, which was properly cushioned. After that, the customer complained about it, but the CEO stood by his staff's action. Some people may view it as a bad action, going against a customer's request, but I see it as a plus. They value the items. Also, all consolidated packages are now sealed all sides of the box (used to be only for bigger boxes).

You can even make a special request for them to tape it with a security tape, but that would be pretty costly.

Of course, for delicate items, it is always recommended to keep it in the original merchant's packaging to ensure optimal cushioning. And Shipito will consolidate those boxes properly in a bigger box. My recent consolidation of clothes were properly stacked, and with free space filled with cushioning materials. Definitely not just simply thrown into the box.

On a side note, Shipito now serves from Hong Kong and Japan too. A new Oregon location is coming up too, so no sales tax.

BTW, to those who are not aware of it yet, Black Friday IS THIS WEEK! Some stores have sales ongoing already, whereas some have their best on Friday (even further divided into Friday before noon and after noon). So, TIME TO SHOP GUYS AND GIRLS!

For those with iPhone/iPad/iPod touch can search for the app BlackFriday which has tons of ads from different stores. Otherwise, just Google for some Web site that does that.

Share your awesome finds of Black Friday deals here!

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Added on November 25, 2010, 4:32 amIt really depends on the difference of the price locally and there. Also, best to buy more than just one

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Added on November 25, 2010, 10:30 pmExpress.com sitewide 40% off - even on clearance item guys!

This post has been edited by Crazy.SoT.Gila: Nov 25 2010, 10:30 PM

Nope sorry. Haven't ventured into the UK yet But I thought that's what this thread was originally about?

Not exactly sure what shipping method you're using, but base price for shipping usually is $20+.

Do you have the dimensions of the package? The weight stated in the invoice may be the actual weight, with 6kg being its dimensional weight. Shipping charge will then be based off whichever's higher.

DHL Dimensional Weight Calculator

This post has been edited by Crazy.SoT.Gila: Dec 11 2010, 01:51 PM

Any updates?

That's a good news - you found a reliable freight forwarding company

Ouch! That sucks

Lost packages, as unfortunate as they are, are rare instances. So by all means go shop!

So far only heard good reviews for CGW/HSG. Where you getting your info from?

Been advising people to stay away from vsHub since last year. Guess they're still the same

That is fine, as long as the seller is okay with sending it to unconfirmed addresses.

However, some vendors (ie. iTunes) specify that they only allow those with US billing address to pay via PayPal. This is quite unlikely on eBay though.

Unfortunately there's unlikely a way around that. PayPal (and eBay too I believe) is aware of freight forwarders' addresses, and thus has blocked them. But you can still set it as your shipping address.