Ordering From American Home Stores: What SA Shoppers Should Know

Have you ever looked at some rugs, lamps, or a dining chair set on an American furniture/home decor website, loved everything about it, and found out that the site does not ship to South Africa? There is nothing more disappointing than this. Unfortunately, there is not always enough variety and choice in local stores to satisfy every taste and demand. However, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot order a desired item from an American home store website. It can take some time to get used to all the specifics of international ordering, but once you are done, you will feel comfortable and confident.

In this article, we will go through the main points to consider when ordering American home stores’ products to South Africa.

Why American Home Stores Attract SA Shoppers

Retailers such as Wayfair, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and Overstock have a large assortment of furniture, kitchenware, bedding, and decor. They often also offer items that can be purchased cheaper than in South Africa, especially during Black Friday sales and other seasonal discounts. Besides, those stores have a wider range and selection of particular styles that you would like to have at home. Some of the products are not available in South Africa, and you will get them directly from manufacturers in America if you order online.

The Problem of Shipping to South Africa

The first obstacle that shoppers who live in South Africa come across when ordering on American stores’ websites is the fact that some of them do not offer international shipping, or they allow it only for a limited number of countries. Even those that offer international shipping do not ship to South Africa or do not deliver some furniture items because of high shipping costs and the possibility of breakage.

In this case, South African buyers have two options:

• Use the services of package forwarding companies that provide a US shipping address and forward your order to South Africa afterward.
• Use personal shopping services in order to make a purchase on your behalf and deliver the order to South Africa directly.

Package forwarding is a cheaper option if you are going to buy smaller items, whereas personal shopping services are helpful in case of large furniture pieces that need additional care.

Import Duties, VAT, and Customs for South Africa

Your package will not be delivered to your door immediately after arrival in South Africa. It needs to pass some procedures connected with import duties and VAT, which are applied to almost all parcels. The amount of duty fees depends on the declared value of the goods, as well as the price of delivery and insurance.

It is better to include some extra money in your budget to cover all additional costs. It is recommended to add 20-30% of the item price and shipping fee to the sum that you are willing to spend on the purchase. Your courier will send the invoice to your email address with detailed information about the amount that should be paid in advance. Some companies bill their customers only after the parcel arrives at South African customs.

There is also a number of goods for which additional rules exist in South Africa or special import documents are needed. It is better to consult with your forwarding service or courier in advance if you are planning to purchase electronics with batteries, items made from prohibited materials, and others.

Payment Methods That Work

As a rule, South African bank cards can be used successfully for payments on foreign shopping websites, including American home stores. However, there are some difficulties that you can avoid if you follow some advice:

• Make sure your bank card is enabled for international online shopping in advance.
• Pay attention to currency conversion charges that are usually applied by banks when they convert dollars to South African rand.
• You can also use PayPal, which is supported by many American home stores.

How to Overcome Regional Restrictions on Websites

Some South African customers are confused because the version of a US website that they see when browsing from South Africa looks different from the website that US residents see. Websites use customers’ IP addresses to show different pages to users according to their locations. This is a common practice among e-commerce websites. However, it means that South Africans do not see the whole range of products and promotions that are available in the country.

One of the ways to see the whole version of a US website is to surf it using a US IP address. In this case, the website will recognize you as a US resident and show the complete catalogue, US prices, and all promotions. If this way is unfamiliar to you, read this article to learn how to get a US IP address and how to use it while browsing American websites. After understanding all the details concerning your digital location, ordering from American home stores becomes easier. For a step-by-step explanation of how to get a US IP address and browse American websites as if you were located in the US, check the guide here.

Nevertheless, getting a US IP address does not solve the problem of shipping. You will still need to use the service of a package forwarding company or personal shopping service if the store itself does not ship to South Africa.

Measuring, Sizing, Shipping, and Delivery Issues Related to Furniture Items

When ordering furniture, you should pay attention to some additional issues that do not concern other items:

• US furniture stores measure their products in inches and feet, whereas South Africa has a metric system. So, it is important to make all necessary calculations and compare the dimensions of your chosen furniture to the real size of the area.
• Large items are shipped by sea. You should count on your sofa or bed frame arriving in 6-10 weeks after purchasing.
• Some stores ship items fully assembled, whereas others provide furniture in flat packages. If the item is electric, you will need to check its compatibility with voltage in South Africa or purchase a plug adapter.

Returns and Warranties for International Customers

There is no guarantee that you will be satisfied with the product. Unfortunately, returning an item purchased on an American store website from South Africa is usually very difficult. Sometimes the shipping costs are too high, and some stores do not allow customers to return orders placed from abroad. Others offer their customers store credit instead of cashback. Before placing an order, you should read the return policy of the store to make sure what will happen if you change your mind after receiving the item. You can also use additional services provided by your forwarding service that include checking the condition of the product and taking some photos of it.

There is also a problem with warranties, as some US manufacturers do not cover their guarantees outside the USA. Moreover, in case of claiming a warranty, you will have to return the product at your own expense. Consider this information when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of your purchase.

Tips for Ordering American Home Stores Products

You will be able to order from American home stores easily if you follow a few rules:

• Calculate the landed cost, which is the sum of the item price, shipping, duties, and forwarding charges, before you decide to place an order and compare it with the cost of the same item in a South African store.
• Check recent reviews left by other international customers where possible.
• Conduct preliminary research concerning the store’s international shipping policy and return policy to help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Conclusion

Ordering from American home stores can become a routine task for SA residents if you have all the necessary information. Shipping restrictions, customs duties, currency conversion, and regional website restrictions are factors that can create problems for international customers, but they are not deal-breakers on their own. You will be able to receive the items you want from American retailers using the services of forwarders and with the help of additional information.