Shipito vs Planet Express: How Do They Stack Up for Global Shoppers?
When it comes to shopping in the U.S. or U.K. and shipping those products internationally, two names often stand out: Shipito and Planet Express. Both offer services that make it easier to buy from retailers that don’t typically ship outside their country. But how do you decide which one to use? In this Shipito vs Planet Express comparison, we’ll look at everything from shipping costs to included features, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you’re after the best price, the most reliable service, or something in between, our comparison will help you choose the right provider for your needs. Let’s dive in and see how Shipito and Planet Express measure up against each other.
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Table of Contents
Storage Options
When it comes to storage options, both Shipito and Planet Express offer flexibility, but Shipito comes out ahead as a package forwarding company. With Shipito, Premium Members enjoy 45, 60, or even 90 days of free storage. For those using a Free Account, you still get 7 days of complimentary storage. This allows plenty of time to consolidate packages, shop around, and make shipping decisions without feeling rushed.
Planet Express, on the other hand, provides 10 days of free storage for Free Mail Box users and 45 days for Premium Mail Box users. Consolidated packages only get 7 days of free storage before storage fees kick in. While this might be enough for quick shoppers, it doesn’t quite match up to the generous storage time offered by Shipito.
Comparing Free Storage Periods: Shipito vs Planet Express
If you value longer storage periods without added fees, Shipito’s package forwarding services give you more time to organize your shipments, making it a more convenient option for those managing multiple purchases. Planet Express offers decent storage options, but the limited free storage for consolidated packages may not suit everyone. Shipito’s longer storage times give it an edge, especially for those who need extra time to manage their international shipping needs.
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International Shipping & Warehouse Locations
When it comes to international shipping and warehouse locations, Shipito and Planet Express both offer solid options, but Shipito’s global reach gives it an edge.
Shipito’s Worldwide Coverage
Shipito has a broader network, with four warehouse locations strategically placed in California, Oregon, Austria, and Japan. This setup allows you to choose the most cost-effective and efficient parcel forwarding service based on your location. Whether you need a US shipping address or want to ship directly from Europe or Asia, Shipito has you covered. Their warehouses in California and Oregon are perfect for fast and affordable shipping within the U.S., while the Austrian and Japanese locations cater to international shoppers. With service to over 220 countries, Shipito’s package forwarding service ensures your parcels reach you quickly, no matter where you are.
Planet Express Locations
Planet Express offers a solid range of warehouse options, including locations in California, Oregon (with no sales tax), Florida, and the United Kingdom. While their no-sale-tax warehouses are appealing, especially for U.S.-based shoppers, the lack of non-U.S. options limits their appeal for international customers.
For those needing reliable freight forwarding companies with global reach, Shipito’s diverse warehouse locations and extensive shipping services make it the better choice. Planet Express has its strengths, especially for those focused on avoiding sales tax, but Shipito’s international presence makes it stand out among parcel forwarding companies.
Assisted Purchase
The Assisted Purchase feature is a standout service for anyone navigating the complexities of international shopping, and Shipito truly excels in this area.
Shipito’s Seamless Shopping Experience
Shipito’s Assisted Purchase program is designed to simplify the process for those who face difficulties purchasing from U.S. online stores. Whether it’s eBay, Amazon, or Walmart, Shipito steps in when sellers don’t ship internationally. The process is straightforward: you tell Shipito what you want to buy, and they handle the rest, even without needing a credit card.
They accept various payment methods, making it easier for customers worldwide. If an item is hard to find, Shipito’s team can source it for you, ensuring you don’t miss out on any product. They handle everything from checking availability to purchasing and shipping to your address. This level of service is unmatched by many other parcel forwarding companies.
Planet Express: More Involved, but Costly
Planet Express offers a similar service called Shop For Me. You can fill out a shopping list in your account dashboard, select a warehouse, and even add specific notes, like discount codes. Planet Express charges a $5 fee plus 7% of the total order, and you must cover any sales tax and shipping from the retailer to their warehouse. While this feature is helpful, it requires more involvement on your part, and the fees can add up quickly. Additionally, cancellations and returns come with a $7 fee, and the processing fees are non-refundable.
While Planet Express provides a decent option for those who don’t mind a more hands-on approach, Shipito’s Assisted Purchase service remains superior for its ease of use and customer-friendly policies, making it the better choice for international shoppers.
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Consolidation Option
When it comes to package consolidation, both Shipito and Planet Express offer ways to save on shipping costs, but Shipito provides a more streamlined and cost-effective solution.
Shipito’s Cost-Saving Consolidation Service
Shipito’s package consolidation service is a game-changer for anyone ordering from multiple online stores. Instead of paying for shipping multiple packages, Shipito allows you to combine them into one shipment, significantly lowering your overall postage costs. This service is particularly useful for international shoppers who want to minimize shipping fees. By consolidating your packages, you’re not just saving money; you’re also reducing the hassle of tracking multiple shipments. Shipito’s approach to consolidation is designed to make the process as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on shopping while they handle the logistics.
Planet Express: A Decent Alternative
Planet Express also offers a consolidation service, claiming that users can save up to 50-80% on shipping costs by combining multiple packages. While this is an appealing feature, Shipito’s consolidation service stands out because of its simplicity and efficiency. Planet Express might work well for those who are more hands-on with their shipping, but Shipito’s service is more user-friendly and better suited for those looking to save without extra effort.
For anyone needing a reliable parcel forwarding company with an efficient consolidation service, Shipito offers a more favorable option, making it easier to manage multiple packages and cut down on shipping expenses.
Business Solutions
When it comes to catering to business needs, Shipito clearly stands out as the more robust option compared to Planet Express.
Shipito’s Comprehensive Business Solutions
Shipito offers a dedicated business membership that provides access to a wide range of services tailored for companies of all sizes. With access to well-known shipping carriers like UPS and DHL, businesses can choose from multiple shipping speeds and options, ensuring their products reach customers quickly and efficiently. Shipito’s discounted shipping rates and industry-leading technology make it an attractive choice for businesses looking to optimize their logistics. The platform also integrates seamlessly with other tools, making it easy to manage shipments. Plus, with a multilingual customer service team fluent in 13 languages, Shipito offers global support that’s hard to match.
Planet Express: Limited Business Features
On the other hand, Planet Express doesn’t offer any special packages or dedicated services for businesses. While their standard services can be used by businesses, the lack of tailored solutions means that companies may find themselves limited when it comes to scaling their operations or getting the most cost-effective shipping options.
For businesses seeking a reliable parcel forwarding company with specialized solutions, Shipito is the clear choice, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to meet the needs of any business, large or small.
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Shipping Times
When comparing shipping times between Shipito and Planet Express, Shipito offers a clear advantage, especially for customers who prioritize speed.
Shipito’s Speed Advantage
Shipito excels in fast delivery times due to its strategic warehouse locations. For instance, their California warehouse benefits from its proximity to LAX airport, ensuring the fastest possible shipping times for international and domestic shipments. The Oregon warehouse, while slightly slower due to additional transport through California, still offers competitive speeds for USPS and Airmail.
In Europe, Shipito’s Austrian warehouse shines with direct flights from Vienna, providing swift delivery across the continent. Similarly, their Japan warehouse, near Narita airport, ensures the fastest shipping for products coming from Japan. This global reach and efficiency make Shipito a top choice for customers who need reliable and quick delivery options.
Planet Express: A Slower Alternative
Planet Express offers a wide range of shipping methods but falls short in terms of speed. Their shipping times vary significantly depending on the method chosen and the warehouse location. For example, packages shipped from their Oregon warehouse need to be transported to California first, adding 7-12 days to the delivery time.
During peak seasons, this delay can extend to two weeks. Although Planet Express provides discounted rates on shipping, the slower speeds, especially with methods like Planet Mail Express (which takes 17-25 business days), might not be ideal for customers in a hurry.
While both companies offer various shipping options, Shipito consistently delivers faster results, making it the better choice for those who prioritize quick delivery without sacrificing service quality.
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Shipping Restrictions
When it comes to shipping restrictions, both Shipito and Planet Express have guidelines in place to ensure safe and compliant deliveries. However, Shipito stands out for its comprehensive coverage of prohibited and limited items, making it a more reliable choice for international shipping.
Shipito’s Restrictions
Shipito offers detailed guidelines on items that cannot be shipped or have restrictions based on the destination country. This transparency helps users avoid issues with customs. They prohibit items like:
- Aerosols and Flammable Products: Items such as hairspray and gasoline are not allowed.
- Food and Perishables: Limited options for foodstuffs and perishables.
- Hazardous Materials: Includes items like explosives and certain chemicals.
- Tobacco and Firearms: Strictly prohibited across most destinations.
Additionally, Shipito allows the shipment of alcohol from their Austria and Japan warehouses to select countries, providing a level of flexibility not always available with other services.
Planet Express’s Limitations
On the other hand, Planet Express also has strict prohibitions, particularly against standalone batteries and certain electronics. They cannot ship items like:
- Combustibles and Pressurized Cans: Similar to Shipito, but with a narrower focus on hazardous items.
- Tobacco and Certain Electronics: Like Shipito, but they impose stricter rules on electronic devices with batteries.
While Planet Express offers some competitive advantages, such as the ability to ship alcohol from California and Oregon, these shipments are limited to specific carriers and conditions. Their restrictions can complicate shipping processes compared to Shipito’s broader, more flexible options.
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Pricing
When comparing shipping services, pricing is a key factor. Shipito offers a straightforward and competitive pricing structure that makes it a preferred choice for many users.
Shipito’s Advantages
Shipito has no monthly fees for free accounts, just a low processing fee of $3.25 per package. Their preferred rates with common carriers allow for cost-effective shipping options. Premium membership adds benefits like access to a tax-free warehouse and reduced processing fees for magazines and letters. Plus, the assisted purchase service is reasonably priced at $8.50 for up to 10 unique items, making it easy to get what you need without breaking the bank.
Planet Express’s Offerings
While Planet Express also has a free mailbox option with no hidden fees, their monthly fee for the premium mailbox is $10, which adds up over time. They do offer competitive shipping rates with potential discounts of up to 80%. However, their consolidation services come with additional fees, which could make them more costly for users needing to combine packages.
Overall, Shipito provides a clearer and more economical pricing structure, especially for those with varying shipping needs. While Planet Express has some appealing features, Shipito’s combination of low fees, preferred rates, and flexible membership options makes it the smarter choice for savvy shoppers.
Shipito vs Planet Express: Conclusion
In the battle between Shipito and Planet Express, Shipito emerges as the more advantageous option for many users. With its transparent pricing, no monthly fees for free accounts, and competitive shipping rates, Shipito offers a cost-effective solution for international shipping. The flexibility of their assisted purchase service and the benefits of premium membership further enhance the value.
While Planet Express has its merits, such as potential discounts and a range of services, its monthly fees and additional costs for package consolidation can add up quickly. Ultimately, for those looking for simplicity and savings in their shipping experience, Shipito stands out as the better choice. By prioritizing user needs and providing a straightforward approach to shipping, Shipito proves to be a reliable partner for shoppers navigating the complexities of international deliveries. Choose wisely, and let Shipito streamline your shipping journey.
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