International eCommerce in Georgia
Georgia, a country renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, faces modern economic challenges, particularly in the realm of consumer goods. Electronics and other imported items carry a hefty price tag due to an 18% VAT, import duties, and occasionally, excise tax. These costs are compounded by retailers’ and importers’ operational expenses, such as labor and property management, not to mention the mark-up for profit. Consequently, many goods are significantly more expensive to buy in Georgia than in the U.S.A. or EU countries.
The Georgian Solution: Ordering from Abroad
In response to these high prices, Georgian residents have turned to international online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress. Non-perishable goods, clothing, and particularly electronics—phones, laptops, computer parts, and accessories—are frequently found to be more affordable when ordered from these platforms. Ordering from abroad also includes the benefit of not paying 18% VAT on goods below 300 Lari in value. The process is straightforward and once initial setup is complete, ordering and receiving packages becomes as routine as any local purchase online. You will simply wait a bit longer to receive your order.
The Gateway to Global Goods: Parcel Forwarding Services
The most popular method for international shopping in Georgia is utilizing parcel forwarding services. These provide you with a foreign mailing address to use when making online purchases. Once the parcel arrives at your newly acquired address, it is then forwarded to you in Georgia, typically within two weeks. With a variety of options available, Georgian shoppers can choose from forwarding services offering addresses in the U.S.A., U.K., Greece, Germany, Turkey, China, and beyond.
Georgia’s Preferred Forwarding Services
Several parcel forwarding services have gained popularity among Georgian consumers, including USA2Georgia, Camex, KiwiPost, and Inex. Each offers unique benefits and addresses in different countries, catering to the diverse needs of Georgian shoppers.
USA2Georgia
USA2Georgia is a prominent name in the realm of parcel forwarding, offering competitive rates for shipping from the U.S.A., China, and Turkey. With a cost of 9 USD per kilogram for items shipped from the U.S.A., they present an affordable option for consumers looking to access American products. Despite their reliability, it’s worth noting that USA2Georgia has been known to make sudden changes to their terms of service, which can affect the overall cost and experience for their customers.
Camex
Camex stands out with its extensive network of warehouses across the U.S.A., Germany, the U.K., Turkey, Greece, and China, providing a wide range of options for international shoppers. Their pricing is competitive, and their terms are known for being straightforward, which adds to their reputation as a reliable forwarding service. However, customers should be aware of occasional delays, as there have been instances where parcels were temporarily misplaced but ultimately delivered.
Kiwipost
Kiwipost is another service that facilitates international shopping for Georgians, offering a variety of shipping options and rates. They provide a network of self-service terminals and service centers across Georgia, ensuring that customers can receive their packages with ease. Additionally, Kiwipost has partnered with delivery service applications like Glovo, Wolt, and Bolt to offer instant package delivery, further enhancing customer convenience.
Inex
Inex rounds out the list with its comprehensive coverage of parcel delivery throughout Georgia. They have established a robust network of branches and agents, ensuring that parcels reach every city and district center without additional charges. Inex prides itself on simple customs procedures and swift delivery, making them a strong contender in the market.
Physical Branches and Delivery Capabilities
All four services boast an impressive array of physical branches throughout Georgia, ensuring that no matter where you are, you’re never too far from a pickup point. USA2Georgia, for instance, has multiple branches in key locations such as Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi, offering convenient access for parcel collection.
When it comes to delivery capabilities within Georgia, these services have made significant strides to ensure that parcels are not only delivered promptly but also handled with care. They utilize various methods, from traditional branch pickups to innovative smart lockers and home delivery services, to meet the diverse needs of their customers.
In conclusion, the landscape of international parcel forwarding in Georgia is rich with options, each service offering its unique blend of pricing, reliability, and convenience. Whether you’re an avid online shopper or a business in need of international shipping solutions, services like USA2Georgia, Camex, Kiwipost, and Inex are ready to connect you with the rest of the world.
For more detailed information on the branches and specific services offered by each company, please refer to their official websites and customer service centers. Happy shopping and shipping!
: USA2Georgia Branches
: Camex Official Site
: Kiwipost Official Site
: Inex Official Site
By embracing these international shopping and shipping strategies, Georgians have found a way to circumvent the high costs of imported goods, bringing the world’s marketplaces right to their doorstep.
