Can I use a P.O. Box ( forwarding agent ) for my eBay buys

[monkeypagoda]

I am a collector who'd like to bid for listings that don't ship outside USA. Considering the services of a forwarding agency if I am able to confirm that sellers are fine with shipping to a postal box address in the US. Thanks.

[sandypebbles]

I suspect that would be upto each different seller what they would or would not be fine with (and very few would be reading here)

You would need to ask each one before you bid/buy

[lyndal1838]

You may have problems with that....many US sellers are vehemently against PO Box addresses.

[robboscoke]

Just had that problem where they did not want to ship to a PO box, but all Ok if they will post/ship using USPS

[monkeypagoda]

Thank you for yr response. 

[monkeypagoda]

I guess one can only try. Next problem is selecting a good US forwarding agency.

[countessalmirena · Accepted solution]

Rather than a PO Box, there are freight forwarders with a physical address. I use comGateway. There are others, and it may be that other freight forwarders will give you a better price or be more convenient for you.

I discuss why I use comGateway - and what costs you will be paying - in this post.

Spoiler

A typical invoice breaks down the costs below. As you can see, the cost of the shipping and associated costs and GST come to roughly 2/3 of the cost of the goods in this particular instance. The goods in this particular case included some heavy-ish pieces and - I think - 9 or 10 separate purchases. If you only have one purchase and the total weight is not much, no doubt the shipping cost will be a great deal lower.

Shipment Receipt Invoice
Reference: xxxxx
Delivered Date: xxxx-xx-xx

Cost of goods                  US $499.87

Transaction
Int'l freight charge           US $222.00
Insurance                      US $7.22
Surcharge                      US $35.52
Other fees                     US $70.00
GST paid                       US $88.05

* Collected GST is paid to the Australian Tax Office
* This invoice is issued to shipments with low-value goods

Subtotal                       US $422.79
Discounts                      US $88.80
Credit Used -


Total                          US $357.12
Paid via [payment method] on xxxx-xx-xx

Issued to                      Issued by

[customer name]                comGateway