VPost

What is vPost

Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) is a trusted household name in Singapore, providing mail, logistics, e-commerce and retail services.

vPost (www.vPost) or Virtual Post was launched by Singapore Post in 1999 to provide customers with an online channel for bill presentment and payment services, complementing its network of post offices and Self-Service Automated Machines (SAMs).

Over the years, vPost has been launching more online services to bring more convenience to customers. Riding on the growth momentum of online delivery, vPost entered into online shopping and delivery services and has grown into one of the largest online shopping and delivery service providers in Southeast Asia.

vPost allows its members to shop on multiple eligible US, UK, and Japanese merchant websites. vPost members receive free personalized US, UK, and Japanese addresses, which opens the door for vPost to shop directly on the respective overseas websites and have the items delivered to their door. Through these services, vPost members can save a lot of shipping costs and can purchase items from websites that do not accept international orders.

Cost structure of using vPost

The cost of using VPost mainly includes the following parts:

1. Basic Shipping Fee: This is calculated based on the weight of the package. For example, a 0.5kg item shipped from Malaysia would cost S$4.

2. Fuel Surcharge: This is an additional charge that is usually part of the base freight rate.

3. Insurance Premium: VPost offers an insurance option called vCare, but this is optional.

In addition, VPost also provides some value-added services, such as SMS updates. These services may have additional fees. The specific fees may vary depending on the size, weight, destination and other factors of the package.

Which countries does vPost support shipping to?

Countries that vPost supports delivery

VPost provides Singapore residents with personalized overseas mailing addresses in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia. You can use these addresses when checking out at international online stores. VPost will then receive your packages, consolidate them if needed, and then ship them together to your Singapore address, potentially at a lower cost than shipping them separately.

vPost supports express delivery services

The following are the shipping services currently provided by vPost:

• vPost USA

• vPost Europe

• Japanese V Post

vPost provides you with a personalized delivery address in 3 overseas source countries, allowing you to shop globally from international merchants.

Purchases shipped to these personalized shipping addresses will be shipped to the local address you specified at the time of payment.

Which countries' products does vPost support?

Countries where vPost supports purchases

vPost is a company that provides forwarding services, mainly helping users purchase goods from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. Users can shop on websites in these countries and then use the address provided by vPost as the delivery address. When the goods arrive at vPost's warehouse, vPost will forward the goods to the user's actual address.

Shopping platforms that vPost supports

vPost mainly provides forwarding services to help users purchase products from different e-commerce platforms. Here are some of the products on the e-commerce platforms you can purchase through vPost:

1. Amazon

2. Shopbop

3. iHerb

4. Ashford

5. Yoox

6. SkinStore

7. Colorpop

8. GNC

9. Selfridges US

10. Champion USA

11. BabyHaven

12. SkinCareRx

13. J.CREW US

14. REVOLVE

15. FragranceNet Chinese website

16. B-glowing

17. East Dane

These platforms offer various types of goods, including but not limited to clothing, electronic products, health products, beauty products, etc.

Payment methods supported by vPost

Currently, vPost accepts the following payment methods:

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa/Master) - except AMEX

• Only locally issued credit cards are accepted

• Paypal

Before availing vPost shipping services, please ensure that you have made the necessary arrangements for any of the above payment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about using vPost

What is the difference between economy and standard shipping for US parcels?

For Economy shipping mode, you will be charged based on the actual weight of your package instead of the volumetric weight. But please note that the shipping time for your package to arrive will be longer.

How long will it take for my package to arrive?

Depending on the US package shipping method you choose, the shipping time will vary as follows:

• Economy - within 12 to 17 business days from the date of payment.

• Standard - 7 to 10 business days from date of payment.

For European and Japanese parcels, the shipping time of the parcel is 7 to 10 business days from the date of payment.

Working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, destination countries or product origin countries (USA, Europe and Japan) and public holidays.

What factors should be considered in delivery time?

• Public vacation

Please note that public holidays in the destination country or the product's origin country (USA, Europe and Japan) may affect the delivery date.

• Working Days

Working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, destination countries or product origin countries (USA, Europe and Japan) and public holidays.

Kindly note that the warehouse in the country where the product originates is located in a different time zone from yours.

Why is my shipping cost so high? Are there any tips to reduce shipping costs (e.g. consolidation, etc.)?

According to freight industry practice, the billable weight of a package is calculated based on the volumetric weight or actual weight, whichever is higher.

The volumetric weight of a package is a calculation method that reveals the density of the package. vPost uses the following formula to calculate the volumetric weight of a package:

Volumetric weight = [length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm)] / 5,000 cm

You can advise your merchant to ensure proper packaging or to pack your purchase into the smallest possible box.

For US parcels, you can also choose the economy shipping mode, which charges based on the actual weight of the parcel.

If I have multiple packages, will you repack all my packages into one?

No. vPost does not consolidate multiple packages as this could hinder the claims process if your package is lost or damaged in transit.

Will you repack parcels if the actual weight differs from the volumetric weight by more than 2 kg?

Here are some scenarios where vPost will not repackage:

1. When the package contains leather goods, such as handbags, wallets, jackets, etc.

2. When the package contains restricted items, such as perfume, stand-alone batteries, fuel, etc.

3. When the package is marked as "FRAGILE".

4. When the package is obviously a gift, i.e. wrapped in a gift box, secured with a ribbon and gift card etc.

There are also some packages that are specially packed to ensure that fragile items are cushioned. Since such packages may be larger in volume, the difference between the actual weight and the volumetric weight may be greater. vPost will only take such cases into account and repack only if the safety of the package is not compromised.

The decision to repack a package will be at the sole discretion of vPost.

US Package Repackaging Services:

1. The repackaging option is available for all U.S. packages that meet the repackaging standards.

2. Customers can choose to have their parcel repacked (if eligible) and sent via Standard Air and Economy Mode.

3. Repacking requests will be processed and updated within 2 days from the date of request.

4. Repackaging fee: $6.00 per package.

Is there a charge for repackaging services?

Yes, there is a $10 repackaging fee. Rest assured, vPost will ensure you get a great deal on your package even after factoring in the repackaging fee.

Please note that if the condition of a package arriving at the vPost warehouse is deemed unsuitable for shipping when delivered by the merchant, you may be required to pay additional repackaging fees for that package.

Items that vPost does not ship from the United States?

The items listed below serve as a guide to some of the more common items that vPost does not ship. This list is not exhaustive and may include items not listed below.

• A Various alcohol/flammable products (such as perfume, cologne, toner, disinfectant, etc.)

• Any external battery/power bank suitable for smartphone or tablet device

• Drunk

• Tobacco products

• Motor Vehicles

• Petroleum products

• Any type of standalone battery

• Any battery that is in the same packaging but separate from the device

• Alcoholic products and beverages (items will be discarded at the point of origin and cannot be processed for return or redirected to another address)

• Audio Speakers

• counterfeit

• diamond

• Electronic devices purchased from eBay/private sellers that contain batteries (second-hand items without manufacturer packaging are not compliant and illegal to ship)

• engine lubricant

• Essential oils, diffuser oils, aromatherapy oils, perfume oils

• Products without English labels (dietary supplements/cosmetics/food)

• Any food, supplement, drug or cosmetic for which a consumer safety advisory warning has been issued by an authority (HSA, etc.)

• Any unidentifiable material, substance or chemical.

• Fuel, petrol and gas flares

• Products with flammable and toxic ingredients (e.g. products containing minoxidil, zinc oxide, rosemary oil, etc.)

• Firearms (or their parts)

• Imitation tobacco products (such as electronic cigarettes, etc.)

• Infectious substances

• ink cartridge

• Laser devices with transmitting power, such as laser pointers

• Lighters with or without fuel/fluid

• magnet

• War ammunition

• Meat or animal extracts

• Seeds/Live Plants

• Nail polish and nail polish remover

• Narcotic Drugs

• Pornographic material

• Perishable foods (e.g. cheese, yogurt, eggs)

• Processed food (not meat, seafood or fresh fruits and vegetables) over 5kg and costing more than S$100

• Precious metals and gemstones

• Banknotes, coins, credit cards, checks and stamps (items will be discarded at the point of origin)

• Perfumes, Colognes, Eau de Toilettes and Perfume Sprays

• Perfume samples (items will be discarded at origin and cannot be returned or redirected to another address)

• Radioactive Materials

• Sprays, aerosol cans and compressed gas cylinders

• Turpentine and paint thinner

• Weapons (sword/knife/gun etc.).

How do packages get to US warehouses?

When parcels are shipped to vPost's overseas vPost warehouses, they are usually received in batches.

This is a common practice among most large local couriers that deliver to vPost warehouses.

What happens to my package if delivery fails?

If the first delivery fails, vPost will leave an arrival notice at your delivery address. Please follow the instructions on that notice to arrange for redelivery. Please also note that vPost will no longer be responsible for the package once the first delivery attempt has been made. If you require any further assistance, please contact your local post office for the status of your item.

Summarize

vPost is a website that provides international forwarding services, helping users purchase and ship goods from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. Users can shop on e-commerce platforms in these countries and use the address provided by vPost as the delivery address. When the goods arrive at vPost's warehouse, vPost will forward the goods to the user's actual address. This service allows users to easily purchase overseas goods without worrying about transportation issues.

vPost supports a variety of e-commerce platforms, including but not limited to Amazon, Shopbop, iHerb, Ashford, Yoox, SkinStore, Colorpop, GNC, Selfridges US, Champion USA, BabyHaven, SkinCareRx, J.CREW US, REVOLVE, FragranceNet Chinese website, B-glowing and East Dane, etc. These platforms provide various types of goods, including but not limited to clothing, electronic products, health products, beauty products, etc. Through vPost, users can enjoy a wider range of shopping options and get more overseas shopping opportunities.