Why You Need to Calculate Shipping First
Shipping is the hidden cost of buying from overseas. An item that costs $20 might cost $15-30 to ship depending on weight and speed. The SuperBuy shipping calculator helps you estimate this before you commit.
How the SuperBuy Shipping Calculator Works
SuperBuy estimates shipping based on three factors:
- **Actual weight**: What the package weighs in the warehouse
- **Volumetric weight**: Length × width × height divided by a divisor (usually 5000 or 6000)
- **Shipping line**: Different carriers have different rates
Major Shipping Lines (2026)
| Line | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|
|------|-------|------|----------|
| EMS | 7-14 days | Medium | Reliable, good tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL | 3-7 days | High | Urgent, expensive items |
| SAL | 14-30 days | Low | Budget, patient buyers |
| EUB | 10-20 days | Low | Small, light packages |
| Sea Mail | 30-60 days | Very Low | Heavy, bulky items |
How to Use Rehearsal Shipping
Before you choose a shipping line, request rehearsal shipping. SuperBuy will pack your items and give you the exact weight and dimensions. This lets you pick the most cost-effective line.
Weight Estimation Tips
- **Shoes**: 0.8-1.5 kg per pair with box, 0.5-0.8 kg without box
- **T-Shirts**: 0.2-0.4 kg each
- **Hoodies**: 0.5-0.9 kg each
- **Jackets**: 0.8-1.5 kg each
- **Small accessories**: 0.1-0.3 kg each
Money-Saving Tips
- **Remove shoe boxes**: Saves 200-400g per pair
- **Consolidate orders**: One 3kg package is cheaper than three 1kg packages
- **Choose budget lines**: SAL and EUB are slower but much cheaper
- **Wait for promotions**: SuperBuy runs shipping discount events quarterly
Customs and Declarations
SuperBuy helps you declare the package value. For most countries:
- US: Declare under $800 to avoid duties
- UK: Declare under £135
- EU: Declare under €150
Always follow SuperBuy's recommended declaration for your country.
Common Questions
**Q: Why is my shipping estimate different from the actual cost?**
A: Estimates are based on item weight. The actual cost includes packaging, volumetric weight, and the exact carrier rate.
**Q: Can I change shipping lines after submitting?**
A: Yes, before the package is shipped. Contact customer service.
**Q: What if my package is lost?**
A: SuperBuy offers insurance for most shipping lines. Check the coverage before choosing.
Final Thoughts
Always calculate shipping before you buy. Use the SuperBuy Spreadsheet to browse items, then estimate the total cost including shipping before you submit. The full catalog gives you thousands of options, so factor in shipping to find the real best deal.