Question 1

What's the difference between BFM and SFM?

Accepted Answer

SFM (Ship-For-Me) means you buy the item yourself and ship to our warehouse — we handle the rest. BFM (Buy-For-Me) means you send us the links and we buy on your behalf with our cards.

Question 2

Why use BFM?

Accepted Answer

Some sellers don't accept Lebanese cards, won't ship internationally, or only take local payment methods. BFM unlocks them all. Commission is 5% (min $5).

Question 3

Can I mix BFM and SFM in one shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — once they arrive at the warehouse, we consolidate everything into one delivery to your door.

Question 4

Can you source from Alibaba?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alibaba prices vary by quantity and most suppliers have a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). We contact the supplier for an accurate quote, pro-forma invoice and delivery to our Guangzhou warehouse.

Question 5

Can I track my package?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Every shipment comes with a tracking number. You can track your package on our website or receive updates via WhatsApp.

Question 6

How do I track my parcel?

Accepted Answer

Every parcel gets a tracking number visible in your dashboard. You'll also receive WhatsApp updates at each milestone.

Question 7

Do you deliver across Lebanon?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Beirut and all governorates. We use Aramex as our last-mile partner for outside-Beirut deliveries; in-city we deliver ourselves.

Question 8

What if I'm not home?

Accepted Answer

We'll WhatsApp before arriving and reschedule if needed. Parcels are held at our office up to 7 days at no charge.

Question 9

How long does shipping to Lebanon take?

Accepted Answer

Express air freight takes 5-7 business days, while economy sea freight takes 15-25 days. Premium shipping can arrive in 3-5 business days.

Question 10

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash on delivery, bank transfer, OMT, WhishMoney, and Western Union. Payment is due upon delivery in Lebanon.

Question 11

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

For imports, you pay when your parcel arrives in Lebanon and is ready for delivery. For BFM, we ask for product cost up front and the shipping fee on arrival.

Question 12

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Card (Stripe), bank transfer, OMT, Whish, and cash on delivery in Beirut. All available methods appear in your dashboard at checkout.

Question 13

Do you offer credit terms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for trusted clients (class A/B). Talk to us on WhatsApp to set up an account.

Question 14

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Cash, international credit cards, PayPal, Payoneer, bank wire transfers and Amazon gift cards. Choose whatever suits you best.

Question 15

Is my payment information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use encrypted payment gateways and strict data-protection protocols to safeguard your financial details.

Question 16

What are the shipping costs?

Accepted Answer

Standard shipping starts at $8/kg, Express at $15/kg, and Premium at $25/kg. Final pricing depends on package dimensions and destination.

Question 17

How is the price calculated?

Accepted Answer

We charge by chargeable weight (the greater of actual or volumetric weight), the warehouse you ship from, and the speed you choose. Use our calculator for an instant estimate.

Question 18

What is volumetric weight?

Accepted Answer

A box that's light but bulky is charged by volume. Formula: (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000 for air. Heavy and dense parcels just pay actual weight.

Question 19

Are there customs and taxes?

Accepted Answer

Lebanese customs may apply depending on the product category and declared value. We handle clearance and bill the duties transparently — no hidden markup.

Question 20

Is the calculator price final?

Accepted Answer

It's an accurate estimate based on what you enter. The final invoice uses the exact weight measured at the warehouse and the real category at customs.

Question 21

What happens in case of returns?

Accepted Answer

Returned items can either come back to Lebanon or stay in the USA for future resale to new clients. Returning an item to Lebanon costs $12 per kg plus 30% for taxes and paperwork.

Question 22

What about packaging and packing?

Accepted Answer

Packaging fees depend on the order size and weight, starting at $4 per box. The cost also varies based on whether normal boxes are enough or if extra bubble wrapping is needed.

Question 23

Can paintings and frames be shipped internationally?

Accepted Answer

Shipping paintings internationally is complex due to fragility and size. They typically need super-protective packing, and the only viable method is rolling them into a tube — so it's important the painting can be rolled without damage.

Question 24

What are the compliance requirements for exporting cosmetics or foodstuff?

Accepted Answer

Several considerations apply. Packing: liquids need secure packing to prevent leakage. US regulations: research whether the product can be sold in the US market and ensure compliance. Labeling: understand US labeling rules, including FDA approvals and safety instructions.

Question 25

Do I need to pay for marketing?

Accepted Answer

Amazon recommends paid marketing to boost product visibility. Without it, products may appear at the bottom of search results and get less attention. Budgets can start as low as $100 per month.

Question 26

What information is required to create a product listing?

Accepted Answer

We need: item name, brand, reference number or barcode, description, condition (used / new / refurbished), price, weight, dimensions, and clean pictures from different angles.

Question 27

What are the benefits of selling through iShip?

Accepted Answer

Access to worldwide markets with millions of potential customers on Amazon, eBay and Etsy. We handle fulfillment, marketing and hassle-free shipping so you can focus on growing your business.

Question 28

How do I know if my products are suitable?

Accepted Answer

Almost any product can be sold as long as it's attractive, competitively priced and legal. We recommend browsing platforms like eBay to see what sells well in your niche.

Question 29

Can I sell branded or luxury items?

Accepted Answer

Yes — branded and luxury items are in demand. They must be genuine and accurately described to avoid issues with buyers.

Question 30

How are my products promoted and marketed?

Accepted Answer

We promote through sponsored campaigns on Amazon and eBay, targeting specific audiences and keywords to maximize visibility and sales.

Question 31

How is the safety of my products ensured during shipping?

Accepted Answer

We take great care to pack products safely and prevent transit damage, and we offer insurance options to cover the value of items in case of loss or damage.

Question 32

Can I track my sales and shipments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide regular updates and reporting — order status, shipping updates and sales performance.

Question 33

What are the payment terms for sellers?

Accepted Answer

Flexible options, including bi-monthly payments in USD. For larger amounts we can wire money directly to your bank account, with wire fees applicable.

Question 34

How do customs and import fees work?

Accepted Answer

We handle all customs clearance and documentation. Import fees depend on the type and value of goods. We'll inform you of any fees before shipping.

Question 35

What items cannot be shipped?

Accepted Answer

Restricted items include hazardous materials, weapons, perishable goods, and items prohibited by Lebanese customs. Contact us for specific inquiries.

Question 36

What if my package is damaged or lost?

Accepted Answer

All packages are insured based on your shipping tier. We'll process your claim within 48 hours and arrange compensation or replacement.

Question 37

Do you offer package consolidation?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Bundle multiple packages together and save up to 80% on shipping costs. We hold packages at our warehouse for up to 30 days.

Question 38

Which warehouses do you have?

Accepted Answer

We operate hubs in the US, EU, China and UAE — plus worldwide pickup. Each client gets a personal address line at each warehouse.

Question 39

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Express is roughly 2 weeks, Normal around 3 weeks, Economy around 5 weeks — counted from the day your parcel reaches our warehouse.

Question 40

Do you ship to Lebanon only?

Accepted Answer

Our main lane is into Lebanon. We also serve Syria through our sister brand ish7anli.com.

Question 41

Can you consolidate multiple parcels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parcels that land at the same warehouse within a few days are merged into one shipment to save you weight charges.

Question 42

How is customs clearance handled?

Accepted Answer

We take care of all customs procedures. Receipts are issued in iShip's company name. If you need an official declaration or original customs receipts in your name or a third party's, request it in advance — the consignee must have a registered Lebanese company with a valid CNSS quitus.

Question 43

Are some items restricted?

Accepted Answer

Batteries, liquids, cosmetics, chemicals and medical products may require pre-approval and extra handling fees. Branded or counterfeit items may not be eligible for import.

Question 44

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Standard shipping is 2–3 weeks from the day of purchase, with two weekly departures from the USA. Economy takes 4–5 weeks at much lower prices, and Priority delivers in 7–10 days. All services include full control and insurance.

Question 45

Is it cash on delivery?

Accepted Answer

Shipping and taxes are paid on delivery (cash on delivery). Payment for the items themselves is in advance — for example, you can pay Amazon with your card, or pay us via cash, OMT or card.

Question 46

What if my item is lost or damaged?

Accepted Answer

Our insurance refunds the product price if it's lost or damaged. If an item doesn't work, we contact the seller for a solution — these cases are very rare. We can also facilitate returns to the seller for a refund.

Question 47

What about warranties and defective items?

Accepted Answer

Most US and EU stores offer a 30-day warranty window; iShip handles the process. Return fees are the customer's responsibility and depend on weight. Some brands offer extended warranties. We also insure your items against transit damage, with coverage ending on delivery — please check your products on arrival and tell us immediately of any issue.

Question 48

How does the shopping process work?

Accepted Answer

Select the items you want, or send us the links. We handle the rest — purchasing, packing and shipping to your destination.

Question 49

Do you assemble furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer furniture assembly on request. Just tell us your requirements and we'll have it installed at your location.

Question 50

What's your return and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

If there's any issue — damaged or incorrect items — contact us immediately and we'll work with you to resolve it and arrange returns or refunds as needed.

Questions, answered.

Buy For Me (BFM)

Delivery & tracking

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