If you are married to a Filipino or a Filipina then you will know the concept of balikbayan. Balikbayan means to go back to the country one comes from, basically it means repatriation. You will also be familiar with the concept of the balikbayan box and of its importance. Right now you may be trying to find the best way to send these boxes back home to the Philippines by finding the right forwarder.
This box basically contains various items, knick knacks and other things that the sender feels that the receiver will enjoy, whether or not these items are also available in the Philippines. In this case it is very much not only the gift that counts, but the thought as well, since many will send things home that are financially out of reach to the ordinary family member left in the Philippines. Most common items sent home are canned goods, designer clothing, toiletries and household items. Sometimes electronics and toys are also included.
To send your box home you will need to find good provider, so therefore prepare a checklist for you to use in aiding your decision. This checklist will of course include important items for you to weigh and mull over to be able to get the best service provider you need. It is always prudent to use a checklist when making decisions related to money.
First of all get a heads up on the most reliable forwarders in your area by asking fellow Filipinos who may have used their services lately. There is nothing better than word of mouth referral when you really need it. Try to get as many referrals as possible if there quite a number of forwarders in your area.
Compare prices across providers as regards their services. Usually prices can be compared as to what they charge, usually based on sizes of the boxes, which can come in small, medium, large and sometimes extra large. Sometimes some providers only have one standard size. However, just be informed that on average freight charges usually begin at around USD 60.
Look at the relative services that each of these forwarders will provide, like whether they will pick up the item from your doorstep and deliver all the way to the house of the recipients for a seamless transport. Or maybe they will just receive items at their office with you doing the initial part of the delivery. In any case, be aware that not all forwarders will provide the same service through and through.
Check also if the providers have offices in the major cities of the major islands in the Philippines, meaning they have offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Most will only have an office on one of these islands, and if this is the case, then you may run into the problem of tracking your shipment when it is sent out. Better providers will have a presence on all the major islands.
This article has thus looked at some considerations when you are looking for a forwarder to ship your balikbayan goodies back home. There are other factors to consider, such as history of theft and other items that would be worth your while to research.
This box basically contains various items, knick knacks and other things that the sender feels that the receiver will enjoy, whether or not these items are also available in the Philippines. In this case it is very much not only the gift that counts, but the thought as well, since many will send things home that are financially out of reach to the ordinary family member left in the Philippines. Most common items sent home are canned goods, designer clothing, toiletries and household items. Sometimes electronics and toys are also included.
To send your box home you will need to find good provider, so therefore prepare a checklist for you to use in aiding your decision. This checklist will of course include important items for you to weigh and mull over to be able to get the best service provider you need. It is always prudent to use a checklist when making decisions related to money.
First of all get a heads up on the most reliable forwarders in your area by asking fellow Filipinos who may have used their services lately. There is nothing better than word of mouth referral when you really need it. Try to get as many referrals as possible if there quite a number of forwarders in your area.
Compare prices across providers as regards their services. Usually prices can be compared as to what they charge, usually based on sizes of the boxes, which can come in small, medium, large and sometimes extra large. Sometimes some providers only have one standard size. However, just be informed that on average freight charges usually begin at around USD 60.
Look at the relative services that each of these forwarders will provide, like whether they will pick up the item from your doorstep and deliver all the way to the house of the recipients for a seamless transport. Or maybe they will just receive items at their office with you doing the initial part of the delivery. In any case, be aware that not all forwarders will provide the same service through and through.
Check also if the providers have offices in the major cities of the major islands in the Philippines, meaning they have offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Most will only have an office on one of these islands, and if this is the case, then you may run into the problem of tracking your shipment when it is sent out. Better providers will have a presence on all the major islands.
This article has thus looked at some considerations when you are looking for a forwarder to ship your balikbayan goodies back home. There are other factors to consider, such as history of theft and other items that would be worth your while to research.
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Find an overview of the advantages of using balikbayan box shipping services and more info about a reputable freight company at http://www.solomonexpresscargo.com right now.
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