Suppliers of Instagram Cosmetics Store

[plumpycheeks]

Hello!

I've always wanted to put up my own online store of cosmetic products from the States that are not available here.

Questions:
1. I've been wondering how these Instagram shops that sell cosmetic products import those products to the Philippines?
2. Where do they find their suppliers? I know that some have relatives in the States and send those products to the Philippines but how do they get thru Customs without having to pay too much tax? Are some accredited exporters?
3. Is it possible to use Johnny Air Cargo Retail Padala if I order cosmetic products in bulk?

I've inquired in some Instagram shops if they do wholesale but their wholesale is too expensive. I think it would be so much cheaper to directly go to the online shop of those cosmetic brands and have them sent here. Help!

[jtansanco]

I live in the US and here's my opinion:

1. It's probably through a balikbayan box. Depending on how "busy" it is, it will take around 2-5 months for the goods to arrive in the Philippines.
2. Suppliers? Maybe they call the establishments or wholesalers directly and buy in bulk to get discounted price. Customs... I think some don't declare the items as is. I did it once for my friend before. He had a box of NBA trading cards but he asked me to declare it as "clothes" so what we did was we placed some clothes on the top of the cards because what are the chances of it being placed in an x-ray machine? Accredited exporters... Not really. Being an exporter here, the benefit I know that we have is we don't pay sales tax in the US.
3. I have no idea with Johnny Cargo. Better ask Johnny directly.

[mama squeak!]

For bulk/wholesale purchase the bb box is the way to go. Depending on your location in the Philippines, standard delivery time is 30 days for Metro Manila while up to 45 days for the rest of the Philippines. During peak season i.e. Christmas holidays expect double the delivery time.

Most of the time buyers wait for major sales or shop at physical outlet stores. I've seen some online outlet shops selling really low prices but that's kinda suspect. Baka fake pa yung items.

JAC or Johnny Air is a courier company with offices in SFO, LA and NYC. They handle both air and sea shipments. I've used them often for rush, high-value but less bulky items that they send via air. Expensive but hassle-free service. There is a separate thread for Johnny Air in the Fasionista Unite! board that you may want to check.

[a7ee]

My cousin order online and ship it to our house. Tapos I send it to her using LBC air cargo $150 for 50 lbs air cargo box. 1 week nya lang yata nakukuha max 10 days. D ko naman dinedeclare lahat wala naman nawawala ang bawal lang 10 of the same kind items yun ang sabi sakin sa LBC.

[x-y]

I am a seller in Instagram and I order directly from Colourpop then have it shipped to a US address then pa-ship sa Manila. Masmaganda talaga if may relative ka sa US.

[ljsb]

Guys, saan po kaya umoorder ng supplies yung mga online sellers ng makeup from korea? I want to try gmarket kasi but natatakot ako sa laki ng babayarang tax pagdating ng package sa pinas. Please help.

[forgiven]

Paano na kaya ngayon yan naghigpit na sila sa balikbayan box? Paano ba ang bayaran ng tax kapag tatanggap ng balikbayan box?