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 get a referral for a reliable referral from your Filipino colleagues at work or even from your neighborhood or social network. Sometimes a referral is much better than just blindly looking at adverts or cursory surfing via the internet. If there are a few candidates for this position, try to get as many referrals as possible.
Look at the prices that are quoted by the providers and compare. Usually there will be choices and price differences as per box sizes, and this will be either in small medium and large. Some companies offer extra large boxes while others just give one standard size. Expect prices to begin at around USD60 regardless of the weight of these boxes.
Compare also each of these forwarders as regards the services they offer. Inquire if they will pick up the items at your house and deliver it to your recipient or if you have to bring the box yourself to their receiving office. Not many of these providers will provide a pick up service, and if they do, there could be an extra surcharge.
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 get a referral for a reliable referral from your Filipino colleagues at work or even from your neighborhood or social network. Sometimes a referral is much better than just blindly looking at adverts or cursory surfing via the internet. If there are a few candidates for this position, try to get as many referrals as possible.
Look at the prices that are quoted by the providers and compare. Usually there will be choices and price differences as per box sizes, and this will be either in small medium and large. Some companies offer extra large boxes while others just give one standard size. Expect prices to begin at around USD60 regardless of the weight of these boxes.
Compare also each of these forwarders as regards the services they offer. Inquire if they will pick up the items at your house and deliver it to your recipient or if you have to bring the box yourself to their receiving office. Not many of these providers will provide a pick up service, and if they do, there could be an extra surcharge.
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.
About the Author:
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.
Comments
Post a Comment