Shopping on eBay gives Singapore shoppers access to millions of products from all over the world — from rare collectibles and fashion exclusives to refurbished tech and vintage homeware. But while eBay makes global shopping possible, how your purchase gets shipped to Singapore can make a huge difference in cost, delivery time, and convenience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the three main shipping methods used by eBay buyers in Singapore:
- eBay Global Shipping Program (GSP)
- Proxy Forwarders (like Buy&Ship)
- Direct Seller Shipping
We’ll compare their pros and cons, explain cost structures, and help you choose the method that suits your needs.
Understanding the eBay Global Shipping Program (GSP)
The eBay Global Shipping Program is an in-house logistics solution offered by eBay to make international delivery straightforward.
How it works:
- When a seller opts into GSP, they ship the item to eBay’s international shipping hub in the US (or other designated locations).
- eBay then manages customs clearance and forwards the package to your address in Singapore.
Pros:
- Hassle-free customs handling — eBay handles import duties upfront.
- Predictable costs — total shipping and tax are calculated during checkout.
- Wide seller adoption — many US-based sellers use GSP.
Cons:
- Often expensive — shipping fees can be higher than other options.
- No consolidation — each purchase ships separately.
- Limited flexibility — GSP is only available when sellers enable it.
What Are Proxy Forwarders?
Proxy forwarders are third-party logistics services that provide you with a domestic shipping address in the seller’s country. You ship your purchase there, and the forwarder sends it on to Singapore.
Example: Buy&Ship
- Offers a US warehouse address for eBay purchases.
- Supports package consolidation — combining multiple orders into one shipment to save costs.
- Bills in SGD with a transparent service fee (from 6%).
- Supports purchases from multiple countries, not just the US.
Pros:
- Lower overall shipping costs for multiple purchases.
- Flexibility to shop from sellers who don’t offer international shipping.
- Transparent and competitive pricing.
- Ability to combine purchases from different sellers or even different countries.
Cons:
- Requires manual parcel declaration in the forwarder’s system.
- Slightly longer shipping time compared to GSP if you consolidate orders.
- Import taxes still apply based on Singapore regulations.
Direct Seller Shipping
Direct shipping happens when a seller offers to send the item straight to Singapore without using eBay’s GSP or a third-party forwarder.
Pros:
- Simple — no extra steps between purchase and delivery.
- Faster for single-item orders if the seller offers express courier options.
Cons:
- High international shipping rates — especially for heavy or bulky items.
- No consolidation — each order ships separately.
- Limited seller participation — many US sellers don’t offer overseas shipping at all.
Cost Comparison for a Sample Purchase
Let’s say you’re buying a limited-edition pair of sneakers from a US eBay seller priced at USD 150, weighing 2 lbs.
| Shipping Method | Domestic Shipping to US Warehouse | International Shipping | Import Tax & Duties | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSP | Included in price | USD 45 | Prepaid | ~USD 195 |
| Proxy Forwarder (Buy&Ship) | Free domestic shipping | SGD 28 (first 2 lbs) | GST on orders above SGD 400 | ~USD 150 + SGD 28 |
| Direct Seller Shipping | N/A | USD 55 | Pay on arrival | ~USD 205 |
Verdict: Proxy forwarders often offer the best balance between cost and flexibility, especially when buying multiple items.
When to Use Each Method
- Use GSP if: You’re buying a single item, want all taxes prepaid, and cost isn’t your main concern.
- Use Proxy Forwarders if: You plan to buy from multiple sellers or want lower overall shipping costs with consolidation.
- Use Direct Seller Shipping if: The seller offers affordable international delivery and you’re only buying one item.
Why Proxy Forwarders Are Growing in Popularity
Services like Buy&Ship are becoming the go-to choice for Singapore buyers for several reasons:
- Access to sellers who only ship domestically — expanding your product options.
- Significant savings on multi-item shipments through consolidation.
- Clear, upfront pricing in SGD — no surprise currency conversion fees.
- Global reach — one account can be used for US, UK, Japan, Korea, and more.
Final Recommendations
If you shop regularly on eBay US or buy from multiple sellers, proxy forwarders like Buy&Ship typically offer the best value. They provide flexibility, competitive pricing, and access to a wider range of sellers.
GSP works well for occasional, single-item purchases when you value convenience over cost. Direct seller shipping can be an option if rates are competitive, but it’s less common for US-based sellers to offer affordable international delivery.
Why Buy&Ship Is a Strong Choice for Singapore eBay Buyers
- Service fee from just 6% on proxy orders.
- Transparent SGD billing — no hidden currency markups.
- Support for parcel consolidation from multiple sellers.
- Door-to-door delivery with tracking.
- Multi-country warehouse network for future purchases beyond eBay.
With a reliable proxy forwarder, Singapore buyers can shop eBay US confidently, without worrying about high shipping rates or limited seller options.