For Singaporean shoppers, comparing prices across different platforms has become second nature. Whether it’s hunting for the latest sneakers, luxury handbags, electronics, or collectible toys, buyers often weigh options on local marketplaces like Carousell and Lazada against global platforms such as eBay US.
At first glance, buying locally may seem easier. However, with the right approach — especially using Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping and forwarding service — shopping from eBay US often delivers better prices, wider selection, and access to rare products that simply aren’t available in Singapore.
This guide provides a side-by-side comparison of eBay US, Carousell, and Lazada, focusing on prices, authenticity, shipping, and buyer protection. By the end, you’ll see why pairing eBay US with Buy&Ship is often the smarter option for savvy Singapore shoppers.
Why Compare eBay US, Carousell, and Lazada?
- eBay US: Global marketplace with new, used, vintage, and collectible goods. Known for its vast selection and auctions.
- Carousell: Peer-to-peer marketplace popular in Singapore. Strong in second-hand fashion, electronics, and collectibles.
- Lazada: Regional e-commerce giant with brand partners, flash sales, and logistics networks across Southeast Asia.
Each platform has its own strengths, but when price and authenticity matter most, the choice can make a significant difference.
Price Comparison: Who’s Cheaper?
1. Fashion & Sneakers
- Carousell: Prices are highly variable, depending on seller. Limited-edition sneakers are often marked up heavily by resellers.
- Lazada: Official brand stores offer promotions, but selection is regional. Rare streetwear or sneakers are rarely listed.
- eBay US: Wide access to US retailers and resellers. Auctions often drive prices lower, and outlet sellers list at discount.
Verdict: eBay US often beats Carousell and Lazada for rare sneakers and branded apparel, especially with auctions and outlet stock.
2. Electronics & Gadgets
- Carousell: Many listings for second-hand phones or laptops, but buyer protection is limited.
- Lazada: Competitive prices on new electronics, especially during regional campaigns (11.11, 12.12). Warranty support is included for official sellers.
- eBay US: Strong for refurbished and certified pre-owned devices from US outlets, often cheaper than local resellers.
Verdict: Lazada is best for brand-new regional models with warranty; eBay US wins for refurbished or discontinued models.
3. Luxury Bags & Accessories
- Carousell: Large volume of second-hand listings, but authenticity is a frequent concern.
- Lazada: Few luxury listings, mostly via third-party sellers.
- eBay US: Covered by eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for top brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. Buyers gain added security.
Verdict: eBay US provides the safest mix of price and authenticity protection for luxury fashion.
4. Collectibles & Toys
- Carousell: Popular for local trading of Pokémon cards, figurines, and LEGO. Prices often reflect collector markups.
- Lazada: Limited selection, mostly new mass-market toys.
- eBay US: The largest global marketplace for collectibles, from Funko Pops to vintage LEGO sets. Buyers can find rare or discontinued items unavailable in Singapore.
Verdict: eBay US dominates for collectibles, with Carousell a good secondary option for local trading.
Shipping Costs & Convenience
- Carousell: Buyers usually arrange meetups or local courier. Cheap and fast, but only works for items available in Singapore.
- Lazada: Regional warehouses mean fast shipping (1–5 days). Free shipping promotions are common.
- eBay US: Direct international shipping is expensive, but using Buy&Ship forwarding allows affordable US-to-Singapore delivery, with SGD billing and parcel consolidation.
Authenticity & Buyer Protection
- Carousell: Buyer beware. Scams and counterfeits are common, though Carousell Protection provides some coverage.
- Lazada: Safe for official stores, but risk exists with third-party resellers.
- eBay US: Stronger protections via eBay Money Back Guarantee and Authenticity Guarantee for selected categories.
Why Buy&Ship Makes eBay US Even Better
Without Buy&Ship, many Singaporeans skip eBay US due to high courier fees. With Buy&Ship, the story changes:
- Transparent 6% service fee for proxy shopping.
- Pay in SGD for clarity and convenience.
- Parcel consolidation: Combine sneakers, electronics, and collectibles into one shipment to save costs.
- Optional repacking: Add extra protection for fragile items.
- 7-day free returns on eligible new items (not second-hand via proxy).
- Door-to-door delivery with tracking.
This transforms eBay US into a cost-competitive alternative to Carousell and Lazada, especially for high-value purchases.
Step-by-Step: How to Shop eBay US with Buy&Ship
- Register an Account – Sign up at Buy&Ship Singapore for a free US warehouse address.
- Browse eBay US – Compare listings for your desired product category.
- Enter Buy&Ship US Address – At checkout, ship your item to the warehouse.
- Track Package Arrival – You’ll receive notifications when items arrive.
- Consolidate Multiple Orders – Bundle different items together for savings.
- Pay in SGD – Enjoy transparent billing without foreign exchange surprises.
- Receive in Singapore – Fast, secure delivery right to your doorstep.
Real Example: Comparing Costs
A Singapore buyer wanted a pair of Nike Dunks and a Coach wallet:
- Carousell: Resellers listed the sneakers at SGD 380 and the wallet at SGD 280.
- Lazada: Sneakers not available; wallet listed at SGD 310.
- eBay US + Buy&Ship: Sneakers bought at auction for USD 190 (~SGD 260), wallet purchased at USD 150 (~SGD 205). With consolidation, international shipping added SGD 35. Total: SGD 500 — a savings of over SGD 160 compared to Carousell and Lazada.
FAQs
Q1: Which platform is best for luxury products?
eBay US, thanks to its Authenticity Guarantee and broader selection.
Q2: Are shipping times longer from eBay US?
Yes, but with Buy&Ship forwarding, delivery is streamlined and trackable — typically 1–2 weeks.
Q3: Can I return items bought via eBay US?
Yes, if bought directly and covered by eBay’s policies. With Buy&Ship proxy, second-hand/refurbished items are not returnable.
Q4: Is Carousell still useful?
Yes, for quick local purchases or selling your own items. But for global selection and price savings, eBay US with Buy&Ship is superior.
For Singapore shoppers, Carousell and Lazada remain convenient for local and regional buys, but when it comes to variety, rare items, and price savings, eBay US outshines them both.
By pairing eBay US with Buy&Ship, you gain:
- Access to every US seller (not just those shipping internationally).
- Lower costs via consolidation and transparent fees.
- Clear SGD billing without hidden exchange charges.
- Door-to-door shipping with returns on eligible items.
Whether you’re hunting for sneakers, handbags, electronics, or collectibles, the smartest move is to shop on eBay US and ship with Buy&Ship — unlocking better prices and more choices than Carousell or Lazada can offer.