Step 2
Shipping
How you're charged, which line to pick, and how not to pay for air in the box.
Actual weight vs volumetric
They charge whichever number is bigger.
| Type | What it is | Usually bites you when |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | What the scale says | Heavy stuff: metal, liquids, thick soles |
| Volumetric | Box size (L × W × H ÷ divisor) | Big fluffy stuff, shoeboxes, bulky packaging |
Example: A 40×30×20 cm box might weigh 500g on a scale but get billed as (40×30×20)÷8000 = 3kg because of the size.
Shipping line types
Postal (EMS, EUB)
Not tax-free. Tight divisor (5000/6000), you pay per gram. Only worth it on small, heavy parcels.
Tax-free and express
Triangle shipping to dodge customs. Usually 8000 divisor; express lines use 5000. Priced per gram.
Compare options on gtbuy.com/estimation before you pay.
Rehearsal
They pack your stuff into the real box and tell you the exact weight and size before you pay shipping.
Worth it when
You're combining a bunch of items or the estimate looks way off. Costs about $3.
Skip when
One light item and the estimate already looks right. Still leave 500 to 800 g for the cardboard.
Packaging options
Strip the bulk
Tick Remove Shoebox or Remove Original Packing. Want the box? Use Fold Shoebox.
Vacuum seal
Worth it on clothes. A puffer goes from balloon to flat slab.
Customs and insurance
Declaration
GTBuy fills in the declared value based on the carrier. You don't have to guess.
Insurance
About 3% of item value. Cheap for when a parcel goes missing or sits in customs forever.