USA · Buyer's guide

Is It Safe to Buy from International Online Stores? A US Buyer's Checklist

Published 2026-10-26

Buying from an international seller can get you things you will not find at home, often for less. It also means trusting a store you may never have heard of. Here is a checklist American shoppers can use on any international store, and how ShoplyHub handles each point.

1. Know who holds your money

The single most important protection is where your payment sits until the order arrives. On ShoplyHub, payment is held in escrow and released to the seller only after you confirm delivery. Elsewhere, prefer a payment method with strong buyer protection.

2. Read the listing like an inspector

Look at every photo, including close-ups of fabric, stitching or hardware.
Check the size chart against something you own, not just the S/M/L label.
Find who pays return shipping before you buy. On ShoplyHub it is shown on each product page.
Be wary of famous brand names at a fraction of their usual price.

3. Know the full cost before paying

Prices on ShoplyHub are in USD and already include the service fee. Most items ship free; a few carry a per-item shipping fee, shown on the product page and at checkout. Import duties are set by the destination country; anything ShoplyHub collects appears as its own line at checkout before you pay.

4. Plan around delivery time

International delivery takes 10 to 15 days with tracking. For birthdays and holidays, order at least three weeks ahead.

5. Check the return window

ShoplyHub allows return requests within 14 days of delivery, for unworn items with tags. Refunds go to your original payment method after the item is inspected. See the returns policy.