If you know at least one overseas Filipino worker, you probably know that sending a balikbayan box back to the Philippines is part of the culture. In fact, relatives back in the country look forward to receiving these boxes during special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. It is not a duty to be complied with by the worker. Instead, it is a way to show his family that he is thinking of them.
It may seem expensive to send a box of gifts abroad. However, someone who knows where to find great items at low prices does not spend so much when they prepare their gift boxes. In fact some slowly fills their boxes each time they find a good deal and then they just ship everything once every year.
Think of items that the worker's family can use in their daily lives. These are the most common things included in this box. Clothes, gadgets and appliances fit into a box on its way to the Philippines. Even furniture is also sent to the country. Items not available locally such as makeup or electronics are also part of a wishlist. Not to miss are chocolates for kids and adults alike.
Filipinos shop during markdown sales. They also look for bulk deals so that they can buy several items at a discounted price. This ensures them that they have something to send for each aunt, uncle or cousin. Functional second hand appliances are also shipped to the Philippines. So when there are garage sales or when a Filipino resident upgrades his items, he looks for things that can be used in the Philippines.
There is no minimum limit for a box. Although it is very common to see bulging boxes packed and sealed to contain as much items as it can. For people who send items once or twice every year, the one cubic meter box is common. This is enough to contain food items, clothes and small gadgets. These items are usually sent in time for Christmas.
Filipinos have several options when sending gifts to the Philippines. For smaller items, they may use the usual international delivery companies or the US post office. However for larger boxes, they obtain the services for forwarding companies that cater mainly to overseas workers who send items back to their home countries. Because these companies ship in bulk, they usually cost less than having to use international couriers. Sometimes, people also ask a a trusted fellow worker to take a few items for them when they go the Philippines. This will save them money if the traveler can still accommodate the additional baggage weight.
The shipping method determines when the box will be received by the sender's family. If the sender uses international shipping companies, it may just take a couple of weeks for items to get there. This may just be an expensive option. A more economical option is to use bulk shipping companies, that collects several boxes and ships them every two weeks or one month. It may just take more than a month for items to be received by the family in the Philippines. Expect shipping companies and ports to be busy before Christmas so be sure to ship the items early.
When choosing ways on sending a gift box, consider when the item should reach the family in the Philippines. Also check if there is an insurance to protect high value items against loss or damage.
It may seem expensive to send a box of gifts abroad. However, someone who knows where to find great items at low prices does not spend so much when they prepare their gift boxes. In fact some slowly fills their boxes each time they find a good deal and then they just ship everything once every year.
Think of items that the worker's family can use in their daily lives. These are the most common things included in this box. Clothes, gadgets and appliances fit into a box on its way to the Philippines. Even furniture is also sent to the country. Items not available locally such as makeup or electronics are also part of a wishlist. Not to miss are chocolates for kids and adults alike.
Filipinos shop during markdown sales. They also look for bulk deals so that they can buy several items at a discounted price. This ensures them that they have something to send for each aunt, uncle or cousin. Functional second hand appliances are also shipped to the Philippines. So when there are garage sales or when a Filipino resident upgrades his items, he looks for things that can be used in the Philippines.
There is no minimum limit for a box. Although it is very common to see bulging boxes packed and sealed to contain as much items as it can. For people who send items once or twice every year, the one cubic meter box is common. This is enough to contain food items, clothes and small gadgets. These items are usually sent in time for Christmas.
Filipinos have several options when sending gifts to the Philippines. For smaller items, they may use the usual international delivery companies or the US post office. However for larger boxes, they obtain the services for forwarding companies that cater mainly to overseas workers who send items back to their home countries. Because these companies ship in bulk, they usually cost less than having to use international couriers. Sometimes, people also ask a a trusted fellow worker to take a few items for them when they go the Philippines. This will save them money if the traveler can still accommodate the additional baggage weight.
The shipping method determines when the box will be received by the sender's family. If the sender uses international shipping companies, it may just take a couple of weeks for items to get there. This may just be an expensive option. A more economical option is to use bulk shipping companies, that collects several boxes and ships them every two weeks or one month. It may just take more than a month for items to be received by the family in the Philippines. Expect shipping companies and ports to be busy before Christmas so be sure to ship the items early.
When choosing ways on sending a gift box, consider when the item should reach the family in the Philippines. Also check if there is an insurance to protect high value items against loss or damage.
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You can get an overview of the things to keep in mind when picking a provider of balikbayan box shipping services at http://www.solomonexpresscargo.com/about now.
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