Shipito Eliminates Risk for Merchants Selling Internationally

E-commerce is on the rise. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 2nd Quarter 2009 report, online retail sales in the US rose to $32.4 billion. While definitely good news, it is somewhat tempered by the increase in internet crime activity. The 2008 Annual Report by the Internet Crime Complaint Center indicated that the number of complaints of online crime climbed 33 percent. While definitely a concern for online shoppers, it is one shared by e-commerce merchants as well.

The downturn in the economy has many retailers remaining overtly cautious about selling online. Internet fraud and identity theft scams can quickly cut into profit margins, resulting in significant losses. Several larger online retailers have invested heavily in shoring up security and loss prevention methods related to e-commerce. Unfortunately, smaller online retailers cannot afford to do the same.

These merchants have instead taken other steps such as refusing to sell internationally in hopes of reducing their exposure to risk. Traditionally high shipping costs, combined with the slim chance of recovering on a fraudulent claim, have made selling products abroad unattractive to many U.S.-online retailers. However, this does not have to be the case, as there are other cost-effective options like the one provided by Shipito, a national and international mail forwarding company based in Los Angeles.

Shipito offers a unique program to online ecommerce sites, which takes the risk out of selling in an international marketplace. Under its Merchant Program, Shipito acts as the buying intermediary between the international buyer and the US online seller. Shipito purchases the product on behalf of the buyer from the merchant, and then ships it to the customer.

According to John Vanhara, President of Shipitto, this offers several benefits to online retailers. “Online sellers no longer have to gamble in regards to whether they will receive payment from a legitimate buyer, or worry about processing chargebacks,” Vanhara says. “Our parent company has been in continual operation since 2001. When we make the purchase on behalf of the customer, the merchant can rest assured payment will be received. Shipitto assumes all risk and responsibility. We guarantee it.”

Shipito is owned and operated by Eastbiz Corporation. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the company ships US products almost anywhere in the world, handling all necessary customs paperwork. For more information on the company’s Merchant Program, contact Shipito at 310-212-7143 or visit its website at www.shipito.com.

Contact Information

John Vanhara

President

Shipito.com

Contact via E-mail