It is customary for Filipinos to send a balikbayan box to their families and relatives in the Philippines. This is another way for them to show that they care and they remember special holidays. Since it has been a common practice, relatives of overseas Filipino workers look forward to receiving something from their relatives abroad.
It is easy to expect that this is going to be expensive. To people living in a developing country, the items may seem of value especially if they try to look for similar items being sold locally. Yet a smart shopper knows how to find the best options that gives him more value for his money and more surprises for his relatives.
This box can contain a variety of things that an overseas Filipino worker's family can use back home. These may include clothes, appliances and furniture. Some even include makeup and accessories that are not available locally. If they expect that the box will be transported in good conditions, food items such as processed foods and chocolates are also added.
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.
The size of the box to be sent varies depending on its contents. One of the most common sizes is a one cubic meter box, which is enough to contain food items, gadgets and clothes not just for the immediate family but also for extended family members and friends. The size of the box also depends on how often the overseas worker sends items back home. Those who just send items once every year prepares for a larger box, which they send in time for Christmas.
For smaller boxes or fewer items, Filipinos just ask some friends going into the country to take something for them and to meet their families once they arrive. For higher value items, it may be necessary to use international delivery such as UPS or Fedex. For large boxes, there are companies that offer bulk shipping. They accumulate the boxes to be sent and ship them about once or twice a month. This balances cost and protection for the items.
If the items travel by plane, expect that it may just take a week or two for the items to get to the families in the country. However, for a larger box, which may have to travel by sea, it could be a month or even beyond before the recipients get the items. If items are expected to be received by a certain date, it is best to send the items at least a month in advance.
Check the cost of the items being sent to determine the best means of sending the items. The shipping company may also offer insurance if you ask for this option for your gift box.
It is easy to expect that this is going to be expensive. To people living in a developing country, the items may seem of value especially if they try to look for similar items being sold locally. Yet a smart shopper knows how to find the best options that gives him more value for his money and more surprises for his relatives.
This box can contain a variety of things that an overseas Filipino worker's family can use back home. These may include clothes, appliances and furniture. Some even include makeup and accessories that are not available locally. If they expect that the box will be transported in good conditions, food items such as processed foods and chocolates are also added.
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.
The size of the box to be sent varies depending on its contents. One of the most common sizes is a one cubic meter box, which is enough to contain food items, gadgets and clothes not just for the immediate family but also for extended family members and friends. The size of the box also depends on how often the overseas worker sends items back home. Those who just send items once every year prepares for a larger box, which they send in time for Christmas.
For smaller boxes or fewer items, Filipinos just ask some friends going into the country to take something for them and to meet their families once they arrive. For higher value items, it may be necessary to use international delivery such as UPS or Fedex. For large boxes, there are companies that offer bulk shipping. They accumulate the boxes to be sent and ship them about once or twice a month. This balances cost and protection for the items.
If the items travel by plane, expect that it may just take a week or two for the items to get to the families in the country. However, for a larger box, which may have to travel by sea, it could be a month or even beyond before the recipients get the items. If items are expected to be received by a certain date, it is best to send the items at least a month in advance.
Check the cost of the items being sent to determine the best means of sending the items. The shipping company may also offer insurance if you ask for this option for your gift box.
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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.
