Two Aussies Create New York Start-Up to Break Down International Shopping Barriers

New tech gadgets are drawing devoted followers from across the globe, but many are only available in the U.S. Popular fashion brands are announcing their seasonal collections, but most styles will only ever be released in America.  Big Apple Buddy, a new online start-up created by two Australians, has a vision to solve this problem by creating a world ³where shopping has no borders.²

Founded in 2014, Big Apple Buddy was born out of a need encountered by two former Australian lawyers, Phillis Chan and Ben Chaung. Upon moving to the U.S., the married couple quickly became flooded with shopping requests from friends and relatives back in Australia. While shipping the latest gadgets, ski gear and designer handbags across the ocean, the couple realized they had stumbled upon a huge global need for items available only in the U.S.

³Since launching the company, we have developed a loyal client-base in over 50 countries around the world, spanning from the UK to Saudi Arabia to Australia. Our clientele is primarily made up of professionals who simply want the latest products quickly and hassle-free² says Ms. Chan, the co-founder. ³It feels very rewarding to provide consumers around the world with access to goods otherwise unavailable in their country.²

Big Apple Buddy distinguishes itself by delivering a completely personalized and seamless shopping experience by handling the entire process for the client. Once the client submits a request, Big Apple Buddy takes it from there. Big Apple Buddy will source the item for the best price, check and repackage the goods upon arrival at their facility, prepare all necessary customs documentation and have the parcel safely shipped to the client in as little as 2-4 business days.  It¹s little wonder that clients often describe the service as ³efficient², ³smooth² and ³effortless².

³We wanted to be a buddy to our clients around the world, to leave no stone unturned to ensure that they receive their desired goods promptly and reliably. We advise on products, pass on shopping discounts, form relationships with stores so clients can access extra savings and exclusive products, and answer questions around the clock,² says Ms. Chan.

After shopping discounts and reduced shopping fees are passed through to clients, a service fee is adjusted based on the complexity of the order (number of items, number of stores, etc.). All costs are set up front in a free quote with a minimum service fee of $40 per order. Service fee includes all the leg work the company does for its clients, such as store visits, discount negotiations, packaging, shipping and personalized communication.

Some of the most popular items shipped internationally by Big Apple Buddy are gadgets, such as the Apple Watch, Microsoft Band and Jawbone UP3 wearables, the Seek Thermal infrared camera for smartphones, and the Kindle Voyage. Clients in Australia and New Zealand are always on the lookout for winter outdoor gear during the summertime in America. Fashion brands highly sought after by clients include Ralph Lauren, Levi¹s Jeans, Lilly Pulitzer, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and Coach.

Big Apple Buddy seeks to break down international shopping barriers and is doing so one client and one delivery at a time.

For more information, please visit www.bigapplebuddy.com.

ABOUT BIG APPLE BUDDY

Big Apple Buddy is a New York based e-commerce company, founded by two former Australian corporate lawyers who saw a global demand for items that are only available in the U.S. Big Apple Buddy is a friendly, responsive and reliable personal shopping concierge that delivers desired items from the U.S. to consumers across the globe. Popular items include tech gadgets and designer brands. www.bigapplebuddy.com