What is Proxy Shopping: Definition, Process, and Examples

Proxy shopping opens the door for international shopping opportunities, allowing individuals and businesses to buy products that may otherwise be inaccessible due to various limitations. Whether it’s exclusive Japanese collectibles or trending Korean skincare, proxy shopping makes it possible to buy directly from overseas sellers, even if they don’t offer international shipping.

For anyone interested in buying exclusive items overseas, knowing the process of proxy shopping and the trusted providers is essential for a safe and hassle-free experience.

What Is Proxy Shopping?

Proxy shopping is a service where a trusted third-party agent or company purchases products on your behalf from overseas online stores that don’t ship internationally or accept your local payment methods. Acting as your local buyer, the proxy places the order, receives the product at their domestic warehouse, and then forwards it to your address. It removes the common barriers to international shopping, making it possible for shoppers to access products from virtually anywhere in the world.

At Com&Buy, we provide a reliable and transparent Shop for Me service and parcel forwarding service that functions as your personal proxy shopper. Whether you want to buy from Mercari Japan, Olive Young Korea, or Taobao in China, our team handles the entire purchasing process, from placing the order and managing payments to forwarding your parcels safely to your location. With Com&Buy, international shopping becomes simple, secure, and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy global products without worrying about restrictions or hidden costs.

How Does the Proxy Shopping Process Work?

Step 1: Register with a Proxy Shopping Service

Begin your proxy shopping journey by creating a free account with a trusted platform such as Com&Buy. Signing up is quick and easy. Simply fill out the online registration form or use your Facebook Login to get started instantly.

Once your account is created, update your personal details and shipping information under “Modify Address Book Entries.” Providing accurate and complete information ensures smooth processing and timely delivery of your parcels.

Then, make sure to add Com&Buy credits to your account for easy checkout. You can purchase credits easily via HitPay, which supports:

• Major credit cards
• GrabPay, ShopeePay, PayNow, QRPH
• WeChat Pay, PromptPay, TrueMoney, LinePay

We also accept bank transfers via DBS Bank and PayNow/PayLah!, or Wise remittance.

Step 2: Browse and Select the Product You Want

Go to the online marketplace or store where you want to shop, whether it’s Mercari JP or Olive Young, and find the product you want.

Step 3: Submit an Order Request

Once you’ve found the item you want to buy, it’s time to submit your Buy for Me order request through your Com&Buy account. This is how:

• Copy the product URL from the website where you found the item.
• Log in to your Com&Buy account and click on the “Submit Buy for Me” button.
• Paste the product link into the form provided.
• Fill in the required details, including:
• Product name
• Currency and price
• Seller’s name
• Quantity
• Click “Add to Cart.”

Once all your desired items are added to the cart, specify the country where you’re purchasing from. For smoother processing and easier consolidation, it’s recommended to buy items from one country at a time.

After reviewing your cart and confirming the details, you can proceed to checkout and get ready for Com&Buy to handle your purchase on your behalf.

Step 5: Proxy Shopper Places the Order

The proxy service purchases the product on your behalf from the seller or store.

Step 6: Seller Ships to the Proxy’s Local Warehouse

Once your order is placed, the seller will ship the item to Com&Buy’s local warehouse in the same country. This usually takes a few days, depending on the seller’s location and chosen domestic courier. When the package arrives, you’ll receive a notification through your Com&Buy account confirming its delivery and status update.

Step 7: Shipment Consolidation

If you’ve purchased multiple items from different stores, Com&Buy offers a free consolidation service to help you save on international shipping costs. Instead of sending each parcel individually, we combine them into one secure package before shipment. This reduces total shipping fees, minimises packaging waste, and ensures all your items arrive together.

Step 8: International Shipment & Tracking

Com&Buy ships your parcel overseas using reliable logistics partners. You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your parcel’s progress in real time, from our warehouse, through customs, and all the way to your doorstep.

Step 9: Delivery to Your Doorstep

Finally, your package will be delivered directly to your Singapore address or a designated pickup location, depending on your preference. Delivery times may vary based on the country of origin and shipping method, but most international parcels arrive within a few business days. Com&Buy’s customer support team remains available throughout the process to help with tracking updates, customs queries, or delivery concerns.

Why Do People Use Proxy Shopping Services?

Proxy shopping services are becoming increasingly popular among international buyers for several key reasons, including:

• Access to Exclusive or Domestic-Only Products: Many stores offer region-exclusive or limited-edition items that are only available to local customers, like Japan-exclusive anime merchandise or some K-pop merchandise. With proxy shopping, buyers can finally access these sought-after products that would otherwise be out of reach.
• Better Prices or Local Discounts: In some cases, local pricing can be lower than global retail prices. By using a shopping proxy, buyers can enjoy domestic prices, flash sales, and coupon offers that are unavailable to international customers.
• Language and Cultural Barriers: Navigating foreign-language e-commerce sites can be challenging. Proxy shopping services help overcome these hurdles by handling communication with sellers and payment processing. This ensures a smooth shopping experience even if you don’t understand the local language or customs.
• Stores That Don’t Ship Internationally: Many domestic platforms restrict shipping to local addresses. That’s why enlisting the help of a proxy shopper provides a local address and takes care of forwarding your parcel overseas, making international delivery effortless.

Popular Countries for Proxy Shopping

Proxy shopping opens access to the best local markets around the world. Here are some of the most popular destinations:

Japan – Home to Exclusive Brands, Collectibles, and Cultural Treasures

Japan remains one of the top destinations for proxy shopping services due to its unique mix of quality craftsmanship, pop culture, and innovation. Whether you’re a fan of J-beauty skincare, anime figures, limited-edition sneakers, or Japanese snacks, many of these products are sold only within Japan and can be hard to find internationally.

South Korea – K-Beauty, Fashion, and K-Pop Goods

Korea’s global influence in beauty and entertainment has made it another favourite destination among international shoppers. Many Singaporean buyers use proxy shopping services to purchase authentic K-beauty products from Olive Young, Innisfree, or Etude House, or to get exclusive K-pop merchandise from Weverse and Yes24.

China – Affordable and Diverse Product Options

China offers one of the largest selections of affordable products in the world, from electronics and fashion to home goods and accessories. Platforms such as Taobao, Tmall, and 1688 feature millions of listings at highly competitive prices.

United States – Global Brands and Exclusive Drops

The US is another leading destination for proxy shopping thanks to its wide variety of global brands, exclusive releases, and premium retailers. From streetwear and tech gadgets to sports collectibles and luxury goods, many American stores only cater to domestic customers or offer limited shipping regions.

How Com&Buy Makes Proxy Shopping Easy

Com&Buy is a trusted shopping proxy and parcel forwarding service designed to help Singaporeans shop globally without hassle. Whether you’re buying from Japan, Korea, or China, Com&Buy offers an all-in-one solution to simplify the process.

• Seamless Proxy Shopping Request: No need to navigate foreign-language websites or complex checkout processes. Simply share the product link and details, and our team will take care of the rest.
• Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront quotes with no hidden charges, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for.
• Local Warehouse Support: Our strategically located warehouses handle receiving, inspection, storage, and dispatching of your items with care. We have local warehouses in various locations, including Japan, Korea, China, the US, Thailand, and more.
• Free Parcel Consolidation: Combine multiple orders into one shipment to reduce international shipping costs.
• End-to-End Customer Support: From placing an order to tracking your parcel, our support team assists you every step of the way.

With Com&Buy, you can confidently shop from your favourite overseas stores, even when they are inaccessible in your country. Start your proxy shopping journey today and experience the convenience of having your favourite overseas items delivered right to your doorstep in Singapore.