Understanding International Shipping Costs

A shipping note from Joy

Understanding International Shipping Costs

I love finding you a beautiful bag at a good price. I am considerably less excited about what it costs to send it across the world. If the shipping quote made you pause, I understand. Here is what goes into it, and how we try to keep it reasonable.

The short answer

We base shipping on the packed order: its weight, the space it takes up, the protection it needs, its destination, and the suitable shipping route. Under our standard shipping arrangements, the amount also includes the expected customs-duty and import-related costs for the method we select. Our aim is to keep the cost as low as reasonably possible while giving your order a safe journey.

The carrier ships a parcel, not just a handbag

A product's weight is only the starting point. The finished parcel includes the outer carton, cushioning, shape support, and other protective materials. Its size matters too. A lightweight, structured bag can need a surprisingly generous box.

Your quote reflects the shipment we need to send, rather than a fixed percentage of the item's price. Two similarly priced bags can have quite different shipping costs.

Weight & dimensions

The complete parcel's weight and measurements, including its protective packaging.

Destination & route

The service available for your address, its rates, and the number of parcels required.

Customs arrangements

Expected customs-duty and import-related costs under our standard shipping arrangements.

Why a light bag can have a heavy shipping bill

Many international services, including express services from DHL and FedEx, consider dimensional weight, also called volumetric weight. It is a way of pricing the space a parcel occupies. The carrier compares that figure with the parcel's actual weight and generally charges using the higher one.

Think of a structured handbag and a stack of books. The bag may weigh less, but it can take up much more room. On a plane, that room has a cost.

An example: one box, two different weights

Weight on the scale

3 kg

The parcel's physical weight

Dimensional weight

12 kg

50 × 40 × 30 cm ÷ 5,000

In this example, the carrier bills for 12 kg. The parcel still weighs 3 kg; the higher figure reflects the space it uses.

Illustration using a common express-shipping formula. The actual divisor, measurement rules, and charges depend on the service and route.

Some things simply should not be folded

Many of our products have structure, carefully shaped panels, or hardware that needs protection. Flattening them to fit a smaller box can leave creases, distort their shape, or damage the finish. We choose packaging with those details in mind.

We look for the smallest practical carton and avoid unnecessary bulk. When extra protection is needed, we use it. I would much rather you spend your first few minutes admiring your bag than photographing a crushed corner.

How we choose the shipping service

We primarily use DHL and EMS. Depending on the destination, package size, product type, and available routes, we may use FedEx or another suitable carrier. We look for the best practical balance of safety, reliability, cost, and efficiency for your particular order.

An express service can be a good option, but it is not automatically cheaper or better for every parcel. Dimensional-weight charges can make a bulky order much more expensive. We compare the options with the packed shipment in mind.

You are welcome to ask about a particular carrier. If you request a method other than the one we recommend, our standard delivery guarantee may no longer apply, and associated shipping risks may become your responsibility. Please discuss it with us before we arrange shipment.

Are customs duties included?

For destinations covered by our standard shipping arrangements, our shipping charge is intended to include the expected customs-duty and import-related costs associated with the method we select.

Customs authorities can occasionally assess an unexpected additional charge. If that happens, contact us before making arrangements whenever possible so we can review the charge and documentation together. Under our policy, FabJoy may provide store credit equal to 50% of an eligible unexpected customs-duty charge, subject to review and supporting documentation.

How we keep the cost reasonable

Where practical, we combine compatible items, choose packaging that protects without adding unnecessary size, and compare suitable routes. A larger order may need more than one parcel because of carrier limits or the way its items need to be packed. Combining everything into one box does not always produce the lowest cost.

If you are deciding between items or planning a larger order, ask us about shipping before committing. We can help you understand what affects the quote and whether there is a sensible way to save. Rates can change, so please use the shipping amount shown on your current invoice or at checkout.

A few practical things to know

Delivery time: Most orders arrive approximately 2–3 weeks after shipment. Preparation time is separate, and international transit can take longer. We cannot guarantee rush processing or arrival by a specific date.

Tracking: We provide available tracking information after shipment. Updates can take time to appear or be limited while a parcel travels between countries.

Delivery protection: Our standard delivery guarantee currently covers the United States, Canada, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. For a covered original shipment confirmed lost or seized in transit, we arrange one replacement shipment at our expense. Please allow up to 45 days for investigation and confirmation. The guarantee is fulfilled when that replacement is dispatched; it does not include further replacements. Customers elsewhere should contact us before ordering to confirm availability and terms.

Returns: Once a parcel has shipped, the original shipping expense generally cannot be recovered. Original and return shipping costs are generally non-refundable unless we agree otherwise as part of an approved resolution. Contact us before sending a return so we can explain the applicable terms.

A good price should still mean a good arrival

We are a small team, and we pay attention to what each order needs. I want your shipping charge to make sense, your parcel to be properly protected, and your purchase to arrive in the condition you expected.

If a quote surprises you, ask me. I am happy to explain it and look for a practical option that costs less. Your trust matters, and so does your budget.

— Joy

This guide explains our approach to shipping. Please read our Shipping & Returns Policy for the full terms, including delivery guarantees, customs charges, carrier requests, and returns.