The popularity of Korean products in Australia continues to rise—whether it’s K-pop albums, K-drama merchandise, Korean fashion, cosmetics, or home appliances. But the problem remains: many Korean websites don’t ship internationally or require a local phone number, payment method, or address. That’s where proxy shopping and forwarding services step in.
If you’re an Aussie shopper considering options like Buy&Ship, Airfrov, or other proxy providers, you may be wondering: which one gives you the best value, reliability, and convenience?
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between the major services, explain their pros and cons, and highlight why Buy&Ship is often the best choice for Korea-to-Australia buyers.
Why Proxy Shopping Services Are Essential
Shopping directly from Korean websites can be challenging because:
- Limited international shipping: Many platforms like Coupang, Gmarket, or Naver only ship domestically.
- Payment barriers: Korean stores often require a local credit card or bank account.
- Language difficulties: Navigating Korean-only websites can be overwhelming.
- Exclusive goods: Pop-up stores, event merchandise, and secondhand marketplaces (Karrot Market, Joonggonara) are unavailable overseas.
Proxy services solve these pain points by acting as a local buyer on your behalf, then forwarding goods to Australia.
Comparing the Main Proxy Services
1. Buy&Ship
Buy&Ship is one of the most widely used proxy shopping and parcel forwarding services across Asia-Pacific. It provides Australians with access to 10 overseas warehouses, including Korea, Japan, the US, and the UK.
Key Features:
- Transparent service fee starting from 6% for proxy purchases
- International forwarding at AUD 28 for the first 2 lb, plus AUD 12 per additional lb
- Consolidation service: merge multiple parcels into one shipment to save on delivery
- AUD billing: no hidden currency exchange surprises
- Notifications at every stage: warehouse arrival, consolidation, shipping
- Support for proxy shopping (Buy&Ship purchases on your behalf) and forwarding (you buy, they ship)
Pros:
- Affordable and consistent shipping rates
- Clear tracking and reliable customer service
- Handles time-sensitive and limited-edition products
- Ideal for frequent shoppers combining multiple orders
2. Airfrov
Airfrov operates on a peer-to-peer (P2P) model where travelers purchase items abroad and bring them back for buyers.
Key Features:
- Buyers post requests, travelers accept them
- Fees vary depending on the traveler’s offer
- Often used for items available only in physical stores
Pros:
- Good for one-off or rare in-store exclusives
- Flexible product availability depending on traveler routes
Cons:
- Less predictable—depends on whether a traveler is willing
- Delivery times vary (weeks or months)
- Less secure for high-value or urgent purchases
- Limited control over product condition or authenticity
3. Other Proxy Services (e.g., smaller agencies, social media sellers)
There are many small proxy agents found on Facebook, Instagram, or forums.
Pros:
- Personalized communication
- Sometimes lower fees for specific items
Cons:
- Lack of transparency in pricing
- Risk of scams or unreliable delivery
- Limited tracking and customer protection
- Not ideal for bulk or frequent purchases
Why Buy&Ship Is the Best Option for Aussies
When comparing the options, Buy&Ship consistently stands out for Australians who want a reliable and affordable way to import goods from Korea.
🔑 Key Advantages for Australian Shoppers
- Professional and Transparent
Unlike P2P services where prices can fluctuate, Buy&Ship offers clear, fixed pricing and official customer support. - Faster and Safer
Packages are handled through official warehouses and international couriers, ensuring better tracking and delivery times. - Perfect for Online Shoppers
While Airfrov is good for rare in-store purchases, Buy&Ship specializes in online shopping orders—covering everything from Coupang and Gmarket to Yes24 and Kakao stores. - Cost Savings Through Consolidation
If you’re ordering multiple items—say, a K-pop album, skincare, and kitchenware—you can combine them into one shipment to reduce overall shipping. - AUD Payments & No Hidden Fees
Payments are done directly in Australian dollars, giving you peace of mind with no hidden conversions.
Common Use Cases for Buy&Ship Proxy Service
- K-pop Merchandise: Limited albums, lightsticks, photo cards
- K-drama Collectibles: DVDs, photobooks, anniversary goods
- Korean Cosmetics: Exclusive brand collabs and seasonal kits
- Lifestyle & Stationery: Kakao Friends, Line Friends, Artbox goods
- Home Appliances: Rice cookers, air purifiers, or smart gadgets unavailable in Australia
How Buy&Ship Works (Simplified Process)
- Submit Order Details – Provide the product link or request.
- Receive Quotation in AUD – Includes item cost, proxy fee, and domestic shipping.
- Buy&Ship Purchases Locally – Using Korean payment methods.
- Goods Delivered to Korea Warehouse – Registered under your account.
- Transferred to Hong Kong Hub – You’re notified of the parcel weight and can consolidate.
- Shipped to Australia – At affordable international rates, with tracking updates.
Things to Consider Before Ordering
- Restricted items: Some food, cosmetics, or electronics may face import rules—always check Buy&Ship’s restricted goods list.
- Weight & cost balance: Heavy goods like appliances may incur higher fees, but still cheaper than local retail markups.
- Plan ahead: Pop-up and limited-edition items sell fast—submit your proxy order quickly.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to shopping from Korea to Australia, the right proxy service makes all the difference.
- Airfrov works if you’re after rare, offline-only goods and don’t mind waiting.
- Small proxy agents may help in niche cases but lack transparency and protection.
- Buy&Ship provides the most well-rounded solution—transparent fees, consolidation options, AUD billing, and reliable shipping.
For Aussie fans of K-pop, K-beauty, or Korean lifestyle goods, Buy&Ship ensures your orders arrive safely and affordably. No uncertainty, no hidden fees—just a smoother way to shop Korea like a local.