Why Shop from US Online Stores?
The United States is home to the world's largest online retail market. From electronics on Amazon and B&H Photo to fashion on Nike and Gap, US stores often offer wider product selections, better prices, and frequent sales that simply aren't available locally in Jordan or through other regional retailers.
The good news is that with the right approach, shopping from US stores and shipping to Jordan is not only possible — it's practical and increasingly affordable.
Step 1: Get a US Forwarding Address
The first step is signing up with a package forwarding service that provides a US warehouse address. This address will be your "US shipping address" for any retailer. Once your items arrive at the warehouse, the forwarder ships them onward to Jordan.
Popular forwarding hubs are located in states like Oregon (no sales tax), Delaware, and New Hampshire — choosing a forwarder in a tax-free state can save you 5–10% on purchases.
Step 2: Know Which Stores Are Worth It
Not every US store offers the same value after shipping costs. Here are categories where buying from the US typically makes the most sense:
- Electronics — Often 20–40% cheaper than Jordanian retail prices, even after shipping.
- Brand-name clothing & shoes — Outlet and sale prices on brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Levi's.
- Books & media — Textbooks, specialty books, and collectibles.
- Supplements & health products — Broader range and better pricing than local pharmacies.
- Baby & children's products — US safety standards and wider selection.
Step 3: Smart Shopping Strategies
Use Price Comparison Tools
Before buying, compare prices across retailers using tools like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon price history). Make sure the total cost — product + shipping to US warehouse + international freight — still represents good value.
Consolidate Your Orders
International shipping is charged by weight. Instead of shipping each purchase individually, let multiple items accumulate at your forwarding warehouse and ship them together. This can dramatically reduce your per-item shipping cost.
Time Your Purchases Around Sales Events
The biggest US shopping events of the year include:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November) — Massive discounts on electronics, fashion, and more.
- Amazon Prime Day (July) — Exclusive deals for Prime members.
- Labor Day & Memorial Day sales — Great for appliances and furniture.
- End-of-season clearances — Clothing discounts of 50–80% off.
Step 4: Understand What You'll Pay at Jordan Customs
When your package arrives in Jordan, customs duties and taxes may apply depending on the type of goods and their declared value. It's important to budget for this upfront. Personal-use items under a certain threshold may qualify for reduced or exempted duties — but always verify the current rules with Jordan Customs.
Step 5: Pay Safely with International Cards
Most US stores accept international Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. However, some stores may flag non-US billing addresses. To avoid payment issues:
- Use a credit card rather than a debit card for better fraud protection.
- Inform your bank of international online purchases to avoid card blocks.
- Consider services like PayPal for added buyer protection.
- Some forwarders offer a "concierge" purchase service where they buy on your behalf.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not calculating the total landed cost (product + US shipping + international freight + customs) before buying.
- Shipping restricted items that Jordan customs will seize.
- Using a forwarding address in a high-tax US state when tax-free alternatives are available.
- Shipping individual items when consolidation would save significantly.
Final Thoughts
Shopping from US online stores from Jordan is entirely achievable with a bit of planning. Get a reliable forwarding address, shop smart, consolidate shipments, and understand your customs obligations. The savings on quality products can be well worth the extra steps involved.