> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sprd.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Forwarding Services

> Use a US warehouse to inspect, authenticate, and ship items internationally.

A forwarding service gives you a US warehouse address. Items ship there first, get inspected and photographed, then forward to you or directly to your buyer. Useful for buying from US-based P2P platforms internationally, or when you want a third-party inspection before committing.

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a forwarding account">
    Sign up at [Planet Express](https://planetexpress.com/?ref=361308). You'll get a personal US warehouse address in Oregon (no sales tax).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use the address when buying">
    Enter your Planet Express address as the shipping destination on eBay, Mercari, Depop, etc.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Request photo inspection">
    Once the package arrives at the warehouse, request photos of the box, labels, and item condition. This typically costs \$2-5 for 3-5 photos.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate remotely">
    Submit the inspection photos to [LegitApp](/authentication#self-authentication). Results come back within a few hours.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Forward or return">
    If the item passes — forward it to your address or directly to your buyer. If it fails — return to the seller from the warehouse. Much cheaper than returning from your home address.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Why use forwarding

* **Inspection before commitment** — See the actual item before it ships to you
* **Remote authentication** — Verify authenticity via photos without having the item in hand
* **International access** — Buy from US-only sellers and platforms
* **No sales tax** — Planet Express warehouses are in Oregon (0% sales tax)
* **Ship directly to buyer** — Skip the double-shipping by forwarding straight to your buyer after authentication

## Costs

| Item                                | Typical Cost                           |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Photo inspection (3-5 photos)       | \$2-5                                  |
| LegitApp authentication             | \$3-5                                  |
| Domestic forwarding (USPS Priority) | \$8-10                                 |
| International forwarding            | \$15-30 (varies by weight/destination) |

<Note>
  Factor forwarding costs into your spread calculation. A \$30 spread after fees can become \$15 after forwarding and authentication.
</Note>

## When to use forwarding

* **P2P purchases** (Reddit, Facebook, Grailed) — No platform authentication, so inspection is your safety net
* **eBay non-AG listings** — Items under \$100 or from low-feedback sellers
* **High-value items** — When the cost of a fake outweighs the \$10-15 forwarding cost
* **International buying** — When the seller only ships domestically

## When to skip

* **StockX/GOAT** — Platform authenticates for you
* **eBay AG listings** — Already routed through an authenticator
* **Low-value items** — Forwarding cost eats too much of the spread
* **Local pickups** — Facebook/OfferUp local trades

## Getting started

[Sign up for Planet Express →](https://planetexpress.com/?ref=361308)