Mobile World Congress 2014 was held in Barcelona the week. The biggest party for smartphone and wearable tech products. The MWC, in the same way as CES in Las Vegas, is where all the innovations of the mobile world are announced. We sived through the clutter for you and chosen a selection we believe you’ll ba particularly keen to shop and ship to your home.

-First, let’s talk about the biggest star of the MWC 2014 – Samsung Galaxy S5 that you can start to buy from 11 April 2014. It is slightly larger than the S4 with a 5.1 inch screen, and resistant to an active (dust and water). Offers a new glamorous look with ‘leather’ like polycarbonate back but the biggest new features are the  ‘fingerprint scanner’ and heart rate monitor.  That can be used, thanks to a partnership with Paypal, as an identification process for online payments.  If this doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, you’ll find more details here: http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/24/samsung-galaxy-s5-preview/

But Samsung’s Galaxy S5 did not get all the attention, despite all the hype. Samsung also introduced a range of smartwatches:  the Gear 2, the Neo and the Fit. The most important thing worth knowing is that for the first time they are using their own operating system TIZEN instead of Android. The main difference between the Gear 2 and the Neo,  is that the latter has replaced the camera with a heart rate monitor to go with the new and improved activity tracker and the hypoallergenic wristband comes in a range of colours. . Gear Fit, on the other hand is specialized for fitness only and offers very convenient apps for the more health conscious among us.http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/24/meet-samsungs-new-smartwatch-family-gear-2-neo-fit/

-Secondly, we focused on the Sony Xperia Z2. As the Xperia Z was only released 5 months ago, Sony were not expected to announce this at the MWC but another star was born with the Xperia Z2:  5.2 inches IPS LCD display, Live Colour LED technology. For an even better screen resolution for images that are ever closer to reality. Sony has also started to learn from their competitors, making their products easier to use. The Sony Xperia Z2 efinitely worth considering for your next smartphone: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z2-1226987/review

Sony also announced their new activity band. A very sleek and simple design, maybe even too simple, it’ll track your activity, your whereabouts and your time on various sites. It’s more than a fitness tracker.See details here: http://reviews.cnet.com/watches-and-wrist-devices/sony-smartband-swr10/4505-3512_7-35835141.html

-The third start product comes from Nokia. This time they presented their Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL: Nokia X uses Android but with a Windows flavored version of the OS, with a 4 inches IPS capacity display, 3MP camera, dual SIM cards, expandable storage via a MicroSD card slot and a ‘fast lane user experience’ according to Nokia. All the Android-based Nokia X range comes without Google’s Cloud services – instead, it focuses on Nokia and Microsoft’s services like Skype. For now, the X range will be sold in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe only. There are no current plans to bring it to Western Europe, North America, Australia, Korea or Japan.  About the cost: Nokia X €89, X+ €99 and XL €109.http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-x-android-handset-revealed-1227629

Along with these 3 smartphones, Nokia also announced their new activity band, though it looks like most other brands,  it can track all your activitiesthe people you with, almost everything. Many people thought it is a little bit creepy, but why not saying it’s still a daring trial. More details here: http://reviews.cnet.com/watches-and-wrist-devices/sony-smartband-swr10/4505-3512_7-35835141.html

-But wearable devices doesn’t just mean bands and bracelets, there also was a range of tech glasses on show. We chose the Weon Glassesfor you as they offer some really handy features whilst staying affordable. These glasses will inform you of any notifications you receive on your phone and are equipped with a GPS tracker so you can use your phone to find them again.  Find out more here: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/weon-glasses/4505-6454_7-35835322.html

-Last but not least, HUAWEI’s hybrid of  a fitness tracker and a smart watch, called Talkband B1. With a 1.4-inch OLED screen, it can track your daily personal activities with a simple band. The biggest surprise  is the smart design of the core of the tracker which you can pop-out of the bracelet and turn into a Bluetooth headset that allows you to make calls, offering seven hours of talk time. It will be first released in China for 99 euros. http://consumer.huawei.com/en/tablets/features/smartbandb1-en.htm http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2014-02/23/huawei-trackband-b1-preview

We will keep updating you on these and other smartphones or wearable devices. So lay back, stay home and we’ll let you know all newest gadget so you can shop them easily with your Borderlinx addresses.

A lot of brands are less expensive in the US and UK than in other countries. Why? The first reason is that these brands actually come from these two countries.  A better reason is that there are a lot of holidays in the US, and each tends to be the occasion for large discounts and sales! That is also why millions of people travel all the way to US and UK every year just to shop,  but don’t need to as you have you own Borderlinx forwarding address.

You don’t need to fly there personally anymore, you can get all the same discounts from your home. And we even select the best ones for you each time. Here are the ones that you’ve preferred in 2013:

Women’s fashion

1. Kate Spade : http://www.katespade.com/

If you like colorful, cute jewelries and handbags, Kate Spade brings you into a romantic and colorful world but always with a touch of character and humor. It’s not surprising you love Kate Spade.

2. Micheal Kors : http://www.michaelkors.com/

Micheal Kors’ bags have become a must have. This talented designer turns every one of his creations into an item to be admired across the world. The good quality and reasonable price have made MK to stand out fast. Right now, a MK’s new bag shows you know your brands and like what is good.

3. Gap:  http://www.gap.com/

    Old Navy:  http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/home.do?ssiteID=GAP

    Banana republic: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/home.do?ssiteID=ON

    Piperlime: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/home.do?ssiteID=BR

Gap Inc. is one of the biggest clothing retailers, with brands such as Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime. Each of these brands has its own personality, you can always find one that’s the fit for you.

Do not like all these styles? No problem, here are brands with more character.

4. Urban Outfitters: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/index.jsp

5. Vivienne Wood: http://www.viviennewestwood.co.uk/

Urban Outfitters and Vivienne Wood are two hot and popular  brands, the  vibrant colors and designs earn for them many loyal customers.

Men’s fashion

With the fast development of women’s fashion, the men’s world has also undergone great change, with more designs, more color and choices.

1.Ralph Lauren : http://www.ralphlauren.com/home/index.jsp?direct

The first “do-not-miss”  brand for men is obviously Ralph Lauren. Classic with  a strong brand identity. We recognize Ralph Lauren products at a glance. They have both official and casual lines.

2. A&F: http://www.abercrombie.com/

A&F is also known by all. Their simple design brings you a feel of comfortable and easy life.

3.Paul Smith: http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/uk-en/shop/

If you need to dress more formally, try Paul Smith. With classic designs and cuts and a touch of excentricity, you can remain yourself even in a suit a tie.

4.French Connection: http://www.frenchconnection.com/

   Kooples: http://www.thekooples.co.uk/

   Rag&Bone: http://www.rag-bone.com/

   J.Crew: https://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

   Jake spade: https://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

If you want more dandy trendy look, you may want to see French Connection, Kooples, Rag&Bone, J.Crew and Jake spade. These Brands are fit for all boys and men who like showing they are the coolest.

This is a small selection but of course this is not all, we still have thousands of brands for kids, home, sport, outdoor.  Keep up with them by following our blog, or you can follow us at Borderlinx shop on Pinterest which is updated daily for you. Check out our brands page too.

Keep in mind: no matter how far away your favorite brand is, Borderlinx will bring it to you. We hope you enjoy your shopping and our shipping service.

Valentine’s Day is round the corner and yes, it’s now too late to buy something in the US or UK with the hope of receiving it before the 14^th of July.  Truth is, when you’re in love with someone, you want them to know it all year round. And all year round, you’ll come across something that you know is exactly what they want. So why set a date for a present?

So, it’s settled. Any time of year is a great time to buy that special someone a special something. Do you think it’s too hard to pick a wonderful and suited gift? Here, for solving your problems, we bring you some ideas that may inspire you.

1. Don’t feel like you need to buy something expensive every time. Usually, a thoughtful small attention will be more successful than an expensive none so thoughtful one.
2. Have in mind about what he/she likes, maybe start with his/her hobbies. Is he/she a fan for fashion, high tech, fitness, gaming or home decoration?
3. Then, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest and sit back. We’ll inspire you with our daily shopping ideas.
4. Stage your gift when you give it. Beautifully wrapped or in a nice box! If you don’t know how to make the gift beautiful or impressive, just put a card and some personalized message with the gift.

Here are some of our suggestions from the Borderlinx shop. We hope you like them. :

For her:

1. Special cute love bear, have the name of you two embroidered into his t-shirt, good

choice for a girlfriend. (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/483151866245912989/) 

2.A cool design frame, put a treasured photo in it and show you remember those special moments. (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/483151866245905507/)

3.A gold heart locket and key. A classic:  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/483151866245956620/

We’d like to introduce you a to little ‘trick’ which could help you save money when shipping –The Borderlinx Consolidation Service. This is an almost fool proof way to reduce your shipping fees when shopping abroad.

- Understanding shipping fees and the dreaded ‘first half kilo’!

Whatever the logistics provider you chose, the ‘first half kilo’ is the most expensive part of your shipping cost. The reason for this is that the first kilo needs to cover all the fixed costs associated with shipping a parcel internationally (courier pick-up, customs clearance, courier delivery and more…). If you consolidate your shipments, you will only have to pay for this 1^st kilo once. If you ship, say 5 parcels, separately, each one will be treated as one shipment which mean that you pay the 1^sthalf kilo five times.

Just look at the numbers:

In this first example, the customer shipped 5 packages separately to his home. Here is a break down of the cost :

• Package 1 = $18.25 1kg
• Package 2 = $18.25 1kg
• Package 3 = $18.25 1kg
• Package 4 = $18.25 1kg
• Package 5 = $18.25 1kg

Total Cost $91.25  5kgs

As you see, he’d payed for the first half kilo and all of the handling fees 5 times.

If he had consolidated his shipments, or in other words put multiple packages on the same airway bill and to the same address. The 1st half kilo costs would have been satisfied with the first package, hence eliminating the minimum charge for the 4 others.

The shipment would have cost him:

• Package 1 = $18.25 1kg
• Package 2 = $4.35 1kg
• Package 3 = $4.35 1kg
• Package 4 = $4.35 1kg
• Package 5 = $4.35 1kg

Total Cost $35.65  5kgs

Or a saving of $55.60

So what are you waiting for? Consolidate because remember, the less you spend on shipping, the more you can shop!

Consolidating is very, very easy.

This is very easy.

Just release all the shipments you want to consolidate at the same time.

This doesn’t mean we repack all of your parcels into one box!

At Borderlinx.com, we prefer, whenever possible (with the exception of parcels that require repacking) for you to get the most local shopping experience. To truly shop as if you lived in the USA or UK. This means we don’t repack everything into one large box, but we consider all the parcels you released at one as one shipment. This is only visible on the savings you make at checkout though, so don’t be surprised when you receive most of the original packaging.

But, please note that we won’t put your products into one box in case something you don’t want to mix with your other goods, so we choose to keep your each box as original, and send them all together to you.

Is consolidating all my shopping into one shipment always the right solution to save money?

In most cases, consolidating will save you money but there is another factor of international shipping you want to take into account before releasing your shipment. This is the dominium, or the maximum value under which you can ship to your home without paying customs (taxes will still apply though). This amount is very variable from one country to another. You’ll be able to see before you release your shipment exactly how much duties you need to pay. You can select all or a sub-group of the shipments in your suite and look under Payment. You can therefore choose the cheapest selection to ship:

Shipment with no Duty to pay:

Shipment with Duty to pay:

Now you know it all. There are true savings to be made by consolidating but you still need to make sure they are real for you. Thankfully our new shipment release interface allows you to easily navigate through the different steps, allowing you to adjust your shipment and get the best possible price for you.

Though the stars of  this years CES was connected household electronics such as fridges that tell you what’s left, ovens you can control from your smartphone, we know that you are fans of smaller electronics and dying to know what will be released in 2014. Whether the emerging and fashionable fitness tracking gadgets or the ever-improving smart watches or our good old smartphones. We chose to concentrate this article on the latter and not focus on what Samsung and Apple have up there sleeve. We prefer to show you all the amazing innovation the other brands have come up with.

 1. Sony Xperia™ Z1 Compact

Sony revealed his new phone4.3” Xperia Z1 Compact in CES 2014, an Xperia Z1’s little brother, is an easier fit for one hand, whilst staying smart and sleek. And you can already pre-order it! But most importantly, the Xperia Z1 Compact is waterproof, so you can even take pictures underwater. All with a large range of phone colors.

Order it now, we’ll ship to you. http://shop.sonymobile.com/gb/buy/xperia-z1-compact-black/1279-5054/  

 2. LG G Flex SMARTPHONE “world’s first curved display smartphone.”

LG has revealed LG G Flex, the first smartphone with curved display. An increasing amount curved tech was shown at the show: This new technology claims to give a more immersive experience or even just fit more comfortably into a pocket. The LG Flex has enough battery power to deal with normal personal and professional use, thanks to a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM. It has a large, curved 6-inch OLED display is not hard to be held. The off-contract price will be about $940. Want know more about it?  See here: http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/lg-g-flex-coming-att-sprint-t-mobile-first-quarter-2014/

 3. Haiwei Ascend Mate 2- Best of CES 2014

Haiwei’s Ascend Mate 2 won the Best of CES 2014 award for the smartphone group. Despite fierce competition and many smartphone announcements, this one still stood out. And for good reason: it truly is a great phone in many ways: a 5-megapixel front camera, innovative new camera software, and a battery life that claims to last over 2 days. You can even use it as a power tank to charge other devices. Interested? You can find out more here: http://consumer.huawei.com/en/mobile-phones/features/mt2-l03-en.htm

 4. Lenovo’s First LTE Smartphone – Vibe Z

Lenovo announced their very first smartphone just before CES 2014, and already they offer 4G speeds. The svelte Vibe Z comes encased in a thin 7.9mm silver or titanium body weighing just 147 grams. The screen is 5.5-inches and has a 1080p resolution, providing a pixel density of 400ppi. And it has 2 GB of memory, up to 16 GB of internal storage, running Android 4.3.

Sales start at the end of February in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to the report, the price will be $550. http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/lenovo-vibe-z-smartphone-features-price-release/

Even though prices and release dates are only indicative for the time being, some of these phones can be pre-ordered now.

For more information on these or other exciting 2014 releases, make sure to keep an eyes on our blog and Facebook page, we will update regularly. And remember, you do the shopping, we will handle the shipping.

Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com/

Every year begins with the world’s largest convention on consumer technologies. 2014 is no exceptions and the International CES ,held in Las Vegas, is the place where many high technology manufacturers are choosing to tell us what they have in store for us for 2014. Naturally, and as we know many of you are new technology enthiusiasts,  we are keeping a close eye on the announcements. Here are those we felt were worth your attention.

1. Steam machine and his strong cooperators

Steam Machine is Valve’s new gaming console. It can run the hundreds of games that are currently in the Steam catalog but can also be freely modified and upgraded by users. During their CES press conference,, Valve declared that 14 partners will soon sell Steam Machines in 2014, including: Alienware, Alternate, CyberPower PC, Digital Storm, Falcon Northwest, Gigabyte, etc. They did not give a specific date but one thing is  sure, this release will turn a new page in the gaming world.

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/gabe-newell-outlines-future-steam-machines/ )

2. 105-inch 4K Ultra-HD LED TV or 77-INCH FLEXIBLE Ultra-HD OLED

LG has impressed all with FLEXIBLE ULTRA HD which they are calling the next-generation television flexible. It is the first OLED TV we see that can morph between curved and flat screen modes, and that makes it something special.

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/ces-videos/lg-77-inch-flexible-ultra-hd-oled-tv/)

LG also boasts the first 105 inch 4K Ultra-HD LED TV in the world here, though Samsung also presents their 105-inch 4K TV, and says theirs much curvier than LG’s.

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/ces-videos/lgs-awesome-105-inch-curved-4k-hdtv-shape-things-come/)

No release date or price has been announced yet, so we will need to keep an eye on this year.

3. Sony and LG’s fitness tracker

Sony introduced their fitness tracker called Core that will sync with an Android app called Lifelog.. Sony says the Core doesn’t just keep track of your physical motions but your emotions as well. It will be available sometime during the spring of 2014.

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/sony-gets-fitness-tracking-trend-lifelog-app-core-fitness-tracker/)

LG also revealed its fitness tracker, it’s not only a life tracker with touchable OLED screen and LED light, it is also equipped with a pair of ear buds to measure your heart rate, plus, you can monitor your oxygen consumption!

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/lg-launches-fitness-wearables-lifeband-touch-heart-rate-earphones/)

4. Samsung focus on a professional range of tablets

Samsung may add new, larger and more powerful tablets to its already extensive range, with the Galaxy Note Pro. it is rumored to have a large 12.2-inch screen with a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution, equaling the 2014 version of the Galaxy Note 10.1. It’s possible the tablet will run Android 4.4 KitKat, with Samsung’s TouchWiz over the top.

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-shows-galaxy-tabpro-notepro-tablets/)

5. Archos to introduces their wearable tech

A smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a Wi-Fi scale, a blood pressure monitor, all connected with both Android and iOS smartphones, with prices starting from $80! Plus, it can monitor steps and calories burned, and a battery life of seven days. Archos only presented images which left a lot to speculation on the design.

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/archos-smartwatch-ces-2014/)

6. Sony’s new 4k CAMCORDER

Sony has come to  realization that last year’s 4K camcorder was too expensive to be classed as consumer electronics. They have therefore chosen to  launch the new FDR-AX100 for half the price. Though the price tags remains at 2000$ may still seem high, this camcorder will allow the filming of 4K home videos, with a quality sufficient for 4K TVs. Video enthusiasts and independent film makers, keep you eyes pealed forthis release ! More details here (link)

(http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/sony-announces-fdr-ax100-4k-handycam-camcorder/)

*Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com/ces/

In our continuous pursuit to offer you a seamless shopping experience with Borderlinx, we are glad to introduce you to your new shipment release experience. You’ll now be able to enjoy a cleaner and simpler interface. Here are the 3 main benefits to you:

1. All your package information at a glance

Now you can see all the specifics of your package, including size, the dead weight, volumetric weight and storage fees (if applicable) as soon as they arrive in your suite. This will help you manage and control when and how you wish to release your items.

2. Improved Value protection page

We’ve heard you tell us that our Value protection offer could be unclear, so we’ve reworked the page on making it simpler and clearer.

3. More clarity on your payment!

You told us you were struggling to differentiate between your shipping fees and the various Tax and Duties you need to pay to clear customs. That should no longer be an issue. We’ve separated these two fees out for you in 2 ways:

-              First, when you chose your delivery method, you have the details of your shipping fees, including Fuel surcharge.

-              And in Payments, you’ll see Shipment Charges and Duty & Tax clearly added to show the total cost.

This means there will no longer be any confusion regarding what amount your promotion code applies to.

4. Easier sharing

You now can share what you’ve shopped with your friends directly from the confirmation page though 3 social network buttons. Follow us on Twiiter, Facebook or Google+ to know what others have been shipping.

Before formally putting this new experience, we gave some of you a sneek peek and asked you what you thought of this new design. A vast majority (61,1% of respondents) thought the new pages were clear and simple.

Tell us what you think!

Have you ever worried you’ll be spending you hard earned savings on a gift that won’t ever be used by its receiver? Here’s our guide to how making sure you get the right gift, at the right price and have fun doing so.  Only 6 steps to follow!

Step 1: Start early

Start looking and shopping early! Why? Two reasons for this: First, each US merchant will offer deals at different times before and even after Christmas. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be the biggest sales events in November, but that doesn’t mean that merchants only give huge discounts on that weekend. Deals continue. If you don’t know where to look, don’t worry, just follow us on Facebook and we’ll send you in the right direction.  Next, the secret to a great gift is great selection. As Borderlinx opens up almost all US and UK shops to you, you can find the present you need and have it shipped to you.

Step 2:  Manage you budget

There’s a lot to think about when making gifts but money is a big part of it. Make sure you save wherever you can. Borderlinx help you, not only by showing you where to get great prices on the products, but also with it’s built in services such as 30-day free storage, consolidation and repacking.

Step 3: Make a list

If you shopping for your family, friends, your neighbors, coworkers, postman, or even for your pet, your need to have an idea of how much you will spend for each one. You don’t want to spend more for neighbors than for your immediate family, right? List them based on your relationship, like start from family and end with the postman. Carry the list with you so that when you get that perfect idea, you can just write it down and search for the present once you’re home.

Step 4: Stay informed

In order to find fun gifts, no need to hunt for quirky presents. Just stay tuned with Borderlinx’s Christmas shopping pages. . If you registered our Newsletter, you will receive our weekly gift ideas straight in your inbox (if not, you can register now to my account! You can also see what wonderful gifts we suggest on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+!

Step 5: Don’t let borders stop you!

This is as easily said than done.  Just click here, you will find many great Gift ideas handpicked for you! Otherwise, you can always shop directly at other merchants’ websites, enter your personal Borderlinx address when you check out, we’ll ship them to you!

Step 6: keep track of your gifts

With so many presents bought, it’s easy to get a little muddled up! A simple trick to avoid your 90 year old grand-mother receiving a brand new tablet she doesn’t want is: Label each gift as soon as you received it with the designated receiver on a sticker or piece of tape you’ll remove later. You can then hide them well, in a safe place, where only you can find them!

Now, you are ready for a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy it!

The end of the year can be synonym of a lot of different things but the themes we see most often are: family, travel and gifting.  Whatever your end of year may look like, we have some ideas of what you might need to make it perfect.

End of year means travel plans:

NO.1

- Whether you’re planning a trip home, to a luxury hotel or backpacking around foreign territory, you need some choice and selection. After all, there is nothing worse than standing at the luggage carrousel trying to figure out which one of these black suitcases is yours.  So whether a wheelie suitcase or even just a handbag, see the colorful and varied selection of eBags. There’s so much choice, we know you’ll find the bag you not only need but also want. Our favorite for this winter is this best seller suitcase set just 233.99$, you can have these 3 different sizes luggage. All selections in eBag: http://tinyurl.com/lul3qkb

NO.2

- If you’re more of the adventure type, we’re ready to bet you never would have thought of taking a hammock with you. This Blue hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters may however become your best travel buddy. Anywhere you go, you can set up camp and be comfortably sat, should you be staying for the night in a forest, or just waiting for the bus. See Eagles Nest Outfitters selection and get the one that’s right for you     : http://tinyurl.com/n8yh4a5

NO.3

- Finally, when memory falters, what do you have left? Photos! Out of the massive choice there is, we chose this one. It’s light, cute and social. With ‘Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera’, not only can you see your photos immediately, but also share them instantly with your friends or use them to decorate a big photo wall. Choose any of the pastel colors available. http://tinyurl.com/kjron6d

If you’re staying home:

Nothing to do at home, you say? Other than having a great time with your family, what are your plans for the rest of the time?

NO.1

-If you don’t have one already, it’s time to get your game out? Call your friends over for a few games. Make sure you practice first so you have a good chance of winning though! Recommendation from amazon: http://tinyurl.com/k99wfzt

NO.2

-Use the opportunity to make prepare your New Year’s resolution: in 2014, you’ll be fit and healthy, you’ll lose weight, thanks to this little coach you wear on your wrist. The new and improved FitBit is now available in the US. It’s better than ever and your weapon to master a healthy lifestyle.  See more: http://tinyurl.com/otq3on3

 NO.3

-Whether you’re more of the “sit down with a good book” type or the “travel the world with my hammock” type, you’ll need an e-Reader. We like the kobo. With a large range of readers, thousands of books now weigh less than 200g and the comfort of reading is the same as that of a paperback. But on an HD screen! You can find the books online cheaply or even sometimes for free. See more here: http://tinyurl.com/nxg56lt

Buy them now and be ready for your end of year break or get them for someone you want to spoil. If the idea you need is not in this post, don’t worry. We are actively looking for good ideas for you and your close ones. Whether it’s fashion, geeky, techy, qwerty or a holiday classic, we are on the lookout for you. Check out this week’s suggestion on our Christmas hub for her, for him or for the kids.

For Men: http://www.borderlinx.com/offers/men-gift-ideas

For Women: http://www.borderlinx.com/offers/women-gift-ideas

For Kids: http://www.borderlinx.com/offers/children-gift-ideas

My purchases have arrived! Let me tell you all about the experience, how they look, and whether they have been repackaged. Follow me to find the answer.

BEFORE RELEASINGMY ITEMS

After my order was processed, I had to be patient and wait for my items to arrive in Borderlinx US hub. A few days later, I received an email telling me that my items arrived in my Borderlinx suite address. I can release them now or leave them there for 30 days free of charge. That’s plenty of time to shop some more, but I must be reasonable and ship them now.

I went to my account which shows how many goods are waiting to be shipped in the right corner of the page, just like the image in below. I know both my purchases have arrived in the hub and are waiting for me in my suite.

I click on the  link ‘2 goods awaiting shipping’ and am happy to see that all details of the items are here : retailer name, reference of product, product description, date received and value. Makes it easier for me to know what has arrived and what is still being delivered and to check that all items in list are from right merchants. As all my items had arrived, I clicked the button ‘ship now’ to release the shipment.

Ahh of course, I must now enter my personal address to receive my parcels. I didn’t do this when I signed on so it makes sense that I need to do it now. Let’s see… this looks pretty standard.

After I clicked ‘ship now’, I went to my shipment history to see my items’ status.

Right now, all I can do I wait

MY ITEMS ARRIVED!

They arrived in my hand just 5 days later, which is far less than I thought. They are in good condition, and the tablecloth has been repacked to be about half the original size. Overall,  it looks good.

However, the book was a little more disappointing. To be honest, it is too small and I didn’t see this in the picture from the merchant. So I need to remind you to be careful for all information and pictures in the internet when you are shopping! The box seemed big compared to the actual book and at first I thought they’d forgotten to repack it. I spoke to the CS team and they explained that it could not be repacked because it was already the minimum size: any smaller and the DHL label and documents would not have fitted. Makes sense really! Next time I’ll make sure I get the full sized edition.

Here are some pictures for you to see yourself. (I put a pen beside it, so you will find how big the box actually is.)

The tablecloth has been repacked as  you can see it in the picture in below. Before it arrived, I had a small delay with DHL, they contacted me more than once and said they could not find me, probably I forgot to enter in my account the security code of my apartment building. So after I confirmed my address with DHL customer service, it arrived on the next morning as planned.

As a conclusion of my first ever Borderlinx experience, I can say that indeed as a whole it is a little bit more complicated than shopping in store or on merchant site directly, but it’s still easier than I thought. Before I shopped, I studied the Borderlinx website, to find out what items are prohibited and what ‘volumetric weight’ is, etc.  Then, I filled in all information needed and started to shopping. Also I’m glad with the delivery time, just 5 days (excluding the DHL issue)

As a customer, I liked this shopping experience and have no complain. If you aren’t lucky as I am, or you have some problem with your delivery, do contact Borderlinx customer service, they are ready for you 7/24.