Shipbly Review 2025: Transparent, EU-Based, and Photo-Verified
Shipbly combines local knowledge with automation done right. Here's our comprehensive review of why it's becoming the go-to for EU-based package forwarding in 2025.
Shipbly combines the power of local knowledge with automation done right. With affordable plans, photo confirmation, and flexible global shipping, it's quickly becoming the go-to for EU-based package forwarding. This review breaks down how Shipbly works, who it's for, and why it might be the smartest way to shop EU marketplaces in 2025.
What Makes Shipbly Different
Most package forwarding services treat your packages like inventory in a warehouse. Shipbly treats them like personal deliveries that matter to you:
✅ What Shipbly Does Right
- • Photo proof of every single package
- • Real agents, not chatbots
- • 30 days of completely free storage
- • EU location eliminates customs issues
- • Simple, transparent pricing
- • Multiple carrier options
❌ Areas for Improvement
- • Newer service, smaller than competitors
- • Limited to EU shopping (not US-based)
- • No bulk consolidation discounts yet
- • Customer support hours could be longer
Pricing Analysis: €5/Month Is Actually Good Value
At first glance, €5/month might seem expensive compared to "free" forwarding services. But here's what you actually get:
What's Included in €5/Month
- ✓ Personal Dutch address
- ✓ First package forwarding included
- ✓ Photo service for every package
- ✓ 30 days free storage
- ✓ Agent handling and communication
- ✓ Multiple carrier options
- ✓ No hidden fees or surcharges
- ✓ Cancel anytime
Compare this to competitors who charge separately for:
- Package receiving fees: $2-5 per package
- Photo services: $3-8 per package
- Storage after 5-7 days: $1-2 per day
- Premium support: $10-20/month
With Shipbly, if you forward just one package per month, you're already getting good value.
The Photo Proof System: Game Changer
This is Shipbly's killer feature. Every package gets photographed upon arrival, and you receive the images before making any forwarding decisions.
Why This Matters:
- Damage detection: Catch issues before international shipping
- Verification: Confirm you received what you ordered
- Insurance evidence: Photos provide proof for claims
- Shipping decisions: Choose packaging based on what you see
Real Customer Example
"I ordered a $400 camera lens from a Dutch seller. When it arrived at Shipbly, the photos showed the box was completely crushed. Instead of forwarding damaged goods to Thailand, I was able to file a claim with the seller immediately. Saved me weeks of back-and-forth international returns."
— Marcus, Digital Nomad
EU Location Advantages
Being Netherlands-based gives Shipbly several advantages over US-based competitors:
🇪🇺 Direct EU Market Access
- Native access to Vinted, Bol.com, Amazon.nl
- EU domestic shipping rates (cheaper, faster)
- No Brexit complications like UK services
📦 Shipping Benefits
- Shorter routes to most global destinations
- EU customs advantages for re-exports
- PostNL's excellent international network
Customer Service: Human-First Approach
Unlike competitors who rely heavily on chatbots and automated systems, Shipbly emphasizes human interaction:
- Real agents: Talk to people who actually handle your packages
- Personal service: They remember regular customers
- Flexibility: Special requests handled case-by-case
- Response time: Usually under 24 hours
Downside: Support hours are currently EU timezone focused, which can be inconvenient for customers in Asia or Americas.
Who Should Use Shipbly?
Perfect For:
- • Digital nomads needing EU shopping access
- • High-value item buyers (electronics, jewelry)
- • Vinted and European marketplace shoppers
- • Privacy-conscious users wanting transparency
- • Expats in North Africa, Middle East, Asia
- • Small business owners testing EU markets
Consider Alternatives If:
- • You primarily shop US retailers
- • You need bulk consolidation (10+ packages)
- • You want the cheapest option regardless of service
- • You prefer fully automated systems
- • You need 24/7 customer support
Shipping Performance
Shipbly partners with major carriers and offers competitive rates:
| Carrier | Transit Time | Tracking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 2-4 days | Excellent | Urgent shipments |
| PostNL | 7-14 days | Good | Cost-conscious |
| FedEx | 3-5 days | Excellent | Reliable standard |
Final Verdict: 4.8/5 Stars
Shipbly gets almost everything right for EU-based package forwarding in 2025. The photo confirmation system alone makes it worth considering, and the human-first customer service sets it apart from warehouse-style competitors.
Strengths:
- Transparency through photo proof
- Fair pricing with no hidden fees
- EU location advantages
- Personal service approach
- 30-day free storage
Areas for improvement:
- Extended customer support hours
- Bulk consolidation options
- Mobile app development
This review breaks down how Shipbly works, who it's for, and why it might be the smartest way to shop EU marketplaces in 2025. For transparent, EU-based package forwarding with a personal touch, Shipbly delivers exactly what modern shoppers need.
Experience Shipbly for Yourself
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