Shipbly vs Forward2Me: Complete Package Forwarding Comparison 2025

## Shipbly vs Forward2Me: The Complete Comparison When choosing a package forwarding service, European-based options like Shipbly and Forward2Me offer unique advantages over US-based competitors. This comprehensive comparison analyzes both services to help you make the best decision for your international shipping needs. ### 🌍 **Service Overview** **Shipbly (Netherlands-Based)** - **Location:** Amsterdam, Netherlands - **Focus:** EU-based forwarding with privacy emphasis - **Primary Markets:** European expats, digital nomads, privacy-conscious users - **Key Advantage:** EU consumer protection and GDPR compliance **Forward2Me (UK-Based)** - **Location:** Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom - **Focus:** Global forwarding with UK address - **Primary Markets:** International shoppers seeking UK products - **Key Advantage:** Established UK presence and Royal Mail integration ### 💰 **Pricing Comparison** **Shipbly Pricing Structure:** - **Monthly Plan:** €5/month (includes 1 package) - **Additional Packages:** €3 per package - **Premium Services:** Package photos, consolidation included - **No Hidden Fees:** Transparent pricing model - **VAT Handling:** Included in service **Forward2Me Pricing Structure:** - **Basic Plan:** Free address (pay per service) - **Premium Plan:** £5.99/month ($7.50) - **Package Fees:** £3.95-£6.95 per package - **Additional Costs:** Storage, handling, consolidation fees - **Currency:** Pricing in GBP (British Pounds) **Cost Analysis Example:** *Monthly usage: 3 packages to USA* **Shipbly Total:** - Monthly plan: €5.00 - 2 additional packages: €6.00 - **Total: €11.00 (~$11.50)** **Forward2Me Total:** - Premium plan: £5.99 - 3 package fees: £11.85 - **Total: £17.84 (~$22.00)** **Winner:** Shipbly offers better value for regular users ### 📦 **Service Features** **Shipbly Features:** - ✅ Package photo documentation (included) - ✅ Consolidation services - ✅ EU-based privacy protection - ✅ Multi-language support - ✅ 30-day guarantee - ✅ GDPR-compliant data handling - ✅ Invoice Ninja integration - ✅ Cryptocurrency payment options **Forward2Me Features:** - ✅ 12-month free storage - ✅ Global shipping network - ✅ Royal Mail integration - ✅ Multiple UK addresses - ✅ Repackaging services - ❌ Limited photo services (paid extra) - ❌ Basic privacy protection - ❌ Additional fees for consolidation ### 🚚 **Shipping Options & Speed** **Shipbly Shipping:** - **Carriers:** PostNL, DHL, UPS, FedEx - **EU Destinations:** 2-5 days - **Worldwide:** 5-14 days - **Eco Options:** Carbon-neutral shipping available - **Tracking:** Full tracking included **Forward2Me Shipping:** - **Carriers:** Royal Mail, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce - **UK Coverage:** Excellent domestic network - **International:** 7-21 days typical - **Economy Options:** Budget shipping available - **Express:** Premium rates for fast delivery ### 🏪 **Retailer Access & Compatibility** **Shipbly Advantages:** - ✅ Access to EU-only retailers - ✅ Bypass geographical restrictions for European stores - ✅ Better integration with European e-commerce - ✅ EU consumer rights protection - ✅ No Brexit-related complications **Forward2Me Advantages:** - ✅ Access to UK-only retailers - ✅ Strong relationships with British brands - ✅ Multiple UK postcodes available - ❌ Post-Brexit complications for EU customers - ❌ Limited access to EU-exclusive products ### 🔒 **Privacy & Security** **Shipbly Privacy:** - **GDPR Compliance:** Full European data protection - **Data Location:** EU-based servers - **Privacy Policy:** Transparent, user-focused - **Anonymous Options:** Cryptocurrency payments - **Government Relations:** EU privacy-friendly jurisdiction **Forward2Me Privacy:** - **Data Protection:** UK GDPR compliance - **Government Access:** Subject to UK data requests - **Privacy Focus:** Standard business practices - **Payment Options:** Traditional methods only ### 👥 **Customer Service** **Shipbly Support:** - **Response Time:** 24-48 hours - **Languages:** English, Dutch, German - **Support Channels:** Email, chat, phone - **Expertise:** European shipping specialists - **Hours:** EU business hours **Forward2Me Support:** - **Response Time:** Same-day to 48 hours - **Languages:** Primarily English - **Support Channels:** Phone, email, live chat - **Expertise:** UK shipping focus - **Hours:** UK business hours ### 🌐 **Geographic Advantages** **Shipbly Geographic Benefits:** - **EU Hub:** Access to 27 EU member states - **Schengen Benefits:** Reduced customs complications - **Central Location:** Optimal for European delivery - **Time Zone:** Central European Time (convenient for most users) **Forward2Me Geographic Benefits:** - **UK Access:** British-only products and services - **Commonwealth Links:** Good shipping to former colonies - **English-Speaking:** Native English support - **Established Network:** Long-standing UK presence ### 📊 **Technology & User Experience** **Shipbly Platform:** - **Modern Interface:** Clean, user-friendly design - **Mobile App:** Responsive design - **Integration:** Invoice Ninja, payment systems - **Innovation:** Cryptocurrency options, modern tech stack **Forward2Me Platform:** - **Established System:** Proven, reliable platform - **Basic Interface:** Functional but dated design - **Mobile:** Mobile-responsive website - **Features:** Traditional forwarding focus ### ⚖️ **Legal & Compliance** **Shipbly Legal Framework:** - **Jurisdiction:** Netherlands (EU) - **Consumer Protection:** EU consumer rights - **Dispute Resolution:** EU-based arbitration - **Regulations:** EU shipping and data laws **Forward2Me Legal Framework:** - **Jurisdiction:** United Kingdom - **Consumer Protection:** UK consumer rights - **Dispute Resolution:** UK-based systems - **Regulations:** UK post-Brexit rules ### 🎯 **Best Use Cases** **Choose Shipbly If:** - ✅ You're based in or frequently ship to Europe - ✅ Privacy and GDPR compliance are important - ✅ You want transparent, predictable pricing - ✅ You shop from EU-exclusive retailers - ✅ You prefer modern, user-friendly interfaces - ✅ You value cryptocurrency payment options **Choose Forward2Me If:** - ✅ You primarily shop from UK retailers - ✅ You need access to UK-only products - ✅ You're comfortable with variable pricing - ✅ Long-term storage (12 months) is important - ✅ You prefer established, traditional services ### 💡 **Verdict & Recommendations** **For European Users:** Shipbly offers better value, privacy protection, and EU access advantages. **For UK Shopping Focus:** Forward2Me provides superior access to British retailers and products. **For Privacy-Conscious Users:** Shipbly's GDPR compliance and EU jurisdiction offer better protection. **For Budget Users:** Shipbly's transparent pricing typically results in lower total costs. **For Flexibility:** Forward2Me offers more shipping options but at higher costs. ### 📈 **2025 Market Position** **Shipbly Strengths:** - Growing EU focus market - Modern technology approach - Strong privacy positioning - Competitive pricing model **Forward2Me Strengths:** - Established UK presence - Proven service record - Comprehensive shipping network - Traditional business model Both services excel in their respective niches. Your choice should depend on your primary shipping needs, privacy preferences, and budget considerations. --- **Ready to experience EU-based package forwarding with better privacy protection?** Try Shipbly's Netherlands-based service with transparent pricing and GDPR-compliant handling.