How much S$ can you save when you shop at iHerb?
If you’re in Singapore and are wondering how much you can save shopping at iHerb, this post is for you! One of the reasons I wrote this post is because some people have actually asked me that question. The other is because I get a thrill knowing how much I’ve been saving buying directly from iHerb. I don’t know about you but it brings me great satisfaction whenever I notice similar items available locally but at higher prices. And not only do I save, I get so much variety shopping at iHerb with over 35,000 items to choose from!
On average, I shop at iHerb about once a month for cosmetics, supplements, grocery, household products, and even pet supplies. If you want to know what I usually buy, check out this post on why I love shopping at iHerb and what I usually buy. I wish I have started shopping earlier at the online store for I would have saved much more! But as they say, better late than never.
Price comparison chart
Here’s a price comparison chart for 12 items as a sample of the cost savings when you shop at iHerb. My listing of the local prices are based on those listed in stores such as Watsons, Cold Storage, Vitakids, Homefix and a regular pet shop I patronize. As you can see, the savings are substantial. See the prices of the Real Technique and Ecotools brushes? See the whooping savings for the popular supplements such as Sambucol Black Elderberry and Nordic Naturals? Sure there are some items with little savings but still, most items are way cheaper at iHerb. Like I was so pleased recently because I managed to score a flea and tick defense topical treatment product for Gracie at a more manageable price compared to what I’ve been paying locally.
Shipping is under S$5
Oh, but wait, how about shipping costs? Wouldn’t that still mean items cost about the same when they’re shipped here? For this, I have to thank all the frequent shoppers of iHerb from Singapore. We must have had chalked up so much shopping that iHerb took the initiative to work out a special arrangement with Singapore Post. So it cost only a flat rate of US$4.00 to ship your order for up to 14 pounds with a value of up to US$200.00. Delivery takes 4 to 8 business days, with tracking number provided. I’ve been using this service since it was introduced with no problems–they usually arrive within a week of my order. Update: Free shipping to Singapore for all orders over $40! YAY!
Reward program and VIP discounts
Besides cost savings and low shipping cost, another great incentive to shop at iHerb is that you get rewarded for referring others. For starters, if you’re shopping at iHerb for the first time, you can use a promo code (like mine) to receive an instant US$10 off your first purchase of US$40 or more. For purchase less than US$40, you get US$5 off using the same code. Once you become a customer, you’ll receive your own promo code and start earning reward dollars to offset your purchases! Also, those who chalk up a minimum spend of US$2,000 become an iHerb VIP and get across-the-board discounts ranging from 5% to 14% according to their VIP discount structure.
Special promotions
In addition to all that I’ve mentioned, you may like to know that new products are constantly added at iHerb and some of these are promoted at really attractive prices. Check under ‘Specials’, ‘New’ and ‘Trials’. Some of the products are going for something like US$0.50!
Clear expiry dates and easy claiming policy
Okay, sounds good so far but what about expiry date and freshness of the products? Well, expiry dates of items such as supplements are clearly indicated so you won’t get any nasty surprises there. In fact, iHerb often run special pricing for items with closer expiry dates. I’ve never had any issues with my order but from what I’ve read from some others, items sometimes arrive damaged. Even so, it’s easy to make claims if your items arrive damaged. Just post a picture of the item you’ve received on their Facebook page, quoting your order number, and the company will get in touch with you almost immediately.
Sounds awesome right? Why do you think I love shopping at iHerb so much? So if you’re not already shopping at iHerb, you should really consider doing so. And don’t take my word about cost savings. Check out the website for yourself.
Get US$10 off your first-time purchase
If you’re shopping at iHerb for the very first time, you can enjoy US$10 off if your purchases are $40 and above (US$5 if below $40). Use my promo code OVO966 (affiliate). Shipping is speedy: you have a choice of using DHL, which takes three days to arrive from US to Singapore. I pay US$4 for the shipping via Singpost and it always takes about five days with no issues. Anyway, you’re given a tracking number if you ever need to locate your parcel.
If you’re shopping at iHerb for the very first time, you can enjoy US$10 off if your purchases are $40 and above (US$5 if below $40). Use my promo code OVO966 (affiliate). Shipping is speedy: you have a choice of using DHL, which takes three days to arrive from US to Singapore. I pay US$4 for the shipping via Singpost and it always takes about five days with no issues. Anyway, you’re given a tracking number if you ever need to locate your parcel.
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I have already revealed myself as an avid iHerb buyer. ? As a European customer I can also attest that the variety is huge, the prices great (less so for European brands though), I have access to brands I cannot find locally, and they have great Customer Service. My only problem is that I feel kind of guilty not supporting local sellers. :-/
Speaking of eCommerce sites, do you have any favourites that offer Asian/Korean cosmetics? I have been checking out Wishtrend, W2beauty and Cosmetic Love, but I have not tried them out yet.
I’ve been shopping at iherb for five years I think? Shared the order with my friend and that’s usually enough to justify for the shipment. What I love about iherb is variety of things they carry and they listed everything from the expiry dates to their weight and dimensions so it’s easy to calculate the limit for shipping. Most of the times I buy essential oils, soap bars and tea from there, but my list of to-purchase is still very long and consists of skincare, body care and food. Recommended my sister and cousins and friends the website and they love it too because of the great discounts they can enjoy. Plus it ships within a week or two from ordering, directly to doorstep. Impressed with the service. Love it love it.
I don’t shop much Korean/Japanese stuff but you may want to check this one out: http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2014/03/where-to-buy-korea-and-japanese-makeup-skincare.html
Yeah, I can’t find a reason not to love iHerb!
ႊ့Thanks for sharing. I just come to know iHerb website from you blog and use your referral code for the payment.
Thanks Yu San for using my code! I hope you’ll enjoy what you’ve gotten from iHerb. I just got 2 packages this week from them and am so happy. ?
I’ve been shopping from iherb too!
Their raspberry loose leaves ( for tea) is wayyyyyy cheaper as compared to our local stores. (: love iherb!
Hi! Do you provide your credit card details to iherb for verification when you make purchases with them?
Yes, I do and I’ll delete off the data as soon as the transaction is completed.
Yay! Super love them!
Where do you delete off the data?
I want to purchase products from iherb for the first time, but afraid of providing credit card details to anyone. I will like to know more before deciding whether to make my purchase from iherb.
Do you have to provide credit card details for every purchase from iherb?
Hi Sesame! You mention that there is free shipping (singapore) for order $60 or nore + 5% discount.
Is the 5% discount only applicable for order of $60 and above excluding or including shipping charge?
Hi Emily, 5% is for orders $60 and above and you get free shipping. But valid till end of the month.
Look under account and they’ll list your credit card after you’ve added. I usually just delete after purchasing. I was originally hesitant about shopping on iHerb because of having to use credit card but I’ve shopped there fore over a year and it’s been good.
Would you be doing a spree at iHerb? I only need a few things & (after a few disastrous online/credit card kerfuffles in the past) prefer to piggyback on sprees now. Thank you.
SK
Unfortunately not. But you can join the spree groups instead. Search for iherb sprees and you should find. Join those with lots of favorable feedback. I started with sprees too before shopping direct.
I love iherb even though I didnt purchase anything yet. But I will in the future.. may I ask about gov. taxes ? Did you pay taxes when your parcel arrived ??
I don’t know where you are based but I’m from Singapore and here, we pay tax if the value of the goods exceed S$400. So you need to check what’s the limit in your country if you’re not from Singapore.
I love iherb, but the thing is, once it gets delivered I have to pay a horrendous amount of custom charges ? It actually doubled the cost of the items I paid for. ?
cel last post is: Big sister
Which country are you from? I guess you have rather strict import limitations. Perhaps there is a limit you need to adhere to or perhaps some items are restricted?
What about custom clearance costs That is not even mentioned anywhere till it reaches your door?
Only if your purchase is $400 or over. Otherwise, no tax.
hi,can i buy from iherb singapore and send it to my hotel? because im planning on vacation to singapore and i want to buy my baby needs at iherb to make it practical.
i used to buy iherb from Indonesia and the tax and others were making me headache. they made me to pay same amount as the purchased i had ?
You can order from iHerb and ship to Singapore (iHerb is based in US) but it’s better you choose DHL so that you can be certain of the shipping time.