Start with the real product details
Before worrying about freight, collect the exact US retailer URL, the product name, the price in USD, the size or variant, colour, quantity and any notes that could affect import eligibility. A shoe in a wide fit, a collectible with fragile packaging, or an electronic product with a lithium battery can change the review.
Screenshots can help, but a live product URL is better because it lets the product be checked against the current listing, retailer domain and advertised price.
- Use the exact product page, not just a category page.
- Write down the variant you want before stock changes.
- Check whether the page is priced in USD. AmeriKiwi's request flow is built around US retailers pricing in USD.
Understand the landed-cost pieces
The price you see on a US website is only one part of the final cost. A useful quote separates the approved product price, US domestic shipping, US sales tax, service fee, international freight, NZ courier delivery and estimated border charges where they may apply.
Some figures can be known when the quote is prepared. Others, especially international freight and duty or GST, may remain estimates until the parcel is measured or assessed at the border.
Check whether the item can come into New Zealand
New Zealand border rules and air-freight rules matter. Food, supplements, medicines, aerosols, perfumes, weapons, plants and seeds are examples of products AmeriKiwi does not currently accept. Electronics, batteries and cosmetics often need a closer look.
Automated screening is only triage. AmeriKiwi's workflow still sends requests through human review before a quote is sent.
Where AmeriKiwi fits
AmeriKiwi is useful when a US retailer will not accept a New Zealand card, will not ship to New Zealand, or when you want a person to review the product before money moves. You submit the product, AmeriKiwi reviews it, sends an itemised quote, buys the approved item after payment clears, and arranges the shipping steps.
If AmeriKiwi finds the identical approved item from another reputable US supplier for less, your quote may show a customer sourcing saving. AmeriKiwi may retain the remaining saving for the sourcing work. A materially different product is not substituted without appropriate customer approval.
Questions
Can I buy from any US store?
You can submit products from US retailers for review, but AmeriKiwi may decline products or retailers because of import rules, carrier restrictions, product risk, fraud risk or operational limits.
Do I pay before AmeriKiwi checks the item?
No. Submitting a request does not charge you. AmeriKiwi reviews the request and sends a quote first. Payment starts only if you accept the quote.
Are duty and GST guaranteed in the quote?
Duty and GST are set by border agencies, not AmeriKiwi. Amounts shown before border assessment are estimates unless a quote clearly says otherwise.