Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
๐ฆ How does shipping work?
Shop online and send your purchases to our Florida address.
We receive your packages, consolidate them when possible, and ship them to Ecuador. Once your shipment clears customs, we coordinate delivery to your home or arrange pickup, depending on your location.
๐ฐ How much does shipping cost?
Our standard shipping rate is $10 per pound under the 4x4 System (Category B).
Some shipments may have additional charges depending on:
Weight
Declared value
Customs requirements
Special handling
Final delivery location
๐ We will always notify you before any additional charges apply.
๐ What is the 4x4 System?
The 4x4 System (Category B) applies to shipments that meet all of the following:
Maximum declared value: $400
Maximum weight: 8 pounds
Only shipments within these limits qualify for our standard rate.
โ ๏ธ What is Category C?
Shipments that exceed the 4x4 limits or require customs processing will be shipped under Category C.
Additional costs may include:
Import duties
IVA (Value Added Tax)
Customs processing fees
Other government charges
We'll explain the process and provide an estimate whenever possible.
๐ฆ Can I ship any item?
Most personal items are accepted.
However, certain items are restricted or prohibited by U.S. or Ecuadorian customs regulations.
๐ If you're unsure, contact us before making your purchase.
๐ Do vitamins or medicines have special pricing?
Yes.
Vitamins & Supplements: $2 per bottle or charged by weight (whichever is greater).
Prescription medications:
Require a valid prescription.
Must travel with a passenger.
Additional transportation charges apply.
๐ณ When do I pay?
Most shipments do not require upfront payment and are paid when they arrive in Ecuador and are ready for delivery.
However, shipments requiring transportation by a private passenger or special handling may require advance payment or a deposit before transportation is arranged.
โ๏ธ Why do some shipments require advance payment?
Certain oversized, heavy, urgent, or restricted shipments must travel with a private passenger instead of regular cargo.
Because APshipping pays these transportation costs in advance, we may require:
Full payment, or
A non-refundable deposit
before arranging passenger transportation.
๐
How long does delivery take?
Our shipments leave on scheduled departures.
After arrival in Ecuador:
Customs clearance usually takes 7โ10 business days.
Once cleared, you'll receive your invoice.
Delivery or pickup is then scheduled.
๐ Customs processing times are controlled by Ecuadorian Customs and may occasionally take longer.
๐งพ When will I receive my invoice?
Invoices are sent after your shipment clears customs in Ecuador.
You'll receive payment instructions before delivery or pickup is scheduled.
๐ Can I return a package?
We cannot refuse packages once they arrive at our warehouse.
If you need to return an item:
$25 if the package has not yet been packed.
$35 if the package has already been packed for shipment.
Additional carrier charges may also apply.
๐ฆ What happens if I don't pick up or pay for my package?
Customers are notified when their shipment is ready.
Packages that remain unpaid or unclaimed for more than 60 days after notification will be considered abandoned.
APshipping reserves the right to sell, donate, dispose of, or otherwise use abandoned items to recover shipping, customs, storage, handling, and transportation costs.
๐ณ What payment methods do you accept?
We accept:
Zelle
Credit/Debit Cards
Bank transfers (Ecuador)
Please contact us if you need assistance with payment options.
๐ค Can someone else pick up my package?
Yes.
The authorized person must provide:
The recipient's name
A valid identification document
Any information requested to verify authorization
Can't find your answer? Contact us! We'll be happy to help before you place your order.