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Amazon Prime Day Brings Voice First Home

July 21, 2017July 21, 2017 by John Thomas

Did you participate in Prime Day 2017? If you didn’t, you are in the minority (almost)! Amazon created this new shopping holiday in 2015, and this year’s sales beat last year’s by 60%. Amazon doesn’t share hard numbers, but we know that Amazon purchases went over $1,000,000,000 in 30 hours. (The extended time period is for expanded markets.)

Prime Day is centered on customers who have signed up for Amazon’s Prime service. For $99 a year customers get unlimited two-day shipping, discounts, shopping rewards, and access to services like Prime Music and Prime Video. Of course, they get access to the thousands of deals which come up only on Prime Day.

The big movers this year were the Amazon Echo, and it’s little buddy, the Amazon Dot. The Echo is one of the popular new home assistant devices that acts like a voice-activated internet and speaker. It’s hooked up to many apps so it can play music or news, answer questions, order stuff from Amazon (of course), order pizza, dim the lights… the possibilities are expanding by the day. The Dot is a kind of mini version of the Echo, and on Prime Day the price of the Dot dropped from $50 to $35. (The Echo sold at half price on Prime Day, down to $90.) Amazon doesn’t share final sales numbers, but insiders say that at points they were selling thousands of Dots per minute. Overall Amazon reported that Prime Members purchased 6000 items a minute during Prime Day.

Overall, the Dot was the best seller during Prime Day. Not surprisingly, other Amazon products also sold well, like the Echo, Fire devices and Kindle tablets. Other popular items included Sony’s PlayStation 4 and 23 And Me DNA testing kits. The Instant Pot pressure cooker was also a popular item.

One must be a Prime Member to participate in Prime Day, and on July 11 more people signed up to Prime than any other day in history. Prime members tend to shop more, making it a win-win deal for Amazon and its customers. Not surprisingly Amazon’s stock jumped on Prime Day, breaking the $1000 a share mark. (Where is the downside for Amazon?)

It seems like voice commerce may be direction online shopping is going. Not only has Amazon eliminated the need to get in your car and go somewhere to go shopping, now they are eliminating the need to log in and use a screen to shop! Also, there is competition in Voice First field with Google’s Home and Apple’s HomePod. Competition is good for consumers. Prices will fall and devices will evolve quickly. Amazon is already introducing its next spinoff: a voice first device with a screen.

We see a lot of these devices move through our warehouse at OPAS. From just eyeballing it, it looks like the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Dot are what most OPAS buyers are spending their new voice device money on.

Have you delved into the Voice First world feet first? What device or devices have you used? Are you still embarrassed to talk to a machine?

Amazon Prime Day 2016

July 4, 2016June 22, 2016 by Barbara Barnes

UPDATE: Amazon has announced when it will hold it’s second Prime Day this year, it’s July 12th! Last year’s Amazon Prime Day was touted as being bigger than Black Friday. It promises to be the biggest day for sellers and Amazon sales go up by 18% on the day.

Mark your calendars for July 12th.

What do you need to do be prepared for Amazon Prime Day 2016?

Amazon will offer new deals as often as every 10 minutes, arranged into two types: Lightning Deals and Deals of the Day.

We recommend that our members be prepared by doing three things:

Become an Amazon Prime member
Get a US Unlocked VISA card
Load up your US Unlocked card, so that you have sufficient balance when Prime Day is announced.

Signing up for a US Unlocked card is super easy and convenient. Start the process today and shop on Amazon Prime Day 2016 !

Get Your US Unlocked Card Now!

Click the card image below to get your card and start shopping right away!

Disclosure statement:
The US Unlocked Card is issued by Metropolitan Commercial Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa, U.S.A., Inc “Metropolitan” and “Metropolitan Commercial Bank” are registered trademarks of Metropolitan Commercial Bank © 2014. Use of the Card is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Cardholder Agreement and fee schedule, if any.

Mother’s Day Deals

April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 by Barbara Barnes

While we obviously need to let our moms know how much they mean to us all the time, Mother’s Day is the one day of the year where many people will truly take the time to do so. After all, she’s the reason that you’re in the world and as a result it’s important that you take the time to make her feel really special.

This Mother’s Day, you’ll have the opportunity to make the day wonderful for her thanks to the growing number of specials, sales, and events that US retailers offer. From beauty products like NuSkin to flowers to candies to something even larger from a site like Amazon, there are plenty of opportunities out there to find the perfect gift for your mom.

How to benefit from Mother’s Day Deals

And best of all, most of those organizations also run price cuts as the holiday approaches. Those price cuts let you get deep discounts while shopping for your mom – and maybe even for yourself. In short, they’ll make it easier to make Mother’s Day memorable for your mom.

But what about those who aren’t in the US?

Often, retailers lock out their sales or even their service to those who don’t have a US address. And in some instances you may be able to shop, but you can’t ship since international shipping is something that not all retailers will provide. Even major sites like Amazon often have different sites depending on where you are, with different prices – you could find an item on the US version of the site that is half the price of the one in your local page.

The answer is to utilize a US parcel forwarding service. This basic service works like this: You sign up and receive a US mailing address. You’ll use that address to shop, and the items you buy are shipped directly to it. Then, they’re forwarded to your final destination address. Basically, you shop just like normal and the US parcel forwarding service takes care of the rest. These international mail forwarding services can help you get your Mother that gift that you’ve always wanted to give her and can help you save money in the process. In doing so, you’ll make Mother’s Day truly special for her, and will even make it a little better for yourself as well.

OPAS can help. With a small, dedicated team and a proven track record of helping clients with international mail forwarding services, we’re ready to change the way you shop online. Contact us to learn more.

10 Strategies From Super Saver Shoppers

April 1, 2016April 1, 2016 by Barbara Barnes

We’ve all heard about super saver shoppers before – those people who always seem to land tremendous deals or values and save huge amounts of money on all their purchases. But did you know that you don’t have to spend 7 hours a day cutting coupons in order to save big as well? There are a few basic tips worth keeping in mind that can help.

Here are 10 strategies from super saver shoppers to get the best price savings out there.

Shop Online – This connects you to some of the best companies and best deals out there. Things like Amazon.com, for example, can often offer tremendous discounts on almost everything.
Know the Sales – Sales like Black Friday or President’s Day sales are out there every year, and offer some steep discounts. Be sure to know which days to get the best values and use them to your advantage.
Use Apps – Online apps can help you find the lowest prices for different products or even for low fuel prices in your area. Find the best money saving apps and use them.
Get Free Shipping – When you order online, try to use a site that offers free shipping. If nothing else, free shipping on purchases over a certain price can help you in a big way.
Home Maintenance – Doesn’t sound like a shopping tip, but it is. If you keep things like your ventilation system cleaned at home, you’ll reduce the amount of purchases you have to make regarding it. Home maintenance is always cheaper than home repair.
Join Clubs – Things like Amazon Prime don’t just offer big discounts – they also offer free 2-day shipping. This can help you save and is well worth the investment of a membership purchase price.
Daily Deals – Always check out the daily deals and weekly deals. Online sites offer great savings through these resources, and it’s worth checking into them regularly.
Get A US mailing address – If you’re outside the US, you’ll need a US mailing address in order to take advantage of many of the savings and sales in that country. At OPAS, we can provide you with a US mailing address and then forward your purchases to you.
Package consolidation – We will receive your packages for you and consolidate them into a new package that is as efficient as possible and will save you money on shipping.
Tax Free! – Not only does the US do regular tax free shopping days for students, but if you have an Oregon address you can order online without paying any taxes on your purchases.

Our team can give you an Oregon address and forward shipments from it to your home. Keep these 10 Strategies From Super Saver Shoppers tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to deeper savings. Our team can help. Contact us today to find out how to get started with your US address forwarding service.

How To Create An Easter Basket They Will Love

March 24, 2016March 24, 2016 by Barbara Barnes

Easter is upon on us and even if you do not celebrate as such, you can still have fun thinking about, or actually creating a gift basket they will love.

How To Create An Easter Basket They Will Love:

Budget: Think about how much you would like to spend and how many different items you would like to put in the easter basket. We suggest putting a minimum of 3-4 different items in the basket but of course this is completely up to you. You could spend most of your budget on one item, adding a few smaller items for variation and fun.

Your target audience: Who are you giving this easter basket to? What are some of their favorite food items? Do they love a certain type of technical gadget? In short, putting a few minutes of thinking time into putting together your personalised easter basket can make all the difference to your loved one. If you know the person your giving the basket to doesn’t own a scarf for example, put one in. Fill it with both practical, and fun items.

The goods: Easter baskets used to be all about the chocolate goodies but not anymore! Gadgets, make-up, small items of clothing or a really cool piece of work-out gear. It’s all in the game.

Let’s take a look at some examples of goodies:

We hope to have inspired you to create a fun basket full of gifts, whether it be for Easter, Spring, a birthday or just because. With OPAS you can turn the internet into your personal shopping mall. Combine your US package forwarding address with a US Unlocked Card, your personal US visa, and you will be able to shop like an American.

If you don’t have a personal US package forwarding address yet, sign up today!

The Ultimate US Clearance Sales Dates Cheat Sheet

March 14, 2016 by Barbara Barnes

We are starting a series of blogposts about shopping strategies that save you money. Up first, when to shop for what! In a time where Christmas Sales might be happening in November, Easter Eggs are one the shelves in January and you are seeing back to school backpacks ads in July it’s important to be aware of when to shop for what. Use our US Clearance Sales Dates monthly cheat sheet to save money on the items you need.

Valentines Gifts For Him And Her!

February 3, 2015 by Barbara Barnes

The most romantic holiday of the year is just a over a week from now and we have a few gift ideas for you that are sure to be a smile on your Valentine’s face. Need some last minute inspiration? Look no further.

Order quickly to ensure your gift will arrive on time! Or, be ready for when the next occasion comes along! Let’s check out these perfect Valentines Gifts.

Valentines Gifts for her:

Go PRO with the LORAC PRO Palette! Created by celebrity makeup artist Carol Shaw, this PRO artistry palette is packed with 8 shimmer and 8 matte eye shadows in all the shades you need to create the hottest looks straight from the Red Carpet

LORAC PRO Palette $42.00

Paper Source Happy Thoughts Glasses. Serve your favorite juices and drinks from our sweet Happy Thoughts glasses! A fun way to brighten every day. Uplifting thoughts are colorfully printed on each glass – sure to inspire happy vibes!

$19.95 (set of four)

Certified Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm. Suvana’s version nourishes lips with paw paw (synonym for papaya), honey, coco butter, and vitamin E. Not included are: petroleum jelly, preservatives, or fragrances.

$15.99 at Amazon.

Valentines Gifts for him:

Urban Outfitters Hearts Woven Boxer. Soft woven cotton boxers with allover heart print and finished with a stretch waist band for a perfect fit.

$12 – 3 for $24

Fitbit – Flex Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker Wristband

$99.99 (free shipping) at BestBuy.

Hey Handsome shaving kit bag – army green. Tired of an overstuffed ziplock bag to hold your grooming essentials? Try our “Hey Handsome” Shaving Kit bag made from #8 18 oz Duck Canvas and 1000 Denier Nylon on the exterior and 420 Denier Nylon on the inside.

$68.00

One Of Our Favorite Brands: Amazon.com

August 21, 2014July 15, 2014 by Barbara Barnes

At OPAS, we strive to make sure that people from all around the world can enjoy the benefits of good sales and great deals. We often get questions about what our favorite brand is.

While there are many terrific brands that you can access using OPAS services, the one that we get the most questions about has to be Amazon.com — and with good reason.Amazon.com has been the world’s largest online retailer for many years. With every passing year, however, it finds ways to exceed expectations and excel at what it does.

Amazon Truly Has The World’s Largest Selection

Amazon got started all the way back in 1994, and it only sold books at the time. Back then, it had a lot of fierce competition from traditional bookstores in the United States. Now, it sells millions of books each year as well as products from hundreds of other categories.

Amazon has recently become associated with the Kindle, its e-book reader. The Kindle was first released in 2007 and has consistently been updated since then. Although international users can’t access all Kindle features, it has caused the brand to be more “invested” in electronics.

Other areas that Amazon excels at include:

Movies and music
Computer software and games
Beauty and health items
Toys and children’s goods
Apparel, shoes, and accessories

Amazon’s One Stop Shopping Makes It Perfect For Many Customers

OPAS gives you the entire world of online shopping at your fingertips. But what happens if you don’t have much time, and need to find exactly what you want as quickly as possible? When you need to find an answer fast, looking at Amazon is often your best bet.

Not only does Amazon provide all kinds of great goods, but it also acts as a marketplace for smaller sellers throughout the United States. These smaller businesses can often provide you with rare, hard to find items or deeper discounts than Amazon itself.

Whether you are dealing directly with Amazon or using an Amazon seller, though, you’ll find the whole process is easier when you use OPAS. Our forwarding service helps you cut through the clutter, get your package fast, and avoid unnecessary U.S. taxes.

Here is a great example of the kind of money you can be saving using your OPAS Oregon address:

Get Started With OPAS And You Could Be Shopping On Amazon Soon

Are you excited about Amazon? If you are, begin with OPAS. Email us to find out how we can help you with a great forwarding service you’ll love.