Guide to International Shipping Options and Avoiding Delivery Scams
If you’re a global K-pop merch fan using Bunjang, you’ve likely come across two common international shipping options: K-Packet and Small Packet. While both services are affordable alternatives to EMS, they differ in availability, speed, tracking, and risk. When choosing a method, consider the following data:
| Feature | K-Packet | Small Packet |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited to 20 countries | Ships worldwide to almost every country |
| Delivery Type | Mailbox-drop (non-signature) | Mailbox-drop (non-signature) |
| Speed | Slightly faster on average | Similar to regular airmail |
| Tracking | Similar tracking quality | Does not offer tracking in some countries |
| Compensation | No compensation (unless insured) | No compensation if lost |
Comparing Bunjang International Shipping Services
Small Packet ships worldwide to almost every country, but K-Packet is limited to 20 countries including: USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, China, France, Germany, Spain, Taiwan, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. If your country isn’t listed, you’ll need to use Small Packet or EMS.
Please be aware that your parcel may be left in or near your mailbox. While EMS couriers often ring the bell and request a signature, neither K-Packet nor Small Packet does this. In terms of risk, loss rates are about 1% (1 in 100 shipments), especially with Small Packet. While rare, losses do happen due to mailbox theft or postal handling issues. Therefore, I strongly advise against using Small Packet for high-value items like signed albums or rare photocards.
How to Identify and Avoid Package Delivery Scams
The holidays are here, which means two things: package deliveries are on the rise and scammers are taking advantage. A package delivery scam happens when you get an unsolicited text message about an unclaimed delivery, with a malicious link to supposedly “claim” the package that doesn't actually exist. The FTC has reported a spike in these scam texts, which sometimes include a fake tracking number and typically appear to come from a company you already know and trust — like Fedex, UPS, Amazon or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Common Scam Examples
Fake shipping texts can contain messages like this:
- You have an undelivered package that you can pick up, once you confirm your personal information and card details.
- You have an undelivered package that won’t ship until you pay an additional fee.
- You have a chance to win a free gift card or a free item, once you follow a web link, provide personal information, and pay for shipping.
How the Scam Works
With these scams, fraudsters will link to a deceptive website that looks like an official delivery tracking site. They may indicate that a package is waiting at a warehouse, and once you answer a few questions, they’ll release the package (which doesn’t exist). They might even give you a fake tracking number in the text message, and ask you to plug in the number to receive more information. But ultimately, at some point — usually at the end of the questionnaire — they will ask for personal or payment information. Once you input that, you've given the scammer everything they need to steal from you.
Tips to Avoid a Fake Shipping Scam
- DO ask yourself these questions: Was I expecting a package delivery? Did I send a package to someone? Did I ask for text notifications?
- DON’T click on any suspicious links. If you receive an unexpected text message, don't click on a link. Even if it provides seemingly authentic tracking and delivery information.
- DON’T respond to unsolicited texts. Immediately delete the message, and never respond. If you're unsure about the message, look up and contact the company directly (don't use the info in the text message).
- DON’T pay additional money to get a package delivered. Know that legit companies won’t contact you “out of the blue” to request additional fees.