When buying items from brands that exit Russia through private intermediaries, customers may face steep shipping costs, extended delivery times, and the risk of fraud. A leading daily notes these challenges in its coverage, highlighting ongoing concerns in cross-border shopping channels.
The article points out a noticeable rise in demand for intermediary services that source goods abroad for individual orders and then forward them into Russia. At the start of 2023, queries for purchasing Ikea products in Turkey surged from virtually none to thousands, and Russians frequently seek middlemen to obtain home essentials, apparel, footwear, cosmetics, and accessories.
Leo Shevchenko, who leads Mercatus Sellers School, explains that sanctions complicate the import of many items into Russia and that even parallel imports may not cover all brands. He notes, however, that orders placed through intermediaries can often be more economical than direct store purchases because of freight costs, currency fluctuations, and varying delivery timelines.
Industry observers emphasize that the long wait times and the risk of scams are significant drawbacks of using intermediaries. One common scam involves operators creating multiple fake profiles on social networks and messaging apps, collecting payment via cryptocurrency wallets or other transfer methods, then disappearing without fulfilling orders or communicating further.
Other risks include damage or loss of cargo during transit by shipping firms or postal services. Purchasing large items like furniture or major appliances can become particularly expensive due to freight surcharges, sometimes doubling the price by the time it arrives.
When considering intermediary services, buyers are encouraged to review feedback and the overall rating of the service provider before proceeding with payments or placing orders.
There have been reports of disruptions to large-scale Ikea deliveries to Russia, underscoring the fragility of supply chains and the caution required when relying on middlemen for branded goods.