Where To Buy

Price Comparison Chart | Advice on Ordering | Postage & Shipping Rates | Recommended Stores |

Advice On Ordering | top

If you're relatively new to OPI and online shopping I will try to offer some advice in this section.

At www.opi.com, OPI's official website, they list some email contacts (under Contact Us). Send an email to the international enquires mailbox. Explain the you are interested in OPI (as a customer - not a salon) and would like to be sent a colour chart. You might also be interested in enquiring about existing salons near you that use OPI products - something to keep in mind when you need some beauty therapy.

If you have cable television - watch TVSN when the OPI shows are on. These are a great source of information and a good indication of the nail lacquer colours. TVSN publishes their program guide on their website - look for the button that says "Shoppers Guide" in the bottom right corner.

Postage & Shipping Rates | top

Fortunately, most nail care products are small and lightweight, therefore even international postage costs won't break the bank.

The most economical international postage method used in the USA is called "Global Priority". Similar to Australia Post's prepaid satchels (but can be used overseas), this mail method offers several standard sized envelopes each with a flat rate cost.

From the United States Postal Service website:

Global Priority Mail - Flat-rate Envelope (large) 4 - 6 Days US$9.00 9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
Global Priority Mail - Flat-rate Envelope (small) 4 - 6 Days US$5.00 6" x 10"
Global Priority Mail - Variable Weight (single) 4 - 6 Days $US9.00 Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"

Keep in mind that some stores will use more packaging than others.

I strongly suggest not risking it! DON'T PLACE YOUR ORDER UNTIL YOU HAVE DETERMINED THE POSTAGE COST. When it comes to international order, factors vary and seller will most likely choose the option that is easiest for them, not for you.

Always make a list of the items you wish to purchase and email it to the seller before placing an order. Ask them for the most economical postage charge they can offer. Mention that you would prefer them to use Global Priortiy Envelopes if at all possible.

Wait for their reply. Then decide if you can get a better deal elsewhere. If you think the cost is reasonable, go ahead and place you order (you'll need a credit card).

From my experience I have found that Ball Beauty has fantastic customer service and they really do try to offer the best postage method (they'll negotiate on different methods too). Ball Beauty uses Global Priority whenever possible.

Trans Design do the best prices for nail lacquers and nail envy, so I use them often. They have agreed to a set price for international (or at least, Australian) orders. However, feel free to email them a confirm. They charge US$12 for up to 10 bottles of polish.

 

Recommended Stores | top

At this time I have only ordered through 2 outlets (Trans Design and Ball Beauty as mentioned above). I would recommend both of these stores to others.

The price comparison chart highlights quite a few online stores that carry some OPI products in their range. I'm sure they are worth a try. Be aware, however, that some of these stores may not let you buy from them unless you are a salon.

If you are aware of any other fantastic stores online that offer OPI, please let me know & and I will add them to the chart. If you have ordered through any of the stores mentioned, tell us what you thought! What was their service like, how much postage did they charge? How long did they take to process the order?