One order from Taobao, one from Amazon, two from HKTVmall — four parcels arrive at our Hong Kong warehouse within days of each other. Ship them one by one and you pay the first-weight charge four times. Wait and consolidate, and you pay it once.
The most expensive part of an international parcel is the first 0.5kg
International courier pricing is not spread evenly by weight. The first 0.5kg carries the fixed cost of pickup, handling, customs and delivery; each further 0.5kg only adds a little. At recent fuel levels, the first 0.5kg on our Hong Kong to New Zealand priority service is around HK$450, and each further 0.5kg adds roughly HK$100 on average.
Ship separately, and every parcel pays that HK$450.
Four small parcels: separately vs consolidated
| Separately | Consolidated | |
| Pieces | 4 parcels, 0.5kg each with bag | Packed into 1 carton |
| Billable weight | 0.5kg × 4 | 2.5kg (2.0kg goods + 0.4kg carton, rounded up) |
| Freight (approx.) | HK$450 × 4 ≈ HK$1,800 | ≈ HK$840 + HK$50 consolidation fee ≈ HK$890 |
Roughly half. The figures are illustrative — fuel changes weekly, so always check the live quote. The point is the structure: the more pieces and the smaller each one, the more consolidation saves.
The consolidation fee is charged once per consolidated shipment
| Original packaging into a larger carton | +HK$50. Choose this when the original packaging is sturdy and compact |
|---|---|
| Unbox, re-wrap and repack | +HK$100. Choose this when online-shop cartons are big and half empty and volumetric weight is costing you |
Three parcels or eight, it is HK$50. Repacking costs HK$50 more but often pays for itself: removing the air can drop the billable weight by a step or two. New to volumetric weight? Read The world's most expensive cardboard box.
How it works: choose "wait to consolidate" when you declare
- When you fill in the online declaration (Chinese), choose wait to consolidate (otherwise it ships directly once inspected)
- As each parcel arrives we inspect, photograph and weigh it, and it appears in the consolidation list in My account (Chinese); parcels still on the way show as awaiting arrival
- Once everything is in, tick the parcels you want combined and confirm
- We do a second inspection: repack, re-measure and re-weigh, then invoice on the combined billable weight
- Pay → we verify payment → shipped
Two rules: only parcels under the same member number and the same New Zealand recipient can be combined, and once confirmed, a consolidation cannot be undone. If you are not sure, leave the parcels in the list.
How long is worth waiting? 14 days free storage
Storage is free for 14 days from arrival, then HK$5 per parcel per day. Four parcels held 7 extra days while you wait for a fifth costs HK$140 — still worth it, but it eats into the saving. Our advice: pick a target date when you order, ideally within 14 days. If one parcel is running late, consolidate what has arrived.
Four cases where you should not consolidate
| ① The combined value goes over NZ$1,000 | New Zealand Customs values everything that arrives at the same time together. Separately each parcel may be under NZ$1,000; combined, the shipment crosses the line, attracts 15% GST and the recipient needs a Customs Number. You save freight and may pay more in tax. We will work out both options for you, but we will not under-declare value. Shipping separately is legitimate; misdeclaring is not |
|---|---|
| ② One item is urgent | Consolidation waits for everything. A birthday present or something needed now should ship on its own |
| ③ Fragile items | Glass, ceramics and liquids carry more risk packed with other goods. If combining, choose repacking with proper protection; if very fragile, ship separately |
| ④ The combined box exceeds the size limit | The single-piece limit is 30kg and 100×60×60cm; beyond that it is quoted separately. From 21kg pricing moves to 1kg steps, so large shipments save less than small ones |
New Zealand Customs' value rules: customs.govt.nz.
Not sure if it is worth consolidating?
Run the quote twice: once for each parcel, once for the combined weight. The difference is obvious. Still unsure — message us.
Get a live quote Online declaration (Chinese) WhatsApp usFrequently asked questions
Is consolidating really cheaper from Hong Kong to New Zealand?
Usually. The first 0.5kg is the most expensive part of an international parcel; ship separately and each parcel pays it, consolidate and you pay it once. The more pieces and the smaller each one, the bigger the saving.
How much is the consolidation fee?
HK$50 to pack the original parcels into a larger carton, or HK$100 to unbox, re-wrap and repack. It is charged once per consolidated shipment, not per parcel.
Can parcels for different people be combined?
No. Consolidation is limited to the same member number and the same New Zealand recipient.
Can a consolidation be split again afterwards?
No. Once confirmed it cannot be undone, so only confirm when you are sure.
How long can parcels stay in the Hong Kong warehouse?
Free for 14 days from arrival, then HK$5 per parcel per day. We recommend consolidating within 14 days.
What happens if the consolidated value is over NZ$1,000?
15% GST applies and the recipient needs a Customs Number. We can compare consolidating and not consolidating for you, but we do not under-declare value.