Since it’s inception, the shipping calculator has been our top project, next to RepArchive TOP. While it didn’t need a rework and was already the benchmark for shipping calculators, I saw more potential, so I rebuilt it from scratch with a different software design approach. This week, version 3 has finally been published.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The RepArchive Shipping Calculator is an effort to combine all shipping calculators from all agents on a single page, to allow for comparisons. (Hidden) fees are uncovered and added to allow for fair comparisons. This greatly benefits the customer. To top it off, there are many quality-of-life improvements, such as filters, sorting and different forms of warnings, labeling and grouping.
Screenshots
Goals achieved
- utilize a new method to get agent results faster
- URL parameters so links are shareable and can be used to help others
- important Quality-of-Life features like country detection
- a multi page application with less text on each page and less scrolling.
Technical Launch Difficulties
tldr; you might get stuck when you go back or click a link. If you’re stuck for more than 10 seconds you should reload. I’m confident this will be resolved within the next couple weeks.
I decided to go for the newest beta features with the NextJS-13 framework. These features are great and I definitely don’t regret choosing this framework, it makes the website a lot more future proof.
However, with the current version, there can be difficulties with browser routing. For instance, when you click a link or go back you might get stuck. If you’re stuck for more than 10 seconds you should reload.
I’m doing everything I can to accurately report these issues back to the developers, and I check the releases page every day to see if an update came out that solves these issues. I don’t believe this will take long.
When you open the page for the first time, you might have issues because you still have v2 data in your cache. I had this problem too, it’s absolutely essential to clear your cache if anything funny happens.
Features (Info Posts)
These info posts serve as bit-sized introductions to explain the 8 core features listed on the home page + some extra features as a 9th post
7-in-1 Shipping Calculator
The core concept of the RepArchive Shipping Calculator: Combined shipping results from all 7 commonly used agents, allowing you to compare them side by side on a single page, so you can choose the agent that’s best for you.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
It doesn’t take much to figure out that agent prices and even availability largely depend on your country. Weight and dimensions play a big role too.
So all claims that a single agent is simply the best agent for everyone are wrong and usually intentionally misleading.
You need to compare all agents for your PERSONAL scenario. That’s the only way to make a knowledgeable choice and save money.
UfoBuy is currently under investigation. Currently, they are visible, but no results are fetched. We might soon have a 6-in-1 shipping calculator.
RepArchive.com
Hybrid Functionality
The RepArchive Shipping Calculator serves a dual purpose, for everyone.
Just starting out?
Compare all agents, utilizing our wide set of features to save a lot of money. The ideal place to get started.
Already have an agent?
See how much the haul your planning is going to cost you, with presets, detailed cost calculation tables, restrictions, true price, currency exchange rates etc.
The Ultimate Shipping Calculator
Not only is the RepArchive Shipping Calculator the best combined shipping calculator, for each agent we feature a dedicated shipping calculator that’s better than the agent’s own calculator it’s based on.
HOW IS IT BETTER?
Well, that’s what we’re explaining in the other posts of this series…
It boils down to: A simple to use, easy to understand interface, more precise results, effective sorting and filtering.
True Price Technology
- Service Fees
- Payment Fees
- Customs Fees
- Currency Conversion
Think about it: Why would you ever use a shipping calculator that can’t even tell you the true price?
Beginner Friendly
The RepArchive Shipping Calculator is never more difficult than it has to be.
- Have it detect your country
- Select a preset (a common weight/dimensions combo)
- All the default settings will just work, for you.
- See your prices. Done!
If you’re a beginner and want to place your first order, this is where you want to start!
Professional Grade
Powerful Filters and Sorting Options
The RepArchive Shipping Calculator has unique filters that make it a powerful tool!
Carrier: All Shipping services are grouped by carriers (DHL, EMS, etc.), which can be filtered.
Max delivery days: Simple yet effective: If you can’t wait more than 2 weeks, set this to 14 days
Brand restricted lines: If you got branded items in your cart, simple untick this.
Only tariffless: Filter to only show triangle shipping / tariffless / tax free lines. A livesaver for many…
Easily Shareable
The URL on RepArchive Shipping Calculator contains all settings you touch. This means you can easily share the link and whoever opens it ends up exactly where you were.
It gets even cooler! When you share the link on most social networks, it will generate a card for you.
Extra Features
Everything is happening on the RepArchive server, nothing is forwarded to a third party. The common way to tackle this would be to send your IP address to a 3rd party lookup service.
The first and only service related to Taobao/Weidian shopping that features imperial measurements, you cannot only look at the measurements in inches, you can also directly enter them in inches and pounds and use presets.
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