From Tea to Trench Coats — 4 Ways to Get the Best British Products Wherever You Are in the World

From the comforting warmth of a good cup of tea to the timeless elegance of a trench coat, some British products are iconic and popular worldwide. But if you’re an ex-pat or love British products, getting them abroad can be tricky.

With limited local choices, expensive international shipping, and restrictions, getting your hands on your favorite products from the UK is a challenge. But the good news is that it’s easier now than ever before.

In this article, we’ll dive into the best ways to get British products wherever you are in the world. We’ll look at your different options and how to pick the best one for your circumstances.

Let’s jump in.

Option 1 — Shop Straight from UK Brands

No huge surprises here, but your first option to buy British products is to go directly to the source. Some UK brands offer international shipping, so you can easily order directly from their website. This is a great way to ensure you get authentic products and support the brands you love.

But if you’re planning to order straight from UK brands, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Delivery policies and charges — before you place your order, check the company’s international shipping policies. Shipping fees and potential import duties can quickly add up.
• Deals and special offers — make sure you don’t miss out on special offers and discounts by following the brand on social media and subscribing to their newsletters.

If you’re not sure which companies offer international shipping, here are a few of the best-known UK brands that do:

• Burberry — for timeless trench coats, scarves, and luxurious British fashion.
• Marks & Spencer — your go-to shop for everything from apparel to home essentials and tasty British treats.
• Fortnum & Mason — the legendary London store is renowned for its exceptional teas, hampers, and sweets.

Option 2 — Check Out Global Stores

If your favorite UK brands don’t offer international shipping, don’t despair. Another great way to get your hands on the products you miss from home is to use a global online store. These platforms usually have a massive range of products and cater to customers worldwide.

A couple of well-known examples are:

• Amazon — with dedicated sites for various countries, Amazon grants access to an immense selection of British products.
• ASOS — this online fashion retailer carries numerous British fashion brands, making keeping up with the latest UK trends simple.

Before ordering any products from these stores, do your research. Make sure you only buy from trustworthy sellers and read customer reviews.

Option 3 — Use a Parcel Forwarding Service

If you’d rather not buy from a global store, but your favorite brands don’t offer international shipping, you can use a parcel forwarding service like myUKmailbox. These services provide you with a UK shipping address to buy from and support your best-loved brands.

You simply use the provided UK address when ordering, and the company will forward your order to you wherever you are. To make the most of parcel forwarding services, here are some questions to keep in mind when researching different services:

• Are the shipping rates reasonable and cost-effective?
• Does the service offer parcel consolidation?
• How long does it usually take for packages to arrive?
• How good is their customer service and support?
• Are there any insurance options available?
• Does the service provide you with tracking options?
• How good are the service’s reviews?

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to find the best parcel forwarding service for your needs and avoid any surprises related to shipping and handling fees.

Option 4 — Find a Local British Speciality Shop

Another great way to get your hands on genuine British goods abroad is to visit a British specialty shop near you. These shops typically stock a variety of classic British food and drink. This allows you to support a local business and enjoy the flavors of home.

Finding these shops can sometimes be a bit tricky. Here are a couple of ways to find them:

• Search online — run a quick search for “British specialty store” or “British shop” near you. Be sure to check out the reviews before planning a visit.
• Speak to other local Brits — if you’re living somewhere with a big British ex-pat community, try to connect with them. Join ex-pat communities or social media groups and ask where to find British products.

While British specialty shops often stock a range of products, they are often a bit limited. If you choose this option, be sure to scrutinize the product labels, check expiration dates, and sense-check the price.

How to Be Safe When Buying British Products

When buying British products from abroad, it’s essential to ensure authenticity to enjoy their unique quality and heritage fully. Here’s a quick checklist summarizing the steps to ensure you’re buying genuine British products:

• Check for marks of origin ─ Look for labels that say “Made in Britain” or “Made in the UK”. This indicates the product was manufactured in Britain.
• Verify British Standards mark ─ This mark indicates that the product meets the regulatory standards of the UK.
• Research the brand ─ Go for well-known British brands or suppliers and ensure their legitimacy through online research.
• Read customer reviews ─ Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the product’s authenticity and quality.
• Purchase from reputable websites ─ Reputable sites often guarantee the authenticity of their products.
• Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals ─ If a deal seems unbelievably good, approach it cautiously. It could be a sign of a counterfeit product.

Find the British Products You Love Today

As you can see, it’s never been simpler to access the British products of your dreams from anywhere in the world. Whether you shop via international websites, order directly from UK brands, use package forwarding services, or explore local British specialty stores, there are loads of options to satisfy your desire for all things British.

So go on, relish that soothing cup of Earl Grey tea, or don your new trench coat, knowing that with a little determination, the finest of Britain is always at your fingertips.