Package and mail forwarding provider Bongo International has launched a service in Australia that allows consumers to shop at US-only retail sites and have their goods shipped to a US address to be then forwarded onto Australia.

The service lets Australian shoppers take advantage of the massive volume of the US consumer market, among which many sites refuse to ship internationally. Bongo also offers a payment service for US retail Web sites that refuse foreign credit cards.

Although not the first of its kind in Australia, Bongo claims to be the only company to offer consumers a pay-per-use service at a sign up fee of AUD$5, or $15 for a monthly-based subscription. Users are offered a "personal" US address at a Bongo warehouse to send their goods to.

According to the company's Web site, users can store as many US products in their warehouse as they want until they are ready to receive the goods. Shipping rates are based on weight and the type of service the customer is signed up for, and can be viewed on the Web site.

A Bongo International spokesperson said Australians are increasingly looking for consumer products in the US.

“They are taking advantage of the wide range of products available in the US and taking advantage of the Free Trade Agreement."