This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 17, 2015.

Living in Asia is fantastic, but it is inconvenient for those who follow tech trends in the US and have the need to acquire stuff just when it comes out. If timing isn’t an issue, availability often is — in many cases, shipping facilities to Malaysia are notably scarce. Although hard-core online shoppers have come up with ingenious ways to get around this problem, an easier solution is available — Big Apple Buddy is a US-based online shopping concierge will fill our collective e-commerce needs once and for all.

Big Apple Buddy is a New York City-based company founded by two former lawyers from Australia who launched the start-up based on personal needs — they would help friends and family back home buy the latest gadgets and fashion items, and get them shipped. They quickly realised that many of the newest tech gadgets and fashion brands were only for sale in America and that there was a worldwide demand for these exclusive items. 

Unlike services such as VPost that requires users to purchase the items online themselves and go through a confusing process of keying in a warehouse address based in the US, Big Apple Buddy does all the shopping for you, from A to Z. All you have to do is make a request and they’ll go on a hunt to locate the best price for your item, give you a free quote, buy and ship the item to you directly via trusted courier services such as DHL, FedEx or UPS. 

Big Apple Buddy takes care of the entire shopping process from start to finish, including discount negotiations with the stores, packaging, shipping and providing personalised product and shopping advice, just as your best friend in New York would do. Their concept is all about developing personal relationships with customers. “It’s not uncommon for us to receive selfies from clients sporting the smartwatch we just helped them buy or requests for restaurant recommendations for our client’s upcoming New York trip,” says Phillis Chan, the founder of Big Apple Buddy.

The company charges a minimum service fee of US$40 (RM175.20) per order, but product and shipping costs are passed on to the client without a mark-up. With Christmas just around the corner, purchasing the new hottest item in town will never be easier; either for yourself, friends and family, or co-workers. 

For more info about Big Apple Buddy, visit www.bigapplebuddy.com.