When selling products internationally, the plug shape, voltage, and frequency each vary by region. To ensure safe, compliant, and usable deliveries, products must match the destination country’s electrical standards. For example:
Australia uses a different plug standard than Europe.
The UK uses a BS standard plug.
Mainland Europe (EU) has a different plug standard again.
Korea and China have their own unique standards.
Because of this, we often offer the same product in separate plug‐type variations to cover each region.
How we handle plug types on our platform
Here is a breakdown of how we manage plug type fulfilment via Zendrop:
If a plug type variation is explicitly listed, e.g., “EU plug”, “UK plug”, “US plug”, etc., then our fulfilment team will ship the plug type you selected at checkout.
This means when you choose the country/plug variant, we match your selection.
It ensures the product arrives ready to use (no additional adapter required by the customer).
If no plug type is defined in the listing, then very often the item is USB-powered only (i.e., via USB cable, not a dedicated wall plug).
USB‐powered devices are effectively “universal” the voltage/frequency issue is moot because the USB standard is standardized.
In that case, unless otherwise specified, we will ensure the power supply or cable is compatible with the destination country, or send a universal USB version.
If you have any uncertainty about plug compatibility, you can always ask us before shipping. We can check the warehouse stock or confirm if an adapter will be included.
What you should tell your customers
When communicating to your customers, here’s how you can frame this clearly:
“Products will ship with the plug type matching your region when a plug‐type variant is present. If no plug variant is shown, the item is typically USB powered and ready to use worldwide. If you’d prefer a different plug type, please contact us and we will check availability for you.”
Why this is important for your business
Customer satisfaction: Receiving an incompatible plug is one of the most common complaints in international fulfillment. Pre‐empting and explaining this issue helps avoid returns or chargebacks.
Compliance and safety: Using the correct plug and power supply helps ensure the product meets local regulatory standards reducing the risk of safety incidents or non‐compliance issues.
Reduced support workload: Clear communication upfront means fewer support tickets asking “Why doesn’t the plug fit?” or “Is this safe to use in my country?”
Chargeback/INR risk mitigation: When customers are unclear about plug compatibility, products can be returned as “Item Not Received” (INR) or lead to disputes. By communicating clearly and shipping correctly, you reduce those risks.
Quick decision-tree for your CS team
Scenario | Action |
Product listing includes plug type variants (US, EU, UK, AU, etc.) | Ship the variant selected by the customer and confirm plug type in order notes. |
Product listing does not include a plug type variant | Assume USB‐powered or universal. Confirm in the listing or with Zendrop. Communicate to customer that USB version is shipped or check if adaptor is included. |
Customer requests a specific plug type but variant not listed | Contact Zendrop to check availability. If unavailable, offer refund or alternative solution before shipping. |
By default, we’ll match the plug type to the customer’s destination if a plug variant is selected. If no plug variant is listed, you can assume the product is designed to be broadly compatible (e.g., USB‐powered) and won’t require a region‐specific wall adapter. If ever in doubt, you or your customer can ask us and we’ll check our fulfillment warehouse.