My step-by-step blueprint to teleport the Looking Glass Go from a US startup to my desk in Italy

March 27, 2026

Why the Looking Glass Go captured my imagination

As we move further into 2026, the boundary between the digital and physical worlds is blurring. I first saw the Looking Glass Go on a 3D artist's feed in Dubai, and I was immediately hooked. It is not just another screen; it is a portable holographic display that turns 2D photos into 3D memories without the need for bulky VR headsets. For creators like me who live in Italy, getting our hands on this US-exclusive startup tech feels like trying to find a rare artifact.

My step-by-step blueprint to teleport the Looking Glass Go from a US startup to my desk in Italy
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The device is small enough to fit in my pocket but powerful enough to render complex spatial scenes. It uses advanced light-field technology to project depth, making it a favorite for digital artists and hobbyists who want to showcase their work in a tangible way. However, since Looking Glass Factory primarily ships from the United States and lacks local Italian retail partners, I had to create a specific plan to get it here.

The challenge of US-exclusive tech in 2026

I realized quickly that I could not just walk into a store in Milan or Rome to buy one. The Looking Glass Go is a niche product, and like many innovative gadgets from US startups, it often stays within the North American market for its initial launch phases. To bridge this gap, I knew I needed a reliable freight forwarder to handle the journey from the US to my home.

I started by exploring comGateway, which provides a tax-free US address. This is crucial because it allows me to shop at US stores as if I were a local resident, avoiding immediate sales tax at the point of purchase before the item is prepared for international transit.

My blueprint for the purchase process

My first step was to understand how it works when using a parcel forwarding service. I signed up for an account and received my unique US shipping address. This address acts as my personal hub where my US orders are collected. If you are new to this, I recommend checking out this step-by-step guide to visualize the flow from the checkout button to your front door.

Before I clicked 'buy,' I made sure to use the shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the costs involved. I wanted to ensure that the total investment made sense for my budget here in Italy.

Overcoming payment hurdles with BuyForMe

One of the most frustrating parts of being an international shopper is when a US store declines my Italian credit card. Many high-demand tech companies and brands like Apple or Sephora have strict security filters that block orders sent to a package forwarding warehouse or those using non-US billing addresses. This is where I encountered a potential roadblock with the startup's checkout system.

To solve this, I used the BuyForMe service. This proxy shopping or assisted purchase option is a lifesaver. Essentially, I tell the team what I want, and they use a US domestic credit card to buy the Looking Glass Go on my behalf. This effectively bypasses the "international card" block and ensures my order is confirmed rather than cancelled. It is the safest way to guarantee that limited-edition tech actually makes it to the warehouse.

Shipping and logistics analysis for Italy

When I ship electronics, I always look closely at the specs. If you are following my blueprint to get your own Looking Glass Go, here is the logistics breakdown I prepared:

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg)
Box Dimensions Small (Approx. 7" x 5" x 2")
Lithium Battery Yes (Internal Rechargeable)
Volumetric Risk Low

Volumetric Warning: While the Looking Glass Go is light, it is always important to remember that a freight forwarder calculates costs based on the larger of actual weight or volumetric weight. Fortunately, the packaging for this device is quite compact, so you likely won't see a huge discrepancy. However, if you add accessories like the folding stand, the box size might increase.

Battery Check: This device contains a lithium battery. Because of international aviation safety standards, there are specific shipping rules for items with batteries. I made sure to check the prohibited items list to confirm that my parcel forwarding service could handle lithium-ion batteries. Most modern forwarders can ship them as long as they are contained within the equipment, but it is always best to verify.

Final steps for Italy delivery

Once the item arrived at my US address, I was notified and could choose my preferred shipping speed. For Italy delivery, I usually prefer express options to ensure the delicate glass display spends as little time in transit as possible. You can find more specific details on the buy from US ship to Italy destination page, which outlines customs expectations and transit times for our region.

I found that by using a freight forwarder like comGateway, I could manage the entire process from my phone in Milan. The Looking Glass Go is now sitting on my desk, showing off 3D captures of the Dolomites that look so real I feel like I could touch them. If you are a creator in Italy looking to shop US store exclusives, this blueprint is the most reliable path to success in 2026.

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