The New Look of Jauce

[Super]

Not only does the weight contribute to the price but also the size of the shipping box. Also it depends on the type of shipping used (speed) and where its going to will dictate the cost. Not always does adding, for the sake of adding, to your order add value to your shipping especially if you have limited funds. It will add weight and possibly size to your package which adds cost. A good rule of thumb, especially if you are new to this, is to only buy the things from the Japan Auctions that are hard to find or rare in your country. Then, check to make sure that what you want can't be bought from Amazon or Ebay. Often times, even if the price's on Ebay or Amazon seen steep, they are still either comparable too or less than, what it will cost you buy from the Japan Auctions when you figure in all the Fees and double shipping. You may just want to get your feet wet with your first purchase just to see how it works and try just one or two items. Then you can see first hand the damage price of doing business this way.

A good rule of thumb, especially if you are new to this, is to only buy the things from the Japan Auctions that are hard to find or rare in your country. Then, check to make sure that what you want can't be bought from Amazon or Ebay. You may just want to get your feet wet with your first purchase just to see how it works and try just one or two items.

Well, the main items I'm going for are ones that certainly don't come up on sites like Ebay and Amazon here in America, namely the "Departing Now" range, some rarer tapes, and maybe a few Plarail items are what I have my eyes on right now. None of these can be easily bought in America as they very rarely come up. I do want to get my feet wet, but I don't know if I want to blow my whole budget on one item due to shipping. My current budget is about $100 for a first attempt to order from Japan on a site like this. I know there are various shipping companies in Japan other than EMS, so if anyone can tell me what is best middle of the line company, like which is good on price but also safe for my packages, I'd be very appreciative. As always, thanks in advance.
-Thomas Blue

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One extra question I want to ask is how can one tell the cost of shipping from the seller to the middleman's warehouse. If anyone knows, let me know. It'd be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-Thomas Blue

[ripley802]

International shipping will depend on which method you choose. EMS is usually the best but is more expensive, but your items arrive faster, have better tracking, and in general is usually what I would use. That said, another method like SAL or Airmail may be an option but it will take longer for the items to arrive.

The fees are what add up too in addition to shipping cost. For example I use FromJapan for auction purchases. They have a 200¥ fee for all items, then a 300¥ or 700¥ packing fee depending on which you choose, and then the local delivery. Local delivery I find to vary but for the most part if is usually around 200¥ - 1600¥ but varies in size/weight.

My most recent purchase(s) from Japan I had 12 auctions I won, so 2400¥ + 3600¥ = 6000¥ just in fees, then local delivery and international was on top of that. So it can add up quick. I had some larger lots that were bulky and heavy so mine was quite a bit more than say if you won 12 single engines, etc. hope this helps.

Thanks this helps a lot, I'll look into those other services. I don't mind waiting if it means I can circumnavigate too large shipping costs. Once I ordered a "The Cat Returns" art book from Japan on eBay and it took 3 months to arrive, I didn't mind as shipping wasn't bad. The fees do add up, I'll list my research later about which sites are best when it comes to the fee's. Thanks very much for the help.
-Thomas Blue

I'm using EMS and I had items with the status: Pre-Shipment
"Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" for 6 days in Japan time. It's supposed to take up to 8 days for arrival. But this package will be stuck for weeks, months, or possibly years.

[Super]

There definitely seemed like something was going on in Japan with the Japan Postal system in the last week or so. I too had an EMS package that was unusually stalled for for several days more than normal last week. The good thing about my package was that once it did leave Japan it arrived on my doorstep in a couple days.

This is my first time with a stalled package. I bet this will be a big box.

[Super]

I have just put in for a package from Japamart last night so I will be able to see if the package moves as quickly as they have or this one also stalls at Japan Post.

I think sometimes they get tracked after delivery