Japan Shipping, what do you use?

[Super]

Thanks guys. The total I mentioned was indeed the "charge 2" cost. The shipping was around 13,000¥, local shipping around 4,000¥ and then random fees, etc...

Oh, so the EMS shipping wasn't the $182.50 but still in my eyes, not knowing the weight or size, $132 seems high. In my non-calculated mind, my guess is more like $70 to $100. I would still weigh it out once you receive it and do a re-calculation if for nothing but curiosity.

Thats my biggest quirk with buying in the Japan auctions, the inability to directly communicate with the seller to ask questions especially when it comes to shipping. Seems like there is no requirement on the Yahoo actions to show the in country shipping fees to the Agents Warehouse. I have been really surprised a couple of times when seeing, after the fact, how high the shipping charge was from the seller when none was shown in the listing. The opposite is also sometimes true. I just chose not to buy an item I was really interested in because they did post the shipping and it was, in my opinion, way too high for what would have been purchased. Sometimes when there is no listed shipping cost from the seller I will look to see where they are located on a map of Japan in relation to where my Agents location is. In my case, Japamart is in Tokyo, I then can try to assume that the closer they are to Tokyo the cheaper it will be...hopefully.

Totally agree Super, not knowing what the internal shopping costs are is really annoying, especially when you purchase something for say 600 yen to find out the shipping ends up being a 1000 or more <grrr>.

This is one thing "From Japan" does try to do, when you get to the bid screen they do try to give you an estimated shipping cost most of the time. You also get the choice when bidding for them to use insured local shipping or a 'cheaper local shipping' without insurance. Of course taking the latter option you run the risk of damage or loss with no recourse, but if its a cheap item anyway its worth it for saving on the shipping.

@MrR - Yes, when you setup the shipment you do get the option to either choose a shipping method or take the 'let From Japan decide', but if you do the latter when you go to pay the charge 2 you do get the choice to over-rule their choice. Generally I still go with EMS as it is mostly cheaper than FedEx. I could opt for surface which is always cheaper, but that according to the notes can take a month or more, I suppose its an option if you're buy a bunch of job lots, but otherwise I wouldn't go for it as the saving isn't that great enough to compensate for the wait and possible more damage.

Speaking of shipping cost...does anyone use a excel to calculate their total cost?
I do lol
I made a worksheet that you just plug in current yen=dollar value, auction winning bid and other misc. Of course I wont know the final shipping cost after it ships. But it gives you idea of what the Grand total cost, so it doesn't give you a heart attack. It will but it will soften the blow.

[Super]

The only time I do spread sheets is in bed

The only time I do spread sheets is in bed

Me too, have enough of spreadsheets at work to want to use em at home, still I guess AC needs it to track all his investments

[Super]

Quiet....he may have spread sheets on each of us....

Shhhhh you two!

Quiet....he may have spread sheets on each of us....

More like he got shares in Jauce etc lol

[ripley802]

Well I knew this latest shipment I have coming would be expensive as ther were 12 auctions that I had amassed, but the sticker shock always hurts. This time it was 24,000¥... although 14,500¥ was the actual Shipping charge, the rest was local delivery 5000¥ and fees, etc..
I think I am taking a break from the Japan auctions now.

[Super]

Sure...right... don't believe it.

12 auctions, can't wait to see the unboxing of those. Must be Jauce's way of listing, itemizing your purchases but is the shipping to you only 14500yen? Is that for Express? Does Jauce give you options on Insurance or do you have to pay on the total amount of all purchases including Fees and Local shipping? Doesn't sound that out of the ordinary especially if you have any bulk buys in there with lots of trains. There is no sticker shock so you have my permission to continue shopping at the Japan Auctions. Besides, if you get in a bind ActionChugger will help you out to cover the cost.

Hmmm, maybe do a crowd funding on Kickstarter for donations..."Please help this poor unfortunate soul enjoy the fabulous toys that are only available in Japan. Won't you donate now?" ...that could bring you tens...of dollars.