Shipping.
We exclusively use Japan Post for
shipping.
Our preferred shipping method uses Japan Post's 'Small Packet-SAL' method which is reserved for small packages not exceeding 2kg in weight and the sum of all dimensions smaller than 104cm. SAL stands for 'Surface-Air Lift' which in simple terms means that it is non-priority airmail. We find that most orders can fit into these constraints easily, and it allows us to offer a moderate to fast shipping service at a reasonable price. Japan Post states that this service will take 2-3 weeks from Japan to most locations.
We allow up to two boxes of 2kg each for this service and if your order exceeds 4kg total, please contact us for further instructions.
'Small packet' is also available with surface mail or regular airmail. Surface mail is more economical, at the cost of speed (2-3 months). Regular airmail is a little faster than SAL, but the cost is significantly higher.
(Previously the Post Office's quoted surface shipping time was 4-6 weeks, but is now put at the above mentioned 2-3 months. Be very sure that you can wait this long for your order to arrive before choosing any surface shipping method.
***Please note; we have disabled surface mail/small packet as it causing more trouble than it is worth. If you are desperate to use surface mail, please contact us before placing your order. Thanks for your understanding.***)
The caveats with the small packet service are that insurance is not available. A registration service is available that includes a small amount of compensation (Max. 6000 yen per package) in the case of non-delivery and also offers limited and sporadic traceability.
In the rare cases where this method is
not suitable i.e.; oversize, overweight or both, we can choose a more
suitable shipping option.
For those items that are heavier than 2kg or oversized, we prefer to use EMS which is a priority service that includes insurance and real time tracking to anywhere in the world. Typically shipping time is less than 5 days. This is an excellent shipping method, but it can get quite expensive.
There are other shipping methods/companies available, but we find Japan Post to offer the best combination of value, speed and service. If you do not agree, please do not hesitate to contact us for further details.
We want you to be happy with your purchases, however we
know that this may not always be the case. However because we do not
function in the usual way that a store operates, we do need to make
sure that our returns are kept to a minimum.
We will inspect every item before it is shipped to
ensure that we do not send faulty merchandise halfway around the
world, and we will package each order to give it best chance to
arrive to you unscathed. Because shipping accidents are beyond our
control, we cannot be held responsible for shipping accidents. If you
find that damage to your order has occurred in transit, then please
contact us for assistance. As transit damage is beyond our control,
we cannot cover the cost of this possibility but insurance can be arranged if shipping damage is a concern to you.
We also ask that before you place an order do make sure
that the product is suitable for your purposes. Wherever possible we
will offer extensive descriptions along with detailed photographs to
help you make your decisions. In the case of you simply changing your
mind and wishing to return an item, we will accept it but we cannot
refund shipping charges and reserve the right to charge a restocking
fee TBD. If you wish to 'try before you buy' please contact us before
placing an order and we will try to accommodate your request to the
best of our ability.
If you find that any item you have ordered from us does
not meet your anticipated standards, then do not hesitate to contact
us. We will work with you to make sure that 'things are put right'.
Regardless of how you may be dissatisfied with your
order, we ask that you please contact us immediately so that we can
correct the problem as fast as possible if we possibly can.
