Latest episode from this saga: I've just received an email notice about another returned parcel, this one from quite some time ago, and one which I was really hoping had - somehow - made it through before all of the interruption. I mean, silver lining is that I now at least know where it is, but the unfortunate part being that location is once more in Japan, and within the boundaries of shipping restrictions.
So I had that Bandai Star Bird shipped from Mandarake Nakano via EMS. 8,000 yen purchase, EMS shipping was 4,340 for a box that was about 16 x 13 x 5.5 inches. Travel time was 3 days. Not too bad overall.
I currently have an incoming package from Buyee shipped via EMS stuck at "Processed Through Facility; TOKYO INT D" since March 27. I think it was one day later I had ordered something else from Mandarake which was also shipped via EMS and that arrived within a week or so (the usual timeframe). Anyone ever have a package get stuck or delayed for unknown reasons? I'm a patient person and there's no rush to receive it, just getting a bit worried since it's well past the point of when another tracking update is typically posted in the system. I haven't had any issues or delays this extensive in recent memory. It is a relatively large package (9 standard size figures) with a higher value, but I've had similar boxes that weren't held up like this.
Another update from Japan Post. Sadly, the UK is still restricted, despite somehow Ukraine even having the shipping service resumed. Still checking every day and holding out hope this disruption does not continue much longer.
Any idea how much the prices are going to increase starting next month? I cleared out my buyee storage and it was already a lot in shipping. hate to see where this will go going forward. Maybe they'll resume shipping to Europe by then.
these are what the post office are going to charge. current prices: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/charge/list/ems_all_en.html prices from June https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/2022fee_change/index_en.html
Did ari shipping to Europe resume? I have a massive parcel in Japan but I'm not really looking to have it ship by seamail...
Although some countries in Europe are receiving uninterrupted deliveries still, it would seem, I just checked on the Japan Post site and France is still surface only for anything above a letter I believe. [I am also hoping for a change any day, but the updates are very infrequent.]
I was actually looking to redirect a package back to Canada, but just now noticed that this is one of the areas where service has been again cut off, unlike the US. Any Europeans SBers on here would might be willing to accept something and forward on to me? As far as I can tell there is normal service options right now to Spain, Belgium, Liechenstein, Croatia, and Cyprus at least.
I should add that I noticed Ireland also still seems to have uninterrupted services. I hope they are regularly re-evaluating the situation and trying to find workarounds. The restrictions just seem to be so random. Not sure I know anyone heading over there in the near-term, but still looking for a hand from someone if possible with possible forwarding for a delivery if anyone can help.
I got incredibly excited to see an update coming from Japan Post early this morning. Alas, when I actually clicked through and read the details, I found it was only for the US (that being resumption of Air Mail service). Which is good, I guess, for a lot of people on here maybe, but actually there seems to have been very little restrictions to US destination as it was. So I still sit here waiting for even slight resumption for Europe and the UK.
What’s the cheaper option, EMS or DHL to the states? I’ve been selecting DHL on Mandarake ever since SAL went away. Packages arrive very quickly but it ain’t cheap.
Can't say from direct experience US-wise, but EMS has got to be cheaper than courier (which is outrageous). I think the only way it balances out with DHL is if your package happens to fall within a window of being in a smaller sized box but also heavy, since its rates are based largely on size as opposed to weight. They/Mandarake also immediately have to declare the full value for whatever contents, this is all essentially automated with DHL (as opposed to someone filling out an actual form), which I am not sure affects US recipients, but definitely has major consequences for other heavily taxed on import areas. I've received multiple 're-shipped' items which were posted as "scooters, bicycles, etc." or some such junk and got heavily dinged just to receive them.
I already miss the good ol’ days. ¥1,300 DHL shipping from Mandarake. Toys would show up on my doorstep in two days. Was fun while it lasted!
Some good news for a few of our French compatriots on the board, it seems that as of tomorrow EMS service will resume. This is slow going, but fingers crossed it is a further sign some other countries might get changed, too. {when, on the other hand....}
Some excellent news to wake up to this Canada Day. [and much needed too, I might add] Service resumption of EMS now to the UK, Netherlands, Italy, and Greece (along with some others).