Japanese Auction question

Hey Folks,

Back in July, I won and paid for a lot or two from a Japanese auction, totaling around $500, with standard shipping. Turns out, they're not shipping to the US and my options are to continue to wait until that changes, or pay an additional $70+ to get it shipped via USPS. I actually like the items I won, but am getting restless and a bit frustrated. I feel that it's unfair to not have them offer to reduce shipping by the price I already paid, but don't know that it is really an option, and they already attempted to ship it standard before notifying me it can't ship. Their agreements state that the buyer is responsible for shipping, indicating that I have no option but to pay more or wait. I feel like they should have notified me at purchase, when I gave them a US address, that they wouldn't be able to ship to me. The oversight is small, but would've saved me money and heartache. Has anyone dealt with something like this and have any recommendations?

 

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@Stork maybe?

 

I have lived in Japan I have purchased coins in Japanese auctions. I have never heard of this rationale. Yes, Japan has imposed strong quarantine regulations but that has to do with travel. Can you PM me under Sullykerry? Perhaps I may have a local friend who can assist?

 

Happy to shoot you a PM, looks like they only recently updated their policy about shipping surface mail to the US... https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2020/1008_01_en.html

 

I don't blame them. Japan post has changed their shipping policy so it has to be shipped by DHL or those premium express service.

Bite the bullet and take it as it is. This pandemic has made a lot of things harder.

 

I checked the Japan Post website which stated that since April 24th mail must go by surface (i.e. ship). It does not appear that there are any exceptions at the moment. Did you participate in an auction with Taisei or A-Z? They are both reputable.

 

It was auction-world.co. I assume that a decent-sized auction house would know basic shipping policies of their country...

 

Yes, Auction World (AW) is a reputable firm. It is one of the three Japanese auction houses I will buy from.
The Japanese government has re-imposed restrictions on non Japanese coming to the country following recent COVID outbreaks (according to the Japan Times).
I would recommend waiting the situation out.
Perhaps one of our members who lives in Japan can offer more clarity. I left some years ago.

 

I think I'll just wait them out, but it's still pretty frustrating.

 

If it was me, I would just pay the $70 (unless making money off of the coins via reselling was the point of getting them).

Shipping is going to be a pain regardless of where from or where to.

 

Oh boy, that is tough. I have bought some of my favorite coins from Auction World (Albanian ones no less, go figure). That said, I was always of the 'move it as quickly as possible to avoid trouble' mentality, so opted for their FedEx shipping every time. Is this what has gone away? If so, things are weirder than I could have imagined.

Every time I have had to contact them though, there was a lovely English-fluent, person going by 'Lisa'. She was always very able to answer any questions and facilitate things.

Once I dropped a nuclear bid on a coin and got a nice note asking if I'd made a mistake in my yen conversion. I had not, and did NOT get run up on my bidding. In any case they are very reputable and my experience with them upholds the reputation.

If they have some sudden changes in shipping due to COVID, I would trust them that whatever that $70 option is, it is the best, and would pay it.

They really are a good company and will do the best they can in the situation IMO.

edited to add: looks like the EMS service is probably what is what went away. Last time I won a lot it came via FedEx...$$$ but it got here.

 

I live in Japan, and I tried to ship something to the US in May, and was informed that most Japanese expedited airmail shipping was suspended.
This included EMS, which is very fast and efficient shipping service by Japan Post. I've had some things delivered in 3 days to the US.
I'm not sure of the current status, as I haven't tried to ship anything for months.

 

Thank you for the info. I hope shipping can soon be restored.

 

I'm in a similar position with a Japanese auction house... Japan Post isn't shipping to Australia via any method except surface. They've offered, and I'm happy for them to hold onto it until service is resumed.

 

I waited 3 months to get the Bank of Korea 2020 "proof" set from Korea. I just recently won a listing from Australia. That auction house told me "very few planes" are flying across the ocean nowadays. If shipping from Japan is anything like these examples, then yes, it's gonna be slow.

 

I recently won two coins from AW/ Japan. They wanted to send coins via FEDEX/ so I told them to send instead via Japan post/ registered/ insured. They send coins to Canada/ no problem. I do not like FEDEX, since it creates customs hassles/ ie: 13 percent customs fees. I pay enough for my coins/ considering exchange rate for our crappy Loonie...
/+ 20 % comm. fees. It costs
1.40 for 1US$
1.62 for 1 Euro
John

 

I feel your pain. The AUD isn't in a much better position.

You're lucky that Japan Post is offering to Airmail to Canada. Still closed for Australia. See link below for Japan Post for current status:

https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/overview_en.html

 

Australia Post is accepting deliveries to South Korea. See below:

https://auspost.com.au/about-us/new...coronavirus/coronavirus-international-updates

 

Hey, I got my package from Australia on Monday (10/26)!

Much faster than I thought... I was prepared to wait until January!

 

Awesome - we all know how much you wanted that... now we gotta see pics!!!!!!