For imports (since there's no imports or mafex thread), and a site like hobby-genki, is DHL the most cost affordable / safest route? Any experiences with japan post small packet? or is even postal parcel surface mail safe enough thats its worth trying? Many thanks. Need to grab some mafex (including pic related) and two fire emblem pop up parades that aren't exorbitantly overpriced.

>>11430612 (OP)
I think their prices are or have gone up, but I've been using DHL since Covid. I get my shit faster and honestly that's worth the price to me. Haven't had anything not show up so far.

>>11430614
maybe ill just do that then, thanks only $5 cheaper than japan post registered packet

>>11430612 (OP)
Guess that depends on where you're shipping to.

https://support.hlj.com/hc/en-us/articles/47118268718745-Temporary-Suspension-of-DHL-Shipping-Methods-for-US

https://support.hlj.com/hc/en-us/articles/46841009130777-Resumption-of-US-Shipping-Methods-Tariff-FAQ

>>11430612 (OP)
I have only ever used Japan Post because it's always the cheapest option for me. Haven't had any issues yet though maybe it is slower than other services? Usually takes them about 2 weeks to get something to the US

>>11430612 (OP)
dhl is extremely questionable at the moment to use if in the US between the pricing and the fact they seem to be doing the most thorough attempts to catch tariff evasion.

>>11430690
if so, do you happen to know if Japan Post Registered Small Packet AIR and/or Postal Parcel Surface Mail are solid for these types of sites with minimal issues, if the delivery time isn't important? just don't want smashed boxes

>>11430612 (OP)
>>11430737

On sites like Amiami/Mandarake I always go Air Registered. You save significant, and it always gets here in like a week. However on sites like Hobby Genki or nin-nin these sites massively overcharge on the shipping and thus air mail registered only ends up being like 500-1k yen less so I usually just say fuck it and go for one of the 1-5 day premium options since thats hardly anything and it offers more "insurance".

Postal Parcel Surface Mail I believe is where they put it on a boat and it can take long as shit to actually get there. Basically they wait until they have enough shit to stick on the boat and then when theres enough stuff to warrant shipping it over, thats when they send the shipment. If time truly matters nothing to you, you will most likely be fine, but personally the savings isn't worth it to me and I generally want my package to spend as little time in the shipping process as possible. Like I said above, your boxes will MOST LIKELY be fine, but again not guaranteed. Whether the delivery time/savings is worth it is entirely up to the individual really.

>>11431495
thanks a lot for the info, much appreciated. would just pay the surcharge for buying from a USA site but BBTS and the like SKYROCKETED (like, double the worst overcharging from years back) the price for mafex robin and the newest Pop Up Parade Fire Emblem figs, so wanted as much info on these sites as possible. And now mulling over buying the already overpriced S.H.Figuarts Nail figure since p-bandai's price is absurd.

>>11430612 (OP)
DHL is pretty good, probably the best one if you’re in the UK because their final courier tends to be UK FedEx, who are unironically really high quality as a courier. EMS is also pretty decent apart from the fact they use Parcelforce as their final courier who are very hit and miss.

>>11431495
thanks