Shipping

[C.Mortimer]

I have bought some items here at RFF and was wondering from your experience what is the best way to ship from the U.S to Japan, that is both hassle-free and the safest .

Is it generally more of an inconvenience for the seller to ship to Japan and if so why ?
Any insight would be appreciated ... This is a great place and would like to know what is the best way to insure a smooth transactions when making a purchase with members here .
Thanks

 

[clarence]

Hello,

Sorry, I haven't shipped to Japan before, but if I might tag onto your question:

I've always wanted to shop on rakuten and yahooauctions in Japan. But they don't usually ship overseas at all. Photojpn.org provides a proxy shopping service, but has anyone ever tried it? What if the equipment that you get is defective? Would photojpn.org be willing to help you return it for a refund? Wouldn't the process be terribly long-winded?

Thanks.

Clarence

 

[RML]

I would suggest to have things shipped by regular mail office services; not by any of the courier services. These are usually much more expensive and often not much faster in the end. Plus, they ransom your parcel to get it "cleared" through customs. With the regular mail service, in my experience, customs are usually out of the picture, especially with small packages and/or inexpensive items.

 

[enochRoot]

i ship to japan from the us often, and i swear by the postal service. global priority mail is the real deal. often just as quick as global express mail service, but often substantially cheaper. it is not much of a hassle at all. especially with camera equiptment where it is light enough to use the "small" customs form.

oddly enough, finding people to ship from japan to the united states is VERY hard. many japanese sites (like yahoo auctions...japan's ebay) seem rather xenophobic. it is odd, as most of the people that have purchased gear i've been selling (vintage audio) on ebay are from japan.

so personally..i never find it a problem, and i find the us postal service (and japanese counterpoint) to be the best.

also...shipping too and from japan is about the fastest there is globally for me. it takes longer to send/receive items to england, and canada if you can believe it!

 

[clarence]

oddly enough, finding people to ship from japan to the united states is VERY hard. many japanese sites (like yahoo auctions...japan's ebay) seem rather xenophobic. it is odd, as most of the people that have purchased gear i've been selling (vintage audio) on ebay are from japan.

I think xenophobic isn't quite the correct term. The Japanese sellers aren't refusing to export because they fear or dislike foreigners. It's probably the language barrier that discourages them from doing so.

Clarence

 

[enochRoot]

i'm not quite so sure, as the language barrier seems easily overcome in the other direction (ie: japanese buyers). i have communicated with a number of people in japan solely using translation software (worldlingo.com). kinda clunky, but you can get the idea, and relay pertinant information. i also have a number of friends in japan, and they can take care of transactions for me over there from time to time. yet if i am the one to contact a seller first, they often refuse to work with me through my friends. just my personal experience. it gets frustrating as i will gladly ship to anyone.

 

[ch1]

I have bought some items here at RFF and was wondering from your experience what is the best way to ship from the U.S to Japan, that is both hassle-free and the safest .

Is it generally more of an inconvenience for the seller to ship to Japan and if so why ?
Any insight would be appreciated ... This is a great place and would like to know what is the best way to insure a smooth transactions when making a purchase with members here .
Thanks

I just shipped a Nikon S body to Japan. I used the good old USPS and sent it insured via Air Parcel Post. It is no more "inconvenient" than shipping anywhere else. You fill out a customs declaration form (there are two, depends on weight, ask the postal clerk which is the one to use) and, if you are sending insured, also fill out an insurance form.

This is the same process whether it is going to Canada, Europe, Japan or Timbuktu!

I guess the private package companies have been very successful in creating customer confusion such that folks no longer seem know how easy it is to send something in the mail! :bang:

 

[clarence]

i'm not quite so sure, as the language barrier seems easily overcome in the other direction (ie: japanese buyers). i have communicated with a number of people in japan solely using translation software (worldlingo.com). kinda clunky, but you can get the idea, and relay pertinant information. i also have a number of friends in japan, and they can take care of transactions for me over there from time to time. yet if i am the one to contact a seller first, they often refuse to work with me through my friends. just my personal experience. it gets frustrating as i will gladly ship to anyone.

That's really interesting. Maybe it's because buying is less complicated than selling? I don't know. I might be staying in Japan next year for a while so maybe I could find out more for myself.

Clarence

 

[enochRoot]

That's really interesting. Maybe it's because buying is less complicated than selling? I don't know. I might be staying in Japan next year for a while so maybe I could find out more for myself.

Clarence

please share if you find out! the "xenophobic" thing actually came from a friend i have over there (who is born and raised japanese and in his 50s or 60s...can't remember). i had asked why people are unwilling to send things abroad, and he said "a lot of japanese are xenophobic".

 

[wtl]

I have bought some items here at RFF and was wondering from your experience what is the best way to ship from the U.S to Japan, that is both hassle-free and the safest .

Is it generally more of an inconvenience for the seller to ship to Japan and if so why ?
Any insight would be appreciated ... This is a great place and would like to know what is the best way to insure a smooth transactions when making a purchase with members here .
Thanks

C.,

I shipped the Leica lens to you through US postal service with paypal label. I sent you the link to track the package. Although online it says it has been delivered in Norway on 10/13/2005 (though I shipped on 4/10/2006), when I called and talked to a real person in the postal office, they explained that the number has been recycled (i didn't know they do that) and they could see the package has just left the Japan custom onto the address your provided.

Now, several people on this forum have warned me about your registered information on RFF including that you have two user names (do you?). They told me that they could not confirm where you are, Norway? Japan? US? Your mailing address is not confirmed with paypal either. My paypal account says, with your payment, there is no gaurantee for charge back due to your not-yet-confirmed name and address. You explained in the email to me that the paypal account you have is under your wife's name, which I believe, but still no confirmation of the name and address from paypal. Would you explain this and confirm your address and name?

I am one of these people who refuse to believe the scams that other people seem to suggest happened everyday in our life. I did not even think twice before I dropped off the lens. I asked your address through email only to be sure I shipped the lens to the correct location.

The lens is on the way to you so I will have no control at this point. But if you could confirm everything, I shall really appreciate, and I think others here will also appreciate as I understand some peopel are still considering to ship the packages to you at the moment. So I hope a simple explanation from you will do everyone some good.

If not, well, I have then lost more than just a lens but the innocent view of the wonderful world we have and all the people in it...

W

 

[Dave Matison]

C. Mortimer/Charles Bowen

C. Mortimer/Charles Bowen

Well, I may be partly to blame for all this but I believe primary fault lies with Paypal's inability to assure sellers some measure of protection, thus a certain fear that comes with selling or shipping to an address other than that "verified" by Paypal. Sum: credit card fraud is a real fear and many of us just can't suffer an uncompensated loss.

Charles Bowen and I started negotiating a sale of my Leica M6 ttl some weeks ago, I was not in a hurry and he wanted to save up so there was some delay. Initially, I included an M6 grip and ultimately he wanted the ever-ready case.he

Anyway, to save both parties Paypal costs, I agreed to take a personal check and ship to Japan (Charles advises he is a resident of Hawaii presently living in Japan). I would wait for the check to clear, then I was to ship. After more than 7 days, the check did not arrive and Charles chose to pay by Paypal: I was paid very quickly but Paypal advised that the address was not verified and so I could not obtain "protection" against unauthorized charges.

Also, I noticed that Charles posted under the name of C. Mortimer.

Now, bear in mind that I've read all the horror stories and can't afford the loss of the camera monies and may have panicked.

Charles called me three times and advised he used "C. Mortimer" (a family surname) since he had never joined a forum and if I understood it, he used his wife's address in Japan for his Paypal account. And, his Paypal account is tied to his bank account.

Well, then the check showed up, I called the bank, was told it was NSF and started reading "C. Mortimer's" post and found this transaction. Well, I got scared and inferred the worst despite quick Paypal payment: I began to fear the dread "charge back" with no remedy.

Anyway, here is where things stand: Charles and I spoke, he says he did not effect the transfer with a credit card and I've shipped the camera. Charles also advises he has received the lens in this transaction.

I am to tear up the check (Charles advises that Paypal debited this account thus the check was "NSF") when the camera is delivered on about 4/25.

Sum: Charles has done everything he agreed to do so far and it appears that he and I are the "victims" of wholesale internet fraud in the sense that buyers and sellers are "jumpy!" Blame the Russians, blame dishonest Americans, blame the moon or whatever and hope that things get better.

I'll post the final outcome for all, and at this point apologize to Charles for my concerns-so far, it appears that Charles, like everyone I have met in Hawaii and Japan, is extremly honest and can't believe the rest of us have these fears because they simply don't deal with each other that way.

 

[C.Mortimer]

WENG TONG LIN "wtl"

WENG TONG LIN "wtl"

C.,

I shipped the Leica lens to you through US postal service with paypal label. I sent you the link to track the package. Although online it says it has been delivered in Norway on 10/13/2005 (though I shipped on 4/10/2006), when I called and talked to a real person in the postal office, they explained that the number has been recycled (i didn't know they do that) and they could see the package has just left the Japan custom onto the address your provided.

Now, several people on this forum have warned me about your registered information on RFF including that you have two user names (do you?). They told me that they could not confirm where you are, Norway? Japan? US? Your mailing address is not confirmed with paypal either. My paypal account says, with your payment, there is no gaurantee for charge back due to your not-yet-confirmed name and address. You explained in the email to me that the paypal account you have is under your wife's name, which I believe, but still no confirmation of the name and address from paypal. Would you explain this and confirm your address and name?

I am one of these people who refuse to believe the scams that other people seem to suggest happened everyday in our life. I did not even think twice before I dropped off the lens. I asked your address through email only to be sure I shipped the lens to the correct location.

The lens is on the way to you so I will have no control at this point. But if you could confirm everything, I shall really appreciate, and I think others here will also appreciate as I understand some peopel are still considering to ship the packages to you at the moment. So I hope a simple explanation from you will do everyone some good.

If not, well, I have then lost more than just a lens but the innocent view of the wonderful world we have and all the people in it...

W

The Norway lens arrived and I take it you are happy with the cash I transfered into your account . Taking a look at the lens you sent it seems it does not match your description , in-fact I would say that you may have exaggerated a bit -- and I quote "The lens glass to to my eyes perfect, or close to perfect as I don't see anything on it, both inside and out." For a lens this old and for this price I did not expect it to be perfect and the haze and cleaning marks ect . are not really a surprise to me .
To be fair you did offer to take the lens back and refund me my cash including shipping . Which is more than generous of you .
I guess if you were honest in your description of the lens in the first place I would not be here accused of being a possible scam in a public forum as I would of not bought the item from you .
By the way did you get paid for the lens?? -- Thats right you did .....

So my question to you Wen Tong Lin is why you did not ask me privately about your concerns in fact I hardly heard from you after you received my payment .
But since you raised some concerns on a public forum about me .
And the possibility exists that I might shatter your faith in mankind and your innocent view of the world ,let me start with who I am --
My name is Amil from Algeria and after all the money I made with paypal scams involving cadilacs and leica equipment , I finally grew tired of of destroying innocent people like you --packed up shop moved to Hawaii and then to Japan . I can now afford to live in these exotic places because of my brilliant scams -- Of course people do not change so I am back at it -- my new scam is to buy damaged lenses from fools like you .... Though I might be missing something because it seems you came out on-top ....

Wen Tong Lin I checked out your pictures in your portfolio and it made me home sick for Hawaii ....then it came to me "PAKE "--- if the lens cost a nickel and I gave you hundred bucks you would still be unhappy unless there was some sort of transaction drama ... you can't help yourself .I understand now...
Who am I really ? Well I could not think of an interesting name and did not want to use my real name -what fun is that ? so I took the first initial of my name which is Charles and my grandfathers last name which is Mortimer -- He was a great artist and I just thought it would be cool -- never thought to use my initials --Wen Tong Lin -wtl -very clever

As for multiple forum names Hmmm ...... maybe , but I forget what it is and have only posted with this one -- I changed it because being more than 3 letters it was hard to remember -- when going back and forth between here and PNET . I thought it would be easier to use one name on both forums -- sorry it caused you trouble --- get ready because after this I will have to change it again LOL .
My wife -- why you bring her into this I do not know - the package you shipped was to her address and it got here ---you did get paid right ????

My paypal --- It seemed to work for you when the money appeared in your account almost like magic ... My paypal is tied to my Bank account which is not a Japan bank-- Thats right Wen -Hawaii ...I am in Japan - Bank in Hawaii -- get it got it good ...what am I missing ...trying to answer all your questions so you can put to rest your worried little mind ...... Confirmed address . If you sent it to my Hawaii address it would of been confirmed and verified -but asked if you would ship to Japan you said yes- I see no such option to add my Japan address in paypal -- but then again I am not a power user like you -- Though I did manage to figure out how to push the send button when it came to transferring the cash into your account ----

One last thing Wen Tong Lin if you had any clue what you are talking about you would know that there is absolutely no way I could scam you -- The account I use draws directly from my bank account NOT a credit card so there is no way for me to do whatever it is you think I can do in regards to a charge back -- next time just ask the question straight instead of round about hints and clues -- I may have to do that game with my wife --- not some fool on the internet
Is this clear and simple for you to understand ???

I think it is pretty bad that now I have my full name -Where my bank is and where I live and what I purchased ..Posted publicly in a forum implying I am a scam -- makes for a great google search in the future . 9 posts and 2000.00 dollars later .Thanks Wen Tong Lin for the warm welcome here at RFF I guess it is the price of admission .........though I would of rather of paid in silver ....

Aloha



By the way I will keep the lens just for the mere fact it has been to Norway and some old Pake fool owned it before me :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

 

[wtl]

Charles,

I once again ask you to send the lens back if you are not happy, after I have offered you several times through email. I will reimburse you both way shipping to Japan and US. I do not believe I am asking for clarification of your registered information is too much to ask. But I am sorry that you took offense on this. Please send the lens back and I will pay for every penny you have spent.

You have asked and insisted that you should keep the lens and I should reimburse you partially. No, I do not want to do that. While I am not certain if I will get any money at all from you due to paypal charge back potential, this will be the last thing I want to do to further sending you more money.

Once again, please send the lens back for a total refund, including both way shipping charges.

I hope all folks here agree that this is reasonable for all parties.

Cheers.

 

[wtl]

By the way, I am still not sure why you can't confirm your Japanese address with paypal. Paypal lets you confirm any address you currently have, as long as your account is legitimate.

 

[wtl]

So my question to you Wen Tong Lin is why you did not ask me privately about your concerns in fact I hardly heard from you after you received my payment .

And that's also very interesting. I sent you a total of 4 emails after I shipped the lens including one with tracking linka dn another to check the receipt status. If you wish, I could publicise these emails. I can confirm you received all four emails because you had responded to each of them.

I have also asked you twice in private about your identity after I was warned by other menbers. And you both responded as well, without any explanation of my question.

Certainly if you look at all the communications we had, you wouldn't say this very easily.

Plus, charles, if you read my first posting on this thread, I am not sure what you are reading that indicates I was accusing you. I asked for a very simple question which I believe most of them would ask before they ship the item. I am just not sure what I said that offended you so much. For now, i am not sure if I got paid or not, since you asked. Paypal continues to say the payment you made could be charged back with no gaurantee.

 

[Dave Matison]

controversy

controversy

I'd like to apologize to WTL and Charles for my fears-I need the money from the sale of this camera and simply panicked.

Right now, it appears I pyramided inferences upon inferences and succombed to my fear.

Gentlemen, as of this moment, I am very sorry and apologize to both of you and will post the final elements once the M6 TTL is delivered to Charles and he is satisfied.

Sum: I'm sorry.

 

[C.Mortimer]

By the way, I am still not sure why you can't confirm your Japanese address with paypal. Paypal lets you confirm any address you currently have, as long as your account is legitimate.

I see no Place within pay pal to add an International shipping address only an option to add another U.S shipping address .

I guess you are not an expert after all ..... Maybe before you put finger to keyboard you should think ........... If you are not sure ...... Then I certainly do not get what you are on about ... If you Know all the ins and outs of pay pal please let me know how to do this .......Not grill me in a forum over a misunderstanding of pay pal procedure .

Your fear of charge back as I explained is not possible because the pay pal transaction was not made with a credit card via paypal but drawn out of my actual bank account .


You have never been at risk --
YOU GOT PAID BEFORE I GOT THE LENS :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:
The lens you sold me was not even close to the "PERFECT" description in your add here on RFF ........YOU STILL HAVE THE MONEY ===IT is yours no-one is going to take it from you .

Yes very noble of you offering to take the lens back -- paying shipping blah blah blah

The price of the lens was 150.00 /
PayPal 3%
Shipping 17.25
Return Shipping 17.25
Japan Tax 7.00
Total 196.00

WHY DON'T YOU DONATE HALF of what you sold the lens for to RFF .... you do-not have to reimburse me and it seems the right thing to do since you were initially dishonest about the lens...... if you do that I will consider our deal good and I will edit my feedback I left about you ........

 

[wtl]

Please end this non-sense by sending the lens back to me and have your money refunded. i will only refund the money back to the paypal account you used. If you want to donate that amount to RFF, it is your decision.

And no, you did not pay me the 3% paypal fee by the way. And you insisted I should put down the package as gift, so what Japan tax did you pay?

 

[C.Mortimer]

I'd like to apologize to WTL and Charles for my fears-I need the money from the sale of this camera and simply panicked.

Right now, it appears I pyramided inferences upon inferences and succombed to my fear.

Gentlemen, as of this moment, I am very sorry and apologize to both of you and will post the final elements once the M6 TTL is delivered to Charles and he is satisfied.

Sum: I'm sorry.

Dave no need to apologize to me .... You went more than out of your way helping me out and selling me your camera ... I feel I got a great deal and was left feeling good about the purchase ......... as for your concerns I totally understand and do not feel like you over reacted at all --- I appreciate your honesty in letting me know your concerns .
I was completely unaware of the possible scams with paypal in regards to charge backs and credit cards --- I was under the impression that once I sent the money out of my account it was gone -- That I was the one at risk .. which I am because there are no credit cards involved so I can not do a charge back....

I am upset at wtl and his post implying I a scam -- I have no idea about his point regarding my address -- I have paypal and have used it maybe 5 times - never any trouble whatsoever .

I would like to see this thread vanish or his remarks removed -- after I am found innocent .... It may not be a big deal to others but I really took offense to his comments ...... I admit my posts in response are over the top and wil edit them if possible or ask a moderator to delete the the posts ... but as it stands - I feel accused and feel it is not right that his comments should stand as they do -- I did nothing wrong and was very up front and honest in my dealings here , Now I feel I can not make any purchase here with out my reputation being in question --
All in all I am happy -- I have a beautiful M6 arriving in the mail any day now -- a nice
90 mm elmar f/4 I can use as a paper weight .... and I learned something

Also I love the way you can say so much with so few words ---I wish I could do that

 

[back alley]

ok, enough blood letting in public!

take it outside folks!

joe