How reliable is airmail shipping from Japan?

[SMMM]

There's an import I want to buy from a guy in Japan. He offers airmail for $2.50 and EMS for $12.00. I don't care how long it takes for it to arrive, as long as it arrives. Would airmail be safe?

 

[iazybandit]

[quote name='SMMM']There's an import I want to buy from a guy in Japan. He offers airmail for $2.50 and EMS for $12.00. I don't care how long it takes for it to arrive, as long as it arrives. Would airmail be safe?[/QUOTE]
Depends how well he packages it. Airmail should be fine but is not trackable or insureable.

 

[Ziv_Zulander]

Depends on the value of the item. If it's worth a fair bunch you really should spring for EMS, it's much much faster and trackable.

 

[Rig]

I've got three items (off of ebay) from Japan using Airmail. My first package never arrived. I went through major hassles, and in the end, received my money back from the seller. (Took 6+ months...ARGH!) The other two arrived just fine, though it took 3+ weeks to get to me!

 

[Rictor]

I use air mail from Japan and Hong Kong all the time. No problems yet. Transit times vary but the average for me is under a week.

 

[Puffa469]

When Im importing good stuff from Asia, if the item costs more that $20, I usually spring for the EMS mail. Ya cant go wrong with tracking and insurance.

 

[YoshiFan1]

Same with me, if it's a somewhat valueable item or something I know I will have trouble getting another one of (like a game I looked for months on EBay to get), then I will get the EMS.

 

[Vinny]

Does UPS or FeDex offer tracking for overseas packages?

 

[iazybandit]

[quote name='Vinny']Does UPS or FeDex offer tracking for overseas packages?[/QUOTE]
No, dont think they do.

 

[SMMM]

Considering the like-new condition of the game and the fact that this is the first time I've seen it on ebay in a few months, guess I'll do EMS.

 

[gopro]

I just bought a RARE RARE RARE Unknown(even to the japanese) Import game like on Saturday, one of the best puzzle games EVER!!! Way better than Lumines and Puzzle Fighter. This puzzle game has no Rivals. This game appears like every 3-6 months.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8257530855&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWN:IT&rd=1

Some people may have seen that game in America but only in the Arcades known as
Battle Balls. Anyways back to the original question, I used EMS, I wanna play it ASAP.