ANYONE ORDER FROM JAPAN ON EBAY?

[FloridaBob]

Hi-

I'm interested in purchasing a KATO Swiss set and one seller on Ebay is willing to deal.
What scares me is the line about "buyer responsible for import duty fees".

I tried to go to the US Govt. website but as usual with "govt. sites," most confusing.

Has anyone ever ordered a set or the like from Japan via Ebay to the US?
If so, were there indeed duty fees and how much if I might ask?

ALSO...how did it arrive?  USPS? DHL? etc.

Many thanks, Bob

[samusi01]

Has anyone ever ordered a set or the like from Japan via Ebay to the US?

If so, were there indeed duty fees and how much if I might ask?

ALSO...how did it arrive?  USPS? DHL? etc.

Yes - PlazaJapan, etc.

No - personal use, relatively low value

Japan Post to Chicago, usually, thence USPS

[MK]

I've ordered from Plaza Japan also with absolutely no issues.  No duty was levied by US Customs.  Plaza Japan ships via EMS (international Express Mail Service).  Speed is extremely quick.  From Japan to the East coast in my mailbox (NYC metro) in less than a week!

Though costly (EMS) at around $15 plus/minus for N-scale items, it really is negligible given many items are either too expensive here in the US or not obtainable.

[Mr Z]

I order from both Japan (Plaza Japan) and from England on a semi regular basis.  I have yet to be charged any customs duties. I am not sure what threshold would trigger customs to charge duties but there is always that possibility.

Plaza Japan ships both Express Post and a slower postal service. The longest wait I have had is about 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Out of England I mostly ship by Royal Mail but have had some larger items ship by DHL. Again I have not been charged duty yet.

Martin Z

[u18b]

Ordered from a person in Japan.
No problems.

No import fees.

[SandyEggoJake]

I have.  First time was from a buyer who refused to ship to the US - but I got an amazing life ring tossed to me by a member here - who helped me arrange for a repacking service, SAL $340 yen and then another $400 yen for airmail.    And then refused to allow me to repay them!  (I will be paying back this unexpected gift and karma with a package I just got for another here that will be heading to the Netherlands this week.)

Also have bought via https://buyee.jp/ which will reship for you from Yahoo auctions.  They have a FAQ in english which I found helpful  https://faq.buyee.jp/pkb_Home?l=en_US

[Tom L]

Several times from a Plaza Japan, no problems or additional import fees. Took around 3 weeks. Have also bought a few times from sellers in China with no problems or additional fees.

Tom L
Wellington

[FloridaBob]

THANK YOU one and all for the speedy, informed
and encouraging news on buying/shipping issues from Japan!

I believe I now have enough info and I thank you for the input! '-)

Most appreciated, Bob

[Wlal13again]

Yup, came USPS in about 3 weeks. No Customs fees

[MetroRedLine]

Plaza Japan is the answer. Bought a Tomix Thomas set. Easy peasy.

[FloridaBob]

Thanks again lads...
Appreciated!

[DKS]

Another upvote for Plaza Japan. I've placed many orders with them over the last several years, and they've been 100% every time.

[nickelplate759]

And a recent one - I ordered from them for the first time about 2 weeks ago.  The package arrived yesterday.  Not duty charged, everything as expected.

[garethashenden]

As far as fees go, I believe that there are no tariffs on toys currently, although that may change soon. Even if there were tariffs, the threshold is $2500.

[mike_lawyer]

I have purchased Kato parts from Plaza Japan, and they arrived in perfect condition.  No charges were added.  All were great deals.