What will an overseas purchase really cost to deliver to Japan?
Before buying from an overseas store, check costs beyond the product price, the meaning of free shipping and who collects taxes. Use one worked example to compare the total.
PORTLETTERBuying guides
Guides for buying from Japan and overseas
Buying from a Japanese shop while overseas, arranging delivery to Japan, missing shipping prices or unanswered emails: find the checks and messages for your situation before paying.
Costs and shipping
The shipping cost is missing. What should you check before ordering?
Found a product but cannot see the delivery price? Check the destination, free-shipping conditions, a short supplier email and the costs included in the reply before committing.
The shop will not ship to Japan. What can you check next?
Cannot select Japan for a product you want? Separate the website message from the supplier policy, ask about direct delivery with a short email, and decide what to do if the answer is no.
Can I buy just one? Checking small orders from overseas
Found a part or product overseas but unsure about pack sizes and minimum orders? Check the selling unit, paid samples and delivered cost, with a short message you can adapt.
Supplier enquiries and returns
An English email template for asking a store about stock and shipping
Unsure how to contact an overseas seller? Adapt a short English enquiry, then check the reply for stock, shipping, taxes, dispatch timing and return conditions before buying.
The overseas shop has not replied. What should you check before buying?
Still waiting for stock or shipping information? Review the contact channel and questions, use a short follow-up template and decide what remains unanswered before ordering.
Worried about overseas returns? What to ask before buying
Check what happens if an item arrives damaged or differs from the order. Questions and a short seller email cover eligibility, return shipping, evidence and reporting deadlines.
Buying from Japan
Buying from a Japanese shop while living overseas: where to start
Found a product in a Japanese store but unsure about ordering abroad? Check direct shipping, the exact variation and destination costs, with a short Japanese enquiry you can adapt.
Start with the product link
Send the URL, any necessary specifications, quantity and your reply email. The initial enquiry, basic research and quote are free.
Make a free enquiryAn enquiry is not an order or contract.