1 & Only CD Japan Thread

[something]

Since I've started spending much more on imports in 2009, primarily CDs but also my first R2J series ever (2k9 Haruhi eps), I've been shopping more at CDJapan. I rather like them, and have almost no complaints.

For shipping, I've been using SAL, because let's face it EMS is horribly expensive and I just can't justify that on top of what I'm already paying. I do like the speed, and the tracking, but it's just not worth it unfortunately.

However, getting excited over a shipping notification and then realizing I will have to wait about a month for it to arrive rather kills the mood, especially if I already had to wait a month after ordering for it to street. And a month seems about right... 4/24 order was at least three weeks I think, 6/25 package was a little over a month, 7/24 order is at 3.5 weeks and counting. Another shipped on 8/17 and I'm not holding my breath for it to break the trend. I have another shipping around the end of this month when Haruhi 2k9 Vol. 1 comes in stock and ships with some CDs.

Recreating a smallish four CD order that just shipped, it would be 900 yen with SAL; 1550 yen with Airmail; 2550 yen with EMS. I simply will not pay 62% of the order's item value for shipping when cheaper options exist, and $9.50 to ship four CDs from Japan seems pretty reasonable so SAL is just too tempting. But that mid-level price on Airmail, I could probably justify it if it were something I wanted sooner rather than later.

But how much sooner would it come? Anyone have experience with it? Is it as variable as SAL? Also, does it require a signature (which I hate)? CDJapan's site doesn't seem to indicate it does, which would be good.

[Fawul]

I've never ordered from cdjapan but airmail from other stores in japan usually gets to me in around two weeks, give or take a few days. And it does require a signature.

[The Great Bear]

I have tried out the various shipping options at CDJ, but I've only tried airmail once, so all I have is one experience with it. I usually do EMS, but I tend to make rather large orders when I did (I've basically stopped importing for the moment).

For airmail, the package came I'd say between 8-12 days after ship date. It was definitely over a week, but less than 2. I can't remember exactly how long it took again, since it was over a year ago when I used airmail, but it comes a lot lot faster than SAL, though not as quick as EMS.

If you can't wait, then definitely consider Airmail, though EMS can sometimes be not terribly more expensive, especially if you do not have many items in your order.

I do not think it required a signature, but keep in mind, I think there are two versions of Airmail at CD Japan: Registered and normal. Registered requires a signature, while regular Airmail does not. I chose regular Airmail and I did not have to sign for it.

[Draneor]

I use airmail for stores that don't offer SAL. It generally takes a week or two (rarely three). Also, you usually have to sign for it, unlike SAL.

[Herron]

I use air mail when I shop at CDJapan, though I don't shop there much. I'd say about 2 weeks is right... though it's been a good while since I've actually ordered and received something from CDJapan.

Actually I should have something shipping this week so I could see how long it takes and give you a more complete answer.

Like you I normally use SAL for most shippments from Japan, but when Airmail is offered I usually use that. EMS is killer on price... too much for me, only when I have to have it quick, it's forced on me(Hobby Search!), or something is fragile do I use it.

[something]

Originally Posted by Draneor

I use airmail for stores that don't offer SAL. It generally takes a week or two (rarely three). Also, you usually have to sign for it, unlike SAL.

Hmm, thanks all. The signature part kinda kills it, but I'm hearing ~2 weeks which would be a significant improvement over SAL. Maybe I'll consider it for future volumes of the Haruhi 2k9 R2s, but I doubt I'll do it for orders that are just CDs.

[LKK]

Like The Great Bear said, there are two types of airmail at CD Japan. One requires signature (Registered) and one doesn't (Regular). In addition to requiring a signature, Registered gets you online tracking as well. There's a difference in price. Registered is more expensive. (An additional 410 yen according to the shipping info page.)

I have always used the Regular air mail option. The packages have always arrived within 2 weeks (usually closer to 1 week than the full 2 weeks). I have never signed for my package.

[Danime]

This thread brings back happy memories of Japanese CD imports without customs charges (and the occasional DVD)........ before the Pound Sterling died.

[Seahawk]

When I got my copy of the EVA 2.0 soundtrack from them, I used Air Mail and got it about four or five days after they sent it out, I think. Probably four, if I don't count Sundays when there's no mail.

[something]

Well, I contacted CDJapan (first time emailing their CS) and asked them to move my two open orders to Air mail. They responded within a day in perfect English and the orders were updated right away. Good stuff. The big one should go out as soon as Haruhi 2k9 Vol. 1 comes in stock, although that happens on Friday so maybe they won't get it out until Monday. Do they ever ship early?

Here's hoping the speed is much faster - I'd be elated just to get under two weeks at this point, SAL is killing me - and if it is then the increase in price is perfectly reasonable.