Good Experience Ordering Online from Japan

[evan.christensen]

I just wanted to share that I had a positive experience ordering some Kaneshin tools from their website (bonsai-tool.com). At least, I presume it is the factory's website. Kaneshin is not paying me for this, I just wanted to share what ordering bonsai tools from Japan was like for me in case it's helpful for anyone else out there.

Timeline:

• Jan. 8th: I ordered the "Bonsai tool 5pcs set (No.3A, No.35A, No.22A, No.40E, No.59 ) No.174". I selected EMS (the Japanese postal service) as my shipping option. Order subtotal was 27,900 YEN + 5,990 YEN for shipping. They gave me a 300 YEN (~2 USD) discount for making an account on their website. Final total was 33,590 YEN ($213.19 USD). I earned 837 points by making this order which can presumably be applied towards my next purchase with them. The actual credit card payment was processed through PayPal.
• Jan. 9th: Masashi Nishimura (of Kaneshin cutlery Mfg) acknowledged my order and said that it would be shipped out in a few days.
• Jan. 14th: I received a final order confirmation with a tracking number.
• Jan. 15th: My order shipped out of Seki, Japan.
• Jan. 16th: The package was processed at Chubu Centrair International Airport
• Jan. 21st: The package went through customs at ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS facility)
• Jan. 22nd: The package left customs and was transferred to CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER (USPS Regional Facility)
• Jan. 24th: The package arrived at my local post office in Utah and was brought to my home the same day. It required a signature. I wasn't home, but I picked it up from the post office today (Jan. 27). No big deal. I honestly thought mail from Asia would take longer, but I guess Japan's postal service must connected a bit better with USPS. I was not charged any tax so I'll save the documentation in case I need to report it next year.

The package was boxed with some Japanese newspaper which I thought was kind of a fun touch. I'm not sure if I really saved much money by ordering from Japan, but I kind of liked the idea of ordering straight from the factory. I've attached some pictures in case folks are interested. The tools themselves feel great. Much better than anything I've found in gardening stores around me (which are usually way too stiff). I'm looking forward to using them!