EMS versus Surface

[FiftyQuid]

I'm thinking of buying something from Japan, but shipping is expensive.  I don't mind using Surface shipping and waiting the 2-3 months.  It saves me money ($50), and I like that.  The EMS option is $100.

Is there anything else I should know about getting something shipped from Japan?  Anything else I should know about Surface shipping?  This will be my first time using EMS/Surface.  Please help me bust my cherry.

[PunkCryborg]

keep in mind that if you use surface mail your package will go through a lot more on it's way to you so if it's delicate you might want to EMS it so it arrives safe.

[FiftyQuid]

keep in mind that if you use surface mail your package will go through a lot more on it's way to you so if it's delicate you might want to EMS it so it arrives safe.

Hmm... So it gets beat to hell?  Why would they even offer Surface as an option?

Has anyone shipped Surface before?

[WingZeroKai]

Surface is okay. I did it once for a few games a year or so back. Took about 1 1/2 months and came undamaged.

For bigger order its can save you quite a bit, but at the cost of time, insurance and tracking(I think?

[Nando]

so what's a good rule of thumb? Games shipped surface OK. Consoles/electronics EMS?

[csgx1]

I've used surface a number of times for consoles and haven't had any problems so far.  I remember one package did take about 3 months for it to arrive. 

I think surface doesn't offer any type of tracking?  I could be wrong since I haven't used surface in recent years.

[SignOfZeta]

EMS is expensive, but it's lighting quick (less than a week to Michigan from Japan) has tracking that is actually reliable, and your package doesn't get the shit kicked out of it quite so bad.

[FiftyQuid]

EMS = tracking.  Does Surface offer tracking?

[VestCunt]

Hmm... So it gets beat to hell?  Why would they even offer Surface as an option?

The difference is the type of packages that will be surrounding your box. Whenever considering shipping options, whether it's USPS Priority vs Parcel, UPS Ground vs 2-day air, or Japan's EMS vs Surface, the thing to remember is that heavy-ass shit is usually shipped via slower ground services and fast air mail is generally used for lighter business parcels. Mail carriers have a lot more integrity than, say, baggage handlers, but there will be less chance of a hundred-pound box of motorcycle parts falling on top of your console if you opt for EMS.

I've never had any problem with either service, but I try to use EMS for anything with moving parts, if I can afford it.

[BlueBMW]

Ive surface mailed dozens of things.  The key to safe arrival is good packaging on the part of the shipper.  Double boxing goes a long way towards keeping stuff safe.

[Frank_fjs]

You can have a surface mail shipment insured and registered with a tracking number, it only costs around $5 extra. The tracking, whilst not as comprehensive as EMS, does show you when your item has boarded the ship and when it's arrived at its destination country.

I typically receive surface mail in 6-10 weeks, I've never had to wait a full 3 months.

You can get away with sending a console but the package will get knocked around a lot, and will most likely have heaps of heavy packages thrown on top of it, so make sure that whoever is sending it packs it extremely well.

[FiftyQuid]

Shipping using Surface seems like bit of a crap shoot.  It all comes down to how intelligent the shipper is.  I hate relying on other people. 

[TheClash603]

I just received something EMS and it was broken due to the mishandling of the post office.  An insurance claim was placed, but it appears to have been unsuccessful.

So if insurance is your main reason of going with EMS...   meh.  If you don't mind a slow delivery, just go with surface.

[FiftyQuid]

My main reason for going with EMS would have been getting my shipment in one piece.  So far it seems the only guarantee is that EMS is quicker.

[Frank_fjs]

Well the quickness of EMS also contributes to receiving an item safely. I.e. EMS shipments are handled a lot less, meaning there's less room for something to go wrong.

EMS basically works like this:

- Day 1: Drop item off at post office.
- Day 1/2: Post office sends item to sorting centre.
- Day 2: Item is loaded onto a plane.
- Day 3: Item arrives at sorting depot, receives custom clearance etc.
- Day 4: Item arrives at your local postal centre.
- Day 5: Item arrives at your doorstep.

With a surface shipment the item is transported around and stored in many more places along the way.

[BlueBMW]

Yeah there's never any guarantee, but a good packer can make all the difference.  The guy i've been using in Japan double boxes everything and even when I get a package that is nice and rounded from excessive handling, the items inside are always just fine.  Usually I'm shipping larger/heavier items.  My typical slowboat package consists of a pair of X68000s and some random stuff usually weighing in at around 40lbs.  Cost to ship is usually around 10000 yen or about $131.

If you can wait, surface mail is great and cheap.  Another option for lighter items is SAL shipping which is kind of halfway in between EMS and surface hehe.

[PunkCryborg]

Isn't there a weight/size limit with SAL?

[Arkhan Asylum]

EMS or gtfo.


It's always worth it.  You'll do surface and get broken/lost toys and go FUCK, WHY DIDN'T I EMS.  IM SO STUPID.WE
FGAORGOKAREGJADGR8U032IO4RGTF


I've had things arrive EMS faster than Priority.

It's wild to have games from Japan get here in 3 days, and stuff from California takes a week.

[FiftyQuid]

I'm was already leaning towards EMS, but it's good to hear all the feedback.  Thanks guys!

[Nando]

The guy i've been using in Japan double boxes everything and even when I get a package that is nice and rounded from excessive handling, the items inside are always just fine. 

where do you get your stuff from?

[xcrement5x]

If you can wait, surface mail is great and cheap.  Another option for lighter items is SAL shipping which is kind of halfway in between EMS and surface hehe.

I use SAL for almost everything since I'm normally not in that big of a hurry.  I'm normally buying games and not stuff with moving parts so it's served me well and I've never had a lost package yet.  ::knock on wood::  Shipping time can take from a couple weeks to a month but that's normally well within my window to file a claim on PayPal if something goes wrong.

However, SAL has a weight limit of about 2kg I believe, so if it's more than that it has to go EMS or surface.    I think SAL is about 60% the cost of EMS too, so the amount you can save pays off in the long run.  For stuff that's more expensive though (like $150+) or very rare, I will go EMS just to keep my personal sanity over the next month. :p