I'm buying a mandolin from a builder in Tokyo.
I've heard that currently, due to covid, postal shipping, which is the least expensive option, is taking approximately 6-8 weeks. Under normal circumstances it is 3-7 days by Japan Post EMS. Japan Post is still quoting 3 days, but EMS has this posted "because of the global reduction of flights, considerable delivery delays are expected for outbound mail items to other countries/territories". I know that they use many carriers for their shipping, but it seems that packages are sitting at the departure location for weeks before being sent.
I'd like to keep costs down, but having an instrument sit in some unknown warehouse for weeks on end is really not going to be good for it.
Does anyone have experience shipping with other carriers from Japan to USA, that can provide any direction?
I know that UPS, FedEx, DHL use their own fleets to ship.
I'm willing to spend more, but I'd like it to not be $500 more.
Thanks!
Edit - Just read that EMS service from Japan to USA is now suspended
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/in...423_03_en.html
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