
- Published: July 9, 2025 11:31 AM (JST)
- Last Updated: July 9, 2025 12:32 PM (JST)
Buyee Shipping Explained: Methods, Costs, and How Long It Takes
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All Shipping Methods Available on Buyee
Buyee provides a wide range of international shipping options so you can choose the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability for your needs. Available methods include:
- EMS (Japan Post International Courier): Fast delivery (typically 4-8 days) with full tracking, recommended for most purchases.
- Air (Airmail): Slightly slower than EMS (6-12 days) but often more affordable, available for parcels up to 30 kg.
- SAL (Economy Airmail): Even cheaper but slower (12-26 days), combining air and surface transport. Currently suspended in many regions due to global disruptions.
- Surface (Seamail): Very cost-effective for heavy packages, but the slowest—taking 1-3 months on average.
- FedEx, DHL, UPS: Premium couriers offering quick delivery (1-7 days) with robust tracking. Ideal for high-value or time-sensitive items.
- Buyee Air Delivery: Buyee’s own economy air service to select countries, balancing cost and speed.
Each option has specific size and weight restrictions, such as Japan Post's maximum of 30 kg and length plus circumference limits. Buyee’s site offers detailed charts to help you match your package to the right service.
Shipping Costs and How They Are Calculated
International shipping costs are mainly determined by the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight accounts for the space a package occupies, calculated as:
length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 5000
For example, a lightweight but bulky plush toy might be charged more based on size. In addition to the base shipping fee, surcharges for fuel or remote delivery areas can apply. Buyee’s estimator tool lets you input item dimensions and your country to see approximate costs before committing.
Estimated Delivery Times by Method & Country
Delivery times vary by shipping method and destination. General estimates include:
- EMS: 4-8 days worldwide.
- Air: 6-12 days for most countries.
- SAL (when available): 12-26 days.
- Seamail: 1-3 months, best for large non-urgent shipments.
- FedEx / DHL / UPS: 1-7 days depending on location and service level.
Do note that customs processing, local delivery schedules, and seasonal surges can all impact these timelines. Buyee posts general averages but real delivery may vary.
Domestic Shipping Within Japan
Before reaching you, purchases first travel domestically from sellers to Buyee’s warehouses. This leg usually costs 150 to 1,500 yen depending on seller location, shipping method, and item size. Once at Buyee, your package is logged and visible on your account dashboard. Domestic shipping is also available if you’re sending to a hotel or residence within Japan—but watch for these rules:
- Hotel address must match reservation name to avoid rejected deliveries.
- Provide a Japanese phone number if possible; couriers often call before delivery.
- Some isolated islands and mountainous regions may be excluded.
Most domestic packages arrive at Buyee’s warehouse within a few days of purchase. From there, you control when to consolidate and ship internationally.
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