The MLP Arena
TCB => Trader & Shipping Support => Topic started by: OctoberFlash on August 16, 2013, 04:42:56 PM
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I'm a bit new to buying things from overseas; how long does US customs normally take to process things? I have tracking on a package I'm expecting from Japan, and for almost a week now it's been displaying that it's going through US customs ("Origin Post is Preparing Shipment"). Usually I wouldn't worry, but does it really take that long? Should I be worried that it's stuck in customs? Or is it still too early to call? :S
It wasn't a big or particularly expensive package, so I don't know what would hold it up... all that was inside is a figure I'm expecting. I'm so new to all of this I have no idea whether I should be worried or not!
Thanks,
-OctoberFlash
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If you used EMS shipping, which is the recommended service for Japanese packages, it takes a few months. About three, if I recall. But I ordered a day planner once and it took eight months. :)
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Are you entering the tracking number/customs number directly into the USPS site, or is it eBay?
I have had several items, especially from Mexico, that display "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" until I receive them.
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If you used EMS shipping, which is the recommended service for Japanese packages, it takes a few months. About three, if I recall. But I ordered a day planner once and it took eight months. :)
Huh? Really? I heard other people saying EMS takes just up to a week. o.o It was too expensive for me, though, so I went with registered SAL package, which said it'd take about 1-2 weeks.
Wow, eight months... that's a really long time to wait for something. I've never heard of something taking that long... :(
Are you entering the tracking number/customs number directly into the USPS site, or is it eBay?
I have had several items, especially from Mexico, that display "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" until I receive them.
I'm doing it directly into the USPS site. uwu
Oh, really? I see... maybe that's what's happening to me, then. :3
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From my experience on ordering directly from Japan and china, EMS is about 1-2 weeks. Customs hold maybe a week or less once you see the 'origin post is preparing shipment.' Then it's usually a delivery surprise since it doesn't usually update after that.
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From my experience on ordering directly from Japan and china, EMS is about 1-2 weeks. Customs hold maybe a week or less once you see the 'origin post is preparing shipment.' Then it's usually a delivery surprise since it doesn't usually update after that.
Ohh, I see.. uwu that makes sense. Thanks!
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I order things from hong kong, japan and china pretty frequently. Sometimes the info will say the same thing and not update for a few days. SOmetimes it will say when it hits US customs..usually it goes through either New York or San Fransisco.
It will be something like this:
LK745691852CN
First-Class Package International Service
Delivered
August 15, 2013, 2:09 pm
WARRENSBURG, NY 12885
International Letter
Arrival at Unit
August 15, 2013, 7:50 am
WARRENSBURG, NY 12885
Depart USPS Sort Facility
August 15, 2013
ALBANY, NY 12288
Processed through USPS Sort Facility
August 14, 2013, 8:59 pm
ALBANY, NY 12288
Depart USPS Sort Facility
August 13, 2013
FLUSHING, NY 11351
Processed through USPS Sort Facility
August 13, 2013, 9:25 am
FLUSHING, NY 11351
Processed Through Sort Facility
August 12, 2013, 2:41 pm
ISC NEW YORK NY(USPS)
Origin Post is Preparing Shipment
Processed Through Sort Facility
August 6, 2013, 3:54 am
SHANGHAI EMS, CHINA
Acceptance
August 4, 2013, 12:12 am
CHINA
This took about 2 weeks from China to where I am in NY. It was mailed the 4th but didnt go through US customs till the 12th. The item was a large pokemon umbreon plush I won for a penny :lol: shipping on the other hand was like $15 -_-
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From my experience on ordering directly from Japan and china, EMS is about 1-2 weeks. Customs hold maybe a week or less once you see the 'origin post is preparing shipment.' Then it's usually a delivery surprise since it doesn't usually update after that.
I have experienced about the same time frame as HR.
I wouldn't worry though, it will probably land on your doorstep any day now. :hug:
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I think anywhere between 2-4 weeks is pretty normal, so no need to worry yet :hug: Sometimes it does take longer though and it doesnt always update the tracking as often as it should.