Orders & Shipping
Thanks for visiting my online shop!
Before going any further, be advised that a strike at Canada Post has halted my ability to receive any stock. I am working to find alternatives, while keeping my fingers crossed that Canada Post and the union find resolution sooner than later.
Pre-orders will still be accepted, however, delivery times will be delayed until the end of the strike, or I can source an alternative shipping method between Japan and Canada.
With that out of the way, I would like to inform visitors of some important information before any purchase is made.
Most notably, I am not a bookseller in the conventional sense. I am using my connection to Japanese publisher Dai Nippon Kaiga to make select Japan-only titles available to western readers through this online shop.
This is important for two reasons:
- At this early stage, I am carrying minimal inventory, so most products are not on the shelf ready to ship.
- Therefore, unless noted otherwise, all publications are purchased on a pre-order/back-order basis. Your purchase with me reflects a purchase I’ll make on your behalf to the publisher, guaranteeing your copy on my next shipment from Japan.
- The date shown on the main shop page indicates the day that I will be placing my order to Japan. With shipments typically arriving to me 10-14 days afterwards.
If the above is not your cup of tea, that’s cool, but you’ll need to find these books and magazines elsewhere.
Orders
Order Windows
Order windows will be available at regular intervals and will be around 3 weeks in duration. My order to the publisher will be placed within 24 hours of the window closing.
Order windows will be announced on this website, via social media, and through my mailing list. Not on the list? Subscribe here.
Availability
Through consistent communication with the publication, everything listed in the LuftShop is, to the best of my knowledge, in stock at the publishers. However, it may happen from time to time that a book will go out of the publisher’s stock before I can adjust the stock status here or place my order. In such cases, out of stock items in your order will be refunded.
Larger orders (7+ Books)
Order 7 or more books? Please contact me for a customized shipping quote.
How long do orders take?
Once an order window closes, my order to the publisher is placed within 24 hours. The order ships by airmail and typically the entire order process takes 10-14 days to arrive to me from Japan, and I usually have them dispatched to you in the following 48-72 hours.
Currency
All pricing is in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Shipping
Bundle and Save!
Save on shipping (on a per book basis) when you bundle multiple books in an order. Every shipping fee involves a base cost, with additional books adding a moderate up-charge, often as little as a few dollars per book, depending on your shipping method.
Shipping Methods
Currently, I am using postal services for all shipping. As such all shipping methods are determined by what Canada Post offers and charges, and costs may change as rates and service offerings to specific countries change.
Canada
For Canadians, I use Expedited Parcel / Xpresspost, which offers tracking and a delivery time of 2-7 days depending where in the country you are located.
USA
For Americans, I use Tracked Packet or Expedited Parcel, which provides tracking info and delivery times of 5-12 days.
International
For international shipping, packages under 2 kg qualify as Small Packet/Tracked Packet and are more cost-effective to ship — this 2 kg limit is equivalent to the approximate weight of 3 books plus packaging. Want to order more than 3 books? Contact me for a shipping quote.
There are 3 international shipping methods available:
- Small Packet International Surface — For 3 books or fewer. The most economical option, but slow (anywhere from 4-12 weeks*) and no package tracking
- Small Packet International Air — For 3 books or fewer. Costlier than air, but quicker at 6-12 days*, but still no package tracking available
- Either Tracked Packet International or Xpresspost International (EMS), depending on your country. Pricy, but offers shipping times of 2 weeks or less and with package tracking.
Customs and Duties
Any customs and duties are the responsibility of the buyer.
Packaging
Books and bundled orders will be shipped in corrugated literature mailers, magazines will be shipped in padded mailers.
Common Questions
I don’t see my country listed in the shipping options?
If you do not see your country available for shipping, please contact me me and I will add it.
What currency does your online shop use?
Both the product and shipping costs are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Can I bundle orders?
Yes, the shipping calculator should provide accurate shipping costs for bundled orders. If you are interested in larger or retail orders (ie. 5+ items, please contact me.
How long does shipping take?
Based on past shipments, shipping estimates* are as follows:
Canada – 3-5 days
United States – 6-12 days
Europe – Air, 10-14 days; Surface, 6-10 weeks
Asia/Australia/NZ – Air, 12-14 days; Surface, 12-14 weeks
*I stress these are estimates. Global shipping situations may impact these times.
Is there tracking available for shipping?
Canada Post provides tracking on North American orders. Canada Post does not provide tracking for international orders through Small Packet International Air and Surface.
If you have any other questions, or encounter any glitches in ordering, please contact me.
All good? Let’s get shopping!
