I’m (regular departure) trying to mentally prepare for the moving-in process, which involves mentally preparing for the possibility of needing to purchase my own furniture and other “large” household items. (I know ESID and that I’ll have more info when I get my placement)
I am just curious how the process of online ordering goes in Japan? Like in the US most of the time packages just get dropped off in front of my house and I never even see the delivery person. Is it like that in Japan for smaller items? What about larger items like a washing machine or mattress? I’m just curious about the cultural expectations surrounding this–do you have to sign something, have cash on hand for the delivery cost, what should you say to the delivery people, etc.
Additionally, if you buy furniture from a secondhand store, do you have to coordinate a delivery for those items as well, and what might that process be like? I’ve been trying to imagine what this process looks like, and thinking back on my own time briefly studying abroad in Japan I never saw people carrying around a big rolled up futon, but they are sold in stores.
I would love to hear about experiences from people who had to furnish their own places and what this was like. Thank you 🙂
Edit: Thanks to everyone who shared their advice and experiences! It’s really helpful for me and I’m sure other incoming ALTs/CIRs as well 🙂
5 comments
Package delivery is one of my top 10 least favorite parts about Japan lol. If it doesn’t fit through your mail slot, you have to sign for it. Within the last year some delivery companies have started experimenting with leaving the package at your door if you have a designated package receptacle, but it’s been slow to catch on. Generally, if you’re not there to physically sign for your package they’ll leave you a “we missed you!” slip and you’ll have to scan a QR code to reschedule delivery. On the plus side most sites let you schedule the delivery time when you purchase an item so you make make sure to be home for it.
There is a cash-on-delivery payment option. You don’t have to use it though. A lot of sites will take foreign cards if you don’t have a Japanese one. You also have the option to pay at a convenience store.
I know some stores like Nitori offer free delivery (but they’re also a little expensive). Not sure how it works for cheaper places or a second hand store. I would imagine that most places would have some sort of delivery service that you can pay extra for
I did not have a predecessor coming in, so here’s my experience moving-in and getting settled from scratch:
All the stores I’ve purchased furniture or appliances from have had a delivery service to my apartment, be it a secondhand store or not. When I finalize the purchase, I ask about 配達(haitatsu). I tell them a date and time I’ll be home to receive the order, and someone delivers it. I’ve purchased a Mattress, a desk, a coffee table, mini sofa, and Laundry Machine so far like this.
For Amazon.jp- Ensure you have your address information correct on your profile and complete purchases as usual. For deliveries, I’ve needed to be home for the delivery, otherwise they leave a slip in the mailbox with a number to call to set up a new delivery time. I’ve signed for every package I’ve received. You may order furniture or appliances online if you choose, but I prefer getting an in-person look at anything costing over 1万円.
Order something online, delivery person ding dongs you sign and get. If you miss you get a slip and just go the site and choose another delivery time.
Order something online you can often schedule when it arrives so you know you will be home or stay home.
You can also get Amazon and some other packages delivered to the nearby convenience store and pick up via QR code
If it’s a large item they will often ring your bell before taking it out of the truck.
Second hand store, you arrange a delivery date and time when you pay if youd like it delivered, make sure you don’t forget you arranged it.
You can do CoD but I advise against it because well it’s annoying and often has a fee attached. Sometimes same for paying at convenience store. You can use your foreign card for Amazon jp but you can get a Wise debit card to pay in yen, Apps such as Paypay, debit cards such as JP Post Bank if you make an account there, or even make a Japanese credit card (Amazon, Rakuten, etc).
I made an Amazon credit card here and as an amazon addict i am drowning in points (1-5% on every purchase).
I would suggest Amazon (as other people have said) because it’s the most convenient. I miss my deliveries through other Japanese carriers often because they always come when I’m at work, but usually I can use the redelivery slip and still have them come back the same day.
Not sure if this happens everywhere, but be wary sometimes they show up earlier than you requested them to (it’s pretty annoying lol).
I’d also highly reccomend that if your boe or supervisor has a large car, or you’ll be driving/know someone that will have an international license and be able to use a rental, recycle shops like 2nd Street and Hard Off have a lot of stuff that’s cheaper than amazon. I bought all my applicances used and haven’t had any problems with them.
Stores like Nitori usually offer a “set up” service for a reasonable fee, in addition to any delivery fees. They will bring it into your apartment.
Same with second hand stores, but may depend on the store (unlike a big chain, like Nitori).