Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? We’ve gathered the most common ones here to help you shop with confidence. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Proxy shopping is a service that helps you buy items from Japanese online stores that don’t ship internationally or don’t accept non-Japanese payment methods. NipponCart acts as your trusted middleman - we purchase the items on your behalf and then ship them directly to your doorstep.
Using NipponCart is simple:
- Fill out the Purchase Request form with links to the items you want from Japanese websites.
- We will send you and offer including: Item prices, Domestic shipping (within Japan) and our purchase fees.
- Make the first payment.
- Once you pay, we will immediately purchase your items, check and store them securely in our warehouse.
- When you're ready to ship, we’ll send you the final invoice covering the international shipping cost (based on your preferred courier) and our packing fee.
- Once the final payment is complete, your items are shipped directly to your door.
We’ll keep you updated throughout the entire process!
Delivery time depends on two main stages: the time it takes to reach our warehouse and the international transit time.
1. Domestic processing (from purchase to warehouse):
- Typically, it takes 2–3 business days for items you ordered to arrive at our warehouse once we make the purchase.
- During periods of high demand or busy campaigns, this may extend up to 5 business days.
2. Packing and dispatch:
- We usually prepare and pack your items within 1–3 business days.
- Once you've confirmed shipping (and paid the final invoice), we ship within 2–3 working days.
3. International shipping methods and transit times:
- Express couriers (EMS, DHL, FedEx, UPS): Usually 2–7 business days.
- Economy airmail (Airmail, SAL): Around 2 weeks.
- Surface (sea): Budget-friendly option taking 2–3 months.
Estimated total timeline:
- Fastest option (express couriers): 6–15 business days from purchase.
- Economy airmail: ~3 weeks.
- Surface shipping: several weeks up to 2–3 months, depending on the destination.
We provide estimated delivery times in your final shipping invoice and give you tracking information so you can monitor your package from Japan to your doorstep.
Fees, Payment & Shipping information
-> Proxy
We aim to keep our pricing transparent and easy to understand. Below is a breakdown of the fees you may encounter when using NipponCart:
Purchase Fees
We charge a small service fee for each unique item we buy on your behalf. The purchase fee is charged in addition to the item price and domestic shipping cost.
- ¥250 per item (for orders up to 10 items)
- ¥225 per item (for each additional item beyond 10)
- ¥200 per item (for each additional item beyond 20)
Note: Multiple quantities of the same item (e.g., two identical T-shirts in different sizes or colors) are counted as one item for the purpose of this fee.
This covers the time and effort involved in ordering, verifying, and tracking your purchases.
Consolidation & Packing Fees
When you're ready to ship, we combine all your items into a single package to save on shipping costs.
- A flat ¥500 packing fee applies per shipment, no matter how many items you’re sending.
We pack your items carefully to ensure they arrive safely and efficiently.
Storage Fees
We offer 60 days of free storage from the date the first purchased item arrives at our warehouse.
After 60 days, a storage fee of ¥100 per week applies. We’ll notify you before any storage fees begin, so you have time to plan your shipment.
Final Shipping Fees
Once your package is ready, we calculate the shipping cost based on your selected courier, the destination country, and the size/weight of the parcel. We offer trusted shipping options such as: EMS, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Japan Post
You’ll see the exact shipping cost in your second invoice before confirming payment.
Payment Structure
Your order is split into two payments:
- First Payment:
- Item cost
- Domestic shipping (within Japan)
- NipponCart purchase fees
- Second Payment:
- International shipping
- NipponCart packing fee
Once the second payment is complete, we ship your parcel right to your door.
-> Our Little Store
Shipping Origin:
All orders are shipped from Japan.
Shipping Destinations:
We currently ship to: Europe, North America (including USA, Canada, and Mexico), South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shipping Methods:
We ship exclusively with Japan Post with tracking to ensure safe and timely delivery.
Shipping Costs:
Shipping fees are calculated based on destination and weight. The final shipping cost will be displayed at checkout before payment.
Processing Time:
Orders are processed and shipped within 2–3 business days after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or Japanese public holidays will be processed on the next business day.
Estimated Delivery Time:
Estimated delivery time is generally 5–21 days, depending on the destination.
Delivery times may vary depending on customs procedures and local postal services.
Customs and Import Duties:
Buyers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, or import regulations in their country. Please check your local laws before ordering.
We do not have control over delays caused by Customs Clearance process, and such delays may extend the estimated delivery time
Tracking & Packaging:
A tracking number will be provided once your order is shipped.
If your order weighs more than 2kg, it will be split into multiple shipments.
Address Accuracy:
Please double-check your shipping address when ordering. We are not responsible for delays or losses due to incorrect or incomplete addresses.
Additional information:
For customers in Europe, VAT is automatically applied at checkout for orders under €150. For purchases over €150, packages are sent under DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) terms, meaning you may need to cover VAT and any applicable customs fees upon arrival. In all other regions, we do not collect taxes in advance, and orders are shipped under DDU terms as well, with import duties and local taxes (if any) to be paid by the recipient.
Prohibited items
We maintain strict compliance with Japanese export rules and international shipping restrictions. The following types of goods are strictly banned. Orders containing these will be declined without notice:
- Weapons & explosives: e.g., swords, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, airsoft replicas (including batteries)
- Pressurized gas items: e.g., spray cans, gas cylinders, extinguishers, scuba tanks
- Flammable liquids/substances: e.g., lighters, perfumes, alcohols, paint, solvents, oils
- Oxidizing or toxic materials: e.g., pesticides, bleach, radioactive materials, batteries, mercury-containing items
- Strong magnets & electronics: e.g., motors, audio amps, dry ice, internal combustion parts
Other restricted items: includes oversized freight, perishables, live/dead animals or plants, counterfeit goods, precious metals, jewelry, credit cards, transport tickets, medical supplies, obscene material, and more.
Additionally, country-specific restrictions will apply—even items generally allowed may be banned in your destination. It's your responsibility to verify local import regulations before ordering.
Refund policy
-> Proxy
At NipponCart, we strive to offer a smooth and reliable proxy shopping experience. However, due to the nature of our service, all purchases are final once we place an order with a seller. Please review your items carefully before confirming your request.
Refunds may be issued only in the following situations:
- The item is no longer available, and the seller cancels the order.
- The item fails to arrive at our warehouse due to a seller or shipping issue.
- The item is lost or damaged while in our possession before international shipment.
In these cases, we will issue a refund for the affected portion of your payment, excluding any non-refundable transaction or handling fees.
Refunds will not be issued for:
- Buyer’s change of mind after payment.
- Delays in domestic or international shipping.
- Customs issues, including returned or confiscated items.
- Issues with the product itself (wrong item, defects, missing parts) - since we purchase on your behalf, we cannot guarantee the condition or accuracy of third-party listings.
Please note: initiating a payment dispute or chargeback after using our service violates our terms and may result in account suspension.
-> Out Little Store
You may request a refund only in the following situations:
1- Your order arrived damaged or defective
2- It was never delivered (after 60 days)
3- You received the wrong item or it doesn’t match the description
How to Request
Refund requests must be made within 30 days of purchase, in case of case 1 or 3. Please use the contact form and include clear photos or videos showing the issue.
Refund Details
Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method for the affected portion of your payment.
Refunds will not be issued for:
- Buyer’s change of mind after payment.
- Delays in domestic or international shipping.
- Customs issues, including returned or confiscated items
Please note: initiating a payment dispute or chargeback after using our service violates our terms and may result in account suspension.
About Nipponcart
NipponCart is a Japan-based proxy shopping and forwarding service that helps international customers purchase products from Japanese online stores. Whether you're looking for fashion, electronics, hobby items, or exclusive local goods, we make it easy to buy and ship them worldwide.
We handle everything - from purchasing and inspecting your items to consolidating, packing, and shipping your order directly to your door.
- Legal Name: NipponCart
- Location: Fukuoka, Japan
- Email: info@nipponcart.com
- Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM JST
Contact us
Have a question or need help with your order? We’re here to assist you!
You can reach out to us using the form below — whether it’s about placing an order, tracking your package, or anything else related to our service. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours on weekdays.