egl_archive

Just a review for Closet Child's on-line shop and their international shipping~

On the 12/02 I placed an order for an AP bolero through Closet Childs webshop. Even though the site is in Japanese, they have a very handy overseas shipping guide. I followed the guide carefully and exactly using the shopping cart function and found I had no problems - I received the auto response immediately. In the extra comments/requests box, I had asked if the package value could be marked down to avoid customs, but said it wasn't a problem if they couldn't. For overseas orders, they ask you to wait until they email you your shipping costs, you reply confirming you want the item, and then they'll invoice you. I got my shipping cost email on the 15/02 - a bit of a wait, but they do tell you it can take a while. The bolero cost 4640 yen, and shipping came to 1800 yen which was no surprise to me, it's a pretty standard rate for EMS shipping from Japan. I immediately replied with confirmation, and the next day they sent me the invoice, giving me one week to pay. I paid straight away, and then my package was sent on the 17/02 complete with tracking. What's more, they also told me:

To avoid customs, we have marked the package as "personal effects" with lower value as follows:
used bolero 500 JPY
(second hand for personal use)

Which, as anyone who lives in a country with extortionate customs fees will know, I was very happy to hear! Their English was very good, I was emailed every time by Ariana who was very polite and friendly and was good to see she understands how international customs fees works. I received my package today, 21/02. Package was pretty standard fair, bubble mailer:

And, as promised:

Inside:

I think the item was marked at 3/5 condition, but honestly other than looking generally a bit 'worn' there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it. I think the description mentioned a missing bow but I can't see one missing. After some quick bear-surgery (seriously they looked even weirder when worn).