Service FAQ
Since it looks like I'll continue to offer more doujinshi pick-up services in the future, I'd like to clarify some information on the process and pricing. If it's still confusing at all, drop me a line and I'll try to clear things up. Thanks!
As always, please read the pricing and event details closely before placing an order. Check the individual event pages for exact fees, and let me know if you have any questions. I will assume that you agree to the stated fees for the event when you order. Estimated exchange rate as of 8/22: Y1000 = $13 USD.
Basic Service Information I offer a few different proxy services, getting the doujinshi (fan comics) and goods you want from Japan to you. For fan events I attend, I run a doujinshi pick-up service -- I'll visit the requested circle tables and make purchases for you there. These events are the best way to get new releases, as well as buying from multiple artists in the same fandom/genre. Events I'm attending, as well as others I've heard about, are listed on my event calendar. But sometimes, we might be between events, or a circle you're interested isn't attending. That's where my online ordering service comes in. If your requested items are still available/in stock, I'll order directly from the circle or from the online shop handling their sales. Online doujinshi shops include Toranoana, K-Books, livret, youclub, Melonbooks, etc.
Events: What to send me
Please include the name of your requested event in the subject line. (I need the event name, circle name, space number, and request at minimum; the rest is optional for pick-ups.) I will also accept Do Not Want lists, as long as I am given a circle or list of circles to check out.
For some events, I am also willing to do a wider fandom search -- for example, "up to 3 Doctor Who titles, preferably Eleven", or "any Urahara/Ichigo titles, up to Y5000". It really depends on the size of the event, time available and whether or not I know where at least one circle in that request will be seated. I ask that the fandom search be in addition to a specified circle pick-up, thank you.
Some events also have their catalog available for preorder. In this case, I am willing to look up circle names in the directory, and possibly additional circles in the same fandom. Note: After the March 2011 earthquake and the subsequent cancelling of Haru Comic City, Akaboo has been suspending catalog preorders.
Your request list is due by the deadline posted on the event page. I will confirm your list before the event, and let you know the amount due for deposit when I get your list.
All payments are through PayPal.
Deposit
Some events require a deposit. After you make your request list and send it to me, I'll confirm it with you and let you know the deposit amount due. Typically, this is at minimum $8.00 per circle requested, up to $8.00 per item plus anticipated goods fees. This is calculated entirely separately from the grand total, and is unrelated to the cost of items or the service itself.
This deposit is to be paid in USD by the deadline posted on the event page. If you change your order before paying, I'll alter the amount due for your deposit. If you change your order after the deposit has been paid, don't worry about it.
Any excess will be refunded after the event in the case of your deposit being greater than the grand total. (The purpose of the deposit is to hopefully cover the cost of the items purchased in case of non-payment by the client; in addition, it helps me cover the upfront costs for large events such as Comiket.)
Fee Structure The grand total is calculated with the following parts: -- Cost of items -- Commission fees (see individual event pages) -- Additional fees for oversized goods, wall circles, and special handling. -- Shipping and handling (see shipping section) -- PayPal fees (3.9% + $0.60, I believe -- will doublecheck this figure)
Goods fees apply to delicate or non-flat, greater-than-A4-size items, as carting these around without massive damage (to it or to other items) is a pain. Fees start at ¥200.
Wall circles are often those popular tables with their lines snaking out the doors. This posed a significant issue at SCC, so I need to develop a new policy. All wall circles will incur an additional fee. In the case of multiple requests for the same wall circle, the wall fee will be decreased. (Any divisions will be rounded up to the nearest Y100.)
Payment
The deposit will be subtracted from the grand total, calculated after the event, to give you the final amount due. The final amount due is to be paid before shipping. If it happens that your deposit is greater than the grand total, I will refund the difference at that time.
I prefer payment in USD, as I have a US account this all goes to, and currency conversions done twice over in the case of orders outside the US doesn't quite make sense to me. That said, if you really prefer to use JPY, please let me know in advance to adjust the calculations properly.
Current exchange rate used: ¥1000 = $12.00. I'm pretty sure this is below the current market rate right now, so it may be adjusted accordingly in the future.
Shipping Method
My default shipping method is to use SAL Small Packet shipping. It's cheap (¥80 + ¥100/100g), it arrives to the US in about 2 weeks, and is applicable to all non-letter packages under 2kg in weight. I can split your order into two packages if it is overweight in order to receive this discount rate.
If you'd prefer EMS, Airmail, or Seamail, please let me know, along with what country I'll be shipping to so I can calculate fees.
Packaging
Doujin are double-wrapped in plastic bags with a piece of cardboard, and then placed in a bubble envelope. The addresses are taped over with clear tape. Novelties such as pins are usually wrapped separately before being placed with the rest of the items.
EMS packages are similarly plastic wrapped, with bubblewrap encasing that, and placed inside an EMS envelope.
Large orders of doujinshi may require a box, in which case they will be wrapped like EMS packages before placed inside the box and further padded.
Flat oversized goods (paper bags, folders, etc.) will be wrapped in plastic and sandwiched between pieces of cardboard, with the edges securely taped together when shipped separately.
I have been adding a Y200 per package handling fee to cover materials cost, though this may increase in cases of special packaging. (I am looking into cheaper, better sources for shipping materials in Japan, but haven't gotten a chance to order anything yet.)
Events
I try to respond to all messages immediately, but considering my real life activities and responsibilities, this can be impossible. I'll do my best to answer any queries within a few days.
Here's my ideal schedule. In practice, there may be some changes, but you can use it as a guideline.
By one week before the event, I'll have confirmed all orders, and continue collecting deposits and last-minute alterations up to the deadline.
Event! Even when arriving early to wait in line, I may not be able to get in until 30 minutes or an hour after a big event begins. When possible, I prepare a map beforehand and follow the most efficient route.
After the event, I'll compile a list of the titles acquired and their prices. Usually, I'm impatient and this happens the night I get back, if I'm not dead on my feet.
After receiving your shipping preferences and location, I'll send an updated invoice with the final amount due. This should happen within a week.
After I receive your payment, I'll ship out your package. I like to do this the following day, but as long as my work schedule and the post office's hours permit, it should be mailed within the week. If you'd like to leave a review after receiving your package, check out my feedback page. Thanks!
This post and my service are both a work in progress. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact me through LiveJournal, or email me at feikoi at gmail dot com. Thank you!