Creating a ZenMarket parcel is one of the most exciting parts of your item's journey from Japan to you. It is at this stage your items get cozy with eachother and are prepared for international shipping.
This guide will cover some tips and advice about the various options you have available when creating a ZenMarket parcel.
Once the items you want to ship have all arrived at the ZenMarket warehouse, start working on your parcel by clicking or tapping the +CREATE NEW PARCEL button on the Main, or Parcels tab of your account.
Choosing the Items to be Shipped
The first thing you will see on the create a parcel screen will be the list of items that you currently have at the ZenMarket warehouse. You can select the items you want to include in your parcel by choosing the checkboxes on the left.
Some extra tips:
- If you have multiple units of the same item, you can tweak how many go into this parcel by adjusting the quantity box.
- You can view the price of items and the total price of all your items in the items table.
- This can be helpful if the parcel's destination has a customs threshold you need to stay under.
- For example, most parcels bound for EU need to stay under the equivalent of 150 Euro in order to pre-pay using our IOSS system, while for Australia the limit for pre-paying GST is AU$1,000.
- You can view the weight of individual items as well as the total weight of all your items in the table. Use this to get a general idea of the weight of your parcel.
- PLEASE NOTE: ZenMarket are unable to ship your items naked. We still need to wrap your items with protective materials and put them into a box so they are protected for international shipping. We recommend adding at least 200g - 300g to the weight of your items when estimating the shipping cost for your parcel. This number should be increased more as your items get larger.
- One more thing! The dimensions of your items are not included here. This feature was tested, but ultimately removed as different items can fit together in different ways depending on their shape and size. Even so, when estimating, we recommend adding some dimensions into the calculator as weight isn't always what contributes to the shipping cost.
Enter your Address
The next step is to enter your address. This is pretty straightforward - just fill in each field listed as you would if you were filling out a delivery slip.
The above address and phone number was made up entirely for the creation of this article and is entirely fictitious.
The form may vary slightly depending on the country/region you select. A question we get asked a lot is what the Taxpayer Identification Number is and whether or not it needs to be filled out.
For most users, this is optional and you can completely ignore it. For some users, such as business customers, this may need to be filled out. This usually depends on the volume of goods you order and import into your country/region throughout the year. As an example, some customers for Germany are required to include this number once they exceed a yearly import volume.
There are also some other cases where certain products require a license or permit in order to import them. An example of this would be that alcohol can be shipped to the United States, but only if the receiver holds an appropriate import license. If your business holds one of these licenses you can enter it here to ensure your parcels are shipped.
For everybody else, feel free to leave this field blank - if you are unsure whether you need to include the number, feel free to ask customer support.
Choosing a Shipping Method
ZenMarket has many international shipping methods available. The availability of each varies based on your country/region but the majority of regions have access to EMS, AVIA (Airmail), Surface, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and ZenExpress. Additional methods may be available for some regions.
This enables you to balance cost with shipping time. You can check shipping method availability on the shipping calculator.
When you create a parcel, we ask for your preferred shipping method to help us prepare the parcel accordingly. Please note you will be able to change your shipping method later.
You will be able to see the shipping method's maximum limits as you cycle through them. Your order will be processed faster if you can be sure your item will be shipped within that shipping method's limits.
As an example if you want your items to be shipped with Avia Small, by default you should know you cannot include items that weigh more than 2kg, otherwise we may have to come back to you asking you select a different shipping method prior to packing.
IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind that not all items can be shipped with all shipping methods. If an item you have selected cannot be shipped with your chosen shipping method we will contact you to choose an alternative shipping method for that item.
ALSO, there are cases where technically you can ship with a certain shipping method, but through our experience we know it is not a good idea and could lead to potential issues when we send it. In this case we may we strongly recommend taking this advice and switching to a different shipping method to prevent trouble on arrival.
An examples of this was the period of time where rejection of Surface parcels by Brazililian customs was unusually high, so we suggested using a non-Surface shipping method. Another example is when attempting to ship textiles to the United States with a courier service such as DHL or Fedex, we have found that they have a documentation requirement that we are unable to provide, so we suggest using a postal shipping method instead (EMS, Avia, Surface).
We also ask you to select a packing strategy before packing your parcel so that we can optimize your parcel for that particular shipping method.
This will also advise our packing team on what to do in the event that the items you have selected cannot be shipped with your chosen shipping method, for example if they don't fit within the size and weight restrictions of a particular carrier.
There are 3 packing strategy options you can choose.
Use the next cheapest shipping option
This one is good if you feel all your items MUST be shipped together, and you are not too concerned about the shipping method you would like to use.
It is convenient, as all the items you select will be optimized to be shipped as cheaply as possible in a single parcel.
The problem with this packing strategy is if the items you have selected push the size of the parcel beyond the restrictions of cheaper shipping methods such as AVIA or Surface. This will mean the parcel must be shipped with the next cheapest shipping method, which will typically be UPS or DHL, which are not particularly cheap by comparison.
Be sure to check the size/weight restrictions of your desired shipping method carefully before opting for this packing strategy.
Split into two or more parcels
This one is good if you want to ensure your items are shipped with a particular shipping method, and you want your items to go out at the same time.
In this case, we will pack your parcel up until the cutoff point for your selected shipping method, and if there are still items to pack, we will put them into a separate parcel. This ensures that you are guaranteed to use the shipping method you want, and that your parcels are all packed at the same time.
You run into the problem that if just a single item did not quite fit, you will be left with a tiny parcel for just that item, which may not be the cheapest way to ship it depending on your chosen shipping method.
If you have other items on their way to the warehouse, or you order from ZenMarket regularly, it might be better to choose our next packing strategy.
Leave items at the warehouse
This one is good if you want to ensure your items are shipped with a particular shipping method, and don't need your parcels to be shipped out at the same time.
It is particularly good for regular shoppers who have a stream of products arriving at the warehouse every so often. For this packing strategy, we will do the same thing we did for "Split into two or more parcels," except if an item does not fit, it will be left at the warehouse instead of being put into a second parcel, giving you the opportunity to attempt to combine it with other orders you have made.
Packing precedence is given to items that have been at the warehouse the longest so as to avoid you having to pay for additional storage (unless you instruct us otherwise). This is the best packing method if you buy items regularly - be sure to make use of our 60 days of free storage to get the most out of this packing strategy.
The problem with this shipping method is if you are on a deadline for all items as we will pack one parcel then return items that do not fit to your account for selection. To ship these leftover items you will need to submit another packing request for them.
For all 3 packing strategies, you can still change your shipping method to an eligible shipping method for free after your parcel has been packed.
For a fee you can also opt to rearrange, repack, add or remove items from your parcel.
Parcel Options
You have a number of options you can select before selecting the create parcel button.
Additional Reinforcement
While we do our best to protect your items, you can also order our package reinforcement service to help further protect them so you have even more peace of mind.
This will add reinforced corners and edges to your parcel so that even if a rough courier has their way with it, your items will still be delivered safe and sound. Parcel reinforcement is just 1,000 Yen per parcel. The reinforcement service can be ordered by checking the ADDITIONAL REINFORCEMENT checkbox in the last step of creating a parcel.
No ZenMarket Logo Stickers on the Parcel
Selecting this option will tell our warehouse staff not to include the ZenMarket logo sticker on the side of the parcel. This will also mean that you will not receive a ZenMarket flyer in the box.
This could be useful if you do not want the parcel to be identified as from ZenMarket, such as in the case that you are a reseller and want to send the item directly to a client, or in the case that you have some thieving weebs in your neighborhood that would be more than happy take a ZenMarket box off your doorstep.
Please be aware that even if you select this option ZenMarket may still be listed on the dispatch note, invoice, and customs declaration as is required.
Remove All Price Tags and Invoices/Receipts Issued by the Seller
Select this option if you would like us to remove tags from items and if you do not need any receipts issued by the seller. Excellent for gifting! Please be aware that even if you select this option the price may still be listed on the dispatch note, invoice, and customs declaration as is required.
Leave a Special Request Regarding Parcel
This enables you to provide information on how you would like an item to be packed.
In general, our staff know best as they pack thousands of parcels for international shipping every day, but you can use this to your advantage. For example, if you have an item that is small, but has bulky packaging, you can request we remove the product packaging to reduce your parcel size*.
Another option could be if you are shipping goods that need to be covered to prevent being seen from prying eyes (such as certain doujin), you could request plain paper to be placed over the cover.
*It is recommended to leave your items in their original packaging where possible as these are the best protection for your items.
While you are free to request (almost) anything, not all requests are able to be completed. For example, we cannot:
- Pack parcels to fit a specified size. We also cannot guarantee we will be able to fit the parcel under certain weight limit.
- Declare the parcel contents as “gift”. This is not allowed by most jurisdictions and results in an increase in parcel inspections and rejections.
- Follow instructions that require special knowledge or skills, like disassembling devices. This is mainly because without the specialist knowledge required, we run the risk of damaging the items. Battery removal from common electronic devices is exempt from this rule.
If you want to confirm whether we can complete your request, it would be best to ask customer support first via the messages tab on your account, prior to creating your parcel. Some requests, such as disposing of large items or battery removal come with additional fees.
ZenMarket will always take care to make sure your items are packed as safely and efficiently as possible. Check out @ZenPacking on Instagram to see some parcel packing examples.
Once done, click the yellow Create Parcel button.
Changing Shipping Methods
Once your parcel is packed, we will provide a shipping quote for that parcel. You can still change your shipping method at this stage if you wish. We recommend heading over to our shipping calculator and inputting the actual weight, dimensions, and destination of your parcel so that you can see pricing for all available shipping methods.
If you do change your shipping method, we will give you a new shipping quote for the updated method. Switching shipping methods can take some time, as we need to check whether the items can be shipped with the newly chosen method and request a new shipping quote, so try to avoid switching without good reason.
If your parcel is now ready and you will not be changing shipping method, you can pay for international shipping. Eligible parcels bound for certain destinations may also have the option to prepay your destination's VAT at this step using our IOSS system. See IOSS / GST or VAT Pre-charge for more information.
After payment, we will dispatch your package and provide you with a tracking number.
ZenMarket Shipping Calculator
We strongly recommend using the shipping calculator available on our website to estimate the cost of shipping your parcel before ordering any items.
Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination of your parcel to view pricing for all available shipping methods for your region. The calculator will give you an idea of the costs before you finalize your shipping method.
It is recommended that you overestimate the weight and dimensions of your items, as when packed the final weight and size of the box will also need to be taken into account for the shipping quote - your items cannot be shipped naked after all!
By overestimating, you can ensure that you are prepared properly for the potential shipping fees of your items. The alternative is that you underestimate and the item ends up costing more when packed, or worse - your desired shipping method is unavailable. Better to overestimate and getting a happy surprise if it works out being cheaper.
Once your parcel is completely packed, we will give you the exact weight and dimensions for your parcel. If you like, you can enter these into the shipping calculator to check if you are getting the best price with your chosen shipping method, and change if not.
Note that it can take some time to change shipping methods, and the availability of shipping methods you can switch to will depend on the contents of your parcel. This is because some items can only be shipped with certain shipping methods.
Paying for your parcel, using coupons, and prepaying VAT & GST
Once your parcel is successfully packed, it will appear on the parcels tab of your account. Here you will be able to check your shipping history and see details about your parcels.
To pay for your parcel, simply click the yellow Pay button next to the parcel. A confirmation window will appear.
There are 3 things you need to know about this window.
First - if you click pay, your parcel will be paid for in full using first ZenPoints, then your account balance.
ZenPoints are used automatically, and your account balance will only be depleted once ZenPoints run out. For example:
- If you had 500 ZenPoints you would only need to add 2,050 Yen to your account to pay for shipping for the above example.
- If you had 3,000 ZenPoints on your account, you could pay for shipping entirely with ZenPoints for the above example. You would then have 450 ZenPoints left over for your next order.
Second - it is on this screen where you can enter shipping discount coupons.
If you enter a valid coupon, the price on the pay button will update automatically. Clicking pay will then go through the usual process. This means you can use ZenPoints even on a discounted parcel. For example:
- If you applied a 500 Yen shipping discount coupon and had no ZenPoints, you would need to add 2,050 Yen to pay for shipping from the example above.
- If you applied a 500 Yen shipping discount coupon and had 500 ZenPoints, you would only need to add 1,550 Yen to pay for shipping from the example above.
- If you applied a 500 Yen shipping discount coupon and had 3,000 ZenPoints, you could pay for shipping entirely with ZenPoints, and would then have 950 ZenPoints left over for your next order.
Long story short - ZenPoints and discount coupons can be used together.
Third - If your parcel is eligible, you can prepay VAT for your destination country using the IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) system. This option simplifies the customs process and reduces the risk of delays at your destination. Be sure to review your eligibility for IOSS prepayment during the checkout process for international shipping.
View the full IOSS rates guide for the EU, UK, and Norway
Other destinations require ZenMarket to pre-collect VAT or GST on certain parcels upfront. We then pay this directly to the government of the destination country. You can opt-out of this service if you like, but couriers typically charge an additional fee to process the VAT for you when it arrives at your country/region's customs, so we recommend paying this upfront.
Below you can find information on VAT/GST pre-levy destinations:
Parcel Tracking
Once your parcel is dispatched, you can track its status with the tracking number provided. This number will be sent to you as soon as your package is shipped. Exact tracking instructions can vary depending on your shipping method. For assistance in tracking your parcel for Japan Post check out one of our guide below.
From this page you will also be able to access the invoice and shipping documentation should you need to provide any proof to customs.
And that should just about cover your parcel creation. Feel free to reach out to customer support if you require any assistance. We hope you enjoy shopping Japan from the comfort of your home with ZenMarket!
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