Hi guys,
I would like to share my experience in ordering a JDM Seiko (model SBBN017) from Japan via Seiya so that you will know what to expect and timeline taken from ordering to delivery in the post GST era.
I ordered the watch via the Seiya website on the 31st July in the afternoon. I paid via credit card and the exchange rate of 1USD came to RM3.97 so my total bill was RM2773. Seiya sold the watch at USD698 inclusive of EMS delivery. I received an email from Seiya confirming the order and was given an invoice within 3 hours.
I received an email on Sunday evening from Japan Post confirming the acceptance of parcel and tracking number.
As you can see the items were sent very quickly by Seiya to the post office for delivery to me. The package arrived in Malaysia 3 days after Seiya sent it to the post office. Then it was stuck in customs Malaysia for clearance. That’s when the waiting really began. I have ordered watches from overseas before and I received them within a week, at the most. Post GST is another story altogether.
I received a letter sent to my office on 6th August by POS Malaysia via pos laju asking me to confirm if I wish to appoint them as customs agent to clear the package which will incur charges or I can clear the item myself. Pos Malaysia also gave me an option to pick up the package from the nearest post office or have it sent to me. Having no time, I requested additional delivery (which was strange as Seiya would have paid for delivery door to door!) I guess Pos Malaysia needed to make more money.
I have to email the appointment of Pos Malaysia and just to be safe I also faxed them the form.
On 11th August, I received a fax stating the amount I have to pay for GST for the watch and also for additional services. Total is RM272.20.
I again have to sign acceptance and to pay the amount as quoted. Then I sent the form via fax and email to Pos Malaysia.
On the morning of the 18th August, Pos Malaysia called me to say they will be sending the package to my address and to make sure I have the money to pay them! At around noon I finally received the package and paid them the money and this was given to me as detailed breakdown.
So all in all it took 19 days for me to receive the watch and an additional 10% for GST, customs and clearance. I am expecting another order via courier service in September and will report the difference. Thanks for reading!
