Frequently Asked Questions
PAYMENT
1. What payment methods can I use?
In our webshop you can pay with your credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. You can also pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay and PayPal
As all products are shipped from Japan, so you cannot order with cash on delivery. Thank you for your understanding.
2. Is the payment method secure?
Your payment will be processed under the safest conditions. We do not receive or store your credit card details, and all credit card payments are handled by Stripe (US), which operates in compliance with extremely strict security standards.
The same applies to the other payment instruments mentioned in point 1.
SHIPPING
1. About shipping options & delivery days
We ship all packages by airmail, and you can choose from two services. Both are reliable, with a tracking number and insurance!
One option is Japan Post’s international small package service. This service offers lower price rates, but has a slightly longer delivery time. Depends on region it takes from 9 to 20 days to get it. Once the packages arrive at the destination countries, they are delivered by the local post offices.
The other option is DHL express, which is superfast (approx. 3-4 business days) but is significantly more expensive. We advise you to choose this service in case your order is in a hurry, or you are ordering multiple items!
Depending on the country, customs offices may request the order's invoice. In this case, you will be contacted directly by your local Post Office or the DHL.
Note: Unfortunately, there are countries where we cannot ship. We are very sorry for that.
2. How soon can you ship orders?
We ship the packages within 2-4 working days from receiving the order!
3. Please double-check the shipping address!
Before finalizing your order, please be sure to check if the shipping address is correct and then proceed with your payment.
We will not be responsible if you entered an incomplete and/or incorrect shipping address. Our system automatically processes orders, and addresses will be printed as provided.
3. How can I track my package?
Both Japan Post and DHL packages have a tracking number, so their status can be checked at any time. We notify our customers about the tracking numbers by email.
(It may take some time for the tracking number of the package to appear in the system after the packages are posted.)
4. Is my package still in Osaka?!
This can happen in case of Japan Post.
All packages will be shipped from Kyoto, then transported by the Japanese Post to their outward office of exchange in Osaka, from where they will be air-mailed. The packages travel a long way, and tracking details are only updated when they are scanned in the destination country.
That is the reason why the latest tracking information may be displayed still as 'Osaka'! This is perfectly normal, no need to worry!
5. How much does the shipping cost?
The shipping costs depend on the weight and size of your package, your chosen method of delivery as well as the destination country of delivery. Our online store automatically calculates these costs immediately after you put the product(s) in the cart!
However, please always remember two things!
First, we ship all products from Japan, so shipping costs can never be compared with domestic postage fees within your country.
Second, it is cheaper if you buy several products at once or to choose a larger size of matcha, because this way you can get more for the same shipping costs! For example, if you choose 1 piece of Aoarashi 40 grams, you will be paying the same shipping as if you chose the larger package of 100 grams.
6. My package is delayed; has it been lost?
All packages have a tracking number, so they cannot get lost so easily.
In case of Japan Post, if a package is delayed for more than 1 month after shipment (which is very rare), it is possible to request an official investigation regarding the whereabouts of the package.
Delays with DHL are quite rare, but if more than 1 week has passed after shipment, please write to us and we will look into it.
7. The product got damaged during transport, what can I do?
If you receive the product damaged, please take a photo about it and send us by email immediately: support@matchamiyako.com
The packages are insured, so the service providers are obliged to reimburse the price of the product.
TAXES & CUSTOMS
1. Do I have to pay tax and customs when I receive the package?
Since our products are shipped from Japan, the country of destination may require you to pay taxes and customs. These costs must always be paid completely by the buyer.
If you order from the European Union:
From July 1, 2021, import VAT must be paid for all goods entering the EU, regardless of their value. In the case of goods with a value exceeding 150 euros, customs duties must be paid in addition to the import VAT. The customs value on which Customs Duty is calculated is the cost of the goods plus transport (including postage), any insurance and any handling charges to deliver the goods to the EU.The applicable duty rate depends on the type of the imported goods.
If you are looking for the most cost-effective option, it might be worth choosing the Japan Post delivery method instead of DHL express delivery.
If you order from the USA:
Most packages with a declared value that is under $2000 USD will be cleared without any fees.
If you order from Australia:
Orders below $1000 AUD are regarded as 'low value imports' by Australian customs. As of 01 July 2018, customs duties may apply to any goods imported from overseas by consumers in Australia. For more information please visit the Australian customs website.
If you order from Canada:
Orders above $20 CAN require that you pay the applicable duties and the GST. For more information please visit the Canadian customs website.