DHL OR EMS FROM MANDA

Hey guys! Quick question here:

In your experience whats the cost of having a doll shipped from Mandarake to the US? I've always used EMS in the past and actually got two DD delivered in the past 5 months with no issues in like 3 days to NYC for about ¥8,000. Now, I'm about to checkout for another one and I really wonder, how much does dhl actually cost? 

Also, will they deliver to a neighbor if I'm out and leave a note?

Edited November 16, 2023 by puxlavoix

The cost will probably be fairly similar.  When Volks shipped Rin, she came via DHL.  Usually DHL will text you with a link for you to waive the mandatory signature requirement.  They're not going to follow directions on a note.  You need to do everything through the online system.  What you can do is waive the signature requirment so that the package is left on the front step.  Then, be sure to give a key to your house to the neighbor.  Then the can just bring the package inside your home for you.  It will look much less like they're stealing your mail that way. 

You can request Mandarake send you the shipping costs for different options. I did that one time for an order of doll clothes, and EMS was only 100 yen cheaper. I think EMS charges by weight, while DHL charges by size, but I might have it backwards.

It really depends on how much you order ordered from mandarake if it's just the doll or more items with her or even 2 dolls. The DHL is usually a bit more and faster evwn around holiday times. EMS is always less but be just as much if it's alotnof weight and the time can be slower if it's backed up as well.

17 hours ago, Tira said:

You can request Mandarake send you the shipping costs for different options. I did that one time for an order of doll clothes, and EMS was only 100 yen cheaper. I think EMS charges by weight, while DHL charges by size, but I might have it backwards.

I figured so, but then I realized it would have defeated the purpose of having it expedited, as that would have taken them and me longer between emails than just going for one.

She's already with me (well not 100% since she's laying in her box and everything below our X-mas tree), I went with ems in the end

10 hours ago, Snarecrazi said:

It really depends on how much you order ordered from mandarake if it's just the doll or more items with her or even 2 dolls. The DHL is usually a bit more and faster evwn around holiday times. EMS is always less but be just as much if it's alotnof weight and the time can be slower if it's backed up as well.

Thanks for your reply.  I ended going the EMS route and kinda regretted it because with Thanksgiving and all it took almost a whole week to get her delivered, talk about slow lol. Also got some other items but yeah didn't want to risk it getting overly delayed at customs so those came their separated way.

(I'm pretty sure that getting two dolls at the same time would mean a visit or a phone call at the bare minim to the customs office though )