Is the the end of CDJapan and other overseas vendors being viable for USA customers?

[T.D.]

45 minutes ago, cliffpeterson said:

Cd Japan on Japan Post: https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/info/20200401

 

 

Thanks. But that link implies that cdjapan is still shipping to USA via Fedex/DHL, while temporarily suspending Japan Post shipping.

I've always used Fedex/DHL, so it's confusing. Although I've shelved order plans until the tariff situation clarifies.

[cliffpeterson]

I have always used FEDEX or DHL.

 Why wouldn't CD Japan continue to ship orders to me in the US by DHL even with the tariff? As I understand it, the foreign vendor, CD Japan, has nothing to do with collection of that tariff.  

The tariff is charged at the time of customs clearance in the US. It is the US importing company, in this case-me, that is charged and pays the tariff.  For items shipped by DHL from Japan, US customs or perhaps DHL (but not CD Japan) would contact me to collect the tariff.  At that point, who contacts me and the process for that payment is unclear (to me and perhaps DHL).   If I do not pay the tariff (to US customs or anybody else, e.g., DHL), the item would be set aside by US customs as unclaimed. If so, CD Japan should not be concerned since it would have already collected the sale price and the shipping cost for DHL from me (given that, perhaps DHL will not be concerned about any confusion about collection of the tariff).

In the end, on an order for say 10 cds, if a cd from CD Japan will cost me $15 plus, on average, $2-3 for shipping, and also $3-4 for the tariff (assuming 20%), and taking into account any additional hassles due to the tariff, e.g., the tariff payment process, delay, can I get that cd from another source for less money?

Undoubtedly Cd Japan will probably lose business (including mine) because of the tariff. 

 

Edited Tuesday at 11:00 PM by cliffpeterson
proofing

[Stefan Wood]

There are many sellers I see on discogs that will not ship to the US.  It's going to be a dry spell for a bit.

[T.D.]

4 hours ago, cliffpeterson said:

I have always used FEDEX or DHL.

...  For items shipped by DHL from Japan, US customs or perhaps DHL (but not CD Japan) would contact me to collect the tariff.  At that point, who contacts me and the process for that payment is unclear (to me and perhaps DHL).   If I do not pay the tariff (to US customs or anybody else, e.g., DHL), the item would be set aside by US customs as unclaimed...

Undoubtedly Cd Japan will probably lose business (including mine) because of the tariff. 

 

 

[Emphasis added]. That's why I'm out for the foreseeable future. Not going to shell out $100+ upfront and then be at the mercy of some unknown (and probably half-assed) collection process while the mdse remains in limbo.

Edited 21 hours ago by T.D.

[clifford_thornton]

9 hours ago, felser said:

That would be very welcome news!

I hope this is true. It would change everything.

[Big Beat Steve]

7 hours ago, Stefan Wood said:

There are many sellers I see on discogs that will not ship to the US.  It's going to be a dry spell for a bit.

And in the end this is just the mirrored image of all those sellers on Discogs (and eBay - and Organissimo, FWIW ) who will not ship outside the USA. Understandable, sometimes a real pity, but that's the way it is. Not just now with all those weirdass tariff "politics" right now but for quite some time already due to ever-increasing USPS rates (and probably more involved paperwork or other - perceived or real - uncertainties at the seller's end). 

BTW, @Stefan Wood: Did you at one time live in Washington, DC? If so, I bought from you through eBay in 2004. 
 

Edited 17 hours ago by Big Beat Steve

[porcy62]

14 hours ago, Stefan Wood said:

There are many sellers I see on discogs that will not ship to the US.  It's going to be a dry spell for a bit.

Italian Postal Service has just announced that they will not ship small parcels to US. For sure one can ship FedEx and UPS, usually more expensive then Italian Post.

Edited 10 hours ago by porcy62

[felser]

7 hours ago, Big Beat Steve said:

And in the end this is just the mirrored image of all those sellers on Discogs (and eBay - and Organissimo, FWIW ) who will not ship outside the USA. Understandable, sometimes a real pity, but that's the way it is. Not just now with all those weirdass tariff "politics" right now but for quite some time already due to ever-increasing USPS rates (and probably more involved paperwork or other - perceived or real - uncertainties at the seller's end). 

I at one time did ship CD's to Europe, but had some nightmare experiences with some of the non-USA post offices (Italy was especially memorable), and decided it just wasn't worth the stress and trauma.  Plus, as you point out, rates have skyrocketed.

[cliffpeterson]

Discogs thinks that Trump's tariffs have never and do not currently apply to Records and cds:

 

https://www.discogs.com/about/news/united-states-tariff-impact-music-media-2025/