how to buy a metal detector in Japan?

[jasoninjapan]

hello! i am one of many new hobbyist and after watching my fair share of YouTube detectors i find myself wanting to join in the fun. im having issues finding a metal detector for sale in Japan.. iv been searching trust me, my problem is that they just don't sell detectors here and online sites don't tend to ship overseas, plus im looking at getting an entry level detector like the fisher F2 but i fear that shipping and taxes might cost more than the unit itself. Any advice and suggestions or even answers will me much appreciated! im based in Nagoya if that helps and after doing some research im pretty sure its legal here. i only have 3 more months here before my visa is up and i can buy a detector in another country after where ever i end up but i want to get started here. thanks!

 

[stewart73]

Hello and welcome. Forget buying a metal detector here (Japan), they're waaaay overpriced. Many online vendors WILL ship to Japan if you ask directly (depending on the brand). Try clicking on the the banner above that says List All Sponsors and call around for what you want. I have bought all of my detectors from the US and had them shipped. Good luck!

 

[jasoninjapan]

thankyou stewert73 i just posted on one of your youtube vids! i sent some emails today ill see if they come back with anything. on a side note, fisher f2 yay or nay?

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Our dealer agreements restrict us from shipping to Japan or out of the US. Very sorry Sir!

 

[Tom_in_CA]

A friend of mine lives in Japan, and had to pay-through-the-nose to get a catalog order machine shipped there. Because even for mail-order , there is govt. regulations to add import costs to goods. Not sure how this would work if you bought via ebay or private party (like classified ads on md'ing forums). Technically I think the seller is supposed to declare the value of the package, and then you will get dinged on your end? I dunno.

It was expensive enough for him, that when it came time to upgrade, he decided, instead, to buy one while visiting here in the USA for the holidays. And then merely took it back in his carry-on luggage for the flight back home

 

[WildDigger]

I would see if someone in the states or another country could buy it for you and them ship it to you when they receive it. Maybe your parents or siblings?

 

[stewart73]

A friend of mine lives in Japan, and had to pay-through-the-nose to get a catalog order machine shipped there. Because even for mail-order , there is govt. regulations to add import costs to goods. Not sure how this would work if you bought via ebay or private party (like classified ads on md'ing forums). Technically I think the seller is supposed to declare the value of the package, and then you will get dinged on your end? I dunno.

It was expensive enough for him, that when it came time to upgrade, he decided, instead, to buy one while visiting here in the USA for the holidays. And then merely took it back in his carry-on luggage for the flight back home

Not sure what import costs he was talking about. I have had literally over 150 packages shipped to Japan (my wife runs an online business and we import a lot of things) and never once been charged import duty, and this is including 5 detectors. The worst you'll get here is having to pay sales tax, but they usually only bother on items over $500. As for shipping I usually pay about $90 insured air to have a detector shipped from the US to Japan...peanuts compared to what they'd charge you for that same detector in a shop here.

 

[Apophis]

I have had three detectors shipped over here but my mail box is technically a state side box (APO).