Private import costs so high!

As I mentioned before, I want the Panton light very much. But to be honest with you, I need to buy a dining table and chairs first. Then I decided to buy Danish extension table. The Northern European furniture is very popular in Japan, because its warm and simple style easily fit with Japanese homes and interiors. Usually a new Danish dining table costs around 100,000yen or more. A used table, depending on its condition, can sometimes be more expensive than a new table.

So I wondered if it would be good idea to import a used one from Denmark myself. Then I checked this site "Lauritz.com". They have many nice tables and lighting solutions, and they are all very cheap. I was surprised to see the reduced price for one big dining table was just $300 or so! I found a nice round extension table, and immediately I sent a question about shipping costs. But guess what the shipping company (JH transport Aps) said when they replied to me over one week later? Of course the auction was over by then and the table went to someone else’s home. (T_T)
I was told their shipping cost including VAT and insurance would be about EUR 605,00.($1000) Hmm thinking of the paperwork for importing, risk etc,. I didn't think their importing fee was reasonable. I tried to find a way to arrange for shipping by myself, but Kuroneko, and Nittsu, do not have service in Denmark! The distance between Japan and Denmark/Northern Europe must still be further than I suppose maybe.

Then I wondered if eBay would have a Denmark table and if it might be cheaper than in Japan? At least I know I could use Kuroneko or Nittsu if the shop accepts my shipping arrangement. Then I found a good one on eBay and I watched the knock down price for my information. The price was not matched even though it was around $400. I realized a used Danish table in good condition might be popular in the U.S too and the shop owner replied to my shipping question quickly. Terminal-to-terminal cost would be $450. If I pay for a domestic delivery, it is not reasonable either.

A flight to Los Angeles costs less than $300 in Tokyo. A Christmas card to Sweden arrived in just three days. So I feel the world is getting smaller and smaller, trading and shopping is easier. But maybe it is not quite that simple yet. I feel it should be easy to find a good cheap one in graf or some other Japanese interior shop?
No no no I will not give up, I will get a good Danish table! My budget is 70000yen including the delivery cost. I will report what is going on. Which way is best for getting a good, used, Danish table in Tokyo!

Comments

[aprodite]

Hiya,

You could try this new site I've found (http://www.buy-proxy.com) which was set-up specifically to solve situations like this.

[Mari]

Hi there
yes, Sebastien. Actually that is my options. Yamagiwa Japanese ligthing company have that lighing but it is very expensive and it is very cheap in Denmark. Since lighting shipping cost is not so expensive. I am thinking to buy one. Hi Bjorn yes IKEA will come next year. I cannot wait but hopefully they save the price. Not make Japanese price.

[Bjorn]

Hi Mari, following up on Sebastien: Ikea is opening in Japan next year, right? http://www.ikea.jp
They tried to go to Japan in the 70s before but failed then. This time they'll probably do much better. As far as I heard the Japanese business model will be less based on 'build it together yourself' but more on 'we'll do it for you' than the US or European stores, but let's see!

[Sebastien]

Hey Mari, how about this lamp ?

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=4&productId=10489&langId=-2&parentCats=10111*10448

It is not the real thing but it's definitly ispired by the Panton Lamp...and probably way cheaper if one of your european contact could send it to you ;-)