Sunday, April 7, 2013

Couriers in Japan



Hello Sandwiches!

One of the many amazing things that make it so enjoyable to live in Japan is the incredible courier service offered by most companies here.

When I first arrived in Japan I received a 'Unable to deliver' slip for an international package while I was out. Embarrassingly, I did what I used to do in Australia, and took the slip up to my local post office to collect the package. There was a lot of confusion and I walked away empty handed. The poor people who work there were so sweet and even offered to call for re-delivery for me. Now, though, I'm finally savvy with the technique and it's amazing! You just call the number on the back of the slip, type in your tracking number, and select from a range of times for redelivery.

I always thought that was such a bad service in Australia because usually the post office is only opened when you are at work so it's almost impossible to get your package.

The redelivery times in Japan are all throughout the day, with the last time slot often being in between 7 and 9pm, making it amazingly easy to get your package. And many courier companies work seven days, too, such as Sagawa (seen in the video above).

It's quite common, too, to have 'pay on delivery' here in Japan. I'm sure that exists in Australia, too, but I rarely used it. Now, when I order my zines, or stationery, or even alcohol, I usually use a courier. For instance, we just ordered some alcohol from Kakuyasu this afternoon at 3pm and it arrived via courier bike at 4pm. If you follow my instagram, you'll see that those are the same guys who delivered a free ohanami leisure sheet around ohanami time. Seriously Japan - I love you.

Another incredible service is offered by Japan Post. If you have one EMS package in your outgoing post stash, they will come and collect your post. You simply call the toll free number and select the time you would like them to come to your apartment to collect your post. I must say, this service came in handy when I was posting out hundreds of Tokyo Guide Zines!

Working from home, on certain days the couriers are the only people I see. So it's kind of a highlight when I get to say 'ご苦労様です!' at the door. They work so hard.  When the poor Sagawa courier had to carry 1000 zines to my thrid floor apartment I felt so awful that I prepared a token of thanks - a can drink with a 'ありがとうSAGAWAさん’ note on it.

Often when I'm walking around Shimokitazawa I'll see one of the couriers who come to my house and we exchange a friendly 'こんにちは'. I like that sense of community.

By the way, that SAGAWA 急便 TVC at the top of this post almost makes me teary. The words roughly translate as "Even on a rainy day, even on a windy day, West or East, we will go...' and so on. Nawww Love you SAGAWA. Love you Japan.

xoxo

18 comments:

  1. Aaah Japanese couriers... even used to have my bike sent by courier from Nara to Nagano to go mountain biking! Good times. Thanks for reminding me!

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  2. I purchased your book ! great book!

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  3. That's so wonderful! I love more jobs by real people! Cute video. I love your blog.

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  4. That is such a great service! To be honest, I think I'd like a job as a bike courier in Japan -- seems like hard, but enjoyable work! Especially during milder months!

    sage and spice.

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  5. WHY DON'T DELIVERY COMPANIES EVERYWHERE DO THIS THEY WOULD SAVE SO MUCH MONEY!? And also be less annoying for me.

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  6. I didn't know that Japanese couriers are so good. Just another thing to add about why I should live in Japan.

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  7. I've never been to Japan, but I already know I love Japanese people!

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  8. And how about the couriers who redeliver when you have not even scheduled redelivery yet?? As if they were just in the neighborhood and thought they were try again. They come to the door, and apologize for the slip that they put in my mailbox earlier when I was not home..."Please disregard that notice." Takkyuubin efficiency is possibly one reason why I may not ever leave Japan.

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  9. This service is just one of the many reasons to love Japan :)

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  10. We Japanese love you, too!
    Thank you very much for exploring and finding Japan's charm!

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  11. Dear Hello Sandwich san,

    I just saw your book featured in an office makeover blog post! http://www.designlovefest.com/2013/04/my-office-makeover/

    I just felt it was so cool to see that, thought I would let you know :) I've been a longtime lurker of your blog, and I love reading all your posts about Tokyo. I'm going there on Saturday! :)))

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  12. That's a great service. I love that the deliveries are up to 9pm... it's so convenient. Great article also by the way.

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  13. Hi. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog and looking at your beautiful photos. Your photos totally gave me a new and different perspective of Japan. Something I thought very ugly came up really interesting in your blog. Hmmm.... I love delivery system here, too. I got lost when they first throw me 6 different windows for recieving a package, though. It was quite normal to waste a whole day waiting for someone in NY where I used to live.
    Anyways I am so glad you enjoy living here. I will come back to see more funky photos of Tokyo! xo

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  14. I'm in TKY and I've never lived overseas..that's why I didn't notice how nice Japanese service is.besides, some people complain how bad Sagawa service is.but, i like em as well.they are totally nice . they came to my place even tho it was over time for the guy. Actually, I begged . cuz i must get the stuff.he said "no problem!!"since then, i always use SAGAWA san."a can drink with your "arigato"how sweet you are!!!

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  15. What a great service! I wish it was that easy here in the U.S.! :)

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  16. i love your blog, thanks for sharing the info! It's nice to know how well Japan is doing with the customer service they have there (: Best of luck in everything you do!

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  17. I live in Japan and I always noticed that Japan provides a wonderful courier service. But I have no idea about the services of Courier in Brisbane. Those have experience, please share.

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