Is SAL a Safe Shipping Method?PollsPrev NextPrev Next

AmyJane10 years ago

I never thought that there was any real difference between SAL shipping or EMS except for the wait with SAL is longer. However, I keep seeing people on this site saying how with SAL, the package itself isn't looked after like with EMS and I just wanted to ask, is that true? I always use SAL seeing as I don't mind the wait and it's less expensive so suits me much better, but now I'm beginning to worry that maybe it's not the best option, even though with all the items I've ordered using SAL, each and every one has come out in perfect condition.

So is it true that EMS shipped products are better taken care of, or is it simply that they're shipped much faster?

Thanks for the help!

62,706 hits • 0 like • 34 comments

Comments34

ichig0o

AmyJane • 6 years ago • #22598499I can't answer that question I'm afraid since I've never ordered that many at once.
I have just sent my second order from them.
Hopefull the shipping fee isn't huge!

6 years ago

AmyJane

ichig0o • 6 years ago • #22598346Hello.
I was wondering if I order like 3 nendoroids, if it safe?
Also can I use SAL for this order? Thank you.

I can't answer that question I'm afraid since I've never ordered that many at once.

6 years ago

ichig0o

Hello.

I was wondering if I order like 3 nendoroids, if it safe?
Also can I use SAL for this order? Thank you.

6 years ago

MugenTenshinFRD

SAL and EMS are both safe shipping methods, but of course for both of them there's a chance too that you can be unlucky and receive something damaged.
SAL compared to EMS doesn't mean they use smaller boxes and less filling in it. Most of my SAL orders were very safe, big enough boxes for the items, with enough bubblewrap and other protection.
EMS just has better tracking and insurance. Personally I like to use SAL, because it's cheaper, I sometimes can undervalue it and SAL compared to EMS bypasses the customs more times.
EMS is a lot faster for some people, but not always. If EMS takes a few days and SAL takes over a week, then the time difference doesn't matter too much for me.
Just use SAL shipping for smaller items, there are restrictions for weight and size of the package, EMS can have up to huge and heavy boxes.

10 years ago⊛

Chloe-tsundere The louise otaku

hmm ems is not more safe.. i used to think it to so decided to ship a polystone fig by EMS and guess what? arrived broken...

just insurance of SAL is up to max 6000 yen if registered
and EMS is 20.000 yen or something

but if you avoid customs/ declare a lower value you will only get that amount on the package

just EMS is more faster and better trackable

i always go by SAL if its possible and only do unreg. if its a nendoroid or merchandise like a mug or such

10 years ago⊛

AmyJane

Thanks for all the help everyone! ^-^ Think I'll stick with SAL then~

animefreaknerd • 10 years ago • #1370830I have had no problems with SAL and EMS. The only thing about EMS is that it can get expensive if you decided to start collecting overtime. I use SAL unregistered and my packages have always arrived in good condition. The only thing about SAL unregistered is that its based on hope and luck that your nendoroid or other figures are not damaged so basically its like a lottery but most of the time its safe from my opinion.

So there's no difference between registered and unregistered SAL except for the insurance part? I've always considered using that instead of registered but it would be Sod's Law that the day I switch is the day my order gets lost or broken >.<

10 years ago

animefreaknerd

I have had no problems with SAL and EMS. The only thing about EMS is that it can get expensive if you decided to start collecting overtime. I use SAL unregistered and my packages have always arrived in good condition. The only thing about SAL unregistered is that its based on hope and luck that your nendoroid or other figures are not damaged so basically its like a lottery but most of the time its safe from my opinion.

10 years ago

AnnieAzura

i use unregistered SAL almost all the time. only time i used registered is if there's something for a spit or group order in there. nothing has come damaged. and i've met the post carriers a few times before and they are nice people, so i'm not worried about damaged stuff. lost maybe. but not damaged.

EMS can actually get damaged in the mail too. i've only used EMS once and it came fine, but when i was picking it up from the post office, i saw a big package in the back labeled EMS that was literally beaten all over til the box actually looks soft and soggy >.>

10 years ago⊛

meteorstormed

I've only had an issue once with SAL, and I've ordered with it at least two dozen times in the past. That said, the one issue WAS fairly extreme (depending on your viewpoint) - the packages of the figures were smashed on one side, though on the other hand, the contents of those packages were perfectly fine.

10 years ago