Gen's Shopping Service
I've always kind-of casually helped friends with Takarazuka shopping whenever I was in Japan. Now that I'll be here for several months, I'm going to try formalizing it a bit more. :)
Please note that I'm not saying you should buy through me instead of one of the other options for buying Takarazuka goods overseas. They're all perfectly good, responsible companies. In particular, note that at the moment I'm only offering assistance with buying new goods from online shops - I can't help you with online auctions or out-of-print goods.
Before you write me, I suggest you read the online shopping guide on the Takarazuka Wiki. Elsewhere in the Wiki you can also check if an item was released on DVD, what its item number is, and so on.
So, here's how this is going to work:
1) Contact me through my online form (Use the Contact Form for now :)), letting me know the items that you want. Please have as specific info as possible (i.e., at least know if your item exists...), though I do understand that not everyone speaks Japanese. Please only write me if you're serious about buying something - it takes me a certain amount of time to research item availability and such. :)
2) I'll write you back with a DEPOSIT amount for you to Paypal to me. This deposit amount is usually more than your final charges will be. I overestimate so that just in case the exchange rate changes drastically or your item is heavier to mail than I anticipated, I don't end up losing money.
3) You Paypal me the requested amount. I ask that people Paypal me in US Dollars, because my bank account and credit cards are US-based, so Paypal will always convert yen or other currencies back to dollars anyway.
4) I order your item through an online shop. I don't live in Tokyo or Osaka, so I generally need to order items online.
5) Your item is shipped to me by the shop and I receive it.
6) I repack and mail your item to you. For both your and my peace of mind, I only ship by EMS (Express Mail Service). Please note that this can get rather expensive - shipping a single DVD costs about 1500yen. I will send you your tracking number.
7) I send you an e-mail showing your final total, which will include the following:
-- Price of your item (including any shipping and handling charges from the online store) - in yen and converted to US Dollars*
-- Price of shipping to you - in yen and converted to US Dollars* (this may include the price of a box or mailing envelope if I have to buy them)
(* US Dollar prices are based on the exchange rate used by my credit card at the time I'm charged for your order)
-- My Handling Fee of 10% of the total of the two amounts above (this covers Paypal fees, any credit card fees, and the time I spend ordering, packing, and shipping your item)
8) I refund any amount left-over from your deposit
9) You receive your item. Happy Zuka times ensue!
Here's an example of your charges if you bought one 10,500yen DVD (price of most main stage DVDs) with an exchange rate of 89.7yen to the dollar (exchange rate the day I'm writing this).
DVD = 10,500 ($116.97)
DVD Shipping in Japan = 500yen ($5.57)
Shipping to You = 1500yen ($16.70)
Subtotal = $139.24
My 10% Fee = $13.92
TOTAL = $153.16
(Yes, this is an expensive hobby...)
I think it's obvious from all the above, but do keep in mind that I work full-time and this is just a side-project. I'm an almost neurotically responsible person, but I do get busy with work and life, go on vacation, and so on. There is no such thing as a "rush" order from me and I can't give you daily updates on your order status and so on. If you're looking for something professional, I recommend someplace like Crescent Shop.