I have bought several items, audio, cameras, accessories, clothing ... from both Japan and China: eBay, other sites, direct. Always successful.
Never a fee of any kind to me in USA, despite all the ..... they say are not included which is worrisome.
One item, my tonearm from Russia, took an extra week to get out of Kennedy Airport Int’l postal system during covid. Seller arranged for the transfer agent, easy if you have patience.
Buying from aleado (yahoo auctions japan) has also been successful. Seller ships to aleado, aleado inspects that it is what seller said it was, then you pay aleado to ship to you. they give you shipping options, each it’s estimated time and cost. you pick which method, they ship it. If transfer agent involved, they arrange it.
you make an account with aleado, pre-deposit funds in the account, enough for the item(s) you want. you win, they use the money in your account.
You can get terrific deals, but shipping big or heavy stuff is costly, quick shipping is/was costly especially during covid.
I won an auction for an AT33PTG/II MONO cartridge with broken cantilever (planning on having Steve at VAS rebuild it, which he did, advanced stylus on boron). I chose quicker shipping, the total was almost $100. (cartridge was $33). I should have been patient, chosen slow/less costly shipping they offered. I found out later, with other items, the extra delivery time they estimate for low cost was exaggerated.
AliExpress is a great place to find things, darn good prices, many free shipping, some not, always check shipping cost for each item. Everything has been the quality they describe, read carefully, some is junk.
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