White Rabbit Express vs. Tenso.com Proxies

[HipsterPunks]

Hey dudes,

Looking to grab a blank HHKB Type-S. I would really love to continue to support EK and order with them (and dat warranty) but unfortunatly they are sold out of the blank version.

I put a buyers request through on Tenso.com and they are charging me $30 just to buy the damn thing on top of the $280.00 (before taxes) cost of the board. I would still have to pay service fees and EMS before i finally get the board from them placing the cost somewhere around EK's price (minus shipping) That is no bueno since i wont have a warranty.

However White Rabbit Express has them instore for $330 and i can choose my preferred shipping method. I am not in a rush to receive the board. However i am not sure if any fees besides shipping will be added to the total cost. I cannot find anything regarding a buyers fee's from purchasing instore from them. Has anyone on here ordered from WRE instore before? If so were there any additional fees (again minus shipping). I got all the way to the paypal screen for WRE and it just showed the price of the board at $330. I dont want to purchase the board and get hit with all sorts of surprise fees.

Any help/information from someone who has ordered a board from WRE would be greatly appreciated. Additionally if you know of a better proxy feel free to post!

Cheers!

[byker]

Hey Hipster,

I am also looking to get a HHKB Type S, and sent a quick email to EK, who said they should be getting some more blanks in 2-3 weeks. I am also looking for an alternative as I don't want to be hit with customs when it comes over the border..

[naasfu]

For tenso, you can avoid the buyers fees by ordering from Amazon.jp yourself.  You order the items and have them shipped to your personalized proxy address that tenso gives you.   Tenso has shipping discount sales quite regularly (usually 3000 yen off), so just wait for one of those.

Plus you can also batch your tenso shipment with other Japanese orders.  Check out Rakuten's JP site.  They have lots of cool HHKB accessories available that are either not available from EK or end up being a bit cheaper with a batched up proxy order.  I love Japanese stuff, so I ordered a couple of other things that you can't get in the states (hello kitty haha) with the proxy order I did with Tenso awhile back.

[Belfong]

Or you and byker could share the shipping cost. I have ordered from tenso before and it's pretty good.

Someone go make Hello Kitty caps for naasfu!

[atlas3686]

I have an order with Tenso right now (23UB here we come  ), and have used them once before. Very impressed by their service and they are well priced. I would definitely take Naafu's advice and order the stuff yourself to avoid buying fees, it's not hard especially if it is from somewhere like Rakuten or Amazon.co.jp. Tenso's support it also quite impressive.

[HipsterPunks]

Thanks for help guys. Im going to wait the few weeks until the EK store restocks, i thought it was going to be months. I dont mind paying more to EK to support US keyboard stores. Will look to tenso in the future that 23UB is mighty tempting...

[kitsun8]

If anyone needs help ordering just ask me I speak jap wew! Tenso is pretty on point with proxying

[maxhodges]

Hi HipsterPunks,

I'm the founder/director at White Rabbit Express. We'd love to have your business.  The prices in our shop are as-is; we don't add any service fees like we do with our buying service.

We've actually been around longer than Tenso.com (we established the buying service in 2005), but their partnership with Rakuten has really helped them get a lot of exposure. At first they were just a package forwarding service. Later they copied our buying service, so we, in turn, copied there package forwarding service

http://whiterabbitexpress.com/package-forwarding-service/

But we think the prices are unfair. Why should the service fee be so much higher for a heavy, leather jacket than a light-weight nylon jacket? It's about the same amount of work to receive and forward. So we are in the process of revising our prices for this service. Also, we are investing in a new, state-of-the-art web application to improve our customer experience. You'll get alerts and see photos of your items when they arrive in your White Rabbit Express mailbox. And we and introducing time-saving tools which allow you to choose which items you want to consolidate, etc. We believe this web application is light-years ahead of the competition. Development has been on-going since February of this year, and we hope to release something to production in the next few weeks. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to get informed when the new site launches:

http://eepurl.com/AYaWP


Which Hacking Hacking model do you want? I can review the prices and see if I can do something to help!

Cheers,
Max
http://whiterabbitjapan.com

[maxhodges]

Ah OK I see you wanted the Type-S

Here is a coupon code for 10%-off! It expires in one week (10/10/2014):

KLKUUZO3QQV7

Use it at checkout. Can be used multiple times for any Happy Hacking Keyboard model if anyone else wants to use it. After next Friday I'll reevaluate prices. We made need to adjust them as the JPY <> USD rate has shifted in the past few months.

Cheers!

[byker]

I might just order of WRE then, it comes out to almost $100 cheaper. Anyone have bad experiences with them? Also, Max, what do you guys price items at when shipped? Am I gonna get hit with the full amount for customs, or do you put a lower price?

[frosty]

If anyone needs help ordering just ask me I speak jap wew! Tenso is pretty on point with proxying

Will contact you once I have some ka-chings

[HipsterPunks]

Hi HipsterPunks,

I'm the founder/director at White Rabbit Express. We'd love to have your business.  The prices in our shop are as-is; we don't add any service fees like we do with our buying service.

We've actually been around longer than Tenso.com (we established the buying service in 2005), but their partnership with Rakuten has really helped them get a lot of exposure. At first they were just a package forwarding service. Later they copied our buying service, so we, in turn, copied there package forwarding service

http://whiterabbitexpress.com/package-forwarding-service/

But we think the prices are unfair. Why should the service fee be so much higher for a heavy, leather jacket than a light-weight nylon jacket? It's about the same amount of work to receive and forward. So we are in the process of revising our prices for this service. Also, we are investing in a new, state-of-the-art web application to improve our customer experience. You'll get alerts and see photos of your items when they arrive in your White Rabbit Express mailbox. And we and introducing time-saving tools which allow you to choose which items you want to consolidate, etc. We believe this web application is light-years ahead of the competition. Development has been on-going since February of this year, and we hope to release something to production in the next few weeks. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to get informed when the new site launches:

http://eepurl.com/AYaWP


Which Hacking Hacking model do you want? I can review the prices and see if I can do something to help!

Cheers,
Max
http://whiterabbitjapan.com

You sir have my business, appreciate the comment and will be ordering tonight 

[byker]

Hi HipsterPunks,

I'm the founder/director at White Rabbit Express. We'd love to have your business.  The prices in our shop are as-is; we don't add any service fees like we do with our buying service.

We've actually been around longer than Tenso.com (we established the buying service in 2005), but their partnership with Rakuten has really helped them get a lot of exposure. At first they were just a package forwarding service. Later they copied our buying service, so we, in turn, copied there package forwarding service

http://whiterabbitexpress.com/package-forwarding-service/

But we think the prices are unfair. Why should the service fee be so much higher for a heavy, leather jacket than a light-weight nylon jacket? It's about the same amount of work to receive and forward. So we are in the process of revising our prices for this service. Also, we are investing in a new, state-of-the-art web application to improve our customer experience. You'll get alerts and see photos of your items when they arrive in your White Rabbit Express mailbox. And we and introducing time-saving tools which allow you to choose which items you want to consolidate, etc. We believe this web application is light-years ahead of the competition. Development has been on-going since February of this year, and we hope to release something to production in the next few weeks. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to get informed when the new site launches:

http://eepurl.com/AYaWP


Which Hacking Hacking model do you want? I can review the prices and see if I can do something to help!

Cheers,
Max
http://whiterabbitjapan.com

You sir have my business, appreciate the comment and will be ordering tonight 

That is what I am thinking too!

[dustinhxc]

Hi HipsterPunks,

I'm the founder/director at White Rabbit Express. We'd love to have your business.  The prices in our shop are as-is; we don't add any service fees like we do with our buying service.

We've actually been around longer than Tenso.com (we established the buying service in 2005), but their partnership with Rakuten has really helped them get a lot of exposure. At first they were just a package forwarding service. Later they copied our buying service, so we, in turn, copied there package forwarding service

http://whiterabbitexpress.com/package-forwarding-service/

But we think the prices are unfair. Why should the service fee be so much higher for a heavy, leather jacket than a light-weight nylon jacket? It's about the same amount of work to receive and forward. So we are in the process of revising our prices for this service. Also, we are investing in a new, state-of-the-art web application to improve our customer experience. You'll get alerts and see photos of your items when they arrive in your White Rabbit Express mailbox. And we and introducing time-saving tools which allow you to choose which items you want to consolidate, etc. We believe this web application is light-years ahead of the competition. Development has been on-going since February of this year, and we hope to release something to production in the next few weeks. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to get informed when the new site launches:

http://eepurl.com/AYaWP


Which Hacking Hacking model do you want? I can review the prices and see if I can do something to help!

Cheers,
Max
http://whiterabbitjapan.com

Whoa, cool! Can you guys get the http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC-Realforce23UB-%E9%9D%99%E9%9B%BB%E5%AE%B9%E9%87%8F%E7%84%A1%E6%8E%A5%E7%82%B9%E6%96%B9%E5%BC%8F-%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BF%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A4%E3%82%BA%E6%A9%9F%E8%83%BD%E4%BB%98-WC01B0/dp/B002JLPHEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412387241&sr=8-1&keywords=realforce+23ub

Realforce 23UB?

[maxhodges]

>Realforce 23U

Sure! we can ship just about anything from Japan. You can submit your request via our request page to get a quote

http://request.whiterabbitexpress.com

I personally use this ten-key. Quite a bit cheaper, but I enjoy it very much.
http://whiterabbitexpress.com/filco-majestouch-tenkeypad/

If you want to estimate shipping for a special order, you can use our rate calculator which returns Japan Post rates:
http://japanshippingrates.io/

Regarding invoice price, we can lower the cost on the invoice for Customs. Just ask your rep when you are paying for the quote. But keep in mind, Customs can override the commercial quote if they want. I.e. if you buy a $2500 and it has an invoice which says it costs $600, Customs might just google it and revise the invoice. Not sure how often they can do that, just I've heard that it can happen.

[byker]

Great, thanks for the advice. Will definitely be ordering mine this weekend! 

[nubbinator]

I figured you'd be more in favor of this Dustin:

Fricken Awesome Neon Green and Bright Orange custom Realforce for a company's anniversary

[dustinhxc]

>Realforce 23U

Sure! we can ship just about anything from Japan. You can submit your request via our request page to get a quote

http://request.whiterabbitexpress.com

I personally use this ten-key. Quite a bit cheaper, but I enjoy it very much.
http://whiterabbitexpress.com/filco-majestouch-tenkeypad/

If you want to estimate shipping for a special order, you can use our rate calculator which returns Japan Post rates:
http://japanshippingrates.io/

Regarding invoice price, we can lower the cost on the invoice for Customs. Just ask your rep when you are paying for the quote. But keep in mind, Customs can override the commercial quote if they want. I.e. if you buy a $2500 and it has an invoice which says it costs $600, Customs might just google it and revise the invoice. Not sure how often they can do that, just I've heard that it can happen.

Thank You very much! I will keep you in mind. 

I figured you'd be more in favor of this Dustin:

Fricken Awesome Neon Green and Bright Orange custom Realforce for a company's anniversary

haha yeah Ive seen that before, love the orange. I think Halverson likes that board!

[kitsun8]

...スッケー

[HipsterPunks]

FYI anyone interested in (USA) a type-s from WRE (just bought one yay!) with the 10% off coupon

$309.00 regular shipping
$320 expedited

*edit can't spell

[nubbinator]

FYI anyone interested in (USA) a type-s from WRE (just bought one yay!) with the 10% off coupon

$309.00 regular shipping
$320 expedited

*edit can't spell

Now I regret buying a normal one from EK instead of the type S.

[byker]

FYI anyone interested in (USA) a type-s from WRE (just bought one yay!) with the 10% off coupon

$309.00 regular shipping
$320 expedited

*edit can't spell

Hell yeah man, this will be me! Sooooo pumped!

[Sniping]

FYI anyone interested in (USA) a type-s from WRE (just bought one yay!) with the 10% off coupon

$309.00 regular shipping
$320 expedited

*edit can't spell

das cheap

[cphead]

I got my Type-S and my JP from them. They can be a little slow but they're reliable from what I've seen 

[Synjin]

Ah OK I see you wanted the Type-S

Here is a coupon code for 10%-off! It expires in one week (10/10/2014):

KLKUUZO3QQV7

Use it at checkout. Can be used multiple times for any Happy Hacking Keyboard model if anyone else wants to use it. After next Friday I'll reevaluate prices. We made need to adjust them as the JPY <> USD rate has shifted in the past few months.

Cheers!

Will this code still work? I'm trying to purchase an hhkb Type-s right now and it isnt working. The 10% off was originally the deal breaker for me to buy this keyboard.

[byker]

Ah OK I see you wanted the Type-S

Here is a coupon code for 10%-off! It expires in one week (10/10/2014):

KLKUUZO3QQV7

Use it at checkout. Can be used multiple times for any Happy Hacking Keyboard model if anyone else wants to use it. After next Friday I'll reevaluate prices. We made need to adjust them as the JPY <> USD rate has shifted in the past few months.

Cheers!

Will this code still work? I'm trying to purchase an hhkb Type-s right now and it isnt working. The 10% off was originally the deal breaker for me to buy this keyboard.

Probably expired because the timezones are ahead in Japan!

[Synjin]

It just sucks because this wasn't really specified and if I had known ahead of time I would have just purchased it right away isntead of waiting for my paycheck on friday

[Puddsy]

I prefer tenso

[Synjin]

I prefer tenso

How much would it be if purchased from tenso? It is currently $322 from the White Rabbit Express final price shipped

[Puddsy]

Tenso's proxy rate is like 15% or something, so should be: the price of whatever you want +15% +shipping

I think that that's how it works but I could be wrong. Should come out to about the same, though.

[Synjin]

How does tenso work? I first need to have a site to purchase the type-s don't I? Where would you suggest?

[Belfong]

How does tenso work? I first need to have a site to purchase the type-s don't I? Where would you suggest?

That would be amazon.co.jp.
You put the tenso.com assigned shipping address when asked by amazon.co.jp to provide a local shipping address.

When the keyboard arrived at tenso, you instruct tenso to ship to you.

[t-rod]

Any chance of getting another 10% off code?  Would love to use the White Rabbit service to get the HHKB type-s...

[Michael]

White Rabbit Express sounds like a slang term for cocaine usage.

[Sygaldry]

Just ordered a Type-S from WRE as well.

Expedited EMS for 330 dollars (10 dollars more than it cost with the 10% coupon but I guess they did lower the prices a bit in the end)

[Synjin]

I was actually going to purchase it that night though it really changed my mind when the coupon expired before the date they had stated originally. I just felt a bit upset causing me to change my mind about a type S 

[Sygaldry]

I was actually going to purchase it that night though it really changed my mind when the coupon expired before the date they had stated originally. I just felt a bit upset causing me to change my mind about a type S 

The difference in price - before and after the coupon was only 10 or so dollars since they already lowered the price to accommodate for the lower yen-USD exchange rate.

Meh, I can't wait for my Type-S to arrive!

[Synjin]

Its the principle, not the price

[Sygaldry]

Its the principle, not the price

To each his own I guess!

I'm not one to turn away a good price just because a company made a mistake but I can understand why you feel like you've been wronged. Hell, I'd be pissed too (but would still buy the board lol)

[byker]

There wasn't even a mistake.. The company (based overseas) had the coupon go until the date stated in their timezone, not in EST.

[Sygaldry]

There wasn't even a mistake.. The company (based overseas) had the coupon go until the date stated in their timezone, not in EST.

That changes everything lol. No principles violated here by my book.

[Synjin]

I guess I was wrong to assumethat they meant in our timezone as well. Unfortunately I have found a normal hhkb that is is mint condition from someone that I am about to purchase once he gets back to me.

[byker]

I guess I was wrong to assumethat they meant in our timezone as well. Unfortunately I have found a normal hhkb that is is mint condition from someone that I am about to purchase once he gets back to me.

Glad to hear you found one!

[nar]

Well if anyone wants something from japan (including rare stuff that you have to get from auctions/in person) I'm willing to help out

[Synjin]

I guess I was wrong to assumethat they meant in our timezone as well. Unfortunately I have found a normal hhkb that is is mint condition from someone that I am about to purchase once he gets back to me.

Glad to hear you found one!

Thanks byker. I was just notified by someone that EK has them brand new and might go that route. Any suggestions on what model of pro2 I should get? Black/white and Printed/Blank?

[Sygaldry]

I guess I was wrong to assumethat they meant in our timezone as well. Unfortunately I have found a normal hhkb that is is mint condition from someone that I am about to purchase once he gets back to me.

Glad to hear you found one!

Thanks byker. I was just notified by someone that EK has them brand new and might go that route. Any suggestions on what model of pro2 I should get? Black/white and Printed/Blank?

The white one is beautiful.
Printed vs blank is up to you (I always find legends useful with the function layer)
But yeah, EK has a sale on HHkBs now. The base model + shipping is cheaper than Japanese forwarding services but the Type S is still cheaper through Tenso and WRE.

My Type-S was just shipped out and will be arriving in 2-3 business days through EMS. I can't wait!

[byker]

I guess I was wrong to assumethat they meant in our timezone as well. Unfortunately I have found a normal hhkb that is is mint condition from someone that I am about to purchase once he gets back to me.

Glad to hear you found one!

Thanks byker. I was just notified by someone that EK has them brand new and might go that route. Any suggestions on what model of pro2 I should get? Black/white and Printed/Blank?

I think it is completely personal choice man, just get what you prefer. I always prefer the blank caps, but am indifferent about the colour. I traditionally have black electronics but the white hhkb is fairly nice too.

[Synjin]

I guess I was wrong to assumethat they meant in our timezone as well. Unfortunately I have found a normal hhkb that is is mint condition from someone that I am about to purchase once he gets back to me.

Glad to hear you found one!

WRE seems to be the cheapest when purchasing a type-s
Thanks byker. I was just notified by someone that EK has them brand new and might go that route. Any suggestions on what model of pro2 I should get? Black/white and Printed/Blank?

The white one is beautiful.
Printed vs blank is up to you (I always find legends useful with the function layer)
But yeah, EK has a sale on HHkBs now. The base model + shipping is cheaper than Japanese forwarding services but the Type S is still cheaper through Tenso and WRE.

My Type-S was just shipped out and will be arriving in 2-3 business days through EMS. I can't wait!

[Karura]

Reviving an old thread, but has anyone ordered from RWE lately, and were they able to apply the coupon code?

I'm looking to order some goods.