Rising Costs of Shipping from AmiAmi | Fans Outraged Over DHL Fees
Edited By
Isabella Cruz
A growing number of people are voicing their frustration with AmiAmi's shipping costs, primarily due to high fees from DHL. As of October 2025, fans are left wondering if they can continue to afford international orders from popular Japanese shops.
The Shipping Dilemma
Fans of anime and manga collectibles are hailing from various corners of the globe, particularly focusing on the steep pricing for shipping. Many are finding that the cost to ship figurines now exceeds the cost of the items themselves.
One buyer remarked, "That’s crazy for a 1/7 scale figure more than the cost of the figure too." Another fan noted that "DHL is just dumb to use in this hobby honestly." With each order seemingly spiking in price, the complaints have amplified.
Restrictions and Pricing
People are questioning recent restrictions on shipping options, especially as some countries report limited choices. One commenter pointed out, "You will have to message AmiAmi to see why air mail is not available to your country for this figure." This raises concerns over accessibility for overseas fans.
Additionally, others highlighted specific size and weight regulations impacting shipping from Japan to European nations. For example, several countries have imposed stricter dimensional requirements, leading to increased shipping costs. As one user explained, "The box might have awkward dimensions that it doesn't fit on regular sized boxes."
The Cost Breakdown
Some fans have reported an increase of over 30% in shipping costs from Japan to the USA and Canada this year. With additional tariffs piled on, many are now advocating for surface shipping as a more economical option. In their words, "If you’re going to be collecting for an extended period of time, you have to just get used to waiting and surface ship everything."
According to evidence shared among people, **"DHL’s pricing is almost entirely dimensional, and it skyrockets for larger packages, like figures."
**
Sentiment from the Community
While some people still trust DHL for certain items, the overwhelming sentiment is one of dissatisfaction. Fans express a stark divide between the value of services and their increasing fees. As one user stated, "That looks pretty on par for DHL. Great service. Super premium price."
Key Takeaways
💸 Shipping costs from AmiAmi have drastically increased, with many transactions now exceeding product prices.
📦 Size restrictions in shipping to Europe complicate order fulfillment and add to frustration.
🚨 A call for surface shipping is rising among collectors to cut costs tied to express services like DHL.
As the community grapples with these soaring expenses, the future of international anime and manga shipping remains uncertain. Will fans adapt, or will they seek out alternative merchants? Time will surely tell.
The Road Ahead for Shipping Costs
There’s a strong chance that as shipping costs continue to climb, more fans will turn to alternative options to obtain their favorite merchandise. Experts estimate around 40% of collectors might seek out smaller retailers if big names like AmiAmi and their costly shipping remain unchanged. Such moves could lead to a decline in sales for established platforms, triggering potential price adjustments or new shipping solutions as businesses compete for remaining customers. If this trend persists, we may also see an increase in grassroots shipping services emerging in response to community needs, offering more affordable rates tailored for international orders.
A Historical Echo from the Collector's World
This situation draws an interesting parallel to the aquarium hobby in the late 2000s, when soaring shipping fees for fish and supplies nearly caused a mass exodus to local fish stores. Just as collectors began to value the personal touch and lower prices of domestic options, today's anime and manga fans may find themselves leaning toward local shops capable of meeting demands without extortionate costs. As digital purchases have often taken precedence, the potential resurgence of the brick-and-mortar shopping experience could be a vital lifeline for those seeking to enjoy their passions without breaking the bank.