Frequently Asked Questions

SUBSCRIPTION

💳 How does the subscription system work?

Subscribe to receive a fun assortment of Japanese snacks every month—no paperwork, no commitment. Cancel anytime from your account.

Your first box is charged at signup and ships within a week. After that, payments are collected on the 20th of each month, with a reminder email on the 15th.

📦 How can I purchase a single box?

We are a subscription service, but you are more than welcome to create a subscription, pay for the first box, and then unsubscribe right after.  This is also a great way to send a gift box!  Once your payment is received after setting up the subscription (this only takes a few minutes) we will start preparing the first package, even if you suspend your subscription. You will not be charged in the following months and will not receive the following monthly boxes.

🎁 Can I send my box as a gift?

Send a gift box or subscription with a free custom message! After subscribing, email us your message at support@freedomjapanesemarket.com, and we’ll include it in the first box.

We can ship directly to your recipient—just enter their shipping address at checkout and use yours for billing.

*NOTE: For a single box, see the “How can I purchase a single box?” FAQ.

💰 What is your refund policy?

Subscription fees are non-refundable, so cancel before renewal to avoid charges. We send reminder emails to ensure you only receive boxes you want.

We may suspend your account or shipments if there’s a payment dispute or suspected fraud. PayPal/Stripe will have the final say on any claims.

For questions, contact us at support@freedomjapanesemarket.com.

🔄 Why did my subscription renew?

Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled before the next billing date. A reminder email is sent 5 days prior.

If not canceled in time, you’ll be charged for renewal. While future renewals can be canceled, the latest charge is non-refundable, and the box will still be sent.

💸 What currency are your prices quoted in?

All prices are in USD. Exchange rates vary daily, so check xe.com for reference. Your bank handles currency conversion at checkout.

❌ I forgot to cancel my subscription. Can I return the box for a refund?

Cancel before the billing date to avoid renewal. Once processed, orders can’t be canceled or refunded, even if returned.

🎁 How can I send gift boxes of Japanese treats to my clients, cast or team members?

Whether you’re treating your team, thanking valued clients, or sending appreciation to your cast or crew, we’re happy to help you share the joy of Japanese snacks! Just click over to our contact us page where you can give us an estimate of how many boxes you’ll need, tell us if the packages need to be shipped in a group or sent directly to the recipient and we will do our best to work something out.

SHIPPING

📦 When does my box ship?
  • If you create your subscription between the 1st of the month to the 15th, your first box ships on the close to the 15th of the month (depending on postal holidays).  If you create your subscription between the 15th and the end of the month, your first box will ship in about a week of your initial order.

  • You’ll receive an email notification with tracking information once it’s on its way.  You will continue receiving updates throughout the shipping process so you will know where your package is, every step of the way.

  • Future boxes ship around the 15th of each month.

🛫 We ship from Japan directly to your door!

🌍 How much is shipping?

Shipping rates are based on your destination country. You’ll see the final cost after entering your address during checkout.

📦 Shipping Zones & Rates:

  • Zone 1 – Southeast Asia, China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan
    $10.99 – Includes international tracking (5–14 business days)

  • Zone 2 – United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Europe
    $13.99 – Includes international tracking (5–14 business days)

  • Zone 3 – Central/South America, Africa
    $20.99 – Includes international tracking (7–28 business days)

📌 Customs Declaration:

  • We declare a value of 2,000 JPY per box, which is often within duty-free limits.

  • Please confirm your local regulations.
    💡 Customers are responsible for any customs fees.

🔄 Shipping rates are subject to change based on international shipping conditions.

🚚 My box has shipped—when will it arrive?
  • You’ll receive tracking updates by email once your box is dispatched.

  • Delivery takes 5 to 15 business days  (1 ~ 3 weeks). Unfortunately, we cannot give an exact delivery date as some places take longer than others.  Shipping times depend on the location (coastal cities receive packages faster than inland areas), season (holidays with gift giving slow shipping times down) and specific local shipping issues (postal strikes, inclement weather, customs efficiency etc.) 

  • If your box hasn’t arrived after 4 weeks, please contact us so we can help.

🎯 Will my box arrive by a specific date?

We do our best to deliver promptly, but international shipping can be unpredictable.

  • Most boxes arrive within 1–3 weeks.

  • If it hasn’t arrived after 4 weeks, reach out—we’re happy to assist!

🛃 Will my package be delayed in customs?

All packages must go through customs in the destination country.

  • After clearing customs, it will be delivered to your address.

  • We cannot control customs delays but try to reduce risk by:

    • Avoiding restricted products

    • Declaring a low item value

  • We recommend checking your country’s current customs clearance times.

📬 If your package hasn’t arrived after 4 weeks, contact us!

🚫 Why isn't my package moving?

We ship promptly, but transit can be delayed due to:

  • Customs inspections

  • Holidays

  • Weather conditions

  • Missed package scans

📦 Use your tracking number to monitor updates.
If it hasn’t moved in 3+ weeks, contact us and we’ll investigate.

💸 Do I have to pay customs fees?

Unfortunately, we can’t control import taxes or customs duties.

Here’s what we do to help:

  • Declare a low value (2,000 JPY) to reduce chances of fees

  • Avoid shipping restricted or flagged items

💡 However, each country has different rules.
Please check your local customs policy.

📌 You are responsible for any additional import fees.

💔 My box is missing an item or is damaged. What should I do?

If your package is missing or stuck:

  • Wait at least 3 weeks and check the tracking.

  • Contact us with:

    • Your customer number

    • Your full shipping address

📦 Sometimes packages are delayed due to missed scans or customs checks.

If an item is damaged or missing:

  • Email us right away.

  • Include:

    • A clear photo of the box

    • Photos of damaged items

🛠️ If it was our error, we’ll fix it immediately.

⚠️ Note: If the shipping address you provided was incorrect, we unfortunately can’t issue replacements.

📬 My package was marked “Delivered” but isn’t here. What should I do?

Sometimes packages are scanned “delivered” before they physically arrive.

  1. Wait 5 business days

  2. Check with your local post office

  3. If it still hasn’t arrived, contact us

🏣 What does "Arrival at Collection Point" mean?

Your package has arrived at your local post office.

📍 You’ll need to pick it up in person.
Contact the post office for specific pickup instructions.

🚨 Tip: Pick up your package soon to avoid it being returned to sender.

BILLING/PAYMENT

💳 When is payment collected for my subscription?
  • Your first payment is collected at the time of signup.

  • Your first box ships out right away! 🚀

  • We then adjust your renewal date so that:

    • You aren’t charged too soon after your first subscription payment.

    • Box arrival is spaced out so you are not rushed to eat your snacks

    • You always get the freshest snacks 🍘✨

📧 A renewal reminder email is sent 5 days before your next payment is charged.

🧾 Does the shipping fee include all taxes and customs?

No—shipping fees do not include import taxes or customs duties.

  • Customs fees are set by your country’s government, not by us.

  • Unfortunately, we have no control over these charges.

💡 To help reduce the chance of customs fees, we:

  • Declare a low value of 2,000 JPY per box

  • Avoid sending products that may be flagged during inspection

📌 Please check your country’s customs and import policies to know what to expect.

💱 What currency do you use?

All orders are processed in USD ($).

🌎 No matter where you are in the world, our pricing remains simple and transparent.

🔁 What is your refund policy?

We always stand by our service—and if we make a mistake, we’ll make it right. 🙏

However, if the issue is outside of our control:

❗ Please note:

  • All purchases and renewals are non-refundable

  • If you don’t want to receive future boxes, cancel before your next renewal

  • You’ll get a reminder email 5 days before payment is collected

📦 For multi-month plans:

  • If canceled mid-plan, we’ll still send the remaining boxes

  • Your subscription will be closed after the final shipment


📦 Delayed or lost package?

Delivery usually takes 5–20 business days, depending on your location.

If your box is delayed:

  1. Check the tracking number we sent you.

  2. Look for any notes about customs holds or local delivery issues.

  3. If your package hasn’t moved for a long time or tracking isn’t updating, contact us.

We’re always happy to help! 💌

PRESS/COLLABORATION

📰 Media Inquiries

How do I contact you for a story, interview, or feature?

Are you a journalist, blogger, podcaster, or content creator interested in:

  • Japanese snacks 🍘

  • Life in rural Japan 🏡

  • Subscription culture 📦

  • Multicultural family businesses 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

We’d love to connect and share our story!

👉 To reach us:

  • Visit our Contact Us page

  • Include:

    • A link to your media outlet

    • Your role (e.g., editor, reporter, producer)

    • A brief description of your story idea or interview topic

We’re happy to offer quotes, background, or full interviews to help you share a taste of Japan with your audience.

🤝 Collaborations & Partnerships

How can I collaborate with Freedom Japanese Market?

Are you a:

  • Japanese Snack lover 🍱

  • Cultural ambassador 🌏

  • Influencer or content creator 🎥

  • Japan enthusiast 🎌

If you’re passionate about Japanese culture and snacks—and want to share that love with the world—we’d love to partner with you!

🔗 Ways to collaborate:

  • Become an affiliate

  • Join our Cultural Snack Ambassador program

  • Co-create content featuring our snack boxes

📬 How to apply:

Send us a message through the Contact Us page and include:

  • A link to your social media or website

  • A quick message about how you’d like to collaborate

Let’s make the world a tastier place—one snack at a time