Shipping policy

Kyoto Vault Shipping Policy

At Kyoto Vault, we’re delighted to offer complimentary worldwide express shipping on all orders. Each shipment is fully insured, carefully prepared, and dispatched using FedEx International Priority or DHL Express—whichever is most appropriate for your destination and provides the most reliable service lane.

Delivery Addresses

To ensure smooth, secure delivery for high-value goods:

  • A physical street address is required.

  • We do not deliver to PO Boxes (FedEx/DHL typically require a street address for express delivery and signature services).

  • Please include a recipient phone number at checkout, as couriers may require it for delivery coordination and customs clearance.

  • Address accuracy matters. Please double-check apartment/unit numbers, building names, access codes, and any local formatting requirements. If a shipment is returned due to an incomplete/incorrect address, re-shipping and/or return charges may apply.

Processing & Dispatch

  • In-stock items: Typically prepared and dispatched within 1–2 business days.

  • Made-to-order / backorder / limited availability: Any extended lead time will be clearly stated on the product page. These timelines reflect artisan production schedules and limited-run availability.

Business days are Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.

Delivery Timeframes (After Dispatch)

  • Estimated transit time: 2–7 business days worldwide after dispatch in most cases.

  • Please note that delivery timeframes are estimates, not guarantees, and may be impacted by customs processing, peak periods, weather disruptions, and destination-specific routing.

Tracking, Insurance & Signature

  • Tracking: You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order ships.

  • Insurance: All shipments are insured in transit.

  • Signature on delivery: For many high-value shipments, a signature may be required. Where permitted, if you request “authority to leave” or similar instructions directly with the courier, liability for loss or theft may shift to the recipient.

Delivery Instructions (Important)

We’re happy to pass delivery notes to the courier (e.g., “leave with concierge” or “call on arrival”). However:

  • Delivery instructions are requests, not guarantees, as the final delivery method is determined by the carrier and local driver policies.

  • For the most reliable outcome, we recommend ensuring someone is available to receive the parcel (especially for signature-required deliveries).

Rural / Non-Urban Deliveries & Remote Area Surcharges

Our express shipping is complimentary in most locations. However, some rural, non-urban, or remote areas may incur additional carrier fees or extended transit times.

  • If a remote area surcharge applies to your address, we will contact you prior to dispatch with options (such as confirming the surcharge, using an alternate eligible address, or in some cases cancelling the order if shipping is not feasible).

Customs, Duties & Taxes

International shipments may be subject to import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or local handling charges determined by your country.

  • Unless otherwise stated at checkout, orders are shipped Delivered At Place (DAP), meaning the recipient is responsible for any duties/taxes assessed upon import.

  • Customs authorities may occasionally request additional information from the recipient before releasing a shipment.

High-Value Orders & Fraud Screening

To protect our clients and ensure secure delivery of high-end goods, Kyoto Vault may, in rare cases, conduct additional order verification, including:

  • confirming billing and shipping details,

  • requesting supplemental identification or proof of address,

  • or placing an order on hold pending confirmation.

If verification is required, our team will contact you promptly. Orders that cannot be verified may be cancelled and refunded.

Missed Deliveries, Refused Deliveries & “Return to Sender”

If delivery is unsuccessful (e.g., repeated missed attempts, refusal of delivery, address issues, or unpaid duties/taxes) and the shipment is returned, redirected, or abandoned:

  • you may be responsible for carrier fees, return shipping, handling charges, and any customs/brokerage costs incurred, and

  • any approved refund may be processed net of these costs, where permitted by law.

Changes & Cancellations

  • Address changes: We can assist with updates before dispatch. Once shipped, changes may not be possible and may incur carrier fees.

  • Cancellations: Please contact us as soon as possible. Once an order is in dispatch processing or shipped, cancellation may not be available.

On Arrival

We recommend inspecting your delivery upon arrival.

If anything is incorrect or arrives with transit damage, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and include:

  • your order number, and

  • clear photos/video (including packaging if damage is visible).

This helps us assist quickly and, where applicable, lodge timely carrier/insurance documentation.

Client Support

For shipping questions, delivery advice, or availability checks, please contact our Client Support Services—it would be our pleasure to assist.