FAQ

Shipping

What shipping methods are offered?

We ship our packages with DHL Courier Service, and there are some extra services you can choose from (e.g. Direct Signature, Insurance).

Should I choose Direct Signature?

Yes, Direct Signature is highly recommended. It is a cheap service, and it is extremely useful in the protection of the package and greatly reduces the risk of the package being lost.

How long will it take for my package to arrive?

We post the packages from our warehouse within 5 workdays of placing the order. After that, it depends on the delivery country and customs procedures. It usually takes about 2-3 workdays.

Is the package insured during transportation? What happens if some items get damaged under transportation?

You can choose to insure your package as an extra service, especially for unique or more expensive products. All our packages are sent as FOB (Free on Board), which is a term in international commercial law meaning that as soon as the shipment of goods leaves our warehouse, we record the sale as complete. You own the products en route as a buyer and you assume responsibility for completing the customs clearance and for managing the final delivery. That also means that if the package is lost or damaged in transit, you must file any claims for reimbursement.

Which countries do you ship to?

We ship to the following countries: United States of America, Canada, countries of the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia. If you would like to order from another country, please contact us and we can look into the possibilities. To see the full list of countries click HERE.

Do you have a physical store I can visit?

We only operate as a webstore and have no physical store where our products can be purchased.

How do you package the products? What packaging materials do you use?

We package every product with the utmost care, taking every step to ensure safe delivery. Because of this, we guarantee all items, and if a product arrives damaged or broken we either replace or refund the item. For detailed rules of guarantees and refunds, please read our Terms and Conditions, and our Return Policy.
We use different kinds of materials for packaging:
Cardboard box
Plastic protective materials (bubble wrap, protective foam wrap, void fillers)
Paper protective materials (boxes, wrapping, void-fillers)

What if I receive the wrong item or the item is damaged?

We guarantee all items, and if a product arrives damaged or broken we either replace or refund the item. If a wrong item is delivered, we also replace or refund the wrong item. For detailed rules of guarantees and refunds, please read our Terms and Conditions, and our Return Policy.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs depends on the size of the package, the shipping country, and any extra services you choose. Please note, that customs fees might also be applicable and do not belong to our competence. Check our detailed Shipping Fee Chart.

Can I track my package?

Yes, we send out the tracking number and tracking link for every package in an email after it leaves our warehouse, so you can check the status and follow the route of your package.

Are there any extra fees I can expect when ordering?

Other than the product price, shipping fee and fee for any extra services you choose, customs fees might be applicable upon the package arriving in your country. Customs fees do not belong to our competence, you will have to pay them to your local customs office. For current regulations and information regarding customs ask your local DHL office. Please note, that these regulations might change from time to time, so make sure you are always up to date in your information.

Do I have to pay customs duty, VAT etc?

Depending on your country, customs fees might be applicable upon the package entering the country. These fees do not belong to our competence, you will have to pay them to your local customs office. For current regulations and information regarding customs ask your local DHL office before placing your order. Please note that these regulations might change from time to time, so make sure you are always up to date with your information.

Do the prices on your webshop contain VAT?

No, we only use net prices, we don’t include VAT.

Orders

How and when should I pay for the goods?

You have to pay for your order (product prices, shipping fees and chosen extra services) when you place the order. COD payment method is not available. Your order will only be sent out and delivered if we have received the payment in full. Customs fees might be applicable upon the package entering your country. These fees do not belong to our competence, you will have to pay them to your local customs office.
Payments can be made with the following methods:
PayPal (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Discover Card)
Credit card payment (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners)
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Amazon Pay

What should I do if I there is a mistake in the contact information I have provided (e-mail address, shipping address, phone number, etc)?

If you notice there is a mistake in the information you have provided, let us know as soon as possible via email at office@riceye.jp. We can modify your order information, but only if we are notified before the order is processed (within 12 hours of placing the order). We are unable to make any changes after processing your order.

Can I get a discount on my order?

We have seasonal promotional discounts. Details of current promotions can be found on our main page and Instagram account. Please note, that promotions are for a limited time and there are time periods when no promotion is available.

I would like to have samples. Do you send samples for free?

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any samples of our products.

Policies

Can I return a product I ordered?

We do not accept returns for any subjective or personal reasons.
We can only accept your return and request for a refund or replacement in the following instances:
the item shipped is not the item ordered
the item shipped is defective
the item shipped is damaged.
To be eligible for a refund or replacement, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, and in its original packaging.
We have a 14-day refund policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a refund or replacement. We are not able to refund, replace or exchange perishable goods.

Can I cancel my order?

Cancelling an order is only possible within 12 hours after the order was placed. So please carefully consider your purchase before ordering. Email us at office@riceye.jp for order cancellation.

Can I change my order after I placed it?

Changing an order (replacing or canceling a purchased item in an order) is only possible within 12 hours after the order was placed. So please carefully consider your purchase before ordering. Email us at office@riceye.jp if you want to change your order.

Do you collect my personal data?

For details on our data collection check out our Privacy Policy.

What are the terms and conditions of using your website?

You can find our Terms and Conditions HERE.

Wholesale Orders

Do you have a wholesale catalogue available?

No, we do not have a catalogue of our products. Please contact us at wholesale@riceye.jp if you have a wholesale demand.

What is the wholesale minimum order quantity or value?

For details on minimum order quantity and value please contact us at wholesale@riceye.jp.

I would like to have samples. Do you send wholesale samples for free?

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any samples of our products.

What are the wholesale prices of the products?

For details on our wholesale prices please contact us at wholesale@riceye.jp and let us know, what products you are interested in.

What are the terms of becoming a wholesale partner?

You have to have a legally registered, active business operation in your country, with an active website. To become a wholesale partner, please contact us at wholesale@riceye.jp and provide your company information (name, company ID, VAT number, address, etc), website URL and possibly any legal documents proving the legitimacy of the business details provided.

What is the lead time on wholesale orders?

If we have the ordered items in the requested amount in stock the package can be dispatched within 5 business days. If the ordered item is not in stock, lead time depends on the capacity of the manufacturer of the item and can be discussed individually, case by case.

Utensils

How do I clean my utensils?

Wash your utensils by hand, using natural soap and no hard chemicals. Do not use dishwasher, microwave, scrubbing agent, bleach, or whitener.

Are the utensils dishwasher and microwave safe?

Never use any of our utensils in a dishwasher or microwave.

Can these utensils handle direct heat?

Unless otherwise indicated in the product description, our utensils are purely for serving and dining purposes and can not handle direct heat.

Are your products handmade?

All of our products are handmade, which is also indicated in the product description of each item.

What materials are your products made of?

Our products can be made of various materials (clay, wood, bamboo, etc), all of which are indicated in the product description of each item. Every item is safe and meets the strict Japanese quality control.

Are your products food safe?

Yes, all the products we sell are safe. Health regulations in Japan are very strict, and all products are tested.

Rice

What kind of rice is best for sushi?

In general sticky, short grain rice is suitable for making suchi. For more info on the rice varieties and their use, please check our blog post.

Is the rice you sell safe for consumption?

Yes, all the rice we sell is safe. Health regulations in Japan are very strict and all products are from trusted agricultural sources under the JAS control.

How do I choose the rice most suitable for my needs?

To decide which rice cultivar is best for your needs, check our blog post.

Is your rice organic?

No, we do not offer rice with organic certification. All our partners strive to make rice with the least pesticides and fertilizers possible, are all safe for consumption and all are under JAP control, but we are unable to provide organic certificates for them.

What is the best-before date of the rice you sell?

Rice does not have best-before date. On our products we show the harvest time and the date of milling. We always provide rice from the latest harvest.

What are the nutritional facts of the rice you sell?

Japonica rice 100g

Water 60.0g
Carbohydrate 37.1g
Protein 2.5g
Fat 0.3g
Sodium 1mg
Potassium 29mg
Calcium 3mg
Magnesium 7mg
Phosphorus 34mg
Iron 0.1mg
Zinc 0.6mg
Copper 0.10mg
Manganese 0.35mg
Vitamin B1 0.02mg
Selenium 1μg
Molybdenum 30μg
Vitamin B2 0.01 mg
Niacin 0.2mg
Folic acid 3μg
Pantothenic acid 0.25mg
Biotin 0.5μg

Where is your rice from?

All the rice we offer are produced in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

Is your rice fresh?

We always provide rice from the latest harvest.

How should I cook my rice?

For tips on how to cook your rice, check our blog post.

Are your rices grown with pesticides and fertilizers? Are they tested?

Our partners strive to use the minimum amount of pesticides needed for a healthy crop. We don’t keep and can not provide any laboratory test results. Health regulations in Japan are very strict and all products are from trusted agricultural sources under the JAS control.

Does rice go bad?

No, rice does not go bad, but if it is not stored properly, it can be susceptible to infestations by insects or pests, which can render it inedible, or it can go stale. Store your rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.