FAQ

General Question

What is a SHIOKURI Box?

In Japan, older adults often show affection through actions rather than physical touch. The SHIOKURI Box is a way for parents to express their love and support to their adult children by sending them a box filled with comforting food, drinks, and products. These include items that remind them of home and local favorites they might miss.

What happens after I subscribe?

Upon subscribing to our monthly delivered SHIOKURI Box plan, you will be automatically charged each month. We will deliver your SHIOKURI Box at the beginning of each month, filled with love and warmth, containing comforting Japanese food and daily necessities. Important: You can’t cancel your subscription during the first 3 months after you subscribed.

Are there any benefits to continuing the subscription?

Yes, you can enjoy 30 minutes of Ask Japan Locals zoom call. Additionally, there might be a special surprise in your SHIOKURI Box during your birthday month! We are also planning several other benefits like allowing you to order more of your favorite items, special only for subscribers items, and more!

Is SHIOKURI BOX shipping free?

Yes, the shipping cost are already included in the plan's price, so the total at checkout will not change!

Why can we only buy the SHIOKURI Box from the 1st to the 25th of each month?

Our service uses an on-demand system. This ensure we provide fresh food items without wasting products.

From the 26st to the end of each month, we pause orders for the SHIOKURI Box to focus on packing and shipping. Our SHIOKURI Box services reopens on the 1st of each month.

If you are trying to make a one-time purchase or subscribe during the period where we don’t accept orders, please subscribe to our email list. We will notify you by email when orders resume.

When will the SHIOKURI Box arrive?

We prepare packaging and shipping from the 26st to the 28th of each month, regardless of whether you have a one-time purchase or a subscription. Delivery typically takes 2 to 5 days after dispatch, so your box should arrive in the first few days of each month.

You can always find the tracking number and check the status of your shipment by logging into your My Account page on our website.

I want to change or cancel my order.

Please be aware that we do not accept changes or cancellations after payment has been completed. If you chose a subscription plan, you can’t cancel your subscription during the first 3 months.

Shipping

What is the method of shipping?

Your SHIOKURI Box will be delivered via DHL Express. We use DHL's "Go Green Plus" service, which utilizes sustainable fuel and aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

In which countries can the SHIOKURI Box be purchased?

It is currently available only in the United States. However, Ask Japan Locals allows purchases from all over the world, not just the U.S.

We are working hard to expand our shipping to other countries! If you’d like us to ship to your country, please contact us and let us know.

Where can I check the delivery status?

You can check the status of your delivery by logging into My Page on our website.

My box has not arrived yet!

Our boxes are shipped by DHL. You can find the tracking number and check the status of your shipment by logging into your My Account page on our website. You are eligible for reshipment only if your order has been confirmed as automatically returned to us. If you contact us and we can confirm that the box has been automatically returned to us, we will resend it, but you will be responsible for the shipping cost (payable upon delivery).

What should I do if the product arrived damaged?

Please email our team at info@dostaquitos.com with photos of the damage. We will make sure to address the issue promptly. Please include photos of your order.

What should I do if I could not receive the product?

If you miss the delivery, the box will be held at your nearest post office. Please contact them directly. You can find the tracking number on your My Account page and on the missed delivery notice. Please arrange for redelivery within one week; otherwise, the box will be returned to us. If you contact us, we will resend it, but you will be responsible for the shipping cost (payable upon delivery).

Do shipping costs include customs duties and taxes?

Please double-check your country's customs regulations. Customs duties and taxes vary by country and are not included in our shipping costs. We are not responsible for these charges, as they are levied by your local government.

Subscription

Can I decide the date and time to receive the SHIOKURI Box?

We are unable to accommodate specific time or courier requests. We appreciate your understanding. If you miss a delivery, you can arrange for redelivery using the invoice number on the missed delivery notification.

Does the SHIOKURI Box arrive automatically?

Yes, the box is delivered automatically each month. Note that you cannot cancel the subscription until you have received the box three times, allowing you to fully experience the care and warmth from Japan.

I want to cancel the subscription plan.

The subscription is set for a minimum of three months. You must receive three SHIOKURI Boxes before you can cancel. To cancel, please submit your request by the 19th of the month in which you intend to cancel it; otherwise, we will proceed with shipping preparations. There are no refunds.

Can I skip the subscription box?

Yes, you can skip it by logging into My Page on our website.

Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards. We also accept quick payment options like PayPal,Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay.

If I subscribe, on what day of the month will I be charged from the 2nd month onwards?

Subscriptions:
The payment for the first SHIOKURI Box will be processed at the time of your order. For subsequent orders, the payment will be charged to your registered credit card on the 20th of each month.

One-time Purchase:
The payment will be completed at the time of your order.

Is my payment information safe?

Absolutely. All payments are processed through our secure checkout powered by Shopify Payments. We would never store or sell your payment or personal information, we value your privacy.

How can I change my subscription payment information?

You can do it by logging into My Page on our website where you can edit your payment information.

Is a refund possible?

We do not offer refunds for returns based on customer convenience.

How much is the monthly payment?

A one-time order costs $116, including shipping fees. A subscription costs $99 per month, including shipping fees.

Product

What should I do if I have allergies?

Each product inside the SHIOKURI Box has a label in English with allergy information. Please check each product’s label before consuming it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

What is included in the SHIOKURI BOX?

Each box includes a variety of comfort foods and daily essentials, reminiscent of what a Japanese mother might send to her adult children. It features items like meals for 5 servings or soup for 12 servings, all reminding them of home and including local favorites they might miss. Additionally, every month the box contains a unique item from local Japanese culture, sourced from a different prefecture, making each delivery a delightful surprise.

Can you provide allergy information or offer custom boxes tailored to dietary restrictions?

An allergy information card is included in each box. Please review this card before consuming any products. Note that we cannot guarantee all items are free from allergens.

How should I contact support?

Please reach out via our contact form or send an email to info@dostaquitos.com

Can I purchase individual products?

Yes, if you are a subscriber, you can select products you liked from previous boxes to include in your current month's box. Just choose these items on the cart page before the 20th of each month and proceed to checkout.