Need an answer I can't get anywhere but here.

[Leonard]

     Been doing my best to study Nihonto for a number of years.

 

     Considering making a purchase from AOI-ART, but have no reference as

     to their business credibility, and actual additional cost of shipping a blade

     to the US.

 

     Any experience and insight to doing business with them would be

     greatly appreciated.

 

    Thank you in advance,

                                          Leonard

 

[cju777]

Hello Leonard,

 

AOI has been discussed here quite a bit and considered a very credible dealer of swords, especially to those outside of Japan. My first was from them as well. 
 

While you are not likely to get a diamond in the rough they are generally upfront in their sales and reputable—I say generally since sometimes the English translations are not the best. A forum search will get you a lot of opinions. I’ve had a positive experience with them. 
 

Some folks don’t care for their auction system when things first pop up, so if it is a newer listing be aware of that. 
 

tThey were responsive and helpful in all of my email questions.
 

As for shipping to the US. That was and I think is now again included in the price. They usual mention if there is an additional cost in the listing for larger items like naganata with fittings or armor. At the worst of the global shipping issues there were additional costs and delays but I think those are over. 

[Mark S.]

I bought one item from them. My advice is to know what you are looking at and then simply ask any questions you have.  They are responsive and I found them to be more than willing to make sure you are happy.  They made a mistake in their listing and when I raised the concern after the item arrived they offered a full refund and pay to send it back.  I still like the item and they then offered me a 50% refund.  I know they lost money on the deal… but they wanted to make it right.  

[Seth]

I agree with everything said above, I have bought two blades from them and have had no issues whatsoever. Neither had additional shipping charges. It took a month and a half roughly for both blades but they communicated with me and let me know what was going on throughout the process. I will absolutely do business with them again. I have my eyes on a wakizashi as we speak.

[Brian]

Mention you are coming from the NMB. Unlike most Japanese dealers, I think it is permissible to try and negotiate a small discount.
Confirm that shipping is included in the cost.

[cju777]

11 hours ago, Brian said:

Mention you are coming from the NMB. Unlike most Japanese dealers, I think it is permissible to try and negotiate a small discount.
Confirm that shipping is included in the cost.

Good point- they offered me a small discount when I mentioned that once. Didn’t end up getting that particular blade at the time but it was appreciated. 

[Leonard]

 

        Many thanks to you all for your

        share of experience.

 

Best Regards,

                        Leonard