Shipping Ebay item to Japan - HELP!

[Arcadiac]

Hi y'all, I just was messaged thru ebay from a guy in Japan who wants to bid/buy one of my 32X games that I recently listed.

I'm US, KY.
He's in Kyoto, Japan

What am I getting into if I decide to sell/ship to him?
He has 500+ positive feedback and has been registered in Japan over 4 years, looks like a lot of his transactions are UK based.

Any do's/don'ts to protect myself if I decide to ship there?
It's just a game cart in the box w/manual, what would be my best choice for shipping?
However it will be over $100 value.
Insurance, customs?

All input, especially personal experience is welcome.

Thanks! ARCADIAC!

[hypernova]

If he wants insurance, he should pay an extra fee.

Customs payment is all him.  Once it leaves your hands, it's his duty to pay the...duty.

As for filling out the customs form.  Do NOT send it as a "gift" or any other special designation under the actual ending bid.  If he asks you to do this, do NOT do it.  This constitutes FRAUD, and can severely bite you in the ass.  It is a sale, and it is whatever the value is.  NOTHING LESS!

Being over 500 for four years, I wouldn't have any issues sending it to him.  I've shipped quite a few things overseas, and have only had minor issue.  It was resolved later.

[Mauzy]

As long as he doesn't suddenly change his address to Nigeria (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=93296.0) , you'll be fine 

Do NOT send it as a "gift" or any other special designation under the actual ending bid.  If he asks you to do this, do NOT do it.

Also, whats the deal with putting "gift" on an item going through customs? How does this help out the buyer?

[CheffoJeffo]

Also, whats the deal with putting "gift" on an item going through customs? How does this help out the buyer?

Depending on the circumstances (country, nature of the item, amount), duties and/or taxes may be waived, thus saving the buyer some cash.

[danny_galaga]

Yep, if it's a 'gift' there is no duty to pay. I once bought a model boat from the US, and it got hit with duty. Was a butt load too. But small things tend to be left alone. I've bought heaps of things from the US and UK (mostly game carts) and none have been hit with duty. They normally just have a very brief description like 'game cart' or 'magazine' and a value. Sometimes the value they put is a lot less than what i paid. As the others have said, definitely don't write 'gift'. Especially if you have an invoice enclosed 

[hypernova]

Usually smaller monetary amounts don't get taxed.  I think different countries have different numbers.  Say around 20 or so dollars.