The "slow boat" shipping option is a special reduced rate available for people in EU member states + UK and Switzerland and the USA. Instead of paying for shipping your one single order from the EU to USA or from USA to the EU+ you can join your order to a once a month consolidated package.
Consolidated packages contain orders from many people. Higher weight = better price! Orders are gathered together and then shipped to the appropriate destination as close to the 15th of each month as is possible. After the consolidated box arrives it is separated out and individual shipping labels are applied.
example 1: USA client wants to buy a book that is only in stock at the Germany location. In the shopping cart, choose Economy or Expedited shipping to go directly DE→USA with standard transit times. Or choose SLOW BOAT option to join the monthly consolidated box of several orders. It will leave Germany close to the 15th of the month, arrive to AkaTako USA and be unpacked, and then get a local shipping label with either Economy or Expedited shipping depending on your choice.
example 2: EU+ client buys a book that is only available from the USA location. Shipping to EU member states must be VAT compliant so it needs to go to AkaTako Germany location first. More info here. Your only choice is the SLOW BOAT option. You may contact me if you wish to have other options!
*If you want to purchase something and think that the "slow boat" option could be applicable please contact me to find out what is possible.