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Welcome to Part 2 of my 'Japanese Proxy Sites Comparison: K-Pop Merch Edition'.
Not going to keep you waiting, let's get started.
Order Shipped: 1/10/2018
Overall, it's a service that I highly recommend. I'm constantly using it and have no plans on stopping yet. 5/5! As I said for Japonica Market: Customer service is prompt and very communicative, the ability to find some of the rarest to the most recent of releases for such reasonable prices, the shipping is pretty quick and has a good number of options, packaging is pretty good and secure. It's not perfect but is pretty reliable and has never let me down.
That's the end of this short but very well detailed series.
Thank you for coming to learn about Proxy Sites and Services with me.
I do apologize for how long it has taken but I hope I was able to assist in some way.
I will probably not be back on this blog anytime soon as I have kinda moved over to Instagram where I am focusing on posting my K-Pop collection and interacting with other fans. I also have a YouTube channel where I've been posting (very snail like mind you) my experiences from 2 K-Pop concerts I attended (The Rose 2018 and BTS 2019). If you are interested in following my journey and such my Instagram is here and my YouTube is this!
Thank you for reading.
And till whenever!
May the Lord God be with you and take care.
Chibi J signing out!
Bye......
Not going to keep you waiting, let's get started.
Wakuwakumono
Direct from the official website:
'Japan proxy buying service. Want to buy products from Japanese websites? Such as Amazon, Rakuten and others? We buy and ship items directly to you.'
'Japan proxy buying service. Want to buy products from Japanese websites? Such as Amazon, Rakuten and others? We buy and ship items directly to you.'
For more detailed info, check out their FAQ and Services:
https://www.wakuwakumono.com/faq/
Services offered:
Proxy Shopping Service (Link)
Japan Ticket Buying Service (assistance in tickets for events in Japan e.g. baseball) (Link)
Sell Your Products in Japan (assistance in selling items in Japan) (Link)
I have not used the last 2 services and I don't believe the owner was offering them when I used the proxy service but I could be remembering wrong.
Order Date: 8/8/2018
https://www.wakuwakumono.com/faq/
Services offered:
Proxy Shopping Service (Link)
Japan Ticket Buying Service (assistance in tickets for events in Japan e.g. baseball) (Link)
Sell Your Products in Japan (assistance in selling items in Japan) (Link)
I have not used the last 2 services and I don't believe the owner was offering them when I used the proxy service but I could be remembering wrong.
Order Date: 8/8/2018
Item:
Mercari item #m69293686851: BTS Hip Hop Monster Plush:
Park Jimin
Item Cost: 2800 yen
Domestic Shipping: Free
International Shipping Fee: 1354 yen (SAL with
tracking)
Transaction Fee: 215 yen
Order Shipped: August 17, 2018
Order Arrival: August 27, 2018
Here we are with another service but this one seems to be run by a single person, Kim.
Kim is the owner and the one who you'll be in contact with for your request. Kim will be the one doing the direct purchases for you. Basically, when you find an item(s) you're interested in getting, you'll fill up the form on the Buy from Japan page under the Services tab. Kim will respond via email with more information about your request. If you are unsure about the price for something using the service, there is a Request a Quote option where you'll also fill out a form, submit it and wait for a response. Kim is a very nice, pleasant and helpful person to converse with and is very prompt and detailed about communication about your order.
I was given 4 different shipping options (cheap to pricey): 2 SAL options, Airmail & EMS. I chose SAL with tracking as mentioned previously.
Overall, I give the entire service 5/5. Packaged pretty well but it wasn't something I was worried about since it was a plush doll and the amount of newspaper wrapping in the box was quite a lot so it was cushioned really well. Not much to say other than read the FAQ and Services info about fees and conditions before placing your order.
Kim is the owner and the one who you'll be in contact with for your request. Kim will be the one doing the direct purchases for you. Basically, when you find an item(s) you're interested in getting, you'll fill up the form on the Buy from Japan page under the Services tab. Kim will respond via email with more information about your request. If you are unsure about the price for something using the service, there is a Request a Quote option where you'll also fill out a form, submit it and wait for a response. Kim is a very nice, pleasant and helpful person to converse with and is very prompt and detailed about communication about your order.
I was given 4 different shipping options (cheap to pricey): 2 SAL options, Airmail & EMS. I chose SAL with tracking as mentioned previously.
Overall, I give the entire service 5/5. Packaged pretty well but it wasn't something I was worried about since it was a plush doll and the amount of newspaper wrapping in the box was quite a lot so it was cushioned really well. Not much to say other than read the FAQ and Services info about fees and conditions before placing your order.
Japonica Market
Summary from official website:
'konnichiwa !!
Mercari/Yahoo Auction Shopping Agent Service.
We make the bid/order/pre-order on your behalf in Japan. Mercari, Rakuma, Yahoo! Japan Auction, Otamart, Mbok, Rakuten, Amazon Japan, ZOZO, Suruga-ya, Toranoana, Angelic Pretty, p-bandai and all most all Japanese Online Sites.'
'konnichiwa !!
Mercari/Yahoo Auction Shopping Agent Service.
We make the bid/order/pre-order on your behalf in Japan. Mercari, Rakuma, Yahoo! Japan Auction, Otamart, Mbok, Rakuten, Amazon Japan, ZOZO, Suruga-ya, Toranoana, Angelic Pretty, p-bandai and all most all Japanese Online Sites.'
Another proxy service company BUT it is widely known for allowing international customers to purchase from Mercari Japan. Mercari Japan is a fan favorite with K-Pop collectors as many sellers on the site sell very rare and out of print items for extremely reasonable (sometimes down right mindbogglingly cheap) prices. Another reason for it's popularity is the fact that many of the items have 'Free Domestic Shipping' (but there are a number that are 'Cash on delivery' or do actually have shipping fees so watch out for those), which can be another annoying fee for many who use other sites that already have at least 2 or 3 other fees stacked.
Order
1 (Mercari Japan)
Order Date: 8/7/2018 - 8/18/2018
Items:
2NE1 Official Light Stick
Item cost: 1250 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 250 yen
B.A.P Official Light Stick
Item cost: 1800 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
B.A.P towel
Item cost: 422 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
Wonder Girls 2nd Album - Wonder World
Item cost: 700 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
Wonder Girls Official Light Stick
Item cost: 1800 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 1075
Commission Fee: 500 yen
Order Shipped: 8/24/2018
Order Arrival: 9/6/2018
Details:
5 items
Auction/Order total: 7047 yen
Commission Fees: 2250 yen
Registered Airmail (1749g): 2795 yen
International fee (3.2% + 40 yen): 244 yen
Deposit: 5972 yen
Total 12336 yen - Deposit 5972 yen = 6364 yen remaining to pay (which was paid. Once outstanding balance is paid shipping procedures begin)
In'tl Shipping method: Registered Airmail
Order
2 (Mercari Japan)
Order Date: 8/25/2018 - 9/3/2018
Items:
BTS J-Hope card set
Item cost: 1899 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
BTS Jimin card 1
Item cost: 499 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
BTS J-Hope card
Item cost: 333 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
BTS Jimin card 2
Item cost: 666 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 0
Commission Fee: 500 yen
Order Shipped: 9/13/2018
Order Arrival: 9/19/2018
Details:
4 items (10 cards in total)
Auction/Order total: 3397 yen
Commission Fees: 2000 yen
Registered Airmail (169g): 785 yen
International fee (3.2% + 40 yen): 134 yen
Deposit: 3397 yen
Total 6316 yen - Deposit 3397 yen = 2919 yen remaining to pay
In'tl Shipping method: Registered Airmail
There are 2 main options for using them: Auction (For auction sites like Yahoo Auctions) and Shopping (direct purchases from sites like Mercari Japan). Check Services page for more detailed information.
I have only used the Shopping option, so all my notes are based on those purchases. But there is an Auction option and looks pretty simple to use BUT please read up on how to the service before you run wild with the wind and go auctioning on everything that looks good.
The format for both pages is the same I believe: you'll give the item a title, copy the item link into the 'URL' location, the price it is, etc. Very simple to understand and follow.
n.b: from here on everything is based on the Shopping option but it looks like the Auction follows the same format.
Shipping options are on the same page as where you'll be submitting the links for the items you wish to purchase. There are 3 to 4 options. I am not sure of the process of changing shipping once selected as I have only selected Registered Airmail (which was the cheapest option based on me looking through their FAQ and other links on their page WHICH I ADVISE YOU DO BEFORE SUBMITTING ANY REQUESTS WITH THEM!) but they are pretty responsive to questions but please bare in mind that English is not their first language (as they most likely use a translation tool (not confirmed)) it'll have some weirdly phrased sentences but you'll be able to understand it. For more detailed info, please check the Shipping page.
For commission rates, this is a little confusing as I had an item the only that was only 250 yen commission while a similarly priced item was 500 yen. Check the Payment page for more detailed information.
Communication is done via email but the format can be very confusing for first timers as there is a lot of text that can look like a jumbled mess. But it is very simple and self explanatory once you take your time to actually read the email. There will be an initial email of what items were submitted for purchase along with initial deposit info. Every following email will be the same format for the most part (with the title informing you of the number of items that were successfully won, canceled, on hold etc). When everything has arrived you'll receive an email asking if you want to have the invoice sent to you (I believe they hold your items for you for 20 to 30 BUT don't quote me on that. CHECK THE INFO LINKS THEY PROVIDE) and if you agree, you'll have 7 days to pay before it can be shipped to you. Once payment is received and confirmed on their end, you'll receive a final email for shipment and tracking. The Services page also provides a look at how their email is formatted and similarly important info.
These 2 screenshots are of one of my orders:
Out of all the services I have used, this one and the next one (Zen Market) I use the most and I highly recommend both of them! 5/5 for Japonica Market! Customer service is prompt and very communicative, the ability to find some of the rarest to the most recent of releases for such reasonable prices, the shipping is pretty quick and has a good number of options, packaging is pretty good and secure, and that free domestic shipping possibility is the icing on the cake.
There are 2 main options for using them: Auction (For auction sites like Yahoo Auctions) and Shopping (direct purchases from sites like Mercari Japan). Check Services page for more detailed information.
I have only used the Shopping option, so all my notes are based on those purchases. But there is an Auction option and looks pretty simple to use BUT please read up on how to the service before you run wild with the wind and go auctioning on everything that looks good.
The format for both pages is the same I believe: you'll give the item a title, copy the item link into the 'URL' location, the price it is, etc. Very simple to understand and follow.
n.b: from here on everything is based on the Shopping option but it looks like the Auction follows the same format.
Shipping options are on the same page as where you'll be submitting the links for the items you wish to purchase. There are 3 to 4 options. I am not sure of the process of changing shipping once selected as I have only selected Registered Airmail (which was the cheapest option based on me looking through their FAQ and other links on their page WHICH I ADVISE YOU DO BEFORE SUBMITTING ANY REQUESTS WITH THEM!) but they are pretty responsive to questions but please bare in mind that English is not their first language (as they most likely use a translation tool (not confirmed)) it'll have some weirdly phrased sentences but you'll be able to understand it. For more detailed info, please check the Shipping page.
For commission rates, this is a little confusing as I had an item the only that was only 250 yen commission while a similarly priced item was 500 yen. Check the Payment page for more detailed information.
Communication is done via email but the format can be very confusing for first timers as there is a lot of text that can look like a jumbled mess. But it is very simple and self explanatory once you take your time to actually read the email. There will be an initial email of what items were submitted for purchase along with initial deposit info. Every following email will be the same format for the most part (with the title informing you of the number of items that were successfully won, canceled, on hold etc). When everything has arrived you'll receive an email asking if you want to have the invoice sent to you (I believe they hold your items for you for 20 to 30 BUT don't quote me on that. CHECK THE INFO LINKS THEY PROVIDE) and if you agree, you'll have 7 days to pay before it can be shipped to you. Once payment is received and confirmed on their end, you'll receive a final email for shipment and tracking. The Services page also provides a look at how their email is formatted and similarly important info.
These 2 screenshots are of one of my orders:
Out of all the services I have used, this one and the next one (Zen Market) I use the most and I highly recommend both of them! 5/5 for Japonica Market! Customer service is prompt and very communicative, the ability to find some of the rarest to the most recent of releases for such reasonable prices, the shipping is pretty quick and has a good number of options, packaging is pretty good and secure, and that free domestic shipping possibility is the icing on the cake.
Zen Market
From their website:
'Zen Market is a Japanese proxy shopping service where you can buy from thousands of online stores. Our international team based here in Osaka provides you with the best online shopping experience so you can buy your favorite items with ease. Buying items from halfway across the world can be nerve-wracking and we try to make the experience as painless as possible. With over half a million registered users from all over the globe, we ensure language will never prevent you from using our service. Currently, we provide customer support in 9 different languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Russian, Ukrainian, and Malay. Our customer service team is always happy to help you with any issues you might have!'
About page: Link
'Zen Market is a Japanese proxy shopping service where you can buy from thousands of online stores. Our international team based here in Osaka provides you with the best online shopping experience so you can buy your favorite items with ease. Buying items from halfway across the world can be nerve-wracking and we try to make the experience as painless as possible. With over half a million registered users from all over the globe, we ensure language will never prevent you from using our service. Currently, we provide customer support in 9 different languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Russian, Ukrainian, and Malay. Our customer service team is always happy to help you with any issues you might have!'
About page: Link
Please check links for detailed information as they explain their services far better than I could (but I'll put my 2 cents in where needed):
First Timer?: Link
Fees: Link
Payment: Link
Shipping: Link
Auction: Link
All links have sub links for even more detailed information.
Order Date: 02/09/2018 - 23/09/2018
First Timer?: Link
Fees: Link
Payment: Link
Shipping: Link
Auction: Link
All links have sub links for even more detailed information.
Order Date: 02/09/2018 - 23/09/2018
Items:
O! RUL8,2? RM Trading cards
Item cost: 555 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 100 yen
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 955 yen
Nine Muses "Drama" propaganda (basically fan made) raw photo
13-sheet set
Item cost: 650 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 250/500 yen
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 1200 yen
2NE1 photo essay What's Up? We're 2NE1 BOOK Korean
Version
Item cost: 2800 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 182 yen
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 3282 yen
BTS RM LOVE YOURSELF 轉 Tear O ver. Enclosed
official trading cards
Item cost: 500 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 82 yen
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 882 yen
BTS RM LOVE YOURSELF: Her trading cards RM
Item cost: 500 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 82 yen (same seller)
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 882 yen
BTS RM LOVE YOURSELF: Her trading cards O
Item cost: 680 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 82 yen (same seller)
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 1062 yen
BTS SUGA DARK & WILD trading cards
Item cost: 1000 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: free
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 1300 yen
BTS RM DARK & WILD official trading cards
Item cost: 400 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 82 yen (same seller)
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 782 yen
BTS JiMin DARK & WILD official trading card
Item cost: 800 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 82 yen (same seller)
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 1182 yen
BAP Makestar Limited Edition Photos, post card,
poster, Trading cards
Item cost: 2000 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 205 yen
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 2505 yen
BTS DARK & WILD J-HOPE official trading cards
Item cost: 400 yen
Domestic Shipping Fee: 82 yen
Commission Fee: 300 yen
Subtotal: 782 yen
Order Shipped: 1/10/2018
Order Arrival: 2/10/2018
n.b: The dates are accurate based on the shipping documents and the pictures I took of when it arrived but I'm confused since the shipping choice wasn't for express 1 or 2 day shipping BUT it was extremely fast.
n.b: The dates are accurate based on the shipping documents and the pictures I took of when it arrived but I'm confused since the shipping choice wasn't for express 1 or 2 day shipping BUT it was extremely fast.
Details:
Approx. Cost of all items: 10285 yen (would've been more than this if I didn't purchase more than 1 item from at least 2 of the same sellers)
In'tl Shipping: DHL 2407 yen (approx. $21.17 US)
Things to note:
- To buy you must have a sufficient amount already
deposited in your Funds or it cannot order the item. (Zen Market has updated and now has a credit system: basically you can buy things even if you don't sufficient funds HOWEVER you cannot ship items out on credit. Check this link for more information).
- Domestic Shipping costs are taken out after the item
has been purchased by Zen Market, and if you don't have enough in your funds it will go
in the negatives but will not stop/cancel the ordering of the items.
- There is a one flat fee of 300 yen per item. No fees for consolidate
or plans. Everything is included in the 300 yen service fee (insurance, etc). This is one of the reasons why it is so popular with K-Pop (or any Japanese merch fan) since that's once less thing to worry about (random fees that sometimes pop up from other services).
- When purchasing from the same seller, Zen Market will work to
get a discounted shipping cost but will not always happen as it is reliant on
the seller in question.
- Please read the options when preparing your parcel for shipment. I made the mistake of going with a shipping option that was pretty expensive thinking that once I selected it I couldn't change it. That is incorrect and thanks to the customer service rep I now know that you can change shipping before it is shipped out. From website (Shipping Tab):
I have created a package and received a quote, but I want to reorganize it. Is it possible?
If you want to change your shipping method, you can do it for free on the Packages tab. If you created a package, but then change your mind and want to repack it, it will cost an additional 1000 yen.
Negative:
Neutral:- Wish I could see the total amount paid for each item. Let me explain. I can only calculate and see the subtotal of the item when the service fee is added in but I cannot see the final total with shipping nor the exact amount that is taken for shipping. Many sellers do list the domestic shipping amount but it is not always clear as they sometimes list regional shipping rates in Japan and I don't know which one is used. Something to watch when you are depositing funds for purchases.
- Zen Market's website is not the most user-friendly site to use. The sorting filter is pretty subpar and is very limited in it's finds. You cannot change how to view items: all are listed straight down in descending order OR 3 items in a row descending. It just looks off for me.
- The items available are pretty limited, especially in comparison with sites like Mercari Japan and Buyee. Many of these items are also hard to find since most are in Kanji and using English words in the search engine don't always bring many results.
- They post/share listings where the seller either doesn't seller/work with proxy sites OR they had a bad experience with OR the seller is not in Japan and warns about shipping costs/scams being a possibility OR if the seller is new with not much data backing their reliability and warns about doing business with them. This is double edged sword as I appreciate them warning customer BUT you do not see this nor any little warning on the results page. It's only when you click the link do you get this information and it's pretty disheartening. You see an item you've been on the search for, for a decent/reasonable price only to meet one of these warnings. It's appreciated but I think the way it's presented needs work.
Overall, it's a service that I highly recommend. I'm constantly using it and have no plans on stopping yet. 5/5! As I said for Japonica Market: Customer service is prompt and very communicative, the ability to find some of the rarest to the most recent of releases for such reasonable prices, the shipping is pretty quick and has a good number of options, packaging is pretty good and secure. It's not perfect but is pretty reliable and has never let me down.
That's the end of this short but very well detailed series.
Thank you for coming to learn about Proxy Sites and Services with me.
I do apologize for how long it has taken but I hope I was able to assist in some way.
I will probably not be back on this blog anytime soon as I have kinda moved over to Instagram where I am focusing on posting my K-Pop collection and interacting with other fans. I also have a YouTube channel where I've been posting (very snail like mind you) my experiences from 2 K-Pop concerts I attended (The Rose 2018 and BTS 2019). If you are interested in following my journey and such my Instagram is here and my YouTube is this!
Thank you for reading.
And till whenever!
May the Lord God be with you and take care.
Chibi J signing out!
Bye......
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