Shopping/Proxy Service

Hello everyone. I apologize in advance if this has been asked umpteen million times. I know I saw a topic here lately where someone asked something about a shopping service and people gave answers and recommendations but for the love of DD's I could not find that post. I've searched for the terms "shopping service" "proxy service" even "Japan" (Yes, I realise that was a brilliant idea for a search word - Not!) I did see a couple of old posts about proxy services but they weren't what I was looking for. Anywho, can anyone tell me which proxy service/shopping service you guys typically use to purchase stuff you can only get in Japan( like DDs, doll clothes, figures, books, etc...)? I used Japamart before but they can be pricey... so if anyone has recommendations that would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

PS. Sorry Billy if this doesn't fit here, please feel free to move or tell me where I can post this question.

I use Buyee for shopping on Yahoo Japan Auctions.

 

There are also From Japan and Samurai Buyer, but I haven't used either of those services. Others have, and speak well of them. There are probably others I don't know about.

 

I've used proxies to buy goods from Japan and China's Taobao market regularly, and without any issues.

 

I'm not sure how flexible any of those proxies are about buying from markets that aren't explicitly listed on their site. I've never tried or asked.

Edited October 12, 2016 by Guest

I've used GoodyJapan and Noppin for proxy, both of which work with Yahoo Japan Auctions. Noppin has a little advantage though as they have an automated bidding system. I've also heard really good things about fromjapan(auto bidding option) and shoppingmalljapan. Buyee fees are pretty high from what I've read. Samurai Buyer is also a good option.

*raises hand* ShoppingMallJapan user here

they've updated so now u can use credit card for deposits (which just makes life easier to get refunds later)

I've used Noppin for tons of stuff over the years, and I'm very happy with them. If you're going for something big (¥40k to ¥100k) you're best off going for Rinkya, because they have a flat rate fee which makes them cheapest by default. I haven't gotten around to using them yet though. Buyee's the new kid on the block promoted by Y!J, and they're expensive.

 

I guess I'll explain how Noppin works because different proxies have different services. They have a service for auctions (Yahoo! Japan) and a shopping service (they'll buy stuff for you and ship it to you, even small websites on the web as long as they have a proper dobleepented business address). The shopping service is easy, they have an interface for buying stuff via Rakuten, but otherwise just send them a message saying "I want this item on this web page" and they'll do the job of communicating with the store or whatever to get it for you.

 

For auctions you put in a deposit, like ¥2000, and you get a 3x multiplier letting you bid on stuff up to ¥6000. The more you deposit the higher you can bid. Bidding is automatic like eBay, just make your bid and hope you win (you can "snipe" to insert a bid at the last second, but it's tricker because Y!J auctions usually have a five minute extension if anyone tries bidding within the last five minutes). If you have any questions you want to ask the auction's seller, they can ask for you too.

 

After winning you'll get the final bill with shipping to Noppin's warehouse, where it can sit for up to 60 days. You can buy multiple things and they'll sit in the warehouse, and then ship it all together as one thing to your home when ready. Their shipment packing team is incredibly good...

Japan Auction Center

http://www.jauce.com/

They will place bids on YJA and purchase from online shops.

Personally my proxy of choice is FromJapan, I've been using them for years and I'm always floored by how flawless their service it. You can live bid on items or place a highest bid and let the system auto bid up to that amount for you if you have to sleep through an auction or something similar. Their staff is also among the kindest I've dealt with and they're very accomodating for most requests you might have in regards to your shipping and handling options, or even just answering your questions.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm gonna try looking them all up over the weekend. There's a couple of things I'm really interested in getting. Like I mentioned I used Japamart before and I've gotten one of my DD girls and a Vinyl boy from there and though their service is pretty good, its also rather pricey as they don't have a flat rate and things add up.

I'm not an expert since I've only used a proxy for YJA once so don't quote me on anything. I used J-Subculture since a friend recommended it to me and said they don't charge fees on the items you purchase. I think they charge a fee on shipping from the seller to them, but I could be wrong. Personally, if I ever choose to buy something else on YJA, I'll probably use J-subculture again due to their amazing communication, no fees, and ability to hold items up to 60 days so you can combine them and have them shipped to you togther.

I used FromJapan only once and it was easy to use, I got my items well packed but my only complain is the fees

 

Charge 1

 

5% system usage fee per item.

 

Commission fee: 200 yen per item

 

 

Charge 2

 

 

Bank transfer fee per item

 

System usage fee (again) 5%

 

Domestic delivery charge per item

 

and the shipping to you (you can choose EMS and a cheaper delivery method. I chose EMS)

 

In the end I paid $100 only for shipping for 2 items (one body and one outfit)

 

You can pay with CC or paypal, I prefer to pay with paypal because my CCs charge international fees so you better have money in your paypal and not use the CC through your paypal.

 

 

I'm not an expert since I've only used a proxy for YJA once so don't quote me on anything. I used J-Subculture since a friend recommended it to me and said they don't charge fees on the items you purchase. I think they charge a fee on shipping from the seller to them, but I could be wrong. Personally, if I ever choose to buy something else on YJA, I'll probably use J-subculture again due to their amazing communication, no fees, and ability to hold items up to 60 days so you can combine them and have them shipped to you togther.

 

Nice! I will try this one the next time because I found the fees from FromJapan a little bit too high. It is easy to use, I asked them a question and they responded back very quick. They combine shipping. Items came very well packed. The service is A+ but the fees kill me.