Overview
Buying from Japan is easiest when you treat it as a sequence of separate decisions.
First choose the correct item.
Then complete the Japan-side purchase.
After the item reaches the warehouse, decide how to store, combine, pack, and ship it internationally.
1. Find the exact item
Before purchasing, confirm:
For used listings, review the seller photos and condition notes before authorizing the purchase.
- store or marketplace
- seller
- exact product
- size, color, or variation
- model or product number
- quantity
- condition
- included accessories
- Japan domestic shipping
2. Decide whether you actually need a proxy
Some Japanese stores already ship internationally.
Use JPS when it solves a real purchasing problem, such as:
Direct international checkout can be simpler when it is available and works for the exact item.
- Japan-only delivery
- Japanese-address requirement
- domestic marketplace access
- multi-store consolidation
- Japan-side purchasing support
3. Pay the purchase-stage cost
JPS standard purchase structure:
International shipping is paid later.
- item price
- actual Japan domestic shipping
- ¥300 proxy purchase fee per purchase request
4. Wait for warehouse arrival
Seller dispatch speed varies.
A retail store may ship quickly.
A marketplace seller may take several days.
A preorder may take months.
The warehouse stage begins only when the item physically arrives at JPS.
5. Use the 60-day storage window
JPS provides:
60 days free warehouse storage
This allows time to wait for purchases from multiple Japanese sellers.
After the free period, additional storage charges apply according to the current JPS size tiers.
6. Check whether you need photos
JPS basic receiving check is included.
Item photos are available for:
¥500/item
Use photos when visible condition matters.
Detailed inspection, technical testing, and professional authentication are not part of the standard service.
7. Consolidate only when it makes sense
Eligible consolidation is free.
Final international parcel packing starts from:
¥500
Combining several small purchases often reduces duplicated shipping charges.
But large or heavy items can create an inefficient parcel.
8. Choose international shipping after packing
JPS charges the actual carrier rate.
No JPS shipping markup is added.
Final cost depends on:
Carrier shipping protection applies according to carrier terms.
- weight
- dimensions
- destination
- contents
- carrier
Common first-time mistakes: Buying the cheapest listing without checking condition
A lower price may hide missing parts or damage.
Common first-time mistakes: Ignoring Japan domestic shipping
Domestic delivery can materially change the real purchase cost.
Common first-time mistakes: Assuming every item can be shipped internationally
Batteries, liquids, aerosols, oversized goods, and other restricted items should be checked first.
Common first-time mistakes: Combining everything automatically
One oversized box can cost more than two smaller parcels.
Common first-time mistakes: Assuming warehouse receiving equals authentication
It does not.
JPS cost summary
- Proxy fee: ¥300 per purchase request
- Consolidation: Free
- Storage: 60 days free
- Packing: From ¥500
- Photos: ¥500/item
- International shipping: Actual carrier rate
- Shipping markup: ¥0