Purchases From Japan

[DRDave]

Curious if anyone has used ZenMarket or White Rabbit Express to buy from online sellers in Japan.

 

Thanks!

[Vermithrax16]

Not me, try Kelly Schmidt

[Japan auctions]

Did I hear my name?  Haha.

 

These services look professional enough, especially the Zen site, and the fees are cheap. 

 

But... in my (obviously biased) point of view, the problem is that they are generalists. 

They ship everything from videos to clothes. 

How to properly inspect and repack a tsuba or blade or armor is beyond them.

 

Sometimes I received items redirected to me by the buyer because these other services tried unsuccessfully to export.

The item was turned down variously by the PO, Japan Customs, or the airlines because the item didn't have proper export papers (they don't know how to do?) or the box was over the EMS size/weight limit (they don't know what it is?!) 

 

I had 2 armors come to me from these kind of services.  The outer packing was spectacular - spray foam.

But so overdone that the size was over the limit.  And then, after I cut my way in, I discovered that the armors were packed (wait for it...) still on the display stand, and with no padding between the pieces so it was clacking around inside the box!  No wonder this box is so huge!  I assume the buyer had to pay them for the failed international shipping and redirection to me - not to mention my fees.  

 

Tsubas should also be repacked.  Many sellers here - even "specialists" - send them as is in their boxes, which can result in scratches if the box center nub (which is secured by sharp pins ) lets go.

 

Let's not even get into blades... that's a whole other ballgame.

 

Kelly Schmidt

Japanese Antique Auctions

https://www.facebook.com/Japanese.antique.auctions/?ref=bookmarks

 

 

[DRDave]

Thank you, Kelly.   I was unaware of the service you provide, and the problems you mentioned are exactly what I was worried about.  I'll definitely keep you in mind. 

[Stephen]

I can vouch for Kelly. Used his service a few times. Quick turnaround time...faster than buyee and can use for swords.

[Peter Bleed]

I, too, am glad to have discovered Kelly and his operation.

Peter

[suketaka]

Hello Kelly,

 

maybe i missed something in the past - i ask again:

 

You offer a service in the other direction? By example - sending Tsuba from Europe to you to get papers from NBTHK?

 

Best regards

 

Michael

[uwe]

I also can (and will) vouch for Kelly. Great service!

[Japan auctions]

Thank you, Gentlemen~  <(_ _)>

[Stephen]

Michael...i cant speak for Kelly.

I tnink he just exports.

Not dealing with anything else.