Feedback required - Japanese dealer Giheiya

[Brian]

Posting this on behalf of a member who wishes to remain anonymous for now.
Does anyone have any feedback or comments on the Japanese dealer Giheiya ?
This member ordered a sword mid August from them, and was told the export paperwork would take around 5 weeks to process. 5 Weeks later, they enquired as to the progress, and was told the paperwork wasn't ready yet. I know there have been some delays with export paperwork lately. But 6 weeks later, they inquired again, with no response. Weekly requests, even in Japanese, received no answer.
Up to now, there has been no further update or response.
Wants to ask if anyone has any experience, or maybe suggestions on how to deal with this. I agree that no replies after someone pays a significant amount of money is unacceptable.
What would people suggest the course of action would be at this stage? Do we know if they deal in English? I would be inclined to make a phonecall to them to ask what the update it. 3 Months seems excessive to receive feedback.

This thread doesn't put them in a good light: https://www.reddit.c...with_giheiya_before/

 

[Alex A]

Would be asking someone in Japan to call them, sure there are guys here that will help out.

 

Just wondering if the buyer is in the UK and the dealer having shipping issues.

 

Seems to me like they still insist on using EMS which will end with a return.

[robinalexander]

Atsuo Imazu ...nice bloke.  He is just recovering from the flu or similar.

 

I have purchased 2 blades from him in the past with absolutely no problems.

 

BUT he is sometimes a little slow with responses but has always come through... just be patient and with all remote (unseen) purchases, the bottom line is buyer beware. 

 

I would certainly purchase from him again.

 

Rob

[robinalexander]

Also, I received an email/subscription message a week or two ago....as it's not private there is no problem sharing in the circumstances.

 

To Our Valued Customers,

After attending the Daitokenichi in Tokyo, I fell ill and visited a doctor. However, the prescribed medicine had little effect, and I endured ten difficult days with a sore throat, fever at night, coughing, and a runny nose. Fortunately, my influenza and COVID-19 tests came back negative. I apologize for the inconvenience caused as I wasn’t able to work as usual.

Although I am still experiencing a lingering cough, my condition has improved considerably. To our overseas customers, I apologize for the delay in shipping your orders; I will begin shipping them sequentially this week.

Sincerely,

Atsuo Imazu, Giheiya

[Lewis B]

4 minutes ago, robinalexander said:

Also, I received an email/subscription message a week or two ago....as it's not private there is no problem sharing in the circumstances.

 

To Our Valued Customers,

After attending the Daitokenichi in Tokyo, I fell ill and visited a doctor. However, the prescribed medicine had little effect, and I endured ten difficult days with a sore throat, fever at night, coughing, and a runny nose. Fortunately, my influenza and COVID-19 tests came back negative. I apologize for the inconvenience caused as I wasn’t able to work as usual.

Although I am still experiencing a lingering cough, my condition has improved considerably. To our overseas customers, I apologize for the delay in shipping your orders; I will begin shipping them sequentially this week.

Sincerely,

This is likely the explanation for the poor responses. Thanks for posting. That the export docs have taken so long to process is odd. I purchased a blade in September and the export paperwork was ready in 3 weeks. Is it possible the papers don't match the blade and this is the reason for the delay.

I would be patient and give it another week and then make phone calls.

[robinalexander]

Hope it all works out HB

[Katsujinken]

I’ve also not heard of any issues before and know someone who has purchased from them. 

[Brian]

Buyer pointed out that he was sending unanswered inquiries about this long before Imazu san was ill.
I agree it's likely the item will be shipped eventually, but for me the lack of response or updates is unacceptable. Let's give it another week, and if still nothing, I may ask if anyone is willing to call him on behalf of the buyer.

[robinalexander]

Communication may not be a strong point for reason(s) unknown but that aside, a pancake always has two sides.

[PNSSHOGUN]

On the otherhand some buyers can be frantic during the whole process, sending dozens of questions that could've been answered by doing their homework previous to buying. Not saying this is the case, but there are some limitations when dealing with Japanese sellers you have to expect and accept. 

 

The other point is things do not move fast with paperwork, polishing, Koshirae etc etc. Best to expect any time frame given to double.

[lonely panet]

iv been waiting 16 weeks  for a tanto now now.  cant rush the system

[robinalexander]

Don't wish to keep this going but I just received an email from Imazu-san ........ 

 

Dear Valued Customer,

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by my poor health. Thanks to you, I am now feeling much better.
We will resume normal business operations from tomorrow. We will also resume shipments to overseas customers, which have been delayed.
We deeply apologize for any concern and inconvenience caused, and we ask for your understanding and forgiveness.
We look forward to your continued support of Giheya.

Sincerely,

Imazu Atsuogi Hiraya

[Brian]

The buyer has still not heard a word about his purchase in August. No update, no apologies for the delay. Seller has new activity on his Twitter account, and new items listed. But no update to someone who spent a considerable amount of money and has no news at all? Not even a conformation of paperwork delays or explanation.
Sorry, I do not consider this appropriate for any seller in any country. The least you can do is answer repeated and polite emails, some even sent in Japanese.
Anyone in Japan willing to call and enquire on his behalf?
Sorry, but this is no way to do business.

[robinalexander]

Brian...I hope he hasnr been scammed.

 

I am happy to contact Imazu-san and try a get some sort of info/update.

 

If your contact is agreeable, PM me all relevant details and I will give it a go.

 

No promises but this has me intrigued..... up to you.

 

Rob

[robinalexander]

@Brian All has been resolved.

 

The member just received the sword and I understand he is very happy with it.

 

What is not so good is, as previously mentioned, for whatever reason Imazu-san is not a good communicator and as I understand it there has still been no contact between him and the recipient.

 

So the message is, that Giheiya is a bona-fide seller and to my knowledge has never reneged on purchases made but ....just don't expect too many (if any) responses to correspondence and be very very patient.

 

The end.

[Brian]

Indeed. Really appreciate your help there too. I hear you didn’t get any response either to the inquiry?

it’s one thing to send the item eventually, but zero comms even after it has arrived?

Something to bear in mind. 

[robinalexander]

Thats correct no response to my three emails...unknown if they were read or not.