HELP in Japan

Discussion in 'Whatever' started by 666doll, May 9, 2022.

  1. 666doll

    666doll Mini Boss

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2006
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Long Beach Rock City
    HELP in Japan
    Hi -

    I am looking to buy a couple of things from Mandarake, but the shipping costs are almost as much as the items. I am wondering if I can't get a helpful hand from someone in Japan that can act as a mule or something for me so I can get a more affordable shipping rate, etc. Please let me know if you'd wish to help. Thank you
     
  2. hellopike

    hellopike S7 Royalty

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2007
    Messages:
    3,828
    Location:
    Philadelphia
    Name:
    Phil
    Instagram:
    Hellopike
    HELP in Japan
    Good luck. If I have one complaint about mandarake, it’s that there is no package consolidation across the stores. But I guess logistically it’s not feasible.
     
  3. 666doll

    666doll Mini Boss

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2006
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Long Beach Rock City
    HELP in Japan
    Thanks Phil. Shipping fees with Mandarake are all over the place. I may see what the items cost separately... sometimes it comes out less due to size rather than weight. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. Not a sword I'm going to fall on
     
    gatiio likes this.
  4. gatiio

    gatiio Post Pimp

    Joined:
    May 19, 2011
    Messages:
    2,536
    Location:
    Berlin, DE
    Instagram:
    gatiio
    HELP in Japan
    ... And with the logistics of living in a post-pandemic environment, those costs aren't going to come down.

    I bought one of those Murakami pancake flower pans and the shipping was double the cost of the item. Not to mention customs tax. It's rough.

    We should start a sofubi for SB forwarding service over there, ha!
     
    Brooklyn_Vinyl likes this.
  5. Mr Fox

    Mr Fox Addicted

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Messages:
    560
    Location:
    UK
    HELP in Japan
    Rather than start a new thread, I thought it made sense to ask on this one whether anyone can recommend a buying service that is an individual (not a Buyee / Zen / etc).

    I know of M-World but am looking for someone else - I know Moshi Delivery Services are no longer in Japan and I am looking for a similar service: a person who will buy for you and post it on.

    I've seen something on YJA but it is a bulk listing (wasn't a set when originally sold), so need a service to reach out and see if they will split the items and if they will, I'd like to buy one item and have it sent to me. Obviously happy to pay for this service but searching for someone who does this is not bringing up any options.

    Anyone use a similar service and can recommend it?
     
  6. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2011
    Messages:
    11,771
    HELP in Japan
    I know there are a good number of other buying services which can - depending on which - communicate with sellers on your behalf for some requests. And I know also of some 'personal shopping services' in Japan. But as to any which are a single individual, that is a bit more difficult to know. Maybe someone here/there could just do you a favour on this one. [Though unfortunately the local helpline is a bit more challenging these days.]
     
    Mr Fox likes this.
  7. Mr Fox

    Mr Fox Addicted

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Messages:
    560
    Location:
    UK
    HELP in Japan
    Wouldn’t have to be an individual per say but rather a personal approach rather than the web based services like Buyee and Zen. :thumbsup:
     
  8. poysntixels

    poysntixels Post Pimp

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    2,552
    Location:
    The old Rose Lawn Hill
    Name:
    OtherSteve
    HELP in Japan
    Good points about Mandarake, all. I use them and YJA but I need to cut down until we go back to wind powered sailing ships and a toy takes a year to get here or something. BTW there used to be a Japanese guy on ebay who did personal buying; he gave it up when kids started coming, but I hear he's back. Can't remember his name, but I believe that he has an ebay store now as well, so it's searchable.
     
    Mr Fox likes this.
  9. Mr Fox

    Mr Fox Addicted

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Messages:
    560
    Location:
    UK
    HELP in Japan
    No luck unearthing the listing; however, that does sound like the sort of thing I'm looking for.
     
  10. poysntixels

    poysntixels Post Pimp

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    2,552
    Location:
    The old Rose Lawn Hill
    Name:
    OtherSteve
    HELP in Japan
    I'll look around later, I am pretty sure that his name started with M. Not much of a lead. But since it's almost 5am here and I've pulled another all nighter, I may have to take a nap first.
     
    Mr Fox likes this.
  11. poysntixels

    poysntixels Post Pimp

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    2,552
    Location:
    The old Rose Lawn Hill
    Name:
    OtherSteve
    HELP in Japan
    Couldn't find him. But I did run across a seller who seems to be open to you telling him what you're looking for. He's been around for a while and the only dings to his record seem to be either satisfied or by people who just wanted to be angry. He's got some good merch up already. Look for wakuwaku toys. No, I have no connection to him, have just been circling around some of his items.
     
    Mr Fox likes this.
  12. Mr Fox

    Mr Fox Addicted

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Messages:
    560
    Location:
    UK
    HELP in Japan
    Only guy I can find is wakuwakutoys (all one word) who is selling some diecast cars. Is this the right person?
     
  13. poysntixels

    poysntixels Post Pimp

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    2,552
    Location:
    The old Rose Lawn Hill
    Name:
    OtherSteve
    HELP in Japan
    Yes, click on the seller to go to his page. He has a lot of toys and a little message at the top of the page about helping you find stuff. Not the cheapest guy, but if he's helpful....
     
  14. ungawa222

    ungawa222 Mini Boss

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2006
    Messages:
    4,635
    Location:
    NOW QUASI IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND
    Name:
    Mike
    Instagram:
    mohair_stones
    HELP in Japan
    Wakuwaku's list prices on sofvi are mostly :shock:... but, if anyone decides/is able to make contact with him outside of eBay and would not mind sharing an email address w/ me, I would send him my small visual want list and budget amounts, just to see what he says. Thanks in advance!
     
  15. poysntixels

    poysntixels Post Pimp

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    2,552
    Location:
    The old Rose Lawn Hill
    Name:
    OtherSteve
    HELP in Japan
    never got an email, I'm guessing he can only give you that in a private email away from ebay... their rules. Go to the seller's page and contact that way then you can go off site maybe?
     
    ungawa222 likes this.
  16. Mr Fox

    Mr Fox Addicted

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Messages:
    560
    Location:
    UK
    HELP in Japan
    I contacted him yesterday (GMT) and will let you guys know if I can get an email.
     
    ungawa222 likes this.

Share This Page