Not that I'm an expert on Celga (regular transaction, not a Gold member) or Tokyobuyers, but I've just completed 3 auctions with each of them. So far, my preference is leaning toward Tokyobuyers. For one, it's easier to put in a bid request with them, their response time has been faster than Celga. Secondly, TB's isn't constantly pestering you for a deposit BEFORE bidding on your item-a big plus! That way, if you don't win an auction, you're not begging to get your deposit back--which is what you have to do with Celga, before they will credit the money back to your account. Thirdly, TB's just seem to be more pleasant and polite to deal with. They embed an invoice with each email, so you can see your balances. Just my humble opinion, but I would think that not having to deal with a pre-deposit payment would be more attractive, all other considerations on an even keel

With celga gold you skip all the issues you describing. You can bid when ever you want, no deposit, with excellent service. Just saying. Celga has been around for a long time as teh choice of many for a reason.

Hmm... ok, two questions. I checked on TB's website and they say they can help you set up a user ID so that you can bid directly. They don't seem to charge for that. Second, isn't it cheaper to use TB for the mid-range to larger price items? Celga charges a 20% commission fee, but by comparison TB charges $5 and then a 10% fee. Just wondering

I dont see the 20% thing anywhere. You can bet on a things, 12.00 fee which is a bank transfer and shippping in Japan and a 3.00 a months YJA fee which is not related to celga. The fees depend on auction end price. Check here :

http://www.celga.com/beta/index.php?pag ... enmorefees

But yes once your set up you have you own ID and can bid freely. If you win the card info they have they will charge it to so no need for deposits or refunds.

Its just a good service, its proven.

Whoops! Sorry about that, I stand corrected .
This is where I saw the 20% fee...
http://www.celga.com/beta/index.php?page=goldfaq

I mistakenly mistook the 20% fee for purchases, but it's for SELLING an item My apologies, the commission for purchases on Celga is here

http://www.celga.com/beta/index.php?page=genfaq#gencost
as you've pointed out.
But as a newbie to deputy services, I appreciate not having to put down a deposit without having to pay for a Gold account. I did have an issue with Celga over one auction transaction where they disputed a payment, but when I sent them an e-receipt, then the matter was cleared. They just seem abrupt at times, but that is just an opinion.

O I totally understand, I think they get overloaded and can mess up. I recently had to send them 4 emails to get some stuff shipped to me, then they said 1 item was there, I freaked because earlier I got an email saying that it was there. In the end the found their mistake, said sorry and threw in a gift

I think with any service you really have to stay on top of things and do the check ups to make sure you items are all okay. Even request better shipping and packing if you know the item is rare and need the extra care. If your paying for the service than make sure you get it.