New Yahoo Bid/Shipping Service?

[Japan-Games.com]

So I've been toying around with the idea of offering a Yahoo Bidding/Shipping service from Japan for quite some time. I lot of people have asked me about it but I've never really sat down and tried to work something out. But maybe I've got something that could work for everyone...

My service would mostly be for high end, rare, or lot items. Here are some example of things that might make a good candidate:

http://page3.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/c143579903

http://page16.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/u9242858

http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d71398225

http://page16.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/u7959591

Mostly these are larger lots or more expensive items that would kill you in Rinkya fees, plus there are some heavy items like the Famicom Box where you'd probably get killed again with their 25% markup.

I can also offer to test out systems as long as they aren't bulk purchases. If there are any problems I can contact the Seller on your behalf. I can't warranty anything, but I can try to find and stop a problem before it gets to you and it's took late.

I can also combine orders from multiple purchases and send them at the same time.

This won't be a service for lower priced, high volume items. It's for items where the fee will probably save you money in the end over eBay and something where at least you want some security of testing and the chance of sending the item back if the Yahoo Seller isn't being 100% honest. In the end we should both made out ahead.

Anyway, just thought I'd get your thoughts...

Thanks,
Eric
Japan-Games.com
eBay: Japan-Games

[Arasoi]

If your fees are less than shoppingmalljapans, I'd be interested. I buy big money items off YJ often and would enjoy a break in the fees.

[50s Brawler]

If you can procure me bitch-to-find Mega Drive and Super Famicom games in excellent to Mint condition (boxed), I'd be interested in doing business with you in the near future [Meaning like in the next 5 months or so, I'd contact you at the time]. Right now I'm still paying off the $4,500 debt I racked up on games and stuff out of the $9,000 overall debt (yeah I got a bit outta' control in 2004 - early 2005) though I'm down to about two grand left; and then still have to help the wife out with her credit card. If you don't mind finding and procurring super hard to find stuff which would alleivate me having to sit around on Ebay being dissapointed when nothing is listed month after month... then welcome to the terrordome! ---uhh, that's "hell yeah I'd be interested!" BTW.
:band:

[Vectorman0]

If using you would save me money on an expensive item over $150 or something, I would certainly go that route instead of using SMJ (what I currently use). I don't order much stuff, but if the right auction comes along there are a few things I just need to have and will bid high on. One thing that may make me want to use your services more, would be if you would be willing to offer a good translation of auction descriptions.

[Vectorman0]

I moved this to the import forum, btw.

[Japan-Games.com]

I was picturing this as more in the $300 to $2000 auction price range. For the cheaper stuff that doesn't need to be tested or doesn't have many moving parts you'd probably still be better off with Rinkya/Celega, etc. I'm not looking to undercut their prices, just offer more of a service for higher end items, especially if I'm able to contact the Yahoo Seller on your behalf to work out any problems. I've bought a few thousand things on Yahoo so I could also try to give you my opinion of sellers, the listings, etc.

Once I noticed someone paid $2200 for a Dreamcast STARS unit through Rinkya and I couldn't help but wonder how someone could take that much of a chance and pay that high in fees for it. What if the description is inaccurate? What if it's missing something that's listed in the auction? What if you power it up and it doesn't work?

Japanese sellers are usually good, but it really is a mixed bag with Yahoo since there is no Buyer protection. I've found the most problems to be with things described as "new" when they're obviously used. Sometimes you can't notice this until after you've gotten the package.

Also, don't bidding services require that the actual value be listed on the package when shipped? Can they mark it as a gift and lower the value?

These are the kinds of things I can help with. It's not something to save $3 on a $50 purchase. It's more about paying the same or a little more for a $500 item but at least getting some info before you bid and a lot of service after the auction, plus a savings over eBay (obviously).

[oceanfr]

Well rinkya i never use their always high, yea I can see about some fee as yahoo japan has a fee(s) of its own just to use it so I could see, but some service ridiculous. Though a flat rate for something costing any amount would be nice, (instead of breaking down %ages with these stupid charts lol) and/or even combining like any amount of stuff purchased in a service for 1 amount is coo, letting them decide. Anyhow if its just buying from a site or place that doesnt cost to use, Id say the fees should be less, and maybe slightly more for yahoo/or a service that charges? (Based of the service too not just random madeup). Since ya mentioned the new/used thing for one, it reminded me a few times where I wanted to ask seller a question but when I used 'Celga', that had some reasonable fees but other prob' they couldn't do it, or just wouldn't ask? Like I missed a few title or a CD wasn't there just because they couldn't ask.. That should be one of the important things in a service. Also the fact that they didnt want to hold stuff in their office so constantly having to pay to ship over instead of combinin

ocean

[Japan-Games.com]

Cool, thanks for the comments. I knew asking questions to the Yahoo Seller would be important, but I didn't think it would be often used. I really don't ask sellers questions anymore for some reason. Maybe it's because I've become comfortable with figuring out the descriptions, I've done business with them already, or I just get a general impression of the seller after doing this for so many years. Really the only questions I ask are early in the auction if I try to get him to close it early for me.

Yahoo and eBay are completely different in some ways. It's not that I trust the Yahoo Seller more in terms of being honest in the descriptions, but I assume that he'll be open to working with me after in case there are any problems so I worry less. Sometimes it feels like you need to consult a lawyer before writing descriptions on eBay.

[Japan-Games.com]

Oh.... And it would be one fixed fee regardless of the Yahoo price....

[Matarick]

Sounds like a killer service for me once I get the cash. I am mainly curious about Saturn FDD drives and maybe cheaper JPN PS3.

[Japan-Games.com]

I've started to narrow down the details, thought I'd get some input.

I'm toying with the idea of point single purchases or multiple purchases, maybe with different types of accounts.


Business Account: $500 for 15 auctions

* I can help you set up your own Yahoo account
* I can make a custom search page for the items you want on a regular basis
* I can test the system for you when it arrives
* I can negotiate with the Seller on your behalf if there are any problems
* I can fill out the shipping label to you with whatever value you want
* I can split up your order, remove items you don't want to save on shipping, etc.
* I can give you opinion on auctions before you bid


Personal Account: $200 for 5 auctions

* I can test the system for you when it arrives
* I can negotiate with the Seller on your behalf if there are any problems
* I can fill out the shipping label to you with whatever value you want
* I can split up your order, remove items you don't want to save on shipping, etc.
* I can give you opinion on auctions before you bid


In addition you'd need to pay the fees for domestic and international shipping, plus all payment have a 5% fee attached to cover Paypal payment fees. I can also process your credit card.

As you can see it's not really set up for cheap items. If the fees are too expensive then it's because you are using me to buy the wrong kind of items. I'm mostly looking for people who spend a lot on Yahoo or who want the added value of testing and more control.

Also, just the simple fact that Rinkya writes the actual value on the label means you could easily be saving money after 2-3 auctions.

So, it's not for everyone. For those who can find us of this the savings will be tremendous...

Laters,
E

[link1110]

Just used Rinkya for an auction. I'm paying, but this is the absolute last time. Just make it for all items, and if its less than this, I'll use it whenever I buy something (And yes, that's about 150% commission.)

Price on YJ: 1481 yen ($13.46)
Commission: $20.00
Handling fee: $15 (YJ to Rinkya)
--------------------------------------------------
Total due: $48.46 (excludes S/H to USA)

[oceanfr]

wasnt planning on buying big stuff like that

[GaijinPunch]

Just used Rinkya for an auction. I'm paying, but this is the absolute last time. Just make it for all items, and if its less than this, I'll use it whenever I buy something (And yes, that's about 150% commission.)


Yeah, you got screwed. How much would that've cost at SMJ?

[mezzanine]

Looking at a saved email with a similar price it would be something like this -

1890 yen 117 $16.20

$3.45 - Total internal shipping charge(s)
$2.50 - Total wire fee(s)
$5.00 - Total commission fee(s)

$27.15 - Balance due (for above auctions)