Recommending a good Japan-based proxy shopping site

[Yu Ominae]

Been using Ooh! Japan before I noted lately that they're not active anymore.

Tried using Urban Shipping Service already, but I'd like to ask on any good proxy shipping services. At least the ones that you don't need to register with.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Yu Ominae

Been using Ooh! Japan before I noted lately that they're not active anymore.

Tried using Urban Shipping Service already, but I'd like to ask on any good proxy shipping services. At least the ones that you don't need to register with.

Always go for registered ones. They are the ones which can be sued/arbitrated cross-straits if your stuff doesn't arrive.

Personally I have been using JAA for 5 years or so. Good service, never let me down before. And I import alot of stuff, especially on behalf of my friends who are too lazy or paranoid to get a credit card and buy online.

[Kirarakim]

I really like Treasure Japan. It was actually recommended to me by a few people and I've always had a good experience with them.

[Yu Ominae]

Originally Posted by SaintessHeart

Always go for registered ones. They are the ones which can be sued/arbitrated cross-straits if your stuff doesn't arrive.

Personally I have been using JAA for 5 years or so. Good service, never let me down before. And I import alot of stuff, especially on behalf of my friends who are too lazy or paranoid to get a credit card and buy online.

Thanks. There a website for JAA?

[Shinji01]

I use buy4ujapan.
They have the best bilingual service.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Yu Ominae

Thanks. There a website for JAA?

Here you go :

http://www.japan-auction-agency.com/

Sorry for the late reply.

[Dist]

Are there any sites that provide free searching for items? I've used one site in past, but when i asked them to look for certain doujinshis, they reported back they could not find any. Bs. because even I was able to find some, but figured they living in Japan would perhaps know and find more shops.

[SaintessHeart]

Originally Posted by Dist

Are there any sites that provide free searching for items? I've used one site in past, but when i asked them to look for certain doujinshis, they reported back they could not find any. Bs. because even I was able to find some, but figured they living in Japan would perhaps know and find more shops.

Doujin shops, from what I heard, are usually backalley establishments known only to the regulars and punters. Or they are sold from under the counter from the face-up shops.

You might want to google on the specific artist. A resident fujoshi once asked on the Silly Questions thread for details on a certain BL doujinshi, and I was able to find it through some googling + sifting through H-translation sites.

You could otherwise just buy them off ebay, or ask Japanese product sites like J-list to help you find.

[Shinji01]

Originally Posted by Dist

Are there any sites that provide free searching for items? I've used one site in past, but when i asked them to look for certain doujinshis, they reported back they could not find any. Bs. because even I was able to find some, but figured they living in Japan would perhaps know and find more shops.

Buy4uJapan also searches for free.
I was not charged until i actually decided to purchase the items that they went and found for me.

However, i do agree with posts here saying that Dojinshi store are located in back alleys and underground, and is difficult for people to locate and use unless they are familiar with the industry themselves.

Just because they live in japan does not mean that they know Dojinshi.
Actually, dojinshi is almost like porn...
You can read it, but you dont really want other people to know that you own some.
i had a dojinshi writing friend, and she kept it a secret to everyone around her, even though she had quite a reputation in the industry.
She only told me and another friend because she knew that we would not judge her for her occupation (?).

[Yu Ominae]

Thanks for the sites. Gives me some options to consider.

[Sinkinfeelin]

Has anyone tried using From Japan or Shopping Mall Japan? They both seem good but I don't know anyone who has used them yet! :s I haven't bought anything from Japan before so any info or opinions would be nice!

[Cosmic Eagle]

I personally use Celga....

http://www.celga.com/index.php?page=genfaq

That FAQ lists some of their fees.

Their service is pretty good. They respond quite promptly if you need help.

[GDB]

Originally Posted by Sinkinfeelin

Has anyone tried using From Japan or Shopping Mall Japan? They both seem good but I don't know anyone who has used them yet! :s I haven't bought anything from Japan before so any info or opinions would be nice!

I used Shopping Mall Japan before. Expensive as hell, but I got my stuff. Won't say quickly, but it wasn't really late either. Timely, I suppose fits best?

[Sinkinfeelin]

Originally Posted by GDB

I used Shopping Mall Japan before. Expensive as hell, but I got my stuff. Won't say quickly, but it wasn't really late either. Timely, I suppose fits best?

Im trying to do this as cheaply as possible so I'v given From Japan a go. Responding to my emails pretty quick, but just gotta wait for my stuff to arrive now!!

[Cosmic Eagle]

Originally Posted by GDB

I used Shopping Mall Japan before. Expensive as hell, but I got my stuff. Won't say quickly, but it wasn't really late either. Timely, I suppose fits best?

SMJ will add extra costs by using super large packaging....-__-

[GDB]

Originally Posted by Cosmic Eagle

SMJ will add extra costs by using super large packaging....-__-

Guess I got lucky ordering just individual playing cards then. They knew I'd have raised a shit storm if they had used anything but a standard bubble mailer.

[Yu Ominae]

I've been trying PakMail Japan for those bids/purchases that you need to go right away.

They're not bad IMO. Tried them one to get a quick bid on patches from Jormungand.

[Yu Ominae]

Haven't poked here for a bit. Has anyone heard/used proxy sites that ship their stuff by courier (DHL, FedEx)?

[Cosmic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Yu Ominae

Haven't poked here for a bit. Has anyone heard/used proxy sites that ship their stuff by courier (DHL, FedEx)?

That usually depends on who you buy from I think....for example, I know Ami Ami usually ships out by DHL while most other sites use Japan Post EMS which does include courier service as well. May not necessarily be DHL or Fed Ex though.