Social media can also help you give away stuff when you eventually hit the bricks. There are even some locations in the US, Malaysia, and Taiwan, for those residing outside of Japan. Comment first, and then I'll put up a reserved listing for you. Reference the following list when you want to talk about the condition of items. Even with basic Japanese (or Google Translate), the search function is easy to navigate and extremely detailed. Ragtag famous for selling branded items like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada etc. Take a page out of my book and replace your whole wardrobe with lovingly preserved garments of unknown origins from Mercari. We cover all the basics including things to do in Tokyo, Tokubai is meant to show you information on sales and deals at close-by grocery stores and drugstores, but it also works well for seeing a variety of thrift stores in your prefecture/city/ward, near your current location, or within walking distance of a certain train station. You can also join Yahoo Auction especially if you want to sell something rare. Each listing tells you which store location has the item, how much it is, whether you can purchase it online, and some extra pictures and description of any special features. Eager to find these new vocabulary words out in the wild? It was via ebay. Thrifting in Japan is easy, affordable, good for the environment, and doesnt typically require much or any extra effort. I have a large collection of vintage clothing and jewelry that I would love to sell to Japanese buyers. The store offers a mix of contemporary designer and non-designer clothing and footwear for men and women. Although it may be trickier to navigate for non-Japanese speakers, it's a worthwhile website with some killer bargains., Mercari calls itself the 'easy flea market', which is probably the aptest description for it. Aya Francisco, Emily Suvannasankha, and Kanae Nakamine, Viewing under Mercari has taken the country by storm and Japanese people are selling all sorts of items, including designer shoes, bags and fashion directly from user to user via this flea market app. And if you're only down for buying things in mint condition, don't worry. Copyright 2021REthink Media KK. From my own (shamefully copious) experience, here are some tips for shopping on Mercari. This [item] has no noticeable dirt or stains, but it does show signs of wear and tear. It was originally a bulletin boardstyle classifieds site with job listings, houses, and items for sale., Over the years it reformed into a site and app purely dedicated to the buying, reselling and giving away of mainly household items and other everyday Japanese necessities, like bicycles. But if you're simply too cool for the outlets, check out Brand Collect (), which specializes in luxury brands (, or "high brands") of clothes and accessories. You can also use a website called Tokubai to enter your postal code or prefecture, then under "Type of Store" (omise no shurui, ), select "reuse/secondhand shop" (riysu/chkohinten, ). This ticket is extraordinarily good value for long distance and inter-city travel. Japan, without a doubt, is one of the most fashionable places you can find yourself. Also, items are put into four quality categories, ranging from brand new to an acceptable condition. Speaking of treasure hunting, make like a pirate and sail on over to Treasure Factory, or TreFac (), if there's one in your area. You can specify the condition of items when you search, peeking at this handy dandy vocabulary list if you need to. Yeah, probably too complicated to try selling to an already saturated marketplace. A list of Japanese souvenirs that are fun and affordable. Get your favourite cartoon characters into your life at these speciality stores, Tokyo is home to a thriving vintage and consignment retail scene there are even neighbourhoods known specifically for their second-hand shops like, How to sell your second-hand clothes in Tokyo. Especially if you see phrases like (nesageshiteimasen, "I'm not lowering the price") or (nesagefuka, "no price reduction"), maybe save your wheeling and dealing skills for the next time you buy a used car. But if youre looking for something specific, it might be a smarter choice to browse the 250,000 items online than search through all its brick-and-mortar stores. That way, you can make sure you're buying goods from within Japan, even if it takes some language learning on your part along the way. Japanese used goods are often in fairly pristine condition. Selling items in second hand shop is very easy. Japanese prices for used goods skew especially low. Some stores offer payment in store credit rather than cash, so a quick selling trip could easily turn into a buying spree. So if you're looking to receive, keep your eyes peeled for these digital carousels of stuff. A Japanese fashion subculture typically involving dyed hair, revealing clothes, heavy makeup, and a "rebellious" attitude. With over 750,000 readers each month, Tokyo Cheapo is the site of choice for value hunters who want their yen to go further in Tokyo. And if you already know you want a pair of bedazzled bell-bottoms, plugging that into Mercari is probably a better idea than hoofing it to 2nd Street with your fingers crossed. For instance, a small to moderately sized Book-Off might only sell books and manga, but a Book-Off in a very central location might get real loose with the definition of "book" and also peddle clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, appliances, musical instruments, and golfing gear. To find these holes in the wall, try plugging any of the Japanese secondhand shop terms we learned into Google Maps. Make sure to check whether the shipping fee is cash on delivery (COD) or chakubarai (), meaning you pay when the package arrives. There are several factors that make the country, and Tokyo especially, such a good place to buy secondhand items. There's no payment system on the site; you pay cashon delivery (or pick-up). You're not alone, hermit. Also, most of the items you'll find online are in near-perfect condition., Beyond Hard-Off and a select few other vintage outlets, buying secondhand home goods isn't as widespread a practice as other nations. Try out a new book series, branch out with your interior design, or finally become the fashion gyaru2 you were always meant to be. The menswear section contains a sizeable selection of streetwear, especially from Supreme, Off White and Yeezy. Prices here are reasonable, and youll get a mix of contemporary fashion, vintage duds and even cheap costume jewellery. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. To find why we started this site, check out the Tokyo Cheapo Manifesto. So if you're thinking, "Flea markets are grand and all, but what I'm really looking for is a bunch of really specific funky lampshades from the 70s," this section is for you. You can conveniently hit many thrift stores in one trip, compare prices, and shop around until you find something your kokoro5 truly desires. I've not sold any jackets to Japan. Treasure Factory also has many spin-off stores that specialize in certain categories of items. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I believe that ebay still is the easiest way for you - because people who are interested in American items are likely to check out ebay :) Those who come to ebay would be more likely to be able to deal in English (or at least make the efforts to do so), would know things like PayPal, credit card payments, or international postal money order (those who are used to dealing only with sellers in Japan might ask for cash-on-delivery, bank remittance, or postal bank remittance, which are not available or easy across the border). You may even be able to negotiate prices more easily, since foreigners who are moving are typically pretty eager to rid themselves of every last possession. Bring your items to the store along with some form of ID, like your residence card (or passport). TreFacStyle () describes itself as a basic "fashion reuse shop," likely similar to 2nd Street. Despite their specific names, most of these secondhand shops stock a range of items, with smaller stores tending to stick closer to their categories and larger stores sometimes selling a ridiculously eclectic variety of products. Zozoused is its thrift shop sister site with close to a million items in stock. I've had some luck shopping for professional attire at 2nd Street myself, when all I needed was a handful of short sleeve shirts that covered my tattoos for the sweltering Japanese summer. Be sure to exclaim how gekiyasu (), or "dirt cheap," your loot is too it pleases the Factory. Art by You'll probably have the most luck if you live in or near a metropolis with a sizable expat community, like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe, etc. Here's a quick introduction to some of the big chain "reuse/recycle" stores, online marketplaces, social networks, flea markets, and specialized shops you're likely to find in most areas of Japan. If you've found yourself in a multi-level store, each floor will probably be labeled by item category. Do note that most stores only take things for the current season, so dont expect to sell winter coats in summer. You'll have more luck if you live in or near a metropolis with a sizable expat community. Treasure Factory sells a mishmash of secondhand booty you can root through to your heart's content. Regardless, there are tons of great finds whether you'reon the hunt for a bargainor quality designer goods. If you want to buy cheap basics or feel open to finding anything that catches your eye, 2nd Street is a great resource. The Shibuya location, also the flagship store, features sleek interiors and well-designed display cases that will make you feel like youre in a designer boutique. We're not featherless bipeds for nothing! You can check this box in the Mercari search filters, under "who will pay the shipping" (hassry no futan, ). Run free, recyclers, and happy thrifting! Just take some photos of your items and then post them online. There are no pets or smokers where this item has been stored. Shipping is set at a 200 flat fee. In Japan, it's super common to inherit your stuff from the expat community around you, including friends, colleagues, classmates, friends of friends, and any other foreigners you happen to meet. Unlike Jimoti, Mercari has an online payment system, so many of the items you do find here you can pay for via card and get them shipped to your home. Before moving to Japan, I had hardly ever messaged an online seller, simply waiting for the item to turn up in my mailbox after each wordless transaction. Or maybe you don't know exactly what you're looking for and need to scour a few tables of random stuff until something screams (Katte!, "Buy me!") Rinkan specialises in designer clothing, accessories and sneakers. Bazzstore has a number of outlets across the city, including in Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. How do you not make a bumbling fool of yourself on this culturally Japanese platform? If someone buys your item, 10% of your total sales will go to Mercari as commission fee. volume 163," or "lobster suit, extra stretchy." Store will pay the total amount to you after assessment. In Japan, it's been a go-to for people who want to clear out unwanted items and those on the hunt for a bargain.. Does this smartphone case have any scratches/imperfections? So let's explore some of the most common ones. My experience comes from bargain hunting as a grad student in Nagoya, but I suggest looking into your local area to support any small thrift stores or flea markets near you. It's also a lovely way to spend an afternoon, and you can walk away feeling warm and fuzzy about using your cold hard cash to support people in your community. Spend enough time scrolling and you're very likely to come across most, if not all, of the following phrases. But like the "Offs," Treasure Factory also has many spin-off stores that specialize in certain categories of items. But, the group which is managed via a Yahoo! Finding the Right Travel Insurance for Japan, Sustainable Travel in Japan: From Sushi to Single-use Plastic, Online Shopping for Pre-loved Fashion in Japan, March 21st, 2020 | Mareike Dornhege. So if the strings of your coin purse are feeling tight, or if you need your parachute pants in an extra-large, consider purchasing some nihonjins1 not-so-crusty castaways. If you already know what you're looking for, my number one suggestion is to investigate a magical place called Mercari, or (Merukari). The selection here is mainly designer, and you can get some really good deals especially if youre on the hunt for Japanese labels such as Sacai or Issey Miyake. If the store needs more time, you might have to leave a phone number so the staff can call you when theyre ready. It was a $800 sale. The more common branches are practically everywhere in Japan, with Book-Off and Hard-Off each having over 800 locations. For clothes, though, you've got a few more options. For example, anywhere with a sign that says kaitori sent (, "buyback/resell center") or ouri kudasai (, "please sell [your things]") is probably a safe bet. Despite their specific names, most of these secondhand shops stock a range of items. You can sell your clothes in second hand shop stores in Japan. I work in a Japanese company here in New York and I have had a very otherworldly experience selling to a Japanese gentleman my B3. Give your old clothes a second life, or go thrifting for fashion at these consignment and vintage stores in Tokyo. Thank you! Any help would be greatly appreciated! In the US, unless an item is listed as brand new, Im used to seeing a little wear and tear. Mercari Japan works like Ebay. Please don't instantly buy this item. Creating less waste and using fewer resources also means its eco on top of cheapo. There are plenty of nihonjin unburdening themselves of their belongings on Mercari, often at the minimum price of 300 yen. If you really must take your shopping to the streets, try these popular secondhand shops in Tokyo. Be sure to include detailed information and good photos about how "used" the items are. You'll likely need to be a bit more meticulous and on-the-ball in some ways when using Japanese online marketplaces, as mentioned. November 16th, 2021 | Lily Crossley-Baxter, Go-Karting in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know, Your Prepaid SIM Card Options for Travel in Japan, Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: Best Options, Cheapest Way to Transfer Your Money Out of Japan. Alexander Wang handbags and Balenciaga wallets can often be found amongst the shelves, and the shop usually carries a decent selection of sneakers and accessories. If you are selling in bulk, this might require time. Lots of winter deals to be had. All rights reserved, https://tokyonoticeboard.securesite.jp/article.html, https://groups.freecycle.org/group/tokyofreecycle/description, Mita Garden Hills announced for the Azabu area, What Americans can expect when buying property in Japan, WealthPark Global Residential PropTech Study 2022, Priti Donnelly - Nippon Tradings International, Never waste a good crisis: Where are the current opportunities in Japan's real estate market, Japans Real Estate Property Market a Safe Place to Ride Out the Storm. It offers search functions that can narrow down your hunt by brand, category and size, but the easiest way is to enter search keywords. Specialty stores work well if you have a vague idea of what you want, but want to browse before buying. Before going to the shop of your choice, make sure the shop accepts the item that you will be selling. Shipping is free. Japan's online resale marketplace is a thriving hotbed of incredible bargains and top quality items. Users rate each other, so sellers are very responsive to questions posted in the comment section of items for sale. For example, in Nagoya, there's an antique flea market at su Kannon Temple on the 18th of each month, and at nearby Banshji on the 28th. Guide to rental shops + our video on getting the best kimono experience in Tokyo. Youre the poster child for sustainability, as well as for being a tightwad. Cop a refrigerator from that foreigner who cant seem to fit it on the plane home. You are using an out of date browser. You might plunder (TreFac Sports) for sports and outdoor gear, or (TreFac Market) to buy a whole set of large furniture at once. So at first, I assumed these "update" messages on Mercari were just a courtesy and required no response. Dear visitor, if you know the answer to this question, please post it. Remember the word kaitori ()? Before I left Japan, I engaged in the common practice of posting everything I wanted gone on my Instagram story, basically begging people to take them off my hands. Immediate purchases are okay. Enjoy a series of manga and then pass it on to the next needy otaku7 who stumbles upon it in Book-Off. That is, until I got a one-star review from a seller saying they felt worried throughout the process because I didn't reply to any of their (question-free) messages. It was a $800 sale. The wind breeze starts to feel warm and humid. You may also find them held in parks, such as the Meiji Park Flea Market and the Earth Day Market in Yoyogi Park. There may be international clubs at your school or in your city that hold secondhand flea markets expressly for people who have just moved to the area. To avoid this, try not to ignore your inbox, and keep an eye on any transactions that are still torihikich (), or "in-process/incomplete.". On the other hand, I expect the Japanese used goods I buy to be in fairly pristine condition, because people tend to take better care of the items theyre selling. Online marketplaces and social networks work great when you already have a clear idea of what you'd like to buy. Sign in and subscribe for the latest Japan travel news and updates. By the way, if you only want to see things available for purchase now, you'll also want to check the box that says "for sale now" (hanbaich, ) under "availability" (hanbai jky, ). It will usually have the sign which means selling place (or counter). The Tokyo Subway Map by Walking Times, Your Guide to Buying Groceries Online in Japan, Shopping for Good: Charity Shops and How to Donate Around Tokyo, 15 Tokyo Flea Markets for Bargain Hunting, Tokyo's Treasures: A Guide to Souvenir Japanese Antiques. Otherwise, you'll be inundated with "sold out" (urikire, ) items that you can't get your dirty paws on anyway. But Emily, you say, why should I waste my precious time sifting through peoples old garbage? We have officially entered the Summer Season. For those who can't read Japanese, breaking out Google Translate or just wandering around to see what's what will do you just fine.