buying from japan on ebay

[Swami805]

Greetings, I'm looking at buying a shimano calcutta 50 from the big site and most of the listings are from Japan. Any tips on buying from Japan or just avoid it altogether. Not a ton of money but wouldn't want to get burned. Any Tips? thanks

[JRD]

I've bought a few Japan spec Shimanos from Japan with no problems.  Just review feedback, make sure there are a variety of buyers. 

[Jenx]

Buying from Japan is no different than buying domestically. In both cases you should only buy from established sellers with proven track records.

I have bought a JDM reel from Japan in the past. The only down side I noticed was the pricier S&H fees.

[oc1]

I've gotten some good ones from Japan and some with irreversible problems (torqued frame and such).  Prices of Japanese-made reels are higher from Japanese sellers.  If I wasn't in rehab I wouldn't balk at buying from Japan.
-steve

[Keta]

I would not hesitate buying from Japan, I have been burned by PRC sellers and will not buy from China.

I love my Calcutta 51's and wish they were still available.

[Dominick]

I would not hesitate buying from Japan, I have been burned by PRC sellers and will not buy from China.

Anyone want to buy a Go Pro?    Dominick

[nelz]

So you don't get hit with extra customs fees before delivery?

[Tightlines667]

I would not hesitate buying from Japan, I have been burned by PRC sellers and will not buy from China.

Anyone want to buy a Go Pro?    Dominick

I think that was China

[Swami805]

Thanks for the tips, seems like alot more 50's available there.

[Bryan Young]

I have bought a bunch of stuff from Japan. Never a problem and condition was as described. I only bought used so there's no additional tax on used items.

[whalebreath]

I have bought a bunch of stuff from Japan. Never a problem.....

X2-I'd buy again tomorrow if I needed something.

[fordfox]

X3.... Bought a couple of Penn 50's and they were AS DESCRIBED, to a 'T'.. As a previous member suggested, check their history. I would definitely buy Japanese again. Just my 2 cents!

[Tiddlerbasher]

Buying from Japan no problem. I've done it several times. Buying from the US problems (from a UK guy). Shipping costs are huge - shipping costs from the UK to US are 10/20% . A lot of US shippers state  actual values on the goods shipped - why? Have you any idea how much that costs the buyer? We have to pay import duty on the initial cost plus duty on shipping plus a 'handling' charge - it can double or treble the price of an initially reasonable cost item - new or second hand doesn't matter. Asian shippers are more 'flexible' - recently bought a new Mitutoyo digital caliper from Japan, no import charge and free shipping (and yes it was a genuine article, just registered the serial no with the factory )

I realise this is not a particular  'US problem' but please be aware when  you ship to other countries.

[philaroman]

you ever think that unfair, excessive taxation may be your problem, rather than US shipping 
just dump all the tea in the harbour -- worked out just fine, for us  
(and get rid of the "superfluous U", while you're at it)

[Tiddlerbasher]

"just dump all the tea in the harbour -- worked out just fine, for us  Tongue"

We did - just waiting for the politicians to make it happen