How to use a proxy for Japanese shopping?

[mollym]

Hello, All!

I am going outside my usual sources to add to my doll collection. I'm planning to make a 'hybrid' Obitsu 48 doll using primarily Angel Philia parts. I have had a great and successful purchase from FaithZ http://www.faithz.com/?zenid=d730991abf ... e9463ebe12 out of Hong Kong. I received my order in 8 days time. However, they do not offer any heads as an a la carte purchase, and some other parts they offer are out of stock. I have located some of these on this site: http://quarantotto.biz/angelphilia/cate ... mbodyparts and I also have interest in using Jauce https://www.jauce.com/

For anyone that has shopped from Japanese sources that do not have shipping options available to the US or accept PayPal, how do I make a purchase? Any help is welcome!!! Thank you all in advance!

- Molly

[SetsunaKou]

Hi!

I've been buying from Japanese sites since 1999 and I recommend 'Buyee' ( https://buyee.jp/ ) for major sites or Yahoo auctions. They have the best proxy rates and service. Only thing is NEVER consolidate packages. You'll pay more than if you have them sent all separately! By a lot!

For that site: http://quarantotto.biz/angelphilia/cate ... mbodyparts
I don't think any 'automated' proxy service will work since it's not a major shopping site.

You'll need to find a private Japanese proxy service who does a one on one personal service.
Ryusuke was my go-to for this----he's amazing, fair and friendly! But I haven't used him in a few years so not sure if he's still doing proxy work. I'll send you his email via PM if you need such a 'one on one' service.

[mollym]

Thank you!

Yes, because it's a new experience, the ideal would be an individual person that is also a doll collector that is in Japan. That would certainly make it easy and I'm always happy to help other collectors in any way, shape or form.

[K2!]

I also have interest in using Jauce https://www.jauce.com/

I have used Japan Auction Center (jauce.com) for over ten years and have been very happy with their auction and shopping services. I have never shopped around to compare them with other proxy services to find the cheapest one, but I have found them to be extremely reliable. Their Services and Charges page outlines the process.
https://www.jauce.com/japan_auction_detail#whatwedo

[mollym]

That's good to hear about Jauce. I believe I might try the service for a small item. It sounds complicated, do you get an invoice for winning an auction? I'm glad I can use PayPal, it's the only method I am comfortable. PayPal helped me a lot in 2010 when I tried to buy a BJD domestically in the US and the seller took my funds, said they sold it to a friend but refused to refund. So, I was scammed, but PayPal helped me a lot. They also called me when I bought a very, very large doll I picked up in person to make sure the transaction was good.

[SetsunaKou]

Thank you!

Yes, because it's a new experience, the ideal would be an individual person that is also a doll collector that is in Japan. That would certainly make it easy and I'm always happy to help other collectors in any way, shape or form.

Did you need the email of Ryusuke-san? Let me know. Thanks!

[mollym]

Thanks, guys! I might need a personal proxy later. I'm seriously considering ordering this one from Parabox. It seems they ship to the US!!! https://paraboxshop.jp/goods_en_jpy_2409.html

I'm as sure as I can be that this doll can easily wear Angel Philia and other parts manufactured by Obitsu. I even learned that these guys, with a careful use of the neck piece from the tutorial K-2 did for resin heads and the one from Mimiwoo that now that has a lot of possibilities for heads. Jauce does have some Angel Philia heads, but not any that I like.

Thanks for all the help! I'll let you all know when I have made up my mind.