FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TS EXPORT^® SERVICE

How can I import from Japan with TS EXPORT^® ?

Just follow this simple 5 step process:

1. Get an Information Pack. Contact Us to get access to listings and cost information. This lets you work out the price and availability of the stock that you're interested in and assess whether importing this stock will be commercially viable for you.

2. Set Up Trading Account. When you're ready to get started just give us your Shipping Instructions and complete the Service Agreement. To start placing buy orders, fund your account with a minimum balance of Y100,000 and your account is activated. You can then place buy orders up to the value of the funds held in your account and can top up your account any time.

3. Pay Supplier & Trucking. Once you're successful we pay the supplier on your behalf, organise trucking to either the nearest port or to our Export Centre and create a Shipping Status page for the shipment in your Client Portal. Depending on your shipping instructions:

• If you're shipping by Roll-On Roll-Off or having your stock containerised at the port we prepare draft shipping documentation and update your Trading Account with cost projections to complete the shipment. Once the draft shipping documents have been approved and sufficient funds have been received to complete the shipment we book the shipment and enter the shipment details into the Shipping Status page.


• If you're shipping by container from our Export Centre you can keep placing buy orders until you have enough stock for a containerised shipment. Once there is sufficient stock for a shipment we prepare draft shipping documentation and update your Trading Account with cost projections to complete the shipment. Once the draft shipping documents have been approved and sufficient funds have been received to complete the shipment we book the shipment and enter the shipping details into the Shipping Status page. This means you know what ship and voyage has been booked and when your shipment will arrive. The container then arrives at our Export Centre and is loaded.

How can I import from Japan to countries other than the country I live in?

Best practice is normally to set up a company in the destination country. It needs to have a physical address and landline phone numbers in the destination country. The company should be registered with the government and have a tax number to avoid the possibility of shipments being rejected by shipping companies. This company would be responsible for paying all accounts, would receive the original BoLs and take delivery of the shipments. All of the remittances we receive are monitored by the Japanese government as part of their anti money laundering protocols. Normally the remittances are sent from the consignee in the destination country.

What advice can you give me?

Here are 3 simple tips:

1. Import Requirements. Make sure that what you want to import can actually be imported into your country, and what conditions apply. Your Customs Broker can help you with this.
   
   Click Here for links to Import Requirements
   
   Click Here to learn more about Customs Brokers


2. Market Research. Carefully research both your home market and what you can source in Japan carefully. Add shipping and other costs to work out the landed price to your country. If there's not a large saving by importing then source from your home market.
   
   Click Here to learn more about the process of importing from Japan
   
   Click Here to lean more about the costs of importing from Japan
   
   Click Here to get shipping estimates from Japan


3. Contingency. Set aside some funds in your budget to cover unexpected costs. These might include currency fluctuations, fluctuations in sea freight costs and works that may be required to the vehicle once it arrives in your country.

Do I need to come to Japan?

No. You don't need to come to Japan to use our service. Perhaps in the pre-internet days there was value in coming to Japan personally, but this all changed with the internet:

• Online Databases. Our service covers over 180 online databases throughout all of Japan. If you use the internet you can access all of these databases. If you come to Japan to view listings in person you will normally only be able to just a handful of the available databases available, which means you'll be denying yourself access to most of the available listings in Japan.


• Online Only Databases. Some databases, such as salvage vehicle auctions are only available online. For these listings no in person access available. Instead you have photos and the reports of trained inspectors to help you make your buying decisions.


• Always In The Market. To get the best choice and value you need to be "always in the market" having access to listings every day. If you're on offshore based importer, then it's not practical to be in Japan for 12 months of the year.

Can I come to Japan and personally inspect the listings on your website?

Generally this is not possible. This is why:

1. Location. There are usually over 1 million listings which are located at thousands of locations throughout all of Japan. Before the internet there was no practical way to access all of these listings but you can now do it with our online service.


2. Restricted Access. In many cases, such as wholesale auctions, public access is not permitted.


3. Timing. Some listings may only become available a day or so before they are sold. It's easy to place buy orders online for these listings but not practical to make travel arrangements in such a short time frame.


4. Language. Most of the listings on our website are being offered by the sellers only to the Japanese domestic market. Because we're a Japan based company we can communicate with them and arrange payment, trucking to port, Japan customs clearance and shipping. However all communication is in the Japanese language.

Do I have to use the internet to use the TS EXPORT^® service?

Yes. The service is an internet service so you can get access to the maximum amount of listings throughout all of Japan.

The level of internet skill required is equivalent to using popular services such as Facebook or Amazon. The skills required are to be able to use email, use Skype, copy and paste links to the listings you're interested in and login to the JP Auction System. We can assist you if you need help.

Do you use the services of other exporters?

No. If an exporter from Japan is properly registered, licensed and has assets they don't need to use the services of another exporting company.

These are some of the reasons a person acting as an exporter might use the services of another exporting company:

• Their business is not a registered company in Japan.


• Their business does not hold the correct approvals and licenses.


• Their business has no auction memberships.


• Their business has no assets (required for auction membership).


• They've been blacklisted for fraud, non payment, non delivery or other misconduct (they may have previously used different business names).

• Add another layer of costs into the process (you now have 2 exporters to pay, not one),


• Add one more obstacle in the communication chain.


• Takes away your access to actual cost information since everything is billed at cost + margin and the actual costs incurred by the companies are hidden from you.

• Is their company legally registered in Japan? Can they show you proof?


• What licences does their company have? Again, can they show you proof?


• What auction memberships do their company hold? Do they hold their own auction memberships or do they rely on another company?


• What assets does their company have?

Do you use commission based sales agents?

No. We often get approached by commission based sales agents to represent our service. However, we don't believe this is in the interest of importers from Japan:

1. Experience. Commission based sales agents typically don't have the knowledge and experience that comes from decades of experience being based in Japan and exporting from Japan.


2. Conflict of Interest. Commission based sales agents are incentivised to act in their own best interests not yours.


3. Extra Costs. Having to pay a commission adds another layer of costs which you end up paying.


4. Communication. Adds one more obstacle in the communication chain.

Do you sell the stock of other exporters?

No. Unfortunately some exporters have a system of reselling the stock of other exporters and sometimes we're approached to get involved in these schemes. These exporters will often put the listings in their stock list - as if they actually owned it - but won't bother to tell you that they don't actually hold the stock and that you're having to pay a double margin.

We believe this practice is not in the best interest of importers from Japan. With our service offering over 50,000 vehicles available at wholesale prices on most days, there's no reason to ever pay retail again, particularly at double margins.

Do you supply the Japanese Domestic Market?

No. Our service is solely an export service for offshore based importers.

Exporters who also supply the Japanese Domestic Market place themselves in a conflict of interest with their importing clients, since their importing clients have to directly compete with their Japanese Domestic Market customers who don't have to pay all of the costs that go with importing.

By only supplying importers - without domestic competition - we can offer you the best value and maximum choice.

Can you deliver to somewhere within Japan?

Sorry. Our service is a source and export service. While we can arrange the movement of stock throughout Japan this is only for stock that is exported through our service.

Can I source stock through the TS EXPORT^® service and have another company export it for me?

Sorry. Our service is a source and export service. There are two important reasons why it's best that the company that the company that exports the stock should be the same company that sources the stock:

1. Fees. If you use two companies to assist you to source and export the stock you will need to pay two sets of fees. Using one service is usually simpler and cheaper.


2. Japan Customs Clearance. Japan Customs may have questions about the chain of ownership of the stock you're exporting. This can require submitting documents, emails etc. This is simpler and quicker if the same company who sources the stock does the Japan Customs clearance and exports the stock.

Can my company use your TS EXPORT® brand?

No. Our brand is trademarked. If you used our brand you would be infringing our trademark rights.

Do you have sales offices in other countries?

No. We're Japan based exporters. Our clients are offshore based importers. If we set up sales offices in other countries we'd be competing with our clients. Our job is to help our clients, not compete with them.

Can I become a sole distributor for your company and products in our area?

Sorry. We don't grant sole agencies to specific territories. In reality the internet and easy shipping of product means the concept of territories has become meaningless. For example, performance car parts that we might export to the west coast of the USA might be shipped to other locations in the USA or even re-exported to other countries.

For new product our service is a parallel importing service. If you're wanting to become a manufacturer authorised distributor of new products then you need to directly approach the manufacturer or their representative in your country or region.

I have a very low budget. Can I still import?

In addition to the purchase price of the units you want to import there are additional costs such as domestic freight within Japan, port and shipping costs and service fees payable for the work done by your exporter. Additional fees, costs and import duties are usually payable at your destination.

Unfavourable trends in exchange rates can increase the cost of your import and works on the units you import may be required before you can put them to market in the destination country.

Importing from Japan is not suitable if you have a very low budget and it's best to source locally where you can personally inspect the units and don't have additional costs over the purchase price. If you're still interested in importing from Japan you can take another look in the future once you have an adequate budget.

I'm short of cash. Do you provide credit?

Our "Pay As You Go" payment system smoothes the lumps in your cashflow. However, you still need sufficient funds to support your importing business. Shipments need to be fully paid for before taking delivery.

Lines of credit are a common solution to increasing business volume and smoothing the lumps in cashflow when importing. You can arrange lines of credit from financial institutions in your country.

Have you exported to my country before?

TS EXPORT^® has exported to every continent. Under the Privacy Policy the identities of our clients and the markets they serve is confidential unless clients choose to reveal it. Most of our clients are commercial importers and don't want their identity or the markets they serve disclosed.

Can you send me your stocklists and catalogues?

Most of the stock available in Japan is normally available only to the Japanese Domestic Market and not available for export. This means if you're just sourcing from a single stocklist you're only getting a small fraction of the stock that's actually available in Japan.

However, our open sourcing system covers all of the available stock throughout all of Japan. You can source from end users, auction, wholesalers and dealers. This means you're not limited to just the small amount of stock available for export, or just one yard or one stocklist or one catalogue.

The listings are on multiple online databases, with many listings on dynamic databases giving you real-time information on cost and availability. You can view the listings by selecting the stock category that you're interested in from the red menu bars near the top of any page on this website, scrolling down and clicking on the links to listings.

Contact Us and we can send you a full information pack with links to listings of the stock categories that you're interested in.

Are you the cheapest exporter from Japan?

For most of the stock categories we handle our service offers you more choice than any other exporter from Japan. This means it's easier to get exactly what you want at the best possible price.

Our fees and charges are competitive with other exporters from Japan. However, quite simply providing a top level service where you have more choice and higher levels of support costs more than a low level service. The cheapest, lowest level service is no longer cheap if you import the wrong things.

John Ruskin said it best:

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”

What's your best price?

We don't set the prices of stock. For fixed price listings, such as dealer or wholesaler listings the seller sets the price. For auction listings you set the price by the bid limit that you place.

Do you ever deny service?

Sometimes. The most common reason is if a company requests a service that we don't provide, such as LCL parts shipments. In this case we put the importer in contact with other service providers who may be able to help. Other reasons for denying service can be a breach of our terms of service, payment default, attempts to deceive or defraud, misuse of intellectual property, the use of fake or multiple identities, being unable to communicate clearly in the English language, requesting us to act unlawfully (such as breaching the laws of Japan or the destination country, odometer tampering or falsifying documents), unprofessional conduct or where the importer cannot supply the information we require to export to them.

What would happen if TS EXPORT^® behaved unethically?

Our company is independently monitored. If we behaved unethically users of the service could complain to these organisations:

Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association

Site Trust Network

HONESTe Online

TS EXPORT^® is the only exporter from Japan to offer this level of monitoring of their service.

Do you pay or reward your clients for giving testimonials?

No. We don't run competitions, give gifts or make payments for testimonials. All of the testimonials are from actual emails or Skype messages from clients.

Do you employ sales people?

No. We do provide support but believe that importers are capable of making their own decisions without being pestered by commission hungry sales people.

Do you spend money on advertising?

No. We put money into continually improving our service and facilities which directly helps our clients. Importers from Japan who want our service can normally find us OK.

How does TS EXPORT^® measure it's performance?

The 4 Key Metrics we measure are:

1. Client Satisfaction, Loyalty And Retention. 99% of the stock shipped is to ongoing clients, year after year.
   
   Click Here to view the results of the the TS EXPORT^® service.


2. Client Profitability. This is affected by the buying decisions of clients, but we like our clients to receive a return of 100%+ Return On Investment.


3. Stock Damage. Our target rate is 0 percent.


4. Container Load Factor. We like our clients to receive full containers so they get maximum profitability.
   
   Click Here to view sample TS EXPORT^® Container Shipments

IS THE TS EXPORT^® SERVICE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Who is the TS EXPORT^® service for?

The service is a wholesale Business to Business service for offshore based commercial importers from Japan. Over 99% of our export volume is business to business to ongoing clients year after year.

Personal importers can also get the same no-nonsense wholesale service as our ongoing Business to Business clients, except for our dismantled parts service which is only for genuine commercial importers.

I want to import from Japan. Do I need TS EXPORT^® to help me?

This depends on exactly what you'd like to import. TS EXPORT^® can help if you want to:

• Source from multiple sources and have the product consolidated into single shipments to reduce shipping costs.


• Access supply sources that are barred to non-Japanese companies, such as Japanese wholesalers who only supply the Japanese domestic market, Japan car auctions, the Yahoo! Japan Auction etc.


• Require specialised added services such as dismantling and packing parts into containers.

I'm a Japan based exporter. Can I use your services to export to my customers?

Sorry, no. We often receive requests from other exporters from Japan to provide services on their behalf. i.e. TS EXPORT^® does the work and the other exporter places a margin on top, without telling the importer that they are not directly providing the service.

We believe this practice is not in the best interest of importers from Japan. Offshore based importers can easily find our service and deal with us directly.

To provide the best communication and value to importers we don't supply the Japanese Domestic Market and we don't deal with intermediaries.

The only clients we accept are genuine independent offshore based importers from Japan.

I've bought a vehicle from another company in Japan. Can you ship it for me?

Exporters from Japan are responsible for the documentation of vehicles for export so that they can get Japanese Customs clearance. i.e. the Japanese Government must give a clearance for each vehicle to be exported.

Because of this it's best if the company that sources the vehicle is the company that exports the vehicle.

It can get complicated if there are errors in the paperwork or supply chain documentation when the company that sources the vehicle is not the company that exports the vehicle. You can also find yourself in delays, storage fees or in the worst case not being able to export the vehicle in situations like this.

I've bought a right hand drive car in Japan. Can you have it converted to left hand drive and export it?

No. Our service is a source and export service. You need to source the vehicle through our service for it to be converted to left hand drive and exported.

Exporters from Japan are responsible for the documentation and proof of supply chain of vehicles for export so that they can get Japanese Customs clearance. It's best if the company that sources the vehicle is the company that exports the vehicle. It can get complicated if there are errors in the paperwork or supply chain documentation when the company that sources the car is not the company that exports the car.

I've bought a vehicle from another company in Japan. Can you do the documentation for me?

Exporters from Japan are responsible for the documentation of vehicles for export so that they can get Japanese Customs clearance. i.e. the Japanese Government must give a clearance for each vehicle to be exported.

Because of this it's best if the company that sources the vehicle is the company that exports the vehicle and obtains all of the necessary documents.

I've bought a vehicle in Japan. Can you dismantle it and ship it to me as parts?

No. Our parts service is a source, dismantle and ship service. Exporters from Japan are responsible for the documentation and proof of supply chain of cars for export so that they can get Japanese Customs clearance. It's best if the company that sources the vehicle is the company that dismantles and exports the vehicle. It can get complicated if there are errors in the paperwork or supply chain documentation when the company that sources the car is not the company that dismantles and exports the vehicle.

Some sellers of stolen vehicles in Japan could use the services of other Japanese companies to dismantle and ship the vehicle to try and avoid detection.

Can you source a vehicle for me and send it to another company for dismantling and shipping as parts?

No. Exporters from Japan are responsible for the documentation and proof of supply chain of cars for export so that they can get Japanese Customs clearance. It's best if the company that sources the vehicle is the company that dismantles and exports the vehicle. It can get complicated if there are errors in the paperwork or supply chain documentation when the company that sources the car is not the company that dismantles and exports the vehicle.

I own some things in Japan that I want exported. Can you help me?

The TS EXPORT^® service is a source and export service. If you already own what you want to export then our service is not the right one for your requirements.

If you already own what you want to import from Japan then a Japan based freight forwarding service might suit your requirements better.

Can I source a vehicle in Japan through TS EXPORT^® but have another exporter ship it?

Sorry. Our service is a full exporting service where we source, document and ship to you from Japan. This saves you having to pay double service fees and simplifies your Japanese Customs clearance.

If you're not satisfied with your existing export services provider you can switch to the TS EXPORT^® service where we can source, document and ship your stock to you.

I'm a broker. Can I use your services to export to my customers?

Sorry, no. Because prices in Japan are often very low compared to other world markets "middlemen" brokers will sometimes try and put themselves in between our service and offshore based importers. By doing this they put an additional obstacle in the communication process and hide the true costs from their customers.

We believe this practice is not in the best interest of importers from Japan.

Our service makes it easy for offshore based importers from Japan to get the stock they need directly from Japan, with direct communication and full price transparency.

The only clients we accept are genuine offshore based importers from Japan.

I want to compete for a tender in my country. Is the TS EXPORT^® service right for this?

Probably not. These are some of the reasons:

1. Tenders will usually be for new product (not used). While some new product is available with our service, there are limitations imposed by the manufacturers.


2. Models will be Japanese Domestic Market models, not local models to your area. The units may well have Japanese language writing on them. Vehicle manuals will be in Japanese, not your local language. Because they are JDM models, the manufacturers will usually not offer any warranty outside of Japan.


3. While you can estimate shipping and other costs at the current rates, if the tender is awarded some time later then shipping and exchange rates may have changed since then.

I want to sell my products in Japan. Can you help?

Our service is a Japan based continuity export service for commercial importers from Japan. Sorry. We don't import into Japan or provide service to the Japanese market.

I want to expand my business into Japan. Can you help?

Our service is a Japan based continuity export service for commercial importers from Japan. Sorry. We don't import into Japan or provide services within Japan.

Services that may be able to assist you include JETRO, Japanese Business Consultants and Japanese Virtual Assistants.

EXPORTERS FROM JAPAN

How do I select a Japanese Exporter?

With hundreds of exporters from Japan it can sometimes be confusing to find the right exporter. Here's a simple 14 Point Checklist you can use to select the best exporters from Japan.

1. When Was The Company Established?
It's a sad fact, but some Japanese exporters will no longer be exporting a few years from now. If you have been importing for a while you would already have seen exporting companies come and go.

2. Company Registration
The exporter should be properly registered in Japan and be able to quote you their Registered Number, date of approval and copy of their approval. It should give the company status, "Yugen Gaisha", "Kabushiki Gaisha" etc. If the company cannot give you this basic information its possible that the company may not exist.

3. Company Licences
What licences does the exporter hold?

4. Company Contact Details
Exporters should have the registered address of their company in Japan and company telephone and fax numbers on their website.

5. Where Is The Focus Of The Exporter?
Take a look at the exporter's website. Where is their focus? Is it about them ? How big they are, how great they are etc? Or is it about you, your needs and how the services and facilities can help you get what you want?

6. Contact The Exporter
Speak with the company representative by phone or Skype. Ask to speak with the person who you would be dealing with if you were to start working with this exporter.

7. Choice
Does the exporter restrict your choice by only offering from their own stock or do they maximise your choice by open sourcing?

8. Internet Search
What does an internet search reveal about the company? The internet gives very good transparency to a company's reputation. If you do an internet search for the company name of the exporter you are checking out with words such as "ripoff", "fraud", "scam" or "complaint" after the company name any bad behaviour will usually be exposed.

9. JUMVEA Membership
JUMVEA is the Japan Motor Vehicle Exporters Association. It's the leading organisation for automotive exporters from Japan. While there may be reputable exporters who are not JUMVEA members, reputable exporters will usually be JUMVEA members.

10. Third Party Trust Services
Third party trust services authenticate and verify the Japanese exporter and give you an independent forum to lodge a complaint for free. Only exporters who are confident of their integrity and services will expose their company to this kind of scrutiny. Check to see whether the exporter offers you this kind of protection, and if not why not.

11. Check Exporter Blacklists

12. Testimonials
Look for exporters who display genuine testimonials from satisfied clients on their website. Testimonials should contain the name and location of the person giving the testimonial and pictures.

13. Unit and Price Verification
Be sure to obtain the Chassis & Frame Numbers of the indivdual units that you're interested in.

14. Billing
Industry best practice is for the exporter to clearly state what services are being billed at cost and what services the exporter is receiving cost plus margin. Ask the exporter for which services are being billed at actual cost and which are being billed at cost plus margin.

What's the difference between a Dealer and an Export Services Provider?

These are the basic differences:

DEALER
Will buy and hold stock and resell. A typical example is a used car dealers yard.

POSITION IN SUPPLY CHAIN
You're normally sourcing at the second or third point in the supply chain.

ADVANTAGES

• Inspection. Stock can be inspected at the dealer's yard.

• Higher Costs. Usually a Business to Consumer focus (retail). Dealers will usually truck stock from it's current location to their yard, store it, maintain it, advertise it, pay sales people bonuses for selling it and then truck it to the port for export. The higher costs of this business model normally means higher prices.


• Poor Price Transparency. Dealers often hide buying prices, wholesale auction inspection reports and the real cost of other services, such as costs of trucking, domestic freight, freight forwarding and shipping.


• Advice. The dealer has already invested time and money in the units that they hold. The company may have an incentive not to fully disclose known defects in the stock.


• Limited Choice. Of the millions of stock items available in Japan only a small fraction of 1 percent will normally be available from a single dealer.

• Lower Costs. Usually a Business to Business service (wholesale). Export service providers are able to reduce costs by trucking stock directly from their current location to the nearest international port and don't need to pay for advertising and bonuses to sales people. They take advantage of technology to give you more choice and lower prices. You can view stock online which mininimises domestic freight and holding costs.


• Price Transparency. Able to bill at actual cost plus service for complete price transparency and provide price verification of actual prices.


• Advice. It makes no difference to the Export Service Provider which unit you select. The company has no incentive not to fully disclose known defects in the stock.


• Maximum Choice. Millions of stock items available, changing daily.

• Inspection. Inspection not available at one site. However, independent third party inspections are often available where vehicles are currently located.

Should I import directly from Japan or buy from local importers?

Importing from Japan can be highly profitable if done properly. But is it right for you?

Yes if you:

• Have a Business Mindset.


• Buy On Profit Not On Price. (the cheapest stock is seldom the most profitable)


• Have identified niches in your market that other importers are not satisfying and where you can Have Pricing Power.


• Have researched the buying market in Japan and the selling market in your country of import and can see a Solid Profit Potential (even if things change). ROI of 100% plus is possible if you select the right niches.


• Are Importing In Volume to leverage your time, build an ongoing customer base, minimise risk, and build sales channels for your imported product.


• Import In Full Containers for the highest load factors and lowest landed cost per item.


• Have Sufficient Cash Reserves to invest in the right stock and then withstand the period where you are fully invested in product and shipping, before you can land the stock and get a return on your investment.


• Are willing to use Professional Services like customs brokers to assist you.


• Have Realistic Expectations. You understand that exchange rates and market conditions are always changing and that some stock will be better than what you hoped and some perhaps not as good as you hoped.


• Can Pass The "Sleep Soundly At Night" Test. You've done all your homework, have managed the risk factors and know that whatever happens you will still be profitable.

• Have a consumer or hobbyist mindset.


• Buy on price not profit. If you're focussed on price rather than profit at best you'll struggle, but most likely fail, just like 90% of all businesses.


• Have not researched the buying market in Japan and the selling market in the country of import thoroughly.


• Are only interested in importing the same stuff as other importers and putting it to market just becomes a race to the bottom. No-one in markets like this is rewarded and you cannot build a long term profitable business in these niches.


• Are importing in very small volume. Unless you are building a business from the very start your time could probably be spent at something more lucrative.


• Are not importing in full containers. You're costing yourself a lot of money by having your fixed costs spread over less stock. By making this common beginners mistake it's easy for other professional importers to out-compete you.


• Are low on cash. You need to have sufficient cash reserves to invest in the right stock and then withstand the period where you are fully invested in product and shipping, before you can land the stock and get a return on your investment.


• Unwilling to pay for professional services to help you.


• Have unrealistic expectations - your importing should be able to withstand fluctuations in exchange rates and market conditions and the real life experience of some stock being better than you thought and occasionally some being not as good as you hoped.


• Cannot pass the "sleep soundly at night" test. You've not done enough homework, have not managed the risks and are constantly worried about what could go wrong.

What's the difference between an Open Sourcing System and a Closed Sourcing System?

Quite simply an Open Sourcing System gives you access to all the stock available in Japan where a Closed Sourcing System does not.

This may come as a surprise but most exporters will offer you only a small fraction of what is actually available in Japan. e.g. from their own stock or just the major auctions.

An Open Sourcing System gives you access to everything that is available in the Japanese Domestic Market.... From dealers, auctions - both big and small - retailers, wholesalers, recyclers, and even private sellers. This means that you can buy like an insider - just as if you lived in Japan and spoke fluent Japanese. Which gives you the most choice and the best prices.

TS EXPORT^® has been a pioneer in offering importers from Japan an Open Sourcing System.

I've had a problem with another Japanese exporter. What should I do?

Here are 6 possibilities:

1. Contact Exporter. Contact the exporter directly. Initially this can be by phone or Skype. Another option would be to travel to their office in Japan and speak with them directly. Keep detailed notes or recordings of exactly what was said by both parties, the time and place. This could be required as evidence, together with all of your written correspondence.


2. JUMVEA. This is the Japan Motor Vehicle Exporters Association. It's the main industry body for automotive exporters from Japan. If the company you're having a problem with is a JUMVEA member they may be able to assist you.


3. Online Resources. Investigate online resources to see if there are any other complaints against the same exporter. There may also be resources where you can file your complaint online as a warning to other importers. Be aware however that some complaints could be fake as a means for an importer to blackmail an exporter into concessions or posted by another exporter in order to discredit a rival business.


4. Embassies & Consulates. Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to see if they can assist. You can also contact the Embassy of your country in Japan to see what advice they can offer.


5. Consumer Affairs Agencies. Speak with government consumer affairs agencies in your state or country to see if there have been any breaches of the laws that they enforce. Often they will have a "report a scam" online service.


6. Legal Advice. Speak to a lawyer in your country to see what legal options are available to you.

AUCTIONS

How can I view listings in the Japanese Wholesale Vehicle Auctions?

How can I view listings in the Yahoo! Japan Auction?

How do I participate in the Japan Government Auctions?

You can articipate in the Japan Government Auctions with this simple 6 Step process:

1. Set up and a Trading Account with us, if you don't already have one.
   
   Click Here to set up a Trading Account


2. Fund your Trading Account with sufficient funds to cover your auction registration fee and tender amount.
   
   Click Here to learn how to fund your Trading Account


3. Register within the time limit for an opportunity to tender. You pay a fully refundable registration fee. We do this for you on your behalf.


4. Place your tender as soon as tenders open.


5. Tenders are announced. Pay your tender amount if you're successful. We do this on your behalf.


6. If successful we organise payment, trucking to port and shipping.
   
   Click Here to learn more about importing with the TS EXPORT^® service

What is Sale by Tender?

Sale by tender is where the seller calls for offers over a given time period and the highest tenderer is successful. It's a blind process, so each tenderer doesn't know what the other tenderers are offering.

TS-EXPORT.COM

How do I find things on the TS-EXPORT.com website?

There are 3 ways to find the things you're looking for:

1. Menus. There are four menu bars under the header area at the top of every page:
   
   The top menu bar (grey) covers general information.
   
   The menu bar below this (red) covers different kinds of vehicles.
   
   The menu bar below this (red) covers different kinds of parts.
   
   The menu bar below this (red) covers other stock categories and import regulations.

If you hover on these menus you'll also see sub categories appear. Just click on the categories and sub categories that are of interest to find the right pages.


2. Search. Site Search is available at the top and bottom of every page on the site. Just enter what you're looking for in the white search and click "Search". The results which match your query should load in a new window. Just click on these results and you'll be taken to the matching page.


3. Skype. If you've tried to find something through the menus and search and still can't find what you're looking for you get get personal help on Skype. Just click on "S Chat" on the header area of each page and click again to connect. Just leave your message in Skype chat and we can help.

Can I copy your website or the content of your website?

No. We suggest that rather than copy another company's website you create a website that is unique to your company and brand.

Can I copy your brand?

No. Our brand is trademarked. Infringements of our trademark may result in litigation against you. We suggest you create a brand that is unique to your company.

SUPPORT

Do I need to give you my real name?

Yes. We like to know who we're dealing with. We don't support the use of fake names or aliases.

Can I deal directly with a native English speaker?

Sure. Contact us and we can discuss your requirements further.

Can I deal directly with the General Manager and not a sales person?

Yes. Skype me at ts_export or Email me here.

I don't want to use the contact form. Can you just email me?

Sorry. To comply with anti-spam requirements we cannot initiate email exchanges, only respond to them. CAN-SPAM.

Please contact us here. Your enquiry goes straight to our Helpdesk. The contact form usually takes no more than a minute to complete and contains a confirmation process so you know that we've received your message.

What are your hours of operation?

We operate 7 days per week with flexible hours according to work requirements.

The TS EXPORT CENTRE is staffed 7 days per week, day and night. It is operational 24 hours when necessary to meet shipping schedules. We monitor emails every day, though public holiday periods can affect vehicle trucking, auction and shipping schedules.

Click Here for Japanese Public Holidays

We also provide support during extended hours to match client needs in the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Can you help me with technical questions about the stock I want to import?

We're Japan based exporters and can assist you with locating the stock you want to import, providing information about individual units, translation of inspection reports, placing buy orders with sellers, paying the sellers, arranging transport of the unit to port, arranging documentation so the unit can be exported, arranging shipping and the sending of original documents to you.

However, for technical information about the stock you want to import you need to speak with a technical expert. Most of our clients our specialists who understand the technical issues of the stock they specialise in.

I’ve bought something in Japan and need some help. Can someone help me?

Yes. Japan based virtual assistants are ideally suited to tasks like these. They can make phone calls within Japan in the Japanese language, obtain documents and translate documents from the Japanese language to English.

I can't find the answers to my question here. What should I do?

Firstly request an Information Pack about what you want to import. This provides a full set of information on costs, procedures and links to listings and normally answers most questions.

If you're wanting to learn more about importing from Japan go to the FAQ Index Page, select the FAQ categories that are most relevant to your questions and browse through the individual FAQ's until you find answers to your questions.

Feel free to connect on Skype Chat if you have any further questions. Skype chat is free to use and the best way to get ongoing help with our service. To connect on Skype Chat just click on S Chat from the top of any page on our website and you'll automatically be connected.

TERMS OF SERVICE

What are your Terms of Service?

Contact us and we'll send them through to you.

On what basis is the stock sourced and supplied?

The TS EXPORT^® service is a wholesale continuity service for commercial importers from Japan. All stock is sourced and supplied on an as is basis. These tips will help you buy well and be profitable:

• Research your home market carefully. Unless there's a big advantage in importing directly from Japan, you're better off sourcing locally. If you're a private buyer not importing in quantity you might also get consumer protection, warranties and be able to see the unit in person if you buy at retail in your home country rather than import directly at wholesale from Japan.


• If you're sourcing vehicles from wholesale vehicle auctions and get a Pre-Export Inspection Report which is significantly different to the auction house report we'll negotiate with the auction house for a refund or price reduction. Sorry, this does not apply to low or salvage grade vehicles.


• If you're sourcing from the Yahoo! Japan Auction check the seller feedback and only source from the sellers with a long record of high evaluations. (there are normally lots of sellers like this)
  
  Click Here to learn more about seller evaluations on the Yahoo! Japan Auction


• If you're importing vehicles in small volume we recommend having an allowance for works that may be required once the vehicle arrives. At the minimum this might be a maintenance service of new fluids and filters, and like any used vehicle you may find that there are other works you want to do. You may never need to use this allowance, but it's better to have it in your budget just in case. That being said, personal importers often find that once their vheicle arrives it's better than what they expected.
  
  Click Here to see what clients said once their shipments had arrived


• As a commercial importer you're protected by importing in bulk. If a single stock item isn't up to your expectations any decrease in profit is covered by the combined profits of bulk shipments.
  
  Click Here to learn how to maximise your profits when importing from Japan
  
  Click Here to learn how to maximise your profits when importing parts from Japan

How can I get a warranty?

For a warranty we suggest sourcing at retail from dealers in your country. You can either pay the dealer for a warranty or purchase a third-party warranty. If you need to claim then you go through the claims procedure as per that warranty.

TRADING ACCOUNT

What's a Trading Account?

Your Trading Account is simply a ledger that records all remittances, purchases, fees and charges in one document. This means:

• Rather than having your importing records scattered between multiple invoices and remittance slips you have a complete financial record at your fingertips - from day one to the present - recording every purchase and shipment in one convenient document.


• You have an accurate detailed cost breakdown of the actual costs with every purchase you make - the supplier payment, government fees, inland freight, labour, freight forwarding etc.


• You can easily estimate the completed cost of a job by viewing the pending section of your account. This makes it easy to estimate landed costs and to plan your cashflow.

How do I set up a Trading Account?

Contact us and we can send you the materials that you need. Complete and return the materials and fund your account and you can start buying!

How long does it take to set up a Trading Account?

Once you've gone through your information pack and spoken with your customs broker it should take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete the Service Agreement and Shipping Instructions. So long as there are no blank fields in the information you've provided setting up your Trading Account is normally done within 24 hours.

How much does it cost to set up a Trading Account?

Setting up a Trading Account costs nothing. However if you need support on individual vehicles or want to place buy orders you need to fund your account with a minimum balance of Y100,000.

How can I put funds into my Trading Account?

What verification do I receive when I fund my Trading Account?

You receive 2 kinds of verification:

1. Sending Bank Confirmation. The sending bank you select will provide you with confirmation of the transaction including the amount you paid in the currency of payment, the amount you paid in Japanese Yen and any fees and charges that were paid.


2. Receiving Bank Confirmation. The receiving bank alerts us when the funds arrive and we let you know about this on Skype chat. About a week from this we receive the confirmation slip from the receiving bank which shows the amount they received from the receiving bank and the fees they charge. We upload it so you can verify that all of the funds released by the receiving bank have been credited to your account.

What currency should I use to fund my Trading Account?

You can send funds to your account in any currency. If you send through funds in Japanese Yen then you will know the exchange rate at the time you make the remittance.

If you send funds through in another currency the receiving bank will convert the funds to Japanese Yen once they arrive in Japan. The receiving bank gets to set the exchange rate and you won't know exactly what rate they've used until their remittance confirmation slip comes through about a week after your remittance.

Can I use non-bank services for sending funds to your Japanese bank accounts?

Yes. You can remit funds with services such as TransferWise and Veem. Services such as these may have lower fees and charges than traditional banks.

However, there are several factors to bear in mind:

1. Return of Funds. All international money transfers to and from Japan are monitored by the banks who report to the government authorities as part of anti money laundering protocols. Since these non-bank remittance services don't provide a record of a sending bank we're unable to process a return of funds should you close your Trading Account. Because of this you should not use these services if the funds won't be applied to purchasing and importing stock with our service.


2. Recipient Bank. If you wish to use these services please send these funds to our Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation account.
   
   Click Here for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Account Information
   
   
3. Check Before Sending. Please contact us on Skype before using these services so we can go through any potential problems before the funds are sent. You can connect on Skype from the top of any page on our website.

Can I fund my account by cheque, credit card, crypto currency or Paypal?

Our service is a continuity service for commercial importers from Japan. The normal way for companies to transfer funds internationally is by Telegraphic Transfer. This is usually the cheapest and most secure way to transfer funds overseas and you can make transfers to the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Resona Bank, Tokyo Mitusbishi Bank or Mizuho Bank. Sorry. We don't support payment by cheque, credit card, crypto currency or Paypal.

How do I find out the intermediary banks between the banks in my country and the Japanese banks?

You need to contact the international departments of the banks in your country. The Japanese banks won’t divulge this information.

How long does it take for the funds I send to be credited to my acccount?

It can be anything from 1 or 2 hours to several days. It depends on the sending bank. The fastest remittances are where the sending bank and the receiving bank have a direct relationship.

As soon as the receiving bank receives the funds they phone us and we let you know that the funds are now available in your account. About a week later the receiving bank sends us the confirmation slip with the amount received, the fees charged by the receiving bank and the net amount of funds credited to your account. We upload this confirmation slip to your Client Portal for verification.

Do the funds have to be available in my account before I place buy orders?

Yes. Sometimes when funds are sent there's a processing error which prevents the receiving bank from releasing the funds. Typical errors are mistakes in the payee information provided by the sender or mistakes in the sending bank digitally inputting this information. In these cases the funds usually have to be returned to the sending bank and resent.

I'm sending money from Europe. What's your IBAN code?

The IBAN standard is a European standard that is not used in Japan. Instead, Japan uses the SWIFT Code system.

Does the receiving bank in Japan charge a fee for receiving my remittance?

Normally both the sending banks and receiving banks will charge a fee for processing the remittances, though it depends on which combination of sending and receiving banks that you choose. Sometimes the the sending bank will include the receiving bank's fee with it's own fee. The fees from the receiving bank can typically range from Y0 to Y4,000 per remittance.

Do you charge fees for receiving bank remittances?

No. We credit 100% of the funds that the receiving bank releases directly into your account. The receiving back will often charge a processing fee, depending on the arrangements that it has with the sending bank. We upload a copy of the receiving bank's confirmation slip which lets you verify that all of the funds that were received from the bank have been credited to your account.

How do I close my account?

Most clients retain their accounts with us on an ongoing basis. However, to close an account simply let us know by email or Skype Chat that you wish to close your account and we'll send you a link to an online request form. Complete the form with the information required by the bank and we'll then remit any outstanding funds held in your account back to you. You'll receive all of the funds held in your account, less bank fees, an administration fee, plus or minus the effects of currency movements. To comply with the Japanese Government's requirements to prevent money laundering we can only send funds back to the same account and in the same name from which the funds were originally sent.

Can I repeatedly keep opening and closing a Trading Account?

Sorry. Our service is a continuity service for commercial importers from Japan. Japanese authorities are strict about the repeated transfer of money back and forth from Japan to prevent money laundering and the compliance and transfer costs are expensive.

Funds can be retained in your account for your next purchase if you are not successful on a particular unit. If you want to repeatedly open and close a Trading Account then our service is not the right one for you.

Can I send money to your company and you then send it to another bank account?

No. This is known as money laundering and it's illegal. Funds can only be returned to the same account they were originally sent from. Attempts to use our company for money laundering will be reported to the police. Our service is only for genuine importers from Japan.

Can I put funds in my Trading Account and then have you send them back to me?

Yes. The funds in your account are refundable. However, if you don't go ahead and buy and import there's extra bank fees payable and a service fee payable to cover the work involved in receiving and then refunding the transfer.

Government authorities monitor all transfers in and out of Japan. Each time you make a transfer the receiving bank contacts us to confirm the purpose of the remittance. If it's to buy and import stock from Japan this information gets sent to the Japanese government.

If you don't go ahead and ask the funds to be returned it can look suspicious to the government authorities. To them it looks like possible money laundering and there's a lot of administration involved in convincing them that the circumstances are genuine.

To make an application to the receiving bank for the funds to be returned we're required to prepare documents showing a full written record of all of your details that we hold, your Trading Account, all of the email correspondence that we've had from you, and a written explanation why the funds need to be returned.

We're also required to get a fresh Certificate of Company Registration from the Prefectural Company Registration Office and submit it to the bank. To comply with the Japanese Government's requirements to prevent money laundering we can only send funds back to the same account and in the same name from which the funds were originally sent.

You'll receive all of the funds held in your account, less bank fees, an administration fee to cover the work involved in receiving and returning the funds, plus or minus the effects of currency movements.

Because you have open access to stock listings and sales data it's easy to work out whether what you're looking for is available in Japan at your target prices. It's best not to set up and fund an account unless you're actually going to go ahead and import.

Do I need to give you my real name?

Yes. You're required to provide your actual name and street address of you and your company when setting up an account with us. The Japanese government carefully monitors incoming remittances for evidence of money laundering. Sorry, people or companies who try to use false identities, multiple identities or aliases will be denied service.

I need a Pro Forma Invoice before I can fund my account. Can you help me?

Yes. Some countries with international remittance controls might require you to have a Pro Forma Invoice for you to send funds to your account. We can help you with this.

Once you set up an account with us we'll do a cost estimate in the pending part of your account and we can do a Pro Forma Invoice based on that. Because we don't always know what vehicle you will select the costs on the actual vehicle could be a bit different depending on the vehicle that you select.

How do I know that the funds held in my Trading Account are secure?

TS was established in 1983, owns its own facilities and is debt free. The company is independently monitored by four organisations and in its trading history of over 30 years there has been no report of improper conduct.

Can I make a copy of my Trading Account for my company records?

Yes. Just go to your Trading Account, select File, then Download, then select your preferred format.

FEES & CHARGES

How do I work out how much to pay for the units I want to import?

The process is the same whether you're buying at fixed cost or auction. If you're buying at the beginning of the supply chain you'll often be buying at auction. This applies to both motor vehicles and different classes of machinery. Often you'll be sourcing from either the current end user or the dealer who is holding a used unit that has been traded in for a new unit.

It's simply a matter of working out what your total cost of importing each unit will be, factoring in your profit margin and then working backwards to get your target buy price in Japan. These are the numbers you need to estimate:

1. Sale Price. Estimate your sale price and profit margin to give the target net price for the unit delivered to your premises ready for sale.


2. Costs In Your Country. Cost of your customs clearance, taxes and duties, cleaning or other requirements and transport to your premises. Your Customs Broker can assist you in working out these costs.
   
   Click Here to learn more about Customs Brokers


3. Shipping. Cost of Sea Freight from Japan to the destination port.
   
   Click Here to get Shipping Estimates


4. Japan Costs. FOB Costs - Japanese Domestic Freight, Service Fees & Charges
   
   Click Here to estimate Vehicle Trucking Costs
   
   Click Here to learn more about Fees & Charges

Does your Service Fee go up as the value of what I import goes up?

No. It's a fixed fee. Why should a service fee go up because you import something of higher value? There's no correlation between the value of the stock that you import and how much work is involved in helping you. Our service fee is exactly the same regardless of the stock cost.

I've been quoted a very low service fee from another exporter. Is this genuine?

Exporters from Japan will sometimes quote a very low service fee in order to grab the attention of prospective clients. Usually if they're doing this they're adding undisclosed margins to the other costs in the exporting process such as domestic trucking, auction house fees, freight forwarding fees and sea freight. If you're unsure whether the domestic trucking and auction house fees are being padded out you can compare them to the actual rates.

Click Here to view Auction House Fees and Trucking To Port costs
These are the actual costs that we're charged (not padded or inflated costs).

Generally speaking, any service fee much less than around Y50,000 per vehicle would normally need to supplemented by extra income from padding out extras such as domestic trucking, auction house fees, freight forwarding fees and sea freight for the exporting business to be commercially viable.

Am I better off paying an all-inclusive flat fee or paying the actual cost price?

If you're being quoted a flat "All Inclusive Service Fee", flat "Auction Fee", flat "Trucking Fee", flat "Export Fee" or flat "FOB Fee" (regardless of the actual cost) you're probably being quoted "cost + margin" not "actual cost" (how much the exporter actually pays out).

Exporters who use this system look at the "worst case" when setting these fees (if they didn't they'd be losing money by billing under cost). However, a lot of the time the actual costs are less than the worst case most expensive situation. This means that in many cases you're overpaying.

If you're unsure whether you're being charged actual cost or cost plus margin you should ask for a copy of the supplier payment, trucking account and freight forwarders statement for your shipment and compare it with what you were actually charged.

Click Here to view Auction House Fees and Trucking To Port costs
These are the actual costs that we're charged (not padded or inflated costs).

TS EXPORT^® bills at actual cost price (what we pay out) and provides you with verification, which means you never need overpay again.

Do you offer any freebies, rebates or bonuses?

Yes. Your second vehicles is normally available free of our normal service fee. Additional vehicles free of our normal service fee are also available with our rewards program.

What taxes are payable in Japan?

Some purchases in Japan are subject to tax and some aren't, based on what is being bought and who is selling it. Even the taxes payable on the same vehicle will be different depending on how it is sold. When tax is payable sometimes it will be included in the sale price and sometimes it will be additional.

There are national, prefectural and local taxes payable on motor vehicles. These taxes include a prefectural automobile tax which is paid annually by individuals who own a car, truck or bus. For passenger cars, the amount is calculated based on the engine displacement. A municipal light vehicle tax is paid annually by individuals who own motorbikes or other motorised light vehicles. A national motor vehicle tonnage tax is paid by vehicle owners at the time of the mandatory inspections (Shaken). A prefectural automobile acquisition tax is paid by persons when they acquire a car. A government recycle levy is payable on new vehicles and is usually transferred to the new owner when the vehicle is transferred. The consumption tax often applies when vehicles are sold.

The types and amount of tax that apply will vary from vehicle to vehicle and will also depend on who the seller is. For example, consumption tax is not payable on sales from private sellers or businesses with an annual revenue of less than 10 million Yen. There are also tax exemptions and reductions for particular types of vehicles:

Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Vehicles

Emergency Vehicles e.g. ambulances

Vehicles for the Disabled Vehicles for the disabled are exempt from the Japanese Consumption Tax (29. Consumption Tax Law 1988, Law No. 108) and eligible for exemptions and reductions in Local taxes (30. Local Tax Law 1950, Law No. 226)

What costs do I need to pay when the shipment arrives in my country?

We can assist you with export related costs. i.e. what it costs to source what you want and ship it to the destination port you nominate.

For import related costs (the costs that apply after your shipment arrives at your port) you need to speak with your Customs Broker.

VISIT TS EXPORT^®

Can I meet with you personally?

We welcome a chance to meet personally. However, before we do it's best to see whether the stock you're wanting to import is available at the price you're willing to pay and that a service like ours is the right kind of service. This is the simple 4 step process:

1. Information Pack. Firstly get an Information Pack. This gives you links to listings and cost information. With this information you can see if what you're interested in importing is available, what costs would apply to buying and importing it and whether import regulations allow it to be imported to your destination country.


2. Skype. If it seems that the stock you're interested in is available, importing it is legally and commercially feasible then the next step is to connect on Skype Chat. Just click on S Chat from the top of any page on our website. Our Skypename is ts_export.
   
   Please leave some information about your company, such as a description about what you do and a link to your company's website. This will help us to better understand your requirements. We can use Skype Chat and switch to voice if you wish to discuss your requirements in detail.


3. Schedule Meeting. If it seems like our service might be suitable for your requirements we then schedule a meeting at a mutually convenient time. Please let us know at least two weeks before you intend to visit. Meetings are by appointment only.


4. Meeting. We meet you in Kobe or Himeji and have the meeting.

How do I get to the TS Export Centre?

The TS EXPORT CENTRE is located in Himeji with easy access from Kobe, Osaka and the Kansai International Airport.

More Information On Our Location Is Here.

Himeji is served by a network of freeways, rapid express train services and the famous Shinkansen Bullet Train. Access is available from Kansai International Airport by several options including Train, High Speed Ferry and Direct Bus. Direct bus is the easiest. The bus departure area is immediately outside the arrival gate and the departure location for Himeji is signposted. You can buy tickets in this area.

For clients travelling to Himeji from other parts of Japan Access Information Is Here. For clients travelling to Himeji by Train from other parts of Japan the Shinkansen Schedule Is Here.

Can I visit you and see what stock you have?

Our service is a source to order service. With our service you can source directly from all over Japan, from auction, dealers, wholesalers and end users.

The stock doesn't arrive at our Export Centre or the port until you've ordered it in.

Some of the stock we export goes direct from it's current location in Japan to the nearest port for export. This is often the cheapest and fastest way to export.

Other stock will be collected at the Export Centre for preparation and containerisation at our Export Centre or being trucked to the Kobe-Osaka area for shipping. This is usually the stock that other clients have ordered and is not available for purchase.

Can you give me a Letter of Invitation to support my Japanese Visa application?

We're happy to provide a Letter of Invitation to registered and ongoing clients. Because of the high incidence of visa fraud Japanese immigration authorities require that we are able to show a genuine existing ongoing relationship with any client that we provide a Letter of Invitation to. This requires evidence of a pattern of importing from Japan using our services. There is no need to come to Japan to use our services.

Japanese immigration authorities also require a day to day schedule to support the Letter of Invitation.

I need an interpreter to help me travel through Japan

You can locate and book accredited interpreters through the JGA Tour Guide Interpreter Search System.

SECURITY

What security measures do you take for the stock that you store?

The TS Export Centre has restricted site access, lockup warehouse protection, monitored 24/7 access & internal video security and a 24/7 onsite live-in security presence.

Do you disclose where stock is held on the internet?

No. While Japan is generally a safe and secure country, criminal groups (often foreign) will scour the internet looking for targets. As part of our security policy we don't publicly disclose the location of where our clients stock is stored.

IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

Can you help me with questions about importing into my country?

When you're importing from Japan there are 2 sets of procedures, costs and regulations:

1. Exporting Procedures, Costs & Regulations. These are the procedures, costs and regulations involved in purchasing the vehicle in Japan. This may involve locating the vehicle, providing information about the vehicle, translation of inspection reports, placing buy orders with sellers, paying the sellers, arranging transport of the vehicle to port, arranging documentation so the vehicle can be exported, arranging any pre-export works, the Japan Customs clearance, sea freight and the sending of original documents to the client.


2. Importing Procedures, Costs & Regulations. These are the procedures, costs and regulations involved in making sure the vehicle you want to import can be imported, what documentation is required, what pre-export works are required for the vehicles to be imported, what inspections and modifications are required after import, the customs clearance to your country, the payment of fees and duties at the time of import and the logistics of unloading, storing and delivering the vehicle to you.

What are the import requirements for my country?

The best sources of information are your local Customs Broker and the government department in your country responsible for vehicle imports. Remember, import regulations are constantly changing and it's the importers responsibility to comply with import requirements.

What's a Customs Broker and why do I need one?

A customs broker processes your import documentation so that what you import from Japan can gain entry to your country. In some countries Customs Brokers are also known as "Clearance Agents". They'e a valuable source of information for your country's import requirements, shipping and inland freight options, landing costs, fees and taxes.

We're required to nominate a customs broker on your shipping documentation. We also rely on your customs brokers to tell you specific documentation and stock preparation requirements before we start work on your shipment. Without this information you could incur delays or penalties or the shipment may not be allowed into your country. These are the ways your customs broker assists you:

1. Import Eligibility. Your customs broker is an excellent source of information on whether the stock you want to import is eligible for import and if so what restrictions and conditions may apply.


2. Biological Contaminant Restrictions. Some countries have regulations relating to the removal of biological contaminants from stock and the types of materials that can be used for packing in containerised shipments.


3. Exhaust Gas Restrictions. Some countries have regulations relating to the type of engines that can be imported and specifications relating to exhaust emissions.


4. Specification Restrictions. Some countries have regulations relating to the specifications of vehicles and other stock that can be imported. These restrictions could relate to whether a vehicle has electronic stability control, the length of overhang and the rear of the vehicle etc.


5. Pre Departure Inspections. Some countries have regulations requiring a pre departure inspection be undertaken while the vehicle is in Japan. Vehicles that don't pass the inspection cannot be imported.


6. Importer Security Filing. Your customs broker prepares and lodges Importer Security Filing documentation on your behalf. (USA)


7. Documentation Information. While shipping documentation is fairly standardised, individual countries will sometimes have their own requirements additional to these which can vary depending on the type of stock being imported.


8. Bill of Lading or Waybill. Your customs broker can advise you on whether Bills of Lading or a Waybill is best suited to your situation.


9. Surrendered Bills Of Lading. In the case of surrendered Bills of Lading your customs broker will work with the shipping company so you can take possession of your shipment.


10. Destination Port Information. Your customs broker can recommend the best destination ports for your shipment.


11. Pre Departure Works. Sometimes works need to be undertaken prior to export so the stock meets the import requirements of the destination country. Examples can include aircon gas evacuation, aircon gas retrofitting, body repairs and cleaning of biological contaminants.


12. Cost Estimates. Knowing what costs apply once your stock arrives in the destination country is essential in being able to set price targets for the stock you're buying in Japan.


13. Shipping Rates. Your customs broker can assist you in getting collect paid shipping rates. If these are lower than the prepaid rates available in Japan you can ask that your shipment be sent collect paid and save.


14. Arrival Information. During the shipment your customs broker can update you with arrival information and exactly what you need to do to take delivery of your shipment.


15. Arrival Preparation. Prior to arrival your customs broker can arrange for the necessary inspections, cleaning or other works that may be required before customs clearance can be given.


16. Lost Documents. In the case of lost documents your customs broker will work with the shipping company so you can take possession of your shipment.


17. Errors in Documents. In the case of errors in documents your customs broker will work with the shipping company to resolve the problems. If necessary they can organise the re-issuing of Bills of Lading so you can take possession of your shipment.


18. Customs Clearance. Your customs broker will file documentation and work with the customs authority in your country to ensure a smooth customs clearance. They will pay landing costs, fees, taxes and duties on your behalf.


19. Destination Port Logistics. Your customs broker co-ordinates destination port logistics in conjunction with the shipping company so you can get your shipment quickly and avoid unnecessary delays, penalties and storage fees.


20. Trans-Shipment. If the ultimate destination cannot be booked from Japan we can arrange shipping to an intermediate destination and your customs broker can arrange trans-shipment to the final destination port.


21. Inland Freight. Your customs broker can arrange inland freight for your shipment, including freight to adjoining countries.


22. Delivery. Your customs broker can assist you in taking delivery of the stock you've imported or arrange for it to be transported to an address that you nominate.

What happens if I don't use a Customs Broker?

We've been exporting since the 1990's and have seen first hand what can happen without the advice and assistance of a licensed Customs Broker. The importing process goes from predictable to unpredictable. Situations we've seen include having stock impounded on arrival, incurring fines and delays and having stock seized and crushed. The cost of using a Customs Broker is normally small in relation to the total cost of the shipment.

Can you recommend a customs broker?

While we can give you details of customs broker in your area we won't recommend particular firms. This is because:

1. The customs broker works for you as the importer. It's important that you select a company that matches your particular needs. You can only do this by speaking to several firms, getting details of their service and fees and selecting the one that best meets your needs.


2. We normally don't have direct contact with customs brokers. Because of this we have little knowledge of individual firms. The only time we deal with offshore customs brokers is if something has gone wrong which fortunately is rare.

What’s a packaged service provider?

A packaged service provider will provide the same services as a customs broker. In addition to the normal customs broker functions they can also organise services such as pre-export inspections and works, sea freight and delivery of the vehicle to your address. If one of these services is available in your country this is the process:

1. Speak with the packaged service provider/s in your country to get details of the service.


2. Notify the service provider that you intend to use their service. They may record your details and set up an account for you.


3. Put the details of the the service in the customs broker section of your Shipping Instructions when you set up your Trading Account.


4. Prior to placing your buy orders our office will contact the Japan office of the company to discuss arrangements for the delivery of your stock to their facility.


5. Once you're successful we have your stock delivered to their facility in Japan. The Japanese office of the packaged service provider will then attend to any pre-shipment works and arrange for shipping to the destination port that you nominated.


6. Once the stock has landed you liaise with the packaged service provider for payment and delivery of your stock.

How can I import a vehicle to Australia under the Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme?

To do this you need to locate a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) who can help you import and comply the vehicle. This is a simple 3 step process:

1. Contact us to get links, logins and info that will let you view current and past listings with prices so you can narrow down the models that you are interested in.


2. Search the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles to see if the models you are interested in is on the list of eligible vehicles.


3. Search for Registered Appoved Workshops for the models you are interested in.
   Click on PIN for contact details of the RAW and then contact that RAW for further information.
   This database is continually being updated so it pays to keep checking back.

My exporter has told me they will arrange the import approval for my vehicle. Is this safe?

No. You should maintain control over the importing process in conjunction with your customs broker or import service provider in your country. Giving away this power to someone in a foreign country makes it easy for you to be extorted. This is a technique used by scammers and unfortunately there are multiple reports of it happening.

LETTER OF CREDIT

My country requires me to import by Letter of Credit. How does this work?

The process is initially the same as the normal process:

How do I import from Japan with TS EXPORT^® ?

Once all accounts have been finalised and the exact costs are known a Letter of Credit is set up and executed. Funds that have previously been remitted by TT can then either be held in your Trading Account for the next purchase or you can close your Trading Account and the balance funds are returned to the bank that they were originally remitted from.

DOCUMENTS

How long does it take to receive the original documents?

The original documents normally leave Japan the day after we send them. They are then in transit for several days. This is typically between 2 and 5 days, though varies from country to country. Once the documents reach the destination country they go through customs and are then delivered to the address you specified by courier.

SPECIFICATIONS

What does JDM specification mean?

Japanese manufacturers make different products and variations of products for different world markets. JDM spec means the specification of the product that is sold in the Japanese Domestic Market.

Even if the export model product was manufactured in Japan it may not be available in Japan.

Will the JDM product match the product sold new in my country?

To work this out you need to speak to a specialist in your country who is familiar with matching the product sold new in your country to the parallel imported JDM product.

How can I get an English language manual for a JDM product?

Manufacturers manuals for JDM product are usually only available in the Japanese language.

However,there are 2 options for getting English language manuals:

1. Third Party Manuals. English language manuals are sometimes produced by third parties. These are usually manuals that have been produced by translating the manufacturers Japanese language manual into English. The best way to locate these is by an internet search. They're often available in a digital format such as PDF.


2. Related Model Manuals. Sometimes English language manuals are available for the related models exported to English-speaking countries.Though there may be differences between the JDM model and the versions released in other countries there is usually some commonality. A mechanic that specialises in the brand you've imported can often match your vehicle to a similar model in the country you've imported into.

Do Japanese Domestic Market vehicles have a VIN?

No. Not in the sense of the European or North American Vehicle Identification Numbers. These numbers alone will provide you with build information about the vehicle. Instead, Japanese vehicles use a use either a Frame Number or Chassis Number ("shatai bango") which include a model code and a production number.

How do I know when a motorbike, motorcycle or scooter was built?

You can get build dates from VIN Decoders. Scroll down to MOTORBIKE, MOTORCYCLE & SCOOTER VIN DECODERS then click on the links.

PROFITS

How can I get the most profit from my importing business?

There are 7 simple steps to maximise your importing profits:

1. MARKET RESEARCH
The online auctions in Japan such as Yahoo!, Hanamaru, TAU, USS etc. are an ideal place to research buying prices prices in Japan. With the use of a Shipping Estimator you can estimate shipping costs from Japan to the country you want to import to. And your Customs Broker can give you estimates for the costs of landing what you want to import. This will give you the "landed price" for what you're thinking of importing.

2. NICHE SELECTION
Once you've run the numbers on different niches, makes and models you can begin the process of niche selection. Look for the niches that give a high return on your investment and where you have pricing power in the market you are selling into.

3. SOURCING YOUR PRODUCT
There are lots of choices for importing from Japan. Look for exporters from Japan who specialise in B2B transactions and give you benefits over and above B2C clients.

4. SHIPPING YOUR PRODUCT
With the use of a Shipping Estimator you can estimate shipping costs from Japan to the country you want to import to for both Roll-On Roll-Off and containerised shipping. This means you can select the cheapest way to ship.

5. DISTRIBUTING YOUR PRODUCT
There are now more opportunities for ever for distributing your product, both offline and online.

6. ADDING EXTRA VALUE TO THE BUYER
Take advantage of opportunities to add extra value to the buyer with upsells. If you're a parts seller, does the buyer need other parts for the same model that they're already buying?

7. LATHER, RINSE AND REPEAT
Rather than rip profits from your business after every round of importing, benefit from the miracle of compounding and take your profits and re-invest them in more stock.

PRODUCT AVAILABLE

Can I source bicycles through your service?

Yes. New and used bicycles are available. Types available include Road Bikes, Racing Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Folding Bikes, Beach Cruisers, BMX and Motor Assisted Bikes. Grades are normally between high and new. Our service is not the right service for sourcing abandoned, salvage grade or damaged bicycles. Shipments of bicycles only are not available but you can ship small quantities of bicycles in the same containers as your other stock such as vehicles, machinery, forklifts, motorbikes etc.

Can I get used vending machines in bulk quantities?

The owners of vending machines will usually scrap the machines at the end of their life cycle to prevent their re-use and to protect their brand. Because of this vending machines can be difficult to source in bulk lots.

Can I source foodstuffs through your service?

Our service is oriented around the automotive, machinery and marine sectors. Sorry, it's not suitable if you're wanting to import foodstuffs from Japan.

NEW PRODUCT

Are there limitations on importing new products from Japan?

Yes. If you're importing from countries like China you can usually import any available product, in any specification to any country, so long as the import legislation allows it.

Japan is different. Japan has world famous brand names like Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Daihatsu, Honda, Komatsu, TCM, Yanmar, Kubota, Kobelco, Hitachi, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Tohatsu, etc. etc. etc...

It's a long list. These brands are synonomous with quality and these companies have invested heavily in the development of their products, their brands and their distribution networks. They usually have world wide distribution networks to promote and distribute their products in all regions of the world. The manufacturers want you to source through their local distributors, not directly from Japan.

The authorised distributors for these products in Japan are supposed to only supply the Japanese domestic market, not exporters. However, platforms like Yahoo! Japan Auction, Rakuten and other auctions offering access to new product have opened this up a bit.

You can source new product in Japan and we can export it to you.

However:

• Quantities of new product available at any time for export from Japan may be limited.


• For items like motorbikes, forklifts, marine engines, tractors etc. it's usually necessary to source from the new product that's available online or from independent wholesalers. If you're requiring multiple units it may be necessary to source these from different suppliers. These can't be sourced to order from manufacturer authorised Japanese domestic market dealers.


• The product specifications are Japanese domestic market specification, not export market specifications.


• Some products and models available in other countries may not be available in Japan.


• Manufacturer's warranties will normally not apply, since these are normally only valid in Japan.


• Documentation is usually in the Japanese language only.

• local distributors in your country don't carry Japanese Domestic Market spec parts which are needed for parallel imported JDM vehicles, or


• when the local distributors don't carry parts that the manufacturer only produces on an as needed basis in small run batches.

MOTORBIKES

Can I source bulk used motorbikes and scooters through your service?

Our service is the right service if you're wanting high value units such as new and late model motorbikes, performance motorbikes, imported motorbikes, classic and collectible motorbikes which need to be sourced throughout all of Japan. It's not the right service if you're wanting bulk shipments of low value units which can be sourced from a single location.

Click Here for more information on bulk used motorbikes and scooters in Japan

We don't know anything about the companies that may appear in the search results other than what's available on their websites so we can't recommend them. However what you find might be a starting point.

How do I find the build date of a motorbike?

If the motorbike has been road registered and has a Registration Certicate then this will show the year and month of first registration. This may or may not be the same as the build year. Some build dates may also be available in Motorbike VIN Decoders.

Do I receive an Export Certificate when I import motorbikes from Japan?

Japanese motor vehicle registry offices will not provide an Export Certificates for motorbikes. However, if the unit has been registered in Japan we can normally get a Deregistration Certificate which allows us to export the unit. Should you require it we can also do a certified translation of the Deregistration Certificate.

How can I search for Salvage Grade Motorbikes on the Yahoo! Japan Auction?

Listings are searchable by brand and current price. We can also create filters for individual models. However,filters are not available by engine capacity and while some listings will have the year of manufacture or first registration filters are not available for this.

What shipping options are available for motorbikes?

There are 4 shipping options:

1. Container. This is where motorbikes are loaded into and shipped by either 20 foot or 40 foot shipping containers. It is the most common shipping option for motorbikes and generally the lowest cost per unit when all of the container capacity is used. Motorbikes can also be shipped with other stock types in the same container.


2. Crated LCL. This is where the motorbike is crated and shipped with LCL shipments for other importers in the same container. It is available to some destinations. However cost estimation is complex, it is often expensive and your choice of units is limited because of fluid evacuation requirements.


3. Air Freight. This is where the motorbike is flown by air from Japan to your destination airport. It usually has the shortest delivery time of all shipping options. It is usually by far the most expensive shipping option. Unless your company holds a concessional rate the cost of shipping by air is usually several times more expensive than shipping by sea. It's normally only commercially viable for high end units or units for commercial motorsport.


4. Roll-On Roll-Off. Occasionally available, but most destinations don't have this option available for motorbikes.

Can I import a single motorbike?

Yes. However this is the most expensive way to import. Shipping costs can be 5 to 10 times higher on a per unit basis than shipping multiple units in the same container. For containerised shipping you need to ship in your company name since shipping companies will normally not accept a booking in a private name. Shipping of single motorbikes is normally only commercially viable for high value units such as top of the line models, new and competition motorbikes.

MARINE

How can boats and jetskis be shipped from Japan?

Boats and jetskis are most easily shipped by container. The requirements are:

1. Length. No longer than around 5.8 metres for 20 foot containers or 12 metres for 40 foot containers. For sailboats the mast needs to be unstepped and be within the maximum length.


2. Width. Beam no more than more than around 2.3 metres to fit in a shipping container.


3. Height. Height including trailer or dolly no more than around 2.2 metres for standard containers or 2.5 metres for high cube containers.


4. Mobility. Boats and jetskis need to be on a trailer or wheeled dolly so they can easily be moved in and out of the container.

What determines the cost of transporting boats to port?

The cost depends on their size (length, width, height) and their location relative to the port that they're shipping from. Depending on their size and location boats can be transported on carrier trucks or under their own power.

Can I import ships from Japan?

No. Because of the difficulty of transporting ships from country to country this service is not available. Vessels on a trailer that can be loaded into a shipping container are relatively easy and inexpensive to import from Japan. Vessels larger than this can be difficult, expensive and often impractical to import.

MACHINERY

Are Backhoe Loaders available in Japan?

Backhoe Loaders are like a wheel loader with an exavator attachment on the rear. They enable two types of work to be done with one machine. Generally they're not available in Japan. This is because a great variety of excavators and wheel loaders are available in Japan and it's more efficient to select a combination of units that are a perfect match for each job. In Japan the term "backhoe" is sometimes applied to an excavator equipped with a bulldozer blade. These are reasonably common.

Is Construction Machinery that is certified as meeting the US EPA requirements available in Japan?

Most of the units available in Japan are made for the Japanese domestic market and display no certification for other markets. However some units made for the US market are sold in Japan. They may or may not display Environmental Protection Agency certification on the unit. You would need to check directly with the EPA as to whether or not each unit you're interested in is compliant and eligible for import.

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Can I import single units of agricultural machinery?

You can import single units of machines such as tractors and combine harvesters. These can be containerised and since they're driveable under their own power can also be shipped by Roll-On Roll-Off carrier, subject to the agreement of the shipping company.

Our service is a continuity service for commercial importers from Japan. We don't provide LCL shipping and it's unlikely that shipping of single units of agricultural machinery that cannot be driven, such as hand tractors, binders and processing machinery can be viably shipped by container.

How can I import hand tractors, tillers, binders and processing machinery?

These units are often low value and difficult to transport. On-costs can easily exceed the base cost of the unit. To be commercially viable to import the units would need to source from suppliers who:

• Are not too far from the major international ports of Kawasaki-Yokohama, Nagoya or Osaka-Kobe.


• Are willing to transport the units to the port.


• Have multiple units that meet your requirements.

Can Rice Planters be shipped by Roll-On Roll-Off carrier?

Yes. Subject to them being driveable and being accepted by the shipping company.

Is Agricultural Machinery that is certified as meeting the US EPA requirements available in Japan?

Yes. Most of the units available in Japan are made for the Japanese domestic market and display no certification for other markets. However some units made for the US market are sold in Japan. They may or may not display Environmental Protection Agency certification on the unit. You would need to check directly with the EPA as to whether or not each unit you're interested in is compliant and eligible for import.

FORKLIFTS

Are Rough Terrain Forklifts available in Japan?

Four Wheel Drive and Rough Terrain Forklifts are rare in Japan. The units that are available generally have a wheel loader used as the base machine, which are fitted with forks instead of a bucket.

LISTINGS

Are all of the listings on the website currently available?

Our service covers over 170 databases throughout Japan. Over 1 million listings are available at any time. The availablility of particular listings can change from minute to minute. Most of the databases are dynamic databases that update automatically.

This is how it can change by database:

• Wholesale Vehicle Auctions. The JP Auction System covers over 140 wholesale vehicle auctions throughout Japan. The system refreshes every few hours to show new listings and sales results. Sales results may be available any time from an hour after the auction time to early morning the following day.


• Yahoo! Japan Auction. These listings are in real time and their current status of price and time remaining are clearly shown on the individual listings.


• Dealer Databases. These include databases such as Goonet, Kakaku, Car Sensor, Big Lemon. etc. Dealers will pay the owner of the database a fee for being able to include their listings in the database. The listings are taken down soon after the unit has been sold, though there can be a delay of a few days before this comes into effect.


• Static Databases. These require manual updating and can change from day to day. They can easily become out of date. If there's a particular listing you're interested in please let us know and we'll check with the supplier.

Can I come to Japan and personally inspect a listing I've found on your website?

The listings on our website are located throughout all of Japan. Once you have an account with us we can request further information from the sellers, send through any questions you may have and request additional photos.

For vehicles we can often arrange independent inspections with written reports from professional inspectors, depending on the vehicle's location. However, most of the units are a long way from our operating base in Himeji and it's usually not feasible for clients to inspect them personally.

Can I communicate directly with a supplier while I'm using your service?

Most of the listings on our website are only for the Japanese domestic market. However, because we're based in Japan we're able to source and export them to you.

Most of the sellers in Japan have limited proficiency in languages other than the Japanese language. They've chosen to only service the Japanese domestic market and avoid the complexities and misunderstandings that come from having to communicate with foreigners and prepare shipping documents in a foreign language that come with exporting.

By using our service we're able to communicate in the sellers native language and get accurate information without the stress and misunderstandings that can happen when communicating in a foreign language. It can be confusing to suppliers if you've engaged a company in Japan to represent you in sourcing and exporting and are at the same time trying to communicate with the supplier directly. This is unfair to suppliers and we don't support this practice. Some sellers will also be unwilling to sell if they believe that the stock is for export.

Can I buy dealer listings for less than the advertised price?

This is case by case. It will vary from seller to seller and listing to listing. However, because we're a licenced member of the automotive industry in Japan some sellers will let us source units for a lower price on a B2B basis than if we were a retail customer in Japan.

LANGUAGE

How can I view the TS EXPORT^® website in languages other than English?

The TS EXPORT^® website is in English, but has options for viewing in other languages.

For the JP Auction System select your preferred viewing language by clicking on the flags on the top right hand side of the white viewing pane. Click on the British Union Jack flag for English or the other flags for other languages. This lets you navigate the system and get basic information. The vehicle inspection sheet is in Japanese. There's some help to understanding the Japanese Vehicle Auction Inspection Sheets here. We do manual translations of the key points for you before you place your buy orders.

For the Yahoo! Japan Auction, Japan Government Auctions, Goonet System and the Rakuten System the default language is set to English. To view listings in another language go to the drop down box to the right of "Select Language" and click on your preferred language. The listings will then automatically be translated to that language.

To view other pages of the site in languages other than English the easiest way is to use the Google Chrome browser. This is also the fastest way to view the site. With Chrome you can translate to your language with just one click. To translate pages with other browsers instal the Google Toolbar.

Popular online translation tools include, Babelfish, Excite, Google, Microsoft and Nifty. You can get instant translations of text - such as listing descriptions - from multiple translation tools at Lexicool.

I can't understand the automated translation. Can you help me?

Yes. Once you have a funded account with us we put the listings in your Bid Tracker and the information provided by the seller or inspector is translated by a bilingual native Japanese speaker. This service is free of charge.

Can you translate these documents from Japanese to English?

With our service we translate inspection reports and documents required for shipping. These services are provided free of charge for registered clients as part of the process of sourcing and importing with our service.

However, if you require general Japanese to English document translation we suggest you use one of the commercial services.

CURRENCY

How much is it in my currency?

What currency should I pay in? Japanese Yen? US Dollars? Euro? Or another currency?

It can be tempting to view prices of stock in Japan in a currency that you are familiar with, such as your home country's currency or another major currency such as US Dollars or the Euro. Particularly when prices in Yen may be unfamiliar and have so many digits in them! But you are nearly always better off to buy in Japanese Yen. Why is this?

• If exporters quote you in a currency other than Japanese Yen they will usually add an extra margin to the prevailing exchange rate to cover themselves against any rate fluctuations. It can also be another profit centre for the exporter.


• If you have prices quoted to you in currencies other than Japanese Yen you may not only pay more on a bad exchange rate, but your risk increases should the second currency you are paying in suddenly move against you but you are locked into still paying in that currency. This effect can be magnified if you are involving a third currency, e.g. from your home country's currency, to another major currency such as the US Dollar and finally to Japanese Yen.

JAPAN TIME

What time is it in Japan?

The current Japan time is:



You can view current Japan time anytime on the Contact Page. You can also view current Japan time anytime in a window on your desktop:

Click Here to view the Current Japan Time matched to your Local Time

The current Japan time will now display in a separate window. If you pull in the corners of the window you can put this in a small corner of your desktop. If you're using a popup blocker then hold down Ctrl as you click on the link to allow the Japan Time widget to load.

Converting Japan time to your local time is useful for auction listings. Online tools like Every Time Zone, World Time Buddy or The Time Zone Converter or desktop tools such as Qlock can be used to convert Japan time to your local time.

JAPAN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

When are the public holidays and shutdown periods in Japan?

Japan has at least one public holiday in all months except June and August. These are often (but not always) on Mondays, to create a long weekend.

Click Here to learn more about Public Holidays in Japan

In addition, there are four business shutdown periods in the year:

1. Oshogatsu (Late December and early January). Businesses will usually wind down and close for the last few days of the year and the first few days of the new year. The minimum period of the new year shutdown is 3-4 days. However, in practice (with weekends) this can extend to 7-10 days. The exact days of the shutdown will change from year to year depending on where the weekends fall.

Click Here to learn more about the Japanese New Year holiday period


2. Golden Week (Late April and early May). The Golden Week holiday takes advantage of 4 public holidays being in the same week. Businesses will often close on these days, the other days between these public holidays and the adjoining weekends.

Click Here to learn move about the Golden Week holiday period


3. Obon (August). Usually about a week in the middle of August, with 15 August being the peak. The break includes a public holiday and will often include the adjoining weekends.
   
   Click Here to learn more about the Obon holiday period


4. Silver Week (On or around the third week in September). The Silver Week holiday takes advantage of 3 public holidays being in the same week. Businesses will often close on these days, the other days between these public holidays and the adjoining weekends.

Click Here to learn move about the Silver Week holiday period

TECHNICAL

Do I need to be an internet expert to use the service?

The service is a continuity service for commercial importers from Japan. All of the listings are online, so you need to have access to the internet and an average level of internet ability. The level of internet skill required is equivalent to using popular services such as Facebook or Amazon. The skills required are to be able to use email, use Skype chat, copy and paste links to the listings you're interested in and login to the JP Auction System. We can assist you if you need help.

What kind of computers are best for using the service?

The service is a continuity service for commercial importers from Japan. The website is best experienced in an office with large screen computers.

The site also supports mobile devices such as phones and tablets by responsively resizing the content displayed on the screen and serving different versions of our apps to match the device it is being viewed on. However, because listing pages contain a lot of content we recommend using desktop and notebook computers for the core tasks of locating listings and placing buy orders and mobile devices for just general browsing of the site.

What's the best browser to use?

The site is designed to operate with all popular browsers. We recommend using the latest browser versions. The fastest browsing experience is with Google Chrome and related browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Brave.

How do I get the link to the listing I'm interested in?

We cover over 1 million listings on over 180 separate databases. Because of this we need the URL (link) to the listing that you're interested in to identify the correct unit.

If you're looking at a listing, the URL is what you see at the top of the page in the white web address space at the top of your browser. It will usually start with http:// or https:// followed by a string of words, letters and numbers.

Once you give us this we can instantly identify the correct listing. You can send the URL link through to us by Skype or email. There are 2 ways to do this:

1. Automatically. If you're viewing an individual listing you might see "EMAIL" or "SHARE" at the top of the page the individual listing is on. Click on "EMAIL" if you want to send an email to us with the link to the listing. Click on "SHARE" if you want to copy the link so you can paste it into the Skype chat window.
   
   
2. Manually. Here are some tutorials on how to manually copy and paste a link.

The slideshows are not displaying properly in Internet Explorer 8

This can be caused by having Compatibility View enabled. To fix this problem go to Tools on the browser menu at the top left side of browser window. Then go to Compatibility View Settings and remove www.ts-export.com from Compatibility View. Then refresh or reload your browser and the slideshows should display properly.

PRIVACY

What's your privacy policy?

Our Privacy Policy protects the privacy of our clients and users of our website.

If I import with TS EXPORT^® will you reveal my identity?

No. As part of our Privacy Policy your identity is confidential. This includes your personal name, your business name and your location. Unless you reveal which company in Japan you're importing from your competitors will never know.

I know a client of yours. Can you tell me more about their dealings with you?

Sorry. Under our Privacy Policy the identities of our clients and the markets they serve is confidential unless they choose to reveal it. Most of our clients are commercial importers and don't want their identity revealed to their market.