Frequently Asked Questions

Japan Convoy is a B2B wholesale marketplace connecting international buyers with verified Japanese sellers. Unlike traditional import services, we act as your quality assurance partner. Sellers list products on our platform, you browse and purchase, and our team physically inspects every item at our facility before shipping. This ensures you receive exactly what you ordered in the condition promised.

Creating an account is simple and free. Click "Register" in the navigation, provide your business details, and verify your email. Once registered, you can immediately browse products, save favorites, and contact sellers. For purchases, you'll need to complete your shipping profile with delivery address and preferred payment method.

Yes! Japan Convoy facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers. You can send inquiries through our messaging system to discuss pricing, especially for bulk orders. Many sellers offer volume discounts. However, all final transactions must go through our platform to ensure buyer protection and quality inspection.

After order placement: 1) The seller ships the item to our inspection facility in Japan. 2) Our team inspects the item against the listing description and takes verification photos. 3) If approved, we professionally package the item. 4) We handle all export documentation and customs paperwork. 5) The item ships to your address with full tracking. 6) You receive it and confirm satisfaction. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on destination.

There is no minimum order value for most products. However, shipping costs are more economical with larger orders due to consolidated shipping rates. For vehicles, the minimum is one unit. For parts and electronics, we recommend orders of $200+ to optimize shipping costs. Wholesale buyers can access bulk pricing tiers starting at $1,000.

We ship to over 100 countries worldwide. Our primary markets include Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and most of Europe. Some countries have restrictions on certain products (especially vehicles). Contact us for specific country regulations.

Shipping times vary by destination and method: Sea freight (most products): 3-8 weeks depending on destination. RoRo shipping (vehicles): 4-8 weeks. Container shipping (bulk): 4-10 weeks. Air freight (available for small items): 5-10 business days. Add 1-2 weeks for our inspection and packaging process before shipping begins.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Vehicles are driven onto a specialized ship. More economical, but vehicles are exposed to sea spray. Best for running vehicles going to countries with good port infrastructure. Container Shipping: Vehicle is secured inside a steel container. Higher protection from elements, can include spare parts or other items. Required for some destinations and recommended for high-value vehicles.

Once your order ships from our facility, you'll receive a tracking number via email. Log into your Japan Convoy dashboard to view real-time shipping status. For sea freight, we provide vessel name and estimated arrival. For vehicles, we also share the Bill of Lading and export certificate digitally. Our team sends proactive updates at each milestone.

Yes! Order consolidation is one of our most popular services. Items from different sellers can be combined at our facility into a single shipment. This significantly reduces per-item shipping costs. Simply place multiple orders within a 30-day window and request consolidation. We'll hold items until your consolidation window closes or you request shipping.

We accept: Bank wire transfer (all currencies, lowest fees), Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal (for orders under $5,000), Letter of Credit (for orders over $10,000). All prices are displayed in USD, but we can invoice in JPY, EUR, GBP, or AUD upon request. Payment is held in escrow until you confirm receipt.

We believe in transparent pricing. Your quote includes: Product price, Japan Convoy service fee (10-15% depending on category), Inspection and packaging, Export documentation, Shipping to your port/address. NOT included (as they vary by destination): Import duties and taxes, Local customs clearance fees, Port handling charges. We provide estimated landed costs upfront.

All marketplace prices are displayed in US Dollars (USD) for consistency. Original Japanese Yen prices are also shown where applicable. At checkout, you'll see the exact conversion rate used. We update exchange rates daily. For large orders, we can lock in a rate for 48 hours upon request.

Japan Convoy buyer protection covers every purchase: 1) Your payment is held in escrow until delivery confirmed. 2) All items are inspected before shipping. 3) If an item doesn't match the description, we arrange return/refund before shipping. 4) Shipping insurance covers transit damage. 5) 14-day dispute window after delivery. We've resolved 99% of issues to buyer satisfaction.

Japan Convoy doesn't directly offer financing, but we work with international trade finance partners who specialize in vehicle import loans. Financing is typically available for orders over $15,000 with terms of 12-36 months. Contact our sales team for introductions to our financing partners in your country.

Our inspection is thorough and documented: Physical condition check (scratches, dents, wear), Functionality testing (electronics, moving parts), Authenticity verification (brand items, parts numbers), Quantity and completeness count, Photo documentation (20+ photos for vehicles), Grade verification against listing. You receive a detailed inspection report with photos before we ship.

If an item doesn't match its listing: 1) We document the discrepancies with photos. 2) You're notified immediately with options. 3) Choose: accept as-is (with price adjustment), request seller replacement, or full refund. 4) Sellers have 7 days to resolve. 5) If unresolved, we refund and handle the seller dispute. You're never charged for items that fail inspection.

Yes, all vehicles receive comprehensive inspection reports including: Auction grade verification, Odometer verification, Engine and transmission test, Exterior/interior condition assessment, Rust check (critical for Japanese vehicles), Tire and brake condition, Modification disclosure, 50+ point checklist with photos. Reports are available in your dashboard before shipping.

Every seller on Japan Convoy undergoes verification: Business registration documents reviewed, Physical address confirmed, Bank account verification, Sample product quality check, Background check for fraud history, Ongoing performance monitoring. Sellers must maintain 95%+ satisfaction rating to remain active. You can view seller ratings, reviews, and verification badges on profiles.

Our marketplace features: Vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, machinery), Auto Parts (engines, transmissions, body parts, JDM parts), Electronics (appliances, audio, gaming, cameras), Machinery (industrial, agricultural, construction), Food & Beverages (wholesale, specialty items), Home Goods (furniture, decor, kitchenware), Clothing & Fashion (vintage, streetwear, traditional), Sporting Goods (golf, cycling, outdoor equipment). New categories added regularly.

Yes! Our sourcing service helps you find specific items. Submit a request with details (brand, model, condition, budget) and our team searches Japanese dealers, auctions, and wholesalers. We charge a 5% sourcing fee on top of regular service fees. For vehicles, we can bid at Japanese auto auctions on your behalf.

Authenticity is paramount at Japan Convoy. All brand-name products undergo authentication during inspection. We verify: Serial numbers against manufacturer databases, Quality markers and materials, Packaging and documentation. Counterfeit items are rejected and sellers face immediate suspension. Our authentication team includes specialists for luxury watches, electronics, and designer goods.

Japan Convoy exports: Passenger cars (sedans, SUVs, sports cars, kei cars), Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, vans), Motorcycles (all sizes and types), Heavy machinery (excavators, forklifts, loaders), Agricultural equipment (tractors, harvesters), Boats (small vessels, jet skis). Some vehicles may not be import-eligible in your country due to age, emissions, or safety regulations. Check your local import rules.

Japanese auction grades indicate condition: Grade S: Brand new or near-new, under 1,000km. Grade 5-4.5: Excellent condition, minor wear only. Grade 4: Good condition with light scratches/marks. Grade 3.5: Average condition, visible wear but sound. Grade 3: Below average, significant cosmetic issues. Grade R/RA: Repaired accident damage. We recommend Grade 4+ for most buyers. All grades are verified during our inspection.

Import eligibility varies by country and considers: Vehicle age (some countries require 15+ years for right-hand drive), Emissions standards (Euro ratings, EPA compliance), Safety standards (airbags, crash ratings), Engine size (tax implications in some regions). Our team provides preliminary eligibility checks. For certainty, consult your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.

Vehicle exports include: Export Certificate (mandatory for deregistration), Bill of Lading (shipping receipt), Commercial Invoice (for customs valuation), Packing List, Inspection Report (Japan Convoy), Original Japanese Shaken (inspection certificate) if available, Maintenance records (when available). These documents enable registration in most countries. Some destinations require additional certification we can arrange.

Compatibility depends on the market: JDM parts (Japan Domestic Market) may differ from USDM/AUDM versions in mounting points, sensors, or specifications. Engine parts are often universal within the same engine family. Body parts vary by region—Japanese Corolla differs from US Corolla. Always provide your VIN or chassis number for compatibility verification. Our parts specialists can confirm fitment before purchase.

Yes, we specialize in quality used parts from Japanese recyclers: Engines (tested, with compression data), Transmissions (tested for smooth operation), Body panels (graded for condition), Interior parts (cleaned, condition rated), Electrical components (tested functional). Japanese used parts are prized worldwide for quality—most vehicles are replaced due to strict inspections, not mechanical failure.

Yes, popular options include: Long block engines (block + head, no accessories), Complete engines (ready to install with accessories), Front clips (front half of vehicle including engine bay), Rear clips (rear half with suspension), Half cuts (front or rear sections). These are economical ways to acquire complete systems. Shipping is via container due to size. Ideal for rebuilds or performance swaps.

Requirements vary by purchase type and country. For general merchandise under $2,500, most countries allow personal imports. For vehicles and large orders, many countries require: Business registration, Import license, Customs bond (refundable). We can advise on requirements for your country. Some buyers use customs brokers who handle licensing on their behalf.

Import costs depend on: HS Code (product classification), CIF value (product + shipping + insurance), Country-specific duty rates (0-100%+), Local sales tax/VAT (10-25% typical), Vehicle-specific taxes (age, displacement, emissions). Japan Convoy provides HS codes and CIF values for customs. We recommend consulting a customs broker for precise calculations. Some countries offer duty exemptions for certain products.

We handle Japanese export customs completely. For import customs in your country, we provide: All required documentation in advance, Commercial invoice with proper valuations, HS code recommendations, Consignee authorization letters. We can recommend trusted customs brokers in major markets (Australia, UK, UAE, Kenya). Some buyers prefer to handle their own clearance for cost savings.

Our marketplace is primarily in English. Customer support is available in: English (primary), Japanese (native), Spanish (business hours), Arabic (for UAE/Middle East). Product listings are in English with original Japanese text preserved where relevant. We can arrange interpreter services for complex transactions upon request.

Some items have export restrictions: Weapons and ammunition (prohibited), Certain medications and chemicals, Cultural artifacts (require permits), Some agricultural products, Products with export controls (certain technology), Items banned in destination country. Additionally, your country may prohibit certain imports (right-hand drive vehicles, certain foods). We screen all orders for compliance.