Bonsai Pot Purchase Support Service

I purchase bonsai pots on behalf of overseas collectors from Yahoo! Auctions, Mercari, and bonsai nurseries across Japan. I check each item myself, pack it by hand, and ship it to you.

To get started, just send me the link to a pot you're interested in. For auctions, please include your maximum bid in Japanese yen. I'll reply with an estimate. Inquiries are free.

Send me a link

How It Works

  1. Send the link — Please let me know the URL of the pot you're interested in and, for auctions, your maximum bid in Japanese yen.
  2. Check — I'll check availability, the seller's rating, the listing description, and domestic shipping, and share them with you as is before you bid. If anything is unclear, I'll contact the seller for you.
  3. Estimate — I'll send you an estimate covering the item price, domestic shipping, packing materials, service fee, and international shipping.
  4. Advance payment — Once you approve, please transfer the item price (or your maximum bid). If we don't win the auction, I'll refund you, less any payment or transfer fees.
  5. Purchase and inspection — I'll purchase or bid, then inspect the item against the listing. If there's a significant discrepancy, I'll let you know and negotiate with the seller before shipping.
  6. Shipping — After packing, I'll let you know the shipping cost for two options: EMS and the cheapest of the other carriers. Once you've chosen, I'll send the final invoice and ship.

Inspection and Packing

I take particular care when packing large or fragile items. For extra peace of mind, additional reinforced packing is also available. It gives more protection, but the added weight and volumetric weight make shipping more expensive. I'll quote it separately so you can decide.

I don't offer authentication. I can't confirm whether a pot is the work of a particular maker or kiln.

Timing and Storage

Packing takes about a week after the item arrives. Larger pots may take a little longer.

I can store your purchases free of charge for up to 45 days so they can be shipped together. However, I may decline to combine fragile items in one shipment.

Fees

Pre-bid inquiry to the seller Free
Service fee ¥5,000 minimum, or 10% of (item price + domestic shipping), whichever is higher
Packing materials ¥2,000–3,000 depending on size and shape (extra-large pots quoted separately)
Additional reinforced packing (double boxing, extra cushioning, etc.) Quoted separately on request
International shipping Actual carrier cost (EMS / DHL / UPS / FedEx)
Payment fee PayPal: 5% added / Wise: nothing added (Wise's own transfer fee applies)

Payment. I accept PayPal and Wise. All estimates, invoices, and refunds are in Japanese yen.

A worked example. For a pot bought at ¥100,000 with ¥2,000 in domestic shipping, the service fee is 10% of ¥102,000, which is ¥10,200. If packing materials come to ¥3,000, the service fee and packing materials total ¥13,200, plus the actual cost of international shipping. There are no other charges (if you pay by PayPal, the payment fee is added). For items under about ¥50,000, the ¥5,000 minimum fee applies.

Duties and Taxes

Customs duties and local taxes are paid by the recipient on arrival. Shipments to the United States may require duties and other charges to be paid in advance before dispatch. If so, I'll let you know the amount beforehand.

Where I Can Ship

I can ship to most countries, but some can't be served due to carrier restrictions or EU packaging regulations (EPR). If you're unsure whether your country is covered, please ask before ordering.

Cancellation

Once I've placed a bid or made a purchase for you, it can't be cancelled, as auction bids in Japan are legally binding.

I don't charge any cancellation fee beyond costs already incurred.

If an Item Arrives Damaged

I photograph the condition of each item before packing. Every shipment is insured for the full purchase price.

Compensation for the pot depends on the carrier's assessment and may be less than the purchase price. With EMS, the shipping cost is refunded if the claim is accepted. With DHL, UPS, and FedEx, it is generally not refunded.

Any amount paid by the carrier will be passed on to you in full. Claims are sometimes declined, and I can't promise the outcome in advance.

The service fee, packing materials, and customs duties are non-refundable, as they cover work already done and costs already incurred.

If your parcel arrives damaged, please:

  • Contact me within 7 days of delivery.
  • Send as many photos as possible, including the outside of the box, the inside of the box (as packed), the whole item, and the damaged area.
  • Keep the box, all packing materials, and the item until the claim is settled. A claim can't be made once they've been thrown away.
  • For EMS, as a required step for the claim, please take the item, the box, and all packing materials to the post office.

I'll guide you through the details when the time comes.

Contact

Please reach me through the inquiry form on this website, or at hello@japanbonsaipots.com.

I'll personally look after your order from start to finish.