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Your Direct Link to Japan’s Best JDM.

Q & A

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Navigating overseas car auctions can seem complex, but we’re here to simplify the process for you. Explore our frequently asked questions below to learn more about how we source, inspect, and ship quality Japanese used vehicles to your country.

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General & Getting Started

1 : How does your auction agent service work?

1 : Since Japanese auto auctions are strictly limited to licensed domestic dealers, we act as your proxy.

  • Account Setup & Deposit: You register and place a security deposit.
  • Vehicle Sourcing: You browse daily live auction listings through our portal.
  • Bidding: You set your maximum budget, and we bid on your behalf.
  • Export & Delivery: If we win, we handle the domestic transport, customs clearance in Japan, and ocean shipping to your destination port.
2 : Who can buy through your service?

2 : We cater to both commercial car dealers looking for bulk inventory and individual private buyers looking for a specific dream car or JDM classic.

3 : Why do I need to pay a security deposit before bidding?

3 : The deposit confirms your commitment. Auction houses impose heavy penalties on cancelled bids. Your deposit is 100% refundable if you do not win any vehicles or decide to close your account (minus minor bank transfer fees). Once a car is successfully purchased, the deposit is applied directly to your final invoice.

Bidding, Deposits, & Auction Sheets

3 : Why do I need to pay a security deposit before bidding?

3 : The deposit confirms your commitment. Auction houses impose heavy penalties on cancelled bids. Your deposit is 100% refundable if you do not win any vehicles or decide to close your account (minus minor bank transfer fees). Once a car is successfully purchased, the deposit is applied directly to your final invoice.

4 : How can I understand the condition of the car? What do auction grades mean?

4 : Every vehicle undergoes a strict inspection by independent auction house mechanics, resulting in an “Auction Sheet.” We provide full translations of these sheets.

Grade R / RA: Repaired history (usually accident history, but quality varies).

Grade S / 6 / 5: As good as new, immaculate condition.

Grade 4.5 / 4: Excellent condition with minor wear.

Grade 3.5 / 3: Average condition, may require minor cosmetic or mechanical work.

5 : Can you physically inspect the vehicle before bidding?

5 : Yes. In addition to the official auction sheet, our team can request a pre-bid physical inspection at major auction houses to verify engine sounds, check for hidden rust, or take extra photos when necessary.

Fees & Payment

6 : What does the “Total Landed Cost” include?

6 : The final amount you pay to clear the car at your port generally consists of:

  • Winning Auction Price: The actual hammer price at the auction.
  • Agent Commission Fee: Our flat or percentage-based service fee.
  • Domestic Expenses: Inland transportation in Japan (from auction to port) and official auction house fees.
  • Ocean Freight: Shipping charges based on your chosen Incoterm (FOB, CFR, or CIF).

Note: Destination port charges, local import duties, VAT, and local customs clearance fees are not included in our invoice and must be paid by you upon the vehicle’s arrival in your country.

7 : What payment methods do you accept, and what is the deadline?

7 : A: We exclusively accept Telegraphic Transfer (Bank Wire Transfer) in Japanese Yen (JPY) or US Dollars (USD). Due to strict anti-money laundering regulations and high fraud risks, we do not accept credit cards or PayPal. Payment must be completed within 72 hours of receiving the invoice

Shipping & Documentation

8 : What shipping methods are available?

We offer two primary shipping methods depending on your destination and budget:

  • Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): The most cost-effective and common method where the vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized cargo ship.
  • Container Shipping: Recommended for high-value classic cars, non-runners, or when importing multiple vehicles/spare parts together.　　　　　　　　　　 >More details
9 : What documents will I receive for customs clearance?

9 : We will dispatch the following original documents via tracked express courier (DHL/FedEx) once the vessel departs Japan:

  1. Bill of Lading (B/L)
  2. Export Certificate (De-registration Certificate) (with English translation if requested)
  3. Commercial Invoice
  4. Any country-specific mandatory inspection certificates (e.g., JEVIC, QISJ, EAA) if required by your government.
10 : Are you responsible for import rules in my country?

10 : No. Import laws (such as age restrictions, emissions standards, and left-hand/right-hand drive regulations) vary wildly by country. It is the buyer’s absolute responsibility to verify with local customs authorities whether a vehicle is eligible for import before placing a bid.

Cancellations & Issues

11 : Can I cancel my bid after winning an auction?

11 : Cancellation after a successful bid is highly discouraged and subject to a heavy cancellation fee (usually starting from 70,000 JPY + actual auction penalty fees). If the car has already been moved to the port or processed for export, cancellation is impossible.

12 : What happens if the vehicle arrives with mechanical issues?

12 : Vehicles bought from wholesale auctions are sold strictly “as-is.” While the auction sheets are highly accurate, minor undetected mechanical discrepancies can occur. We strongly advise budgeting a small margin for routine maintenance (battery changes, fluid flushes, new tires) upon delivery.

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