Frequently Asked Questions

Japan Convoy is a B2B wholesale marketplace connecting international buyers with verified Japanese sellers. Sellers are vetted before they can list. You browse, message suppliers directly, and agree specification, price and terms with them. If you would rather not manage the export yourself, either side can hand fulfilment to Japan Convoy - inspection, packaging, customs and shipping - for a fee.

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 is built around direct negotiation: message sellers through the platform to agree specification, price and quantity, and many offer volume discounts on bulk orders. You settle with the supplier on the terms you agree. If you would rather not manage the export yourself, either side can then ask Japan Convoy to handle fulfilment for a fee.

You agree terms directly with the seller through in-platform messaging. From there you can arrange collection and export yourself, or request Japan Convoy fulfilment - in which case: 1) the seller sends the goods to us, 2) our team inspects them against the listing and takes verification photos, 3) we package them for export, 4) we prepare the customs and export documentation, 5) the consignment ships with tracking. Managed orders typically take 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.

On managed orders you receive a tracking number by email once the consignment ships, and can follow real-time status in your Japan Convoy dashboard. For sea freight we provide vessel name and estimated arrival. For vehicles we also share the Bill of Lading and export certificate digitally. If you arranged shipping directly with the seller, tracking comes from them.

Yes, on managed orders. Goods from different sellers can be consolidated into a single shipment, which significantly reduces per-item shipping costs. Request Japan Convoy fulfilment on each deal you want included, and we hold them until your consolidation window closes or you ask us to ship.

Japan Convoy does not process payments for goods. You settle directly with the supplier on the terms you agree, and most Japanese exporters work by bank wire transfer, with a letter of credit common on larger orders. Listing prices are indicative and suppliers quote per enquiry, in USD, JPY, EUR, GBP or AUD as you arrange with them. Where you ask Japan Convoy to handle fulfilment, we invoice you separately for that service.

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 is a sourcing marketplace rather than a payment processor: you agree terms and settle directly with the supplier, so payment terms are what you negotiate with them. For cross-border trade, a letter of credit or staged payment against shipping documents is common practice. What Japan Convoy adds is verification and evidence - sellers are vetted before listing, and on orders where you request our fulfilment we inspect the goods against the listing, document any discrepancy with photos, and give you that report before anything ships.

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.

On orders where you request Japan Convoy fulfilment, inspection is documented and covers: physical condition check (scratches, dents, wear), functionality testing (electronics, moving parts), authenticity verification (brand items, part numbers), quantity and completeness count, photo documentation (20+ photos for vehicles), and grade verification against the listing. You receive a detailed inspection report with photos before we ship.

On managed orders, if goods do not match the listing we document the discrepancies with photos and notify you immediately with your options: accept as-is with a price adjustment, request a replacement from the seller, or reject the consignment. Sellers have 7 days to resolve. Because you settle with the supplier directly, any refund is agreed with them - Japan Convoy documents the discrepancy and supports the dispute, and you are not charged our fulfilment fee on goods you reject.

On managed vehicle orders, yes. Reports cover auction grade verification, odometer verification, engine and transmission test, exterior and interior condition assessment, rust check (critical for Japanese vehicles), tire and brake condition, modification disclosure, and a 50+ point checklist with photos. Reports appear 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.