Buying rare stuff from Japan...

cdfac

cdfac

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
So I recently noticed that several eBay sellers in Japan have all listed apparently the same preamp (biggest clincher is a shared top cover photo with the same scratches and blemishes). This is a rare item from a Japanese manufacturer that I have previously owned and which I do miss (though it did have a small US domestic market presence too). When I contacted the first seller and asked for clarification, their response was:

Hi we can only speak for our listing, which is genuine and reflects the exact item shown in the photos.If, for any reason, you receive the wrong item, you can return it to us without issue.We want you to feel confident in your purchase. Thank you.

Serious question: Is there something I'm missing in the seller culture over there that would mean I shouldn't be concerned about this?
 
Register to hide this ad
I’ve read a number of eBay sellers see a unit at the used gear store and post it. They then go buy it when it is sold in their auction. This can explain numerous auctions from different sellers for the exact same item. If it sells and another auction buys it they probably just return the money to stay legit.
 
Last edited:
I personally would not trust it, several having the same photos of a used item brings up Red Flags to say the least.
There are a lot of people out there that their only care is to make money and they don't care how
or whom it comes from. If it walks like a Duck and talks like a Duck, it's probably a Duck.
 
cdfac said:
So I recently noticed that several eBay sellers in Japan have all listed apparently the same preamp (biggest clincher is a shared top cover photo with the same scratches and blemishes). This is a rare item from a Japanese manufacturer that I have previously owned and which I do miss (though it did have a small US domestic market presence too). When I contacted the first seller and asked for clarification, their response was:

Hi we can only speak for our listing, which is genuine and reflects the exact item shown in the photos.If, for any reason, you receive the wrong item, you can return it to us without issue.We want you to feel confident in your purchase. Thank you.

Serious question: Is there something I'm missing in the seller culture over there that would mean I shouldn't be concerned about this?
Click to expand...

Many ebay sellers have multiple accounts selling the same item. The title usually has minor differences to avoid ebay's duplicate policy.
 
Blue Shadow said:
I’ve read a number of eBay sellers see a unit at the used gear store and post it. They then go buy it when it is sold in their auction. This can explain numerous auctions from different sellers for the exact same item. If it sells and another auction buys it they probably just return the money to stay legit.
Click to expand...

This is what's going on. The item is either on Yahoo Auctions Japan or is at a local "Hard-off" store, which is a basically a nicer thrift store that has a lot of electronics.
 
I’m heading to Tokyo in June and plan on looking around at some of the vintage shops. Joined AK a little bit ago due to the wealth of info here. Admitted Yamaholic, and now addicted to CL and FB marketplace.
Recently found some NS 500m speakers and a really cheap Akai TT. I missed out on a refurbished CA 1000 amp but the front panel and dials were rough. Went out and nabbed a new A S701 so I am happy getting my feet wet listening to my old albums that I have moved way too many times.

I am a sucker for VU meters so if I come across a CA1000 II or similar I may bring it home in another suitcase. I have noticed the same images on some of the ads on the Japanese auction websites.

Mid 60’s and rediscovering the joy of real music. After 40+ years of guns and a medium level of hearing loss, I am really enjoying reeducating myself in this hobby. AK is such a treasure trove of knowledge!
 
dmh62 said:
I’m heading to Tokyo in June and plan on looking around at some of the vintage shops. Joined AK a little bit ago due to the wealth of info here. Admitted Yamaholic, and now addicted to CL and FB marketplace.
Recently found some NS 500m speakers and a really cheap Akai TT. I missed out on a refurbished CA 1000 amp but the front panel and dials were rough. Went out and nabbed a new A S701 so I am happy getting my feet wet listening to my old albums that I have moved way too many times.

I am a sucker for VU meters so if I come across a CA1000 II or similar I may bring it home in another suitcase. I have noticed the same images on some of the ads on the Japanese auction websites.

Mid 60’s and rediscovering the joy of real music. After 40+ years of guns and a medium level of hearing loss, I am really enjoying reeducating myself in this hobby. AK is such a treasure trove of knowledge!
Click to expand...
Was in Tokyo last year and mind blown visiting the audio shops there (new and used). Will look back through my notes and give you some suggestions.
 
cdfac said:
So I recently noticed that several eBay sellers in Japan have all listed apparently the same preamp (biggest clincher is a shared top cover photo with the same scratches and blemishes). This is a rare item from a Japanese manufacturer that I have previously owned and which I do miss (though it did have a small US domestic market presence too). When I contacted the first seller and asked for clarification, their response was:

Hi we can only speak for our listing, which is genuine and reflects the exact item shown in the photos.If, for any reason, you receive the wrong item, you can return it to us without issue.We want you to feel confident in your purchase. Thank you.

Serious question: Is there something I'm missing in the seller culture over there that would mean I shouldn't be concerned about this?
Click to expand...
I look at musical instruments (Guitars) on E Bay, and I see the same shenanigans going on with guitar auctions. (For years!) I don't understand it, but I treat those listings as if the worst, were true.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom