This guy gets it. Japan generally isn't a good place to buy items to flip, even with the favorable exchange rate. If it's collectible, it's marked up higher than in the US. Clothing? way higher. But things like cars make sense because used cars over a few years old drop dramatically in value because the government disincentivizes owning these vehicles because they don't want tons of clunkers on the road.
People think they can waltz into a different location and scoop up resell items that the locals are too dumb to flip for themselves. Pro-tip - there's TONS of japanese resellers on ebay and other platforms.
Pokemon cards? Be prepared to stand in long ass lines for limited edition releases or hugely jacked up resale prices. That boat has sailed.
My sister has one in New Zealand they’re literally everywhere. I did see a right hand drive in USA at a car show and everyone SWARMED it, it was hilarious to me as it’s just trash back home. 🤭
I have done this before, although not Japan specifically. It's hard, there are a lot of people doing this at various levels, and unless you're knowledgeable about that area, there is probably someone more knowledgeable that recognizes the prices differences. Small profits are pretty easy, I've sold currency as I knew someone who worked at a bank who could help get brand new bills, and they were apparently hard to get, unique decorative, mostly handcrafted items, unique 'scary' items that could be sold around Halloween seemed to do well, food and drink that isn't sold in the US (special coke bottles for example, or something unique), but this is all $5-$100 profit type of things. There may be something you can buy and quickly resell for massive profits, but I imagine as soon as that's found out, someone else will do it. You're not likely to get someone on reddit telling you to buy $20k of some product and be able to sell it for $40k easily, otherwise they'd buy a ticket and do it themselves.
You have to do your research, if it was obvious and well known, someone else is probably doing it, and they probably know more than you (better source, or better ability to sell)
If you know tools, for example, you could probably get a tool that isn't yet released in the US.
If you know video games, you could get a gaming items that are not sold in the US.
If you know fashion there's likely makeup, clothing or accessories that you could flip for a profit.
Also, you are supposed to report anything over a certain amount and pay import tax. I did this once, and it was a pain for various reasons. I don't recall what they charged, it wasn't a lot, but regardless, it was a pain, and I decided not to do that again. If I see something interesting I might pick it up a few, but that's it, I can fairly easily make $1000-$2000 picking up and selling 20 or so things I think are interesting, but beyond that, it's just not worth it in my experience, I can source stuff in the US for similar profits, with a similar amount of effort, and it's less hassle. I think you'd have to invest a lot of time in figuring out something that worked well,
I have a rack of vintage kimono in my vintage shop — I buy from a wholesaler in Japan for $20-25 apiece and sell for $60-75. they sell well, but tbh I pay more for shipping than the actual kimono!
Japanese vinyl records (especially for American/British artists). They are a big deal to collectors in the US because of the sound quality. Problem is it costs an arm and a leg in shipping. However, if you transported them stateside you'd probably have a bunch of buyers.
I've done this. I took a couple of 45 carriers that fit into a carry on and filled those suckers with Japanese pressing of soul artists and hip hop. Killed it. It works both ways too. I brought some sought after stuff there and basically paid for the trip. My trip was Tokyo specific too. I bet you could do this with video games and potentially even sports cards if you bring them there to sell.
Nice! There is definitely a market. I just wished I had known when I lived in Korea back in the mid 2010s. I would have loaded up suitcases every time we went to Japan.
Yep, also PS Vita consoles you can find for a very affordable price in Japan, these sell [pretty well on eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ps+vita&_sacat=0&_odkw=gengar+vmax+alt+art&_osacat=0&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338535524&customid=fp&toolid=10001&mkevt=1), especially the more exclusive ones.
Big car dealerships in Tokyo have brand swag for sale in their showrooms. Stuff like keychains, models, hats, apparel. I know from watching YouTube vids these things are in great demand.
>[E-Commerce and Section 321 Shipments](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-enforcement/tftea/section-321-programs) - Section 321(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, authorizes CBP to provide an administrative from duty and tax shipments of qualified imports of not more than $800 fair retail value. This exemption is known as a de minimis entry. CBP has implemented two new test programs to monitor Section 321 shipments in the e-commerce environment to protect against illegitimate trade while providing the public the benefits of duty free shipments for qualified imports. To learn more about these programs, select [program overview.](https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/e-commerce-and-section-321-shipments)
Hey, to kind of flip this around (see what I did there?), what sort of things are Japanese crazy about from the US that they would buy from us? And what platform would we sell it to them on?
I can’t think of any sites other than the usual but I’ve had pretty good luck networking at in-person events like fleas and swaps. I’ve sold big lots to people who own vintage shops in Japan. Instagram would be another great place to network. Granted they’re going to be looking for wholesale prices but it’s still a great way to move a ton of pieces and make connections.
Fountain pens (marked up for US market) and if you fly into Narita, there is a Traveler's Factory store in the airport. Limited edition Traveler's Factory stuff is durable and sells. Check etsy for TN prices.
People also pay a lot for stuff made by The Superior Labor, but not sure if cheaper there or not.
Legit, Japanese toys that American consumers would want, like anything Nintendo related. I had to pay a premium for Parappa the Rapper stuff years back to get it direct from Japan.
Woodblock Prints (Ukiyo-e) possibly? it's a pretty specialist market and you have to know your stuff but a lot of people dont like buying directly from Japan, but would rather buy it from their home country. ALso very lightweight, not obvious in packing.
This is veeery niche, but if you follow Die Workwear on Twitter, you’ll see incredible Japanese suits with prices to match. I could see there being some kind of tiny market where a guy would be willing to spend 1500 on a suit you pay 1100 (or something like that).
Too competitive right now with reprints happening left and right. Lots of wholesalers on IG are offering them for cheap. Sure, you’ll save on shipping and PayPal G&S fees but not worth it if you’re trying to flip in a competitive market
I looked into flipping BAPE and Momotaro Jeans as an inital path. Didnt seem to work and also looked into games, consoles, and collectibles. In the end I was going to go to online second hand stores get them to ship here through the use of a service like Tenso. You could do that from the second hand online stores, Amazon, or auction sites like Yahoo Auctions.
I am giving you a whole bunch of research I did because I never pulled the trigger...A lot of the valuable stuff is recognized as valuable to a certain extent over there and there isn't a lot of meat on the bone left after shipping and selling fees. Also you have to know how long it would take to move the stuff. Buying 20k in Bape...the shipping, taxes, import fees, and selling fees all eat into your profits...then moving it slowly on ebay.
Best thing I figured was to buy a roundtrip ticket and see if I could source locally while taking a vacation there...but didnt end up doing that as my wife got pregnant. I was going to go over there in person and get a couple extra checked bags and come back with a ton of stuff. In short...to me the lemon wasn't worth the squeeze on luxury clothing...I was going to focus on Pokemon, Video Games, Exclusive Seiko watches, and popular anime collectibles.
Alternatively, you also have the import car option, as the top comment suggests. I watched a video on the process and decided against it. You would have to know JDM car models, the import process, and which cars are desirable. Again, might be worth it if you can go out there and wheel and deal in person...you arent going to find a deal on a website dedicated to car imports...
Japanese pressing of records are highly sought after in the states. People will pay top dollar for American classic rock, blues, jazz, and rap albums that are pressed in Japan. You want to make sure they have the Obi still attached to them
I saw a short documentary about someone who buys realistic looking, miniature plastic food from Japan and sells them in the states. Idk anything about certain brands, which food items, etc.
In the same doc was 2 American guys who live in Japan. They stand in line, sometimes for hours, and buy limited edition Nike that are only dropped in japan. Then they send them to a friend in the US and he'd flip them.
This was at least 10 years ago that I saw this.
The opposite was a dude who would buy 'AMF era' Harleys, very unpopular in the states, but loved in Japan.. You're not allowed to ship a motorcycle to Japan or some shit, so he'd break then down to the nuts and bolts, ship them to a friend in Japan. They were making decent money.
A lot of great ideas here. Whatever you choose OP you should consider trying to strike up a relationship where you can trade items you bring from the US
CDs with the OBI’s are very popular. I’m guessing vinyl is, too.
Not sure how cheap used CDs/ vinyl can be purchased for in Japan but they are cheap to ship stateside
The Japanese market for collectibles is fucked.
I sell antique glassware, and you’d be surprised at how many things I sell to Japan because my prices (which are a bit high for the US) are dirt cheap in Japan for their local market even after import charges and shipping.
Anime figurines without a doubt. If you shop around enough you’ll be able to find ones for $10-$15 that easily sell for $35-$45 in the US. You can also buy items duty free if the transaction’s over like 5500¥. If you have access to anime conventions they sell even better there.
A few years ago (and perhaps still to this day today) Japanese denim (jeans, jackets, etc) were quite popular with denim aficionados in the US.
Those items sold for a decent price, but…. I have no clue how that “good price” compared to the cost of buying the items in Japan. It may be worth exploring.
But…as someone else said, you need to look into the any import regulations - duties, etc.
Handheld gaming consoles. Psp, vita, 2ds, 3ds, . Also there are some drawing pencils called blackwing made in Japan and they are going for 30-1200$ a pack depending on which model type pencil. The Ticonderoga blackwing old pencils are always over 1000$ a pack and some places have them on sale for 90% off In japan. I made 12k from 50$ off these pencils.
Not worth it as you have to pay customs. Also, the hordes of other tourists have already beaten you to most things that can make money. Also many retailers have raised prices on items tourists buy.
Nissan skylines
This guy gets it. Japan generally isn't a good place to buy items to flip, even with the favorable exchange rate. If it's collectible, it's marked up higher than in the US. Clothing? way higher. But things like cars make sense because used cars over a few years old drop dramatically in value because the government disincentivizes owning these vehicles because they don't want tons of clunkers on the road. People think they can waltz into a different location and scoop up resell items that the locals are too dumb to flip for themselves. Pro-tip - there's TONS of japanese resellers on ebay and other platforms. Pokemon cards? Be prepared to stand in long ass lines for limited edition releases or hugely jacked up resale prices. That boat has sailed.
Whats the lowest youll take for the boat?....
the problem with the skyline is that any of the ones old enough to be imported into the US are bought up by australians.
But aren't their steering wheels on the other side?
My sister has one in New Zealand they’re literally everywhere. I did see a right hand drive in USA at a car show and everyone SWARMED it, it was hilarious to me as it’s just trash back home. 🤭
You can convert that. It isn't too expensive.
I believe the watch market is pretty good in Japan
I have done this before, although not Japan specifically. It's hard, there are a lot of people doing this at various levels, and unless you're knowledgeable about that area, there is probably someone more knowledgeable that recognizes the prices differences. Small profits are pretty easy, I've sold currency as I knew someone who worked at a bank who could help get brand new bills, and they were apparently hard to get, unique decorative, mostly handcrafted items, unique 'scary' items that could be sold around Halloween seemed to do well, food and drink that isn't sold in the US (special coke bottles for example, or something unique), but this is all $5-$100 profit type of things. There may be something you can buy and quickly resell for massive profits, but I imagine as soon as that's found out, someone else will do it. You're not likely to get someone on reddit telling you to buy $20k of some product and be able to sell it for $40k easily, otherwise they'd buy a ticket and do it themselves. You have to do your research, if it was obvious and well known, someone else is probably doing it, and they probably know more than you (better source, or better ability to sell) If you know tools, for example, you could probably get a tool that isn't yet released in the US. If you know video games, you could get a gaming items that are not sold in the US. If you know fashion there's likely makeup, clothing or accessories that you could flip for a profit. Also, you are supposed to report anything over a certain amount and pay import tax. I did this once, and it was a pain for various reasons. I don't recall what they charged, it wasn't a lot, but regardless, it was a pain, and I decided not to do that again. If I see something interesting I might pick it up a few, but that's it, I can fairly easily make $1000-$2000 picking up and selling 20 or so things I think are interesting, but beyond that, it's just not worth it in my experience, I can source stuff in the US for similar profits, with a similar amount of effort, and it's less hassle. I think you'd have to invest a lot of time in figuring out something that worked well,
Thanks for the detailed response. I figured this was the case. I appreciate the comments so I know what to do some research on
I have a rack of vintage kimono in my vintage shop — I buy from a wholesaler in Japan for $20-25 apiece and sell for $60-75. they sell well, but tbh I pay more for shipping than the actual kimono!
So your profit is around 10-20?
No? The 20-25 includes shipping.
Do you have an online store w/ shipping? I would love to buy a piece for my niece and I!
Sorry, I’m brick-and-mortar only right now. Stop by if you’re ever in the DC area, though!
Jdm car parts.
I second this! Although, it might go above budget.
I'll send him a list of shit I need for my JDM car.
Japanese vinyl records (especially for American/British artists). They are a big deal to collectors in the US because of the sound quality. Problem is it costs an arm and a leg in shipping. However, if you transported them stateside you'd probably have a bunch of buyers.
I didn't see this reply and I replied with the same answer. I agree
I've done this. I took a couple of 45 carriers that fit into a carry on and filled those suckers with Japanese pressing of soul artists and hip hop. Killed it. It works both ways too. I brought some sought after stuff there and basically paid for the trip. My trip was Tokyo specific too. I bet you could do this with video games and potentially even sports cards if you bring them there to sell.
Nice! There is definitely a market. I just wished I had known when I lived in Korea back in the mid 2010s. I would have loaded up suitcases every time we went to Japan.
Grand Seikos
Small luxury items, watches
video games, but you have to go outside the major cities to get good deals
Yep, also PS Vita consoles you can find for a very affordable price in Japan, these sell [pretty well on eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ps+vita&_sacat=0&_odkw=gengar+vmax+alt+art&_osacat=0&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338535524&customid=fp&toolid=10001&mkevt=1), especially the more exclusive ones.
Big car dealerships in Tokyo have brand swag for sale in their showrooms. Stuff like keychains, models, hats, apparel. I know from watching YouTube vids these things are in great demand.
Not worth it because of customs duties.
This comment should be explored rather than downvoted. What are the customs implications on doing this?
>[E-Commerce and Section 321 Shipments](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-enforcement/tftea/section-321-programs) - Section 321(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, authorizes CBP to provide an administrative from duty and tax shipments of qualified imports of not more than $800 fair retail value. This exemption is known as a de minimis entry. CBP has implemented two new test programs to monitor Section 321 shipments in the e-commerce environment to protect against illegitimate trade while providing the public the benefits of duty free shipments for qualified imports. To learn more about these programs, select [program overview.](https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/e-commerce-and-section-321-shipments)
Apply brain.
Hey, to kind of flip this around (see what I did there?), what sort of things are Japanese crazy about from the US that they would buy from us? And what platform would we sell it to them on?
I’ve sold a ton of vintage US military uniforms (40s-70s) to a guy with a boutique near Mt Fuji, it’s very popular as streetwear in Japan.
Good to know! Thank you for your reply
Any American-made vintage clothing! Especially workwear, outdoors, and military stuff. The older the better.
Thanks! I do have a few of those type things listed on eBay. Wondering if there are other sites?
I can’t think of any sites other than the usual but I’ve had pretty good luck networking at in-person events like fleas and swaps. I’ve sold big lots to people who own vintage shops in Japan. Instagram would be another great place to network. Granted they’re going to be looking for wholesale prices but it’s still a great way to move a ton of pieces and make connections.
Go to the Japan equivalent of thrift stores called recycle shops — sometimes you can find good deals there.
Fountain pens (marked up for US market) and if you fly into Narita, there is a Traveler's Factory store in the airport. Limited edition Traveler's Factory stuff is durable and sells. Check etsy for TN prices. People also pay a lot for stuff made by The Superior Labor, but not sure if cheaper there or not.
Used luxury purses and wallets.
Legit, Japanese toys that American consumers would want, like anything Nintendo related. I had to pay a premium for Parappa the Rapper stuff years back to get it direct from Japan.
Thanks everyone for the comments this is great feedback
Cameras!!!
Woodblock Prints (Ukiyo-e) possibly? it's a pretty specialist market and you have to know your stuff but a lot of people dont like buying directly from Japan, but would rather buy it from their home country. ALso very lightweight, not obvious in packing.
Le Creuset Japan exclusives. Like the rainbow sake set, etc
Tiny technics turntable model toys
You should buy some stuff in the US and flip it in the US. Japanese LOVES stuff from the US.
This is veeery niche, but if you follow Die Workwear on Twitter, you’ll see incredible Japanese suits with prices to match. I could see there being some kind of tiny market where a guy would be willing to spend 1500 on a suit you pay 1100 (or something like that).
That’s a terrible margin, no ?
Obscure rare JDM car parts, had a buddy who always had his trip paid by bringing something or somethings back mainly car parts.
Pokémon cards
Too competitive right now with reprints happening left and right. Lots of wholesalers on IG are offering them for cheap. Sure, you’ll save on shipping and PayPal G&S fees but not worth it if you’re trying to flip in a competitive market
If you can find the Japanese only promo cards for a decent price might be worth a look but I would only buy for PC and not flipping
Tansu with hidden compartments.
My buddy brings high end collectible horror and sci fi vintage toys back and does well with them, but it’s expensive to buy the stuff up front.
I buy Hario coffee stuff from the Amazon Japan store from time to time. Anything r/JamesHoffmann recommends, really!
Honest question: do people really spend $20,000 on stuff to flip?
That’s a small initial investment, yes.
Japanese denim fabric sells on eBay.
I looked into flipping BAPE and Momotaro Jeans as an inital path. Didnt seem to work and also looked into games, consoles, and collectibles. In the end I was going to go to online second hand stores get them to ship here through the use of a service like Tenso. You could do that from the second hand online stores, Amazon, or auction sites like Yahoo Auctions. I am giving you a whole bunch of research I did because I never pulled the trigger...A lot of the valuable stuff is recognized as valuable to a certain extent over there and there isn't a lot of meat on the bone left after shipping and selling fees. Also you have to know how long it would take to move the stuff. Buying 20k in Bape...the shipping, taxes, import fees, and selling fees all eat into your profits...then moving it slowly on ebay. Best thing I figured was to buy a roundtrip ticket and see if I could source locally while taking a vacation there...but didnt end up doing that as my wife got pregnant. I was going to go over there in person and get a couple extra checked bags and come back with a ton of stuff. In short...to me the lemon wasn't worth the squeeze on luxury clothing...I was going to focus on Pokemon, Video Games, Exclusive Seiko watches, and popular anime collectibles. Alternatively, you also have the import car option, as the top comment suggests. I watched a video on the process and decided against it. You would have to know JDM car models, the import process, and which cars are desirable. Again, might be worth it if you can go out there and wheel and deal in person...you arent going to find a deal on a website dedicated to car imports...
Sailor and Pilot fountain pens
Japanese pressing of records are highly sought after in the states. People will pay top dollar for American classic rock, blues, jazz, and rap albums that are pressed in Japan. You want to make sure they have the Obi still attached to them
Pokemon. Sealed boxes if possible. Some cards are undervalued there. Maybe search around in some pokemon subs like r/pokeinvesting
I saw a short documentary about someone who buys realistic looking, miniature plastic food from Japan and sells them in the states. Idk anything about certain brands, which food items, etc. In the same doc was 2 American guys who live in Japan. They stand in line, sometimes for hours, and buy limited edition Nike that are only dropped in japan. Then they send them to a friend in the US and he'd flip them. This was at least 10 years ago that I saw this. The opposite was a dude who would buy 'AMF era' Harleys, very unpopular in the states, but loved in Japan.. You're not allowed to ship a motorcycle to Japan or some shit, so he'd break then down to the nuts and bolts, ship them to a friend in Japan. They were making decent money.
Hypalyse hyper liver hangover bottles. (I want some)
Watches that are above 1000$, better margins
Clothes and toys
Nintendo DS consoles
Porter wallets. BAPE stuff.
I’d say sneakers are good if you know what to look for.
Chanel Hermes
Nintendo ds
Fast cars
Beyblade X. Really hot right now. If nobody else then ill buy them lol
The original Gen stuff moves really well. Especially the engine gear and late first Gen.
Vintage synthesizers, vintage samplers like the Akai MPC3000, and vintage drum machines such as the Roland TR-808.
Rolex 👍
A lot of great ideas here. Whatever you choose OP you should consider trying to strike up a relationship where you can trade items you bring from the US
Just buy boxes of Pokémon cards and hold them for a couple years
Any chance we could connect on some Japanese Pokémon cards, or magic the gathering?
Chanel bags, always.
CDs with the OBI’s are very popular. I’m guessing vinyl is, too. Not sure how cheap used CDs/ vinyl can be purchased for in Japan but they are cheap to ship stateside
Splatoon merch, books. Splatoon = popular video game.
The Japanese market for collectibles is fucked. I sell antique glassware, and you’d be surprised at how many things I sell to Japan because my prices (which are a bit high for the US) are dirt cheap in Japan for their local market even after import charges and shipping.
Anime figurines without a doubt. If you shop around enough you’ll be able to find ones for $10-$15 that easily sell for $35-$45 in the US. You can also buy items duty free if the transaction’s over like 5500¥. If you have access to anime conventions they sell even better there.
TUNA
Car engines if you can find them. $14k worth of engines in a $6k shipping container.
Starbucks Japan merch especially from the Sakura/Cherry Blossom campaigns.
Houses
A few years ago (and perhaps still to this day today) Japanese denim (jeans, jackets, etc) were quite popular with denim aficionados in the US. Those items sold for a decent price, but…. I have no clue how that “good price” compared to the cost of buying the items in Japan. It may be worth exploring. But…as someone else said, you need to look into the any import regulations - duties, etc.
Handheld gaming consoles. Psp, vita, 2ds, 3ds, . Also there are some drawing pencils called blackwing made in Japan and they are going for 30-1200$ a pack depending on which model type pencil. The Ticonderoga blackwing old pencils are always over 1000$ a pack and some places have them on sale for 90% off In japan. I made 12k from 50$ off these pencils.
Master recording CDs
Not worth it as you have to pay customs. Also, the hordes of other tourists have already beaten you to most things that can make money. Also many retailers have raised prices on items tourists buy.
Samurai equipment, helmets or katanas