Japanese Flea Market Survival Guide
Everything foreigners need to know about selling on Mercari, Yahoo Auctions & Rakuma. Avoid mistakes, get good reviews, and sell like a local.
Last updated: March 2026
🙏 1. The Aisatsu Protocol (Greeting Messages)
In Japan, communication is everything. Unlike eBay or Amazon where you might never message the seller, Japanese flea market platforms expect greetings at every stage of the transaction.
⚠️ Key Rule
No message = rude. Even a simple thank you makes a huge difference in your reviews.
When to Send Messages:
💡 Pro Tip
Use our Message Generator to get perfect Japanese greetings for every situation. Copy-paste ready!
📌 2. Understanding 取り置き (Toriioki - Reservation)
取り置き means "reservation hold." A buyer asks you to hold an item for them until payday or until they can purchase.
✅ If You Accept
- • Set a clear deadline (e.g., "until March 15")
- • Add "【〇〇様専用】" to the title
- • Keep the listing active but reserved
❌ If You Decline
- • Be polite: "申し訳ございませんが..."
- • You're not obligated to hold
- • First come, first served is fine
⚠️ Warning
取り置き is not officially supported by Mercari. If someone else buys your reserved item, the platform will side with the actual buyer. It's a social custom, not a rule.
⚡ 3. 即購入 vs コメント必須 (Buying Rules)
You'll see these terms in listing descriptions. They tell you the seller's preference for how you should buy.
⚡ 即購入OK (Sokukou OK)
"Immediate purchase OK"
- • Buy without commenting first
- • No need to ask "May I buy?"
- • This is the official Mercari standard
💬 コメント必須 (Comment Hissu)
"Comment required before purchase"
- • Comment "購入希望です" first
- • Wait for seller's reply
- • Used for negotiation or reservations
🤔 What If I Buy Without Commenting?
Technically, you're within your rights. Mercari's official rule is 即購入OK. However, some sellers might be annoyed and give you a neutral review. Check the description before buying to avoid conflict.
💰 4. Price Negotiation Etiquette
Haggling is common and expected on Japanese flea markets. But there are unwritten rules.
✅ Good Negotiation
- • Ask for 10-20% off maximum
- • Be polite: "お値下げ可能でしょうか？"
- • Give a specific number, not "cheaper"
- • Accept "no" gracefully
❌ Bad Negotiation
- • Asking for 50% off (insulting)
- • Lowballing: "半額になりますか？"
- • Negotiating on already-cheap items
- • Pushing after seller declines
💡 The Magic Phrase
「コメント失礼します。こちら〇〇円で購入できませんか？ご検討お願いします。」
"Excuse me for commenting. Would you sell this for ¥XX? Please consider it."
Use our Message Generator for perfect negotiation messages.
⏰ 5. Response Time Expectations
Japanese buyers and sellers expect fast responses. This isn't eBay where you can reply in 24 hours.
| Action | Expected Time | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Reply to questions | Within a few hours | Same day is OK |
| Message after purchase | Within 30 minutes | Within hours |
| Ship after purchase | 1-2 days | Check your listing promise |
| Leave review | Same day as receiving | Within 2-3 days |
⚠️ Slow Response = Bad Reviews
Many negative reviews mention "返信が遅い" (slow replies). If you can't respond quickly, mention it in your profile: "仕事の都合で返信が遅くなる場合があります"
⭐ 6. The Review System
Reviews are mutual on Japanese platforms. Both buyer and seller rate each other. This creates accountability.
Smooth transaction, polite communication
OK but something was off
Problems, rude, or no communication
💡 Review Timing
On Mercari, payment is held until both parties leave reviews. Sellers: leave your review immediately after buyer does. Buyers: don't delay—the seller is waiting for their money!
How to Get Good Reviews
- ✓ Send messages at every stage
- ✓ Ship quickly (within your stated timeframe)
- ✓ Pack items carefully
- ✓ Be honest in your descriptions
- ✓ Respond to questions promptly
📦 7. Shipping Methods Explained
Japanese shipping is efficient and cheap. Here are the main options for Mercari sellers:
| Method | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ネコポス (Nekopos) | ¥210 | Small items, A4, 3cm thick |
| ゆうパケット | ¥230 | Post office drop-off option |
| ゆうパケットポスト | ¥215 | Mailbox drop, very convenient |
| 宅急便コンパクト | ¥450+ | Thicker items, special box needed |
| 宅急便 (60-160) | ¥750-1,700 | Large items |
💡 Pro Tip
Use our Shipping Calculator to find the cheapest option for your item size.
🚫 8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Always message after purchase and after receiving. No exceptions.
Reply within hours, not days. Japanese users expect speed.
Asking for 50% off is insulting. Stick to 10-20% discounts.
Japanese buyers expect careful packaging. Use bubble wrap, clean boxes.
Check if seller wants コメント必須 before buying.
The seller doesn't get paid until you review. Don't make them wait.