The Aisatsu Protocol
The greeting messages that decide whether your transaction goes smoothly — or not.
Japanese sellers expect greetings before and after every transaction. Skipping them won't get you reported, but it tells the seller "this person doesn't follow norms" — and they may not ship as quickly, may decline future business, or leave a less enthusiastic rating.
After purchase — send this immediately
Send within 30 minutes of buying. The seller hasn't shipped yet at this point, so this message confirms you're an attentive buyer.
この度は購入させていただきました。 どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。 到着を楽しみにしております。
| What it means | I just purchased this. Please take care of me. Looking forward to receiving it. |
| When to send | Within 30 minutes of purchase. Sooner is better. |
| Tone | Polite-default. Don't try to sound casual or friendly — it reads strange in this context. |
この度は購入させていただきました。 お手数おかけしますが、よろしくお願いいたします。 発送が完了しましたらご連絡いただけますと幸いです。
| What it means | I just purchased this. Sorry for the trouble, please take care of me. It would be appreciated if you could let me know when shipping is complete. |
| When to send | Use when you specifically want shipping confirmation. |
| Tone | Slightly more formal. The 'お手数おかけしますが' acknowledges you're asking something. |
After receiving — close the loop
Send the same day you receive the item, before leaving your rating. This is the message that determines whether the seller leaves you a positive rating.
本日、商品を受け取りました。 丁寧な梱包をありがとうございました。 また機会がありましたらよろしくお願いいたします。
| What it means | I received the item today. Thank you for the careful packaging. Hope to do business again. |
| When to send | Same day you receive. Before leaving rating. |
| Tone | Warm but still polite-default. The 'また機会がありましたら' is the standard closing. |
| Skip if | Item arrived damaged — different protocol applies (see Trouble Templates). |
無事に商品を受け取りました。 商品の状態も良く、迅速な発送ありがとうございました。 お取引いただき、ありがとうございました。
| What it means | I safely received the item. The condition was good and shipping was fast. Thank you for the transaction. |
| When to send | When you want to leave a particularly positive impression. |
| Tone | Slightly warmer than standard. Useful for first transactions or higher-value items. |
Don't write "Thanks!" in English. Don't write a long personal message. Don't ask the seller questions in the greeting message — send a separate message if you have a question. Don't skip the message thinking the rating is enough — Japanese sellers read the message before deciding what rating to leave you.
Asking about shipping status — politely
If 3+ days pass without shipping notification, you can politely ask. Don't sound impatient.
お忙しいところ恐れ入ります。 発送のご予定について、お伺いしてもよろしいでしょうか。 お手すきの際にご返信いただけますと幸いです。
| What it means | Sorry to bother you when you're busy. May I ask about your shipping plans? It would be appreciated if you could reply when you have time. |
| When to send | Only after 3+ days of no shipping update. Earlier than that reads as impatient. |
| Tone | Extra polite. Using 'お忙しいところ恐れ入ります' opens with humility, which is essential when chasing someone. |