For many global buyers — from anime collectors to niche resellers — shopping from Japanese marketplaces like Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, Surugaya, and Rakuten opens the door to exclusive and high-margin products. But one of the most common concerns with proxy shopping is understanding the total cost.
This guide will walk you through how J-Subculture stands out from typical proxy services — and the key ways you can save money when shopping from Japan.
Proxy shopping involves two main steps: first, your item is delivered to a warehouse in Japan, and then it's shipped internationally. For beginners, this process can seem complex — but with the right service, it's also where you can save significantly.
While this structure is similar across most Japanese proxy services, the pricing and included services can vary widely.
1. Item Order Payment
Commodity price + Domestic shipping to warehouse + Service fee + Optional item protection fee
2. International Shipping Payment
Packing & consolidation + Warehouse storage + International shipping
Cost Element | J-Subculture | Proxy A | Proxy B |
Service Fee | ¥250 per transaction | ¥300 per order | ¥250 per item |
Item Protection Fee | ¥100 (Plan A), ¥250 (Plan B), ¥600 (Plan C) | ¥500 (optional) | ¥300–¥500 |
Warehouse Storage | 45 days free | Unspecified | 45 days free |
Packing / Consolidation | Free for up to 5 items | Unspecified | ¥500+ for over 2kg |
Domestic Shipping (Japan) | Generally similar across all services — typically ¥0–¥1,500 depending on the seller | ||
International Shipping Options | Actual charges billed directly by the carrier. All major carriers supported: EMS, DHL, FedEx, UPS, Japan Post |
Learn more: View our full fee & payment details
We charge a flat ¥250 per transaction. That means one fee covers multiple listings if you combine your order.
We offer free consolidation for up to 5 items, along with 45 days of free storage. This allows you to:
・Wait for more purchases to arrive
・Combine multiple shipments into one
・Pay international shipping only once
Our packaging team ensures that every item is safely and compactly packed, reducing box size and overall weight — which helps you save even more on shipping.
We support all major shipping carriers, and you choose the one that fits your budget and speed:
Package Type | Recommended Carrier |
Small & Light (under 2kg) | Small Packet (Air) |
Small & Heavy (2–10kg) | FedEx / DHL / UPS |
Large & Light | EMS |
Large & Heavy | FedEx / DHL / UPS |
・If you're not in a rush, sea shipping is available for large orders at discounted rates.
・Not sure what's best? Our support team can help you choose the most economical shipping method for your region and needs.
Shipping Simulator > Get real-time shipping estimates based on weight and location.
Use our Deposit system to enjoy 0% transaction fees and avoid hidden currency exchange markups.
・No hidden PayPal or credit card surcharges
・Instant top-ups and prepaid balance options
Learn more: Deposit & Payment Options
Ready to source from Mercari, Surugaya, or Yahoo Auctions — with low fees, transparent pricing, and real human support?
Create your free J-Subculture account and start shopping smarter.
Still have questions? Visit our full FAQ page for detailed answers on fees, shipping, payments, and more.
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If you're not sure how to use our service, please contact us [here]. We're happy to help!