eBay is one of the largest destinations for bargain hunters where a plethora of vintage, preowned, and designer products across the site. Oftentimes, photos and descriptions of items can be deceiving, so you never know the quality of the item until you open that package.
As a result, American buyers (specifically those who have name brand taste) have been switching to Japanese eBay.
What Is Japanese eBay?
Now, you’re probably thinking this is the Japanese version of the popular e-commerce site. At one point, a the e-commerce site created one in 2001. Three years later, the company shut it down because it failed to appeal to its target audience, according to Japan Rabbit. Although the site hasn’t existed for over 20 years, purchasing merchandise from Japanese-based eBay sellers has become increasingly popular. Since the country is strict with their laws about counterfeits, deal seekers who are searching for quality secondhand designer bags are flocking to it, VICE states.
Philadelphia-based TikTok creator Whitney (@wokemama) is one of them.
Prada Bag Success
“So, this is my first Japanese eBay purchase,” she says, holding up a faded Prada Canapa denim tote bag. “This bag is supposed be super used.” When she lifts the bag, there isn’t a tear or scratch in sight. “There’s the normal wear but it’s a denim bag. Denim is meant to be[…]distressed,” the content creator says. “She’s cute. I like her. She doesn’t have a smell.”
Then, Whitney examines other areas of the bag, which is clean and crisp. “The hardware, she’s shiny. Inside, she clean,” the content creator says. Not only is her bag in neatly immaculate condition, she discovered an unexpected surprise.
“I didn’t even know this because it wasn’t even in the listing: Authenticity card and the original tag,” she shares, holding a leather burgundy tag. To top it all off, the package arrived within days. “I think I ordered this last Saturday and it was here by Tuesday,” she says.
Needless to say, the content creator intends to purchase more from the Brand Street Tokyo seller. “I got bit by that bug bad and I will be back,” she concludes.
Viewers Sang Their Praises
The clip garnered over 225,000 views. Like Whitney, viewers were fixated on this section of the auction site.
“Japanese eBay got my sought after LeCreuset items. Japanese sellers have me hooked,” one viewer commented.
“Girl! where do you think I get my Birkins!! They even have the stamp inside, I sell them here stateside for $300, love them!!” another applauded.
“I’m addicted… I’m in my 6th order in 2 months,” a third stated.
Meanwhile, those who weren’t aware were others rushing to it.
“Let me head over to Japanese EBay,” one commenter said.
“How do you get to said Japanese eBay?” a second asked.
Because viewers requested, Whitney shared in the comments section how access it. “On eBay, go to ‘advance settings,’ type what you want in the top search bar, then scroll down until you see location and select Japan,” she explained.
@thewokemama Replying to @Bree Sharee Reads let’s talk about it Bag from @Brand Street Tokyo ♬ original sound – Shirley Chisholm Folding Chair
The Mary Sue reached out to Whitney via email and TikTok comment.
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Melody Heald
Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]
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