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Did anyone ever order something from eBay from Japan?

Yes. A few years ago, I ordered a discontinued Vox guitar that I had meant to get when it was out about 10 years ago.

It took about 30 days to get here, and it was packaged only in a gig bag, and a weird type of rigid, clear bubble wrap that I had never seen before. But it made it, and in one piece.

Have bought several camera lenses, and a denim jacket from Japan too. The lenses were E-Bay, and the jacket was via Rakuten. No issues with those transactions.

It all depends on the seller, of course. But if they have a decent reputation, and you are purchasing through the E-Bay platform, and/or using a debit or credit card with built-in fraud protections, you are likely going to be OK when the dust settles, even if there is a problem.
 
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While my statement might not fit all sellers in Japan I will say they generally are neurotic about descriptions and details with items being sold. I have been in many used camera stores and what they describe as a 8 or 9 is likely mint. That grading might be based on a .05 cm scratch on a grip, or a minuscule piece of dust in the corner of lens. I ordered a professional level camera that was delivered on time and in near perfect condition. Sure there are scammers in all countries and industries but my past experience make me believe they are good international sellers. Besides I think eBay and PayPal insure your purchases.
 
I've bought and sold to Japan, it's hit or miss using Buyee. I've had a few take forever and show up with a lot more wear than the photos / description showed. Buying direct from shops on the other hand has been positive, usually well packed and shipped quickly. If it was made in the USA there are not fees but if it's foreign made expect to get an extra bill especially from DHL
 
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If you did, what was it like? Did they try to screw ya or did they deliver the goods?

As recently as this past year and as long ago as ten or so years ago, I bought various items from either stores or individuals who were in Japan (one was a Frenchman). All the transactions were good; and shipping to the US was sometimes quicker than within the US. On eBay and Reverb, I bought pedals, vintage vacuum tubes, and probably random electronics.
 
Impatiently waiting for EMS to come back online for Canada...they've not been shipping here for ages.
THIS. The biggest issue with shipping from Japan for us lads north of the border. For any Canadians out here, you're most likely going to have to deal with either FedEx or DHL, one charges you customs the fee AFTER you get the item, the other extorts you with your purchased item UNTIL you pay the customs.
Service availability by country - Japan Post
 
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I recently bought a Japanese Boss pedal. Everything OK, except that it was sent on DHL and they charge for some extra services they say they perform (this is in addition to customs and the shipping fee that appears on eBay).
Maybe it depends on where you live (or maybe not).
 
I actually purchased an Aria bass, from a seller who has been BASHED on here, multiple times, BEFORE I knew of his "reputation."

The bass arrived quick, well packed, and in BETTER than described condition. Guess I got lucky...
 

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