Designer handbags are expensive and not everyone can afford them. For budget-conscious individuals, second-hand bags not only allow you to own luxury brands at a lower price, but vintage styles also have a unique charm. In recent years, the trend of second-hand bags has resurged, attracting many vintage enthusiasts to purchase!
Unable to personally select items at Japanese second-hand stores, you might worry about being scammed when shopping online. The editor suggests choosing some popular online second-hand stores, which the government strictly regulates. Here are several reputable second-hand stores on Rakuten Japan!
Table of Contents (Click to Jump)
→Grading and Certification of Japanese Second-hand Store
→Best Second-hand Stores on Rakuten Japan
→Rakuten Japan Online Shopping Guide
Japanese Second-hand Store Grading and Certification
When shopping online, you can only judge the condition of a handbag through the seller’s product images. How can you accurately determine the condition of a bag without seeing it in person? The Japanese second-hand industry has specialized bag grading standards. By checking the grade letter, you can know the condition of the bag.
- SA grade: Same as new. No signs of use. Price is 10%~15% cheaper than brand new.
- A grade: Excellent condition. Some signs of use, corners basically have no wear, but can be ignored.
- AB grade: Good condition. Some scratches on the exterior, can be used normally.
- B grade: Average condition. More obvious scratches and stains on the exterior, strong signs of use, but can be used normally.
- C grade: Somewhat unacceptable. Many obvious scratches and stains on the exterior, but can be used.
Antique Dealer License
As Japanese people’s intention to buy and sell used items continues to increase, the laws governing second-hand stores are constantly being improved.
According to Article 3 of Japan’s Secondhand Articles Dealer Act, all secondhand dealers or markets need to obtain a secondhand dealer license from the designated Public Safety Commission (police station). Therefore, stores displaying an “Antique Dealer License” give consumers more confidence.
AACD Certification
The Anti-Counterfeit and Anti-Diversion Products Distribution Association (AACD) consists of over 100 distributors who handle parallel imports and second-hand brand products.
If a second-hand store’s official website displays the “AACD” certification, it means the store has passed inspection and certification, and has the qualifications and experience for safe purchases.
Recommended Japanese Rakuten Second-hand Stores
Buysell – Prada Re-Nylon Medium Backpack
Buysell has won awards in the Japanese second-hand store competition for two consecutive years. The store has over 30,000 second-hand items, selling many popular brands e.g. Hermès, Chanel, LV
This Prada black nylon backpack is AB grade, which means it’s in good condition with some slight signs of use. The bag uses Prada’s signature recycled nylon with exquisite Saffiano leather details, and adorned with the classic inverted triangle logo.
Local brand new price: GBP1,700
Rakuten second-hand price: GBP295.92 (JPY59,800)
VECTOR – Burberry Checked Cotton Shirt
With over a decade of experience and a curated collection of over 10,000 items, the Hiroshima vintage store boasts a team of expert buyers who handpick each piece.
This vintage Burberry check shirt, in excellent condition, showcases Burberry’s iconic check pattern on a luxurious cotton silk fabricfor a timeless and effortlessly stylish look.
Local brand new price：GBP520
Rakuten second-hand price：GBP51.46 (JPY10,400)
Vintage Brand Tokyo
Until June 26th, snag incredible deals on over 500 authentic luxury items from brands like HERMES and LV, starting from just 8,000 yen and extra coupon of up to 2,000 yen off!
Located in western Tokyo, this shop is the largest of its kind in the Kanto region, boasting an extensive collection of pre-loved treasures with their curated selection of jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, and cameras.
Smile Group
Discover incredible deals from brands like HERMES and PRADA in the clearance sale starting from just 3,980 yen!
A trusted member of the AACD, we guarantee the authenticity of every item. Thier team of certified appraisers, accredited by the Japan Jewelry Association, provides professional authentication and consignment services.
Brand City
With a legacy spanning 16 years on Rakuten and four physical stores across Japan, this duty-free haven offers an exquisite selection of over 40 luxury brands.
Discover coveted names like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Rolex, and Cartier, all meticulously authenticated and hand-selected by expert buyers!
VintageShop solo
This shop specializes in pre-owned luxury handbags and wallets, boasting a curated selection of trendy and sought-after styles. For those seeking the latest designs, regular browsing is a must!
Enjoy additional discounts when you spend above a certain amount, making your luxury shopping experience even more rewarding.
💡 Note: Product prices, quantities etc. may change due to sales. All subject to change. We do not own any of the pictures above nor affiliated with the brands mentioned. All credits are due to all of the brands featured in the article unless otherwise specified.
Rakuten Japan Online Shopping Guide
Step 1
Go to Buy&Ship website to log in or register as a member.
Step 2
Fill in your first and last name, email address and set your account password. Click “Sign Up” once details are completed.
Step 3
Browse on Rakuten Japan to pick your favourite item, you can add item into your cart or checkout immediately.
Step 4
Go to your shopping cart, select “茨城県 (Ibaraki Prefecture)” as the shipping location from the upper right corner.
Check and make sure correct items are added into cart, and proceed.
Step 5
Sign into your Rakuten account. If you’re not a Rakuten member, you can register as a member below by filling in the form.
Step 6
Fill in delivery address. Go to the “Overseas Warehouse Address” on your Buyandship member centre and select “Japan” to view the information of Buyandship’s Japan warehouse.
In the name session, please enter your name and Buyandship membership number (e.g. UKXXXXXX). For the “フリガナ“, you need to convert your name into Japanese Katakana (click here to convert). Once it’s converted, copy and paste it onto the name bar.
Step 7
You can choose whether to register as a member on Rakuten. If you don’t want to register, you can click the second box “楽天会員に登録しない”.
It’s highly recommended to register as a member if you shop often on Rakuten as you can save payment and shipping details on your account for faster checkout next time, and earn points!
Set your password if you proceed with registration.
Step 8
Proceed onto payment page, fill in your credit card information to settle the payment, and then click “次へ”.
Step 9
Confirm your order information, and then click “OK” (the red box shown). You’ll receive email confirmation once order is submitted.
Step 10
Once you’ve received a shipping notification email from Rakuten, go to your member centre and declare the shipment on Buyandship to receive your package as soon as possible!
💡 Members can purchase Enhanced Plan during the parcel declaration process. The fee will be 3% of the declared value of your parcel, which will be collected together with the delivery fee.