Many people still seem to be hesitant about buying bicycles online.

Therefore, I would like to share how I distinguish between good and bad stores, and the optimal payment methods.

Change your payment method between domestic Japan and overseas

I frequently use online shopping, not just for bicycles.

Some people who are not very familiar with online shopping still say that credit cards are scary.

Honestly, regarding that opinion, for domestic shopping in Japan, I might exclaim, "Still!?", but for international online shopping, I would say, "That's a good idea!"

Credit card fraud in domestic online shopping in Japan is thought to be almost non-existent.

In cases of fraud, it's overwhelmingly the type where deductions are made even if nothing was purchased.

On the other hand, for overseas websites, credit card fraud is still prevalent.

For example, you might see a message like, "Please use your credit card for verification. It's a 0-yen transaction, so please register."

Being Japanese, I optimistically interpreted it as, "Oh, maybe they're using my credit card company's credibility? Like, I'm a trustworthy person if I can hold a credit card..."

Yes, this is an example of my own mistake.

The idea that a 0-yen credit card transaction is necessary to download free software sounds strange in retrospect, but when you're caught up in it, you don't question it.

What happened was that small amounts, like 180 yen and 250 yen, were deducted from my credit card every 10 minutes.

Are you aware?

When you make payments at stores you don't usually use, or for high-value items, your card company's security system may block the transaction.

My transaction was also blocked by the card company's security, so I didn't incur any damage.

In my opinion, using a credit card for international online shopping is not a very good idea.

PayPal is recommended for international online shopping

For international payments, some payment methods incorporate PayPal.

I recommend stores that offer this.

This is because PayPal is thoroughly buyer-centric.

If, after purchasing, the product doesn't arrive, or it's different from what you ordered, or there's any discrepancy, PayPal will intervene on your behalf, not the store, even after payment, and compensate you if there's any damage.

In other words, PayPal only contracts with reputable stores.

Any store with problems will have its account frozen immediately.

Domestic and international online shopping have different norms

When you purchase from overseas, you are buying from a place with different living conditions, language, and customs.

While you can gradually learn, there are countless differences compared to domestic online shopping in Japan.

For example, if you buy something in Japan, the product will likely arrive the next day or the day after.

However, for overseas purchases, it can take about 1 to 1.5 weeks by airmail, and 3 weeks to a month by sea mail.

Chinese factories are quick to ship, so you'll first receive shipping information and a tracking number, which virtually eliminates anxiety if you know about it.

America is surprisingly lax, and it's not uncommon for shipping to take about a week after purchase.

This is likely due to national character, so we (in Japan) can only imagine it based on our own customs.

Regarding packaging, Japan is probably one of the most meticulous countries in the world.

It's not uncommon to be surprised by the packaging when purchasing from overseas with a Japanese sensibility.

International online shopping has its own appeal

While it's understandable to avoid international online shopping if you're worried, it also has a unique appeal.

For example, at ICAN, there are few other stores where you can get carbon parts at such prices.

Compared to shops in America or Europe, the price can sometimes be a full digit different.

Moreover, the materials are often Japanese-made, which adds to their credibility.

It's usually impossible to obtain products of that quality at such prices.

Furthermore, ICAN is a global company with a long history of operations, so you can feel secure.

The fact that they have Japanese-speaking staff is also an attractive point.

Before buying, you should consult them thoroughly and ask all your concerns.

What is the shipping method?

Approximately how many days until it arrives in XX prefecture?

Airmail? Seamail?

Will customs duties be incurred?

What happens if it breaks during delivery?

What happens if different parts from what I ordered arrive?

It's natural to feel anxious about your first international online purchase.

I believe there are stores that address these anxieties and those that don't.

For beginners, I recommend buying from stores that address your concerns.

Initially, it might be difficult to distinguish between good and bad stores.

For me, a clear indicator of reassurance is whether PayPal is offered as a payment method.

Domestic and Amazon shipping also available

What's amazing about ICAN is that some parts are stocked in warehouses in Japan.

Since online shopping from overseas is considered personal import, customs duties may be incurred in some cases.

For domestic shipping within Japan, customs duties are absolutely not incurred.

This provides peace of mind.

Furthermore, if you buy from the Amazon site, the sender is Amazon in Japan.

In this case, Amazon would be the trusted party, and your product will definitely arrive, and Amazon will guarantee it if anything goes wrong.

I've rarely seen a store that offers such comprehensive support.

You too should shop smartly and take advantage of the benefits of online shopping.

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