Mercari, Rakuma, and Instagram DMs: Issues with Transfers and Troubles.
2019.02.25 published
Is there really no problem with "Oyuozuri"???
After the wedding, brides (卒花さん) sell their wedding goods through "Oyuozuri."
Sometimes these items are sold via platforms like Mercari or Rakuma, while other times, transactions occur directly through DMs or comments on Instagram or blogs.
This is a new way of distributing goods, often referred to among brides as "Happiness Baton."
In the past, individuals had to take items to recycling shops or pawnshops to sell, but recently, person-to-person transactions of used items have become revolutionary!
Though the term "sharing economy" has garnered attention, it's remarkable that instead of everyone buying new products from companies, people can now purchase used items at lower prices from strangers, not only at flea markets or bazaars but also through smartphones.
Selling used items on Mercari and flea market apps to make extra pocket money is having a significant global impact.
Clothing, accessories, interior goods, and even cars and properties are now seen as investment or rental items that can be sold beforehand.
This allows for a perspective like: "Even if I bought it for 1 million yen brand new, I can sell it for 600,000 yen, so essentially, that's just 400,000 yen!"
The idea of "passing on good things without throwing them away or stashing them away to someone who wants them" is great, but there are those who are:
☑ Not used to selling used items
☑ Sellers with ill intentions
So it is essential to discern carefully.
If you end up interacting with such inexperienced or ill-intentioned sellers...
For example, let's look at what kind of trouble might arise. A bride shared her experience with "Here’s what actually happened!"
Oyuozuri Trouble: Things to Watch Out For ①
Since we had to provide the original CD for the BGM at the reception ourselves, I found an "Oyuozuri" CD on Instagram to get it cheaply... 1,000 yen.
I fell victim to a bit of a scam 😢
I sent a DM without suspicion because the seller, who created an account for Oyuozuri, posted not just the CD but other items they likely used at their wedding!
The other person kindly sent me another photo of the actual CD, so I went ahead and sent the money, but the product never arrived...
With the wedding approaching, I repeatedly urged them, saying I needed it by a certain date, but
“I will send it by ○ date.”
“I have a sudden urgent matter and must return to my family home, but I will send it by ○ date at the latest.”
This repeated until I ultimately lost contact. 😢
The amount wasn’t large, but it was such an unexpected situation that made me uneasy until the wedding day. 💦
I actually thought that I should have proceeded with preparations without getting too caught up in the keyword of 'cheap.' 💦
To the brides-to-be who are preparing, I hope they become aware of such risks and can avoid them as much as possible for a satisfying wedding! ❤️
Oyuozuri Trouble: Things to Watch Out For ➁
I ask all the questions about the things I'm concerned about. Additionally, dealing through a flea market app instead of direct transactions is reassuring.
Oyuozuri Trouble: Things to Watch Out For ③
There was a case where someone said they would buy, but didn't make a payment.
It's certainly safer to conduct transactions through Mercari or reputable sites... 🙌
Also, I received payment and shipped the item, but it was never received... 💦
They offered to pay for shipping again, but no matter how long I waited, there was no transfer, and after multiple DMs with no replies, I had no choice but to pass it on to someone else... 💦
Oyuozuri Trouble: Things to Watch Out For ④
I received a ribbon shower and gloves from a卒花嫁さん. 😄
In the prefecture where I live, we've had gatherings for brides, and since I had become friends with them there, I was able to receive the items without major trouble.
I think that Oyuozuri works well when there's a visible relationship, avoiding troubles! ♡
(When transferring items to someone in another prefecture, keeping in close communication could help in avoiding problems too...)
Oyuozuri Trouble: Things to Watch Out For ⑤
I received a famous imported brand dress, but although I was told it was the first owner, it was revealed in an Instagram comment that it was actually the second owner.
I was quite disappointed because I was thinking, "Well, if it's the second owner, this price isn't bad..." when I paid the amount to become the third owner.
Upon calculating, it turned out that the first owner got to wear that dress for zero yen according to the pricing.
To begin with, I dislike the idea that the first owner bought the dress at full price planning to sell it for half, engaging in such profit-loss calculations initially.
Additionally, I thought it was terrible for someone to lie to benefit themselves...
Consider the Risks When Transferring Items!
Buying and selling items from individuals through flea market apps or DMs rather than stores is:
☑ Often cheaper than buying from stores
☑ Can buy items not sold at stores
☑ Allows you to resell items you've bought and recoup the costs
There are many benefits, but the likelihood of trouble occurring is higher than when buying or selling through a store... so it's wise to consider that before proceeding.
Please be careful and shop with a sense of assurance, aiming to engage in honest and kind interactions! ♩