For new customers

New Customer Trade Guide

Learn how Nakajima handles applications, prepaid purchasing funds, purchasing limits, quotations, orders, arrivals, international shipping, and after-sales support.

Starting Long-term Wholesale Cooperation with Nakajima

NAKAJIMA SYOUJI CO., LTD provides Japanese product sourcing and export services to overseas wholesalers, distributors, trading companies, physical retailers, online stores, and established social-media or live-commerce sellers with stable sales capabilities.

Our long-term B2B model combines prepaid purchasing funds with a purchasing and reservation limit. After passing the application review and making the initial prepayment, new customers may purchase in-stock or reserved goods against a quotation. As the relationship develops, Nakajima may recognize a customer as established, grant SFE inquiry access, and remove the per-order quotation step.

In this guide, “business days” means business days in Japan, excluding weekends and Japanese public holidays. All quotations, invoices, payments, freight charges, and refunds are settled in Japanese yen (JPY).

Trading Process

1. Submitting a Trading Application

Please provide the following information when submitting an application:

  • Registered company name and address
  • Company registration certificate
  • Contact person, registered email, and other contact details
  • Company website, online store, or social media sales page
  • Main target countries for sales, sales channels, and product categories
  • Estimated purchase amount
  • Actual import experience
  • Import permits or other required documents from the destination country (if applicable)

Nakajima reviews the application documents, sales capability, import experience, and suitability for long-term cooperation. Review may take up to 10 Japanese business days. The result will be approval, a request for additional information, or rejection.

Upon approval, Nakajima will manually send bank account details and instructions for the first advance payment. Submitting an application does not signify a trading relationship has been established, nor guarantee any product inventory or pricing.

2. Paying the First Advance Purchase Payment

The minimum initial prepaid purchasing amount is 200,000 JPY. Customers may pay a higher amount. Payment is made by bank transfer, and each party bears the fees charged by its own bank.

The remittance information must accurately identify the applying company, contact person, registered email address, and payment amount. Nakajima credits the actual JPY amount received by its bank and sends receipt and balance confirmation within 3 Japanese business days.

Advance Purchase Payment:

  • Can be used for goods payments and international shipping fees
  • No expiration date
  • Does not accrue interest
  • Belongs solely to the applying company, cannot be transferred to another company or individual
  • Can be replenished as needed based on subsequent purchases
  • Does not represent Nakajima's guarantee of product inventory, pricing, or delivery time

3. Obtaining a Purchasing and Reservation Limit

After making the minimum initial prepayment, a new customer receives a purchasing and reservation limit based on the remaining prepaid balance and cumulative historical goods payments. This is the combined exposure limit for in-stock purchases and reserved goods; it is not additional cash or a loan.

Calculation Method:

Purchasing and Reservation Limit = Remaining Prepaid Balance × 400% + Cumulative Historical Goods Payments × 10%

For example, a new customer that prepays 200,000 JPY and has no transaction history initially receives a combined purchasing and reservation limit of up to 800,000 JPY.

If 800,000 JPY of purchased and reserved goods all arrive, the 200,000 JPY prepayment is applied and the customer pays the remaining 600,000 JPY. After settlement, the prepaid balance is zero and cumulative historical goods payments are 800,000 JPY, creating a new limit of 80,000 JPY. The customer may also add more prepaid funds to increase the available limit.

When an order is confirmed, its estimated value first occupies the purchasing and reservation limit. Once the goods reach Nakajima’s warehouse, settlement is based on the actual quantity received and the applicable price. If the available limit is insufficient, the customer must add prepaid funds before procurement begins.

4. Quotation and Order Placement

New customers should provide:

  • JAN
  • Product name
  • Quantity ordered

Nakajima’s quotations typically list the unit price, quotation validity period, and estimated delivery time. The validity period is uniformly 7 days. Estimated delivery times indicate approximate timelines but are not guaranteed delivery dates.

Customers can confirm quotations via registered email or designated shared cloud storage. Upon confirmation, Nakajima will start procurement; confirmed orders that have already started cannot be canceled.

Manufacturer stock, prices, minimum order quantities, and delivery schedules may change. A price change after order confirmation does not require a new quotation or reconfirmation; final settlement follows the actual procurement and arrival conditions.

There is no separate minimum amount for later orders, but quantities must follow the manufacturer’s published minimum order quantity or shipping unit. The quantity received may therefore exceed the quantity entered by the customer, and charges are based on the actual quantity received.

5. Mature Customer Process

Customers who can independently estimate order amounts based on publicly available retail prices and fixed discounts without needing individual quotations are recognized as mature customers by Nakajima.

Mature Customers:

  • Submit orders via designated shared cloud storage
  • Orders submitted are considered confirmed, with procurement starting immediately; no additional quotations required
  • Estimate order amounts but final settlement is based on actual amounts
  • Obtain SFE system login permissions
  • Can view arrival and billing information in SFE, including historical bills

The SFE advance purchase balance query function is still under development and not yet available to customers. The SFE account is limited to the applying company and designated contacts; it cannot be transferred or shared with third parties. If SFE functionality is temporarily unavailable, no alternative channels are provided.

6. Arrival, Billing, and Payment

Nakajima warehouse arrival confirmation checks only JAN and quantity, not product quality, function, or completeness. As long as the JAN matches, goods will still be delivered even if the manufacturer changes packaging, color, specifications, or accessories.

Nakajima prepares invoices based on actual arrivals. Goods are settled according to their actual quantities and applicable prices. Customers must complete payment within 3 working days of receiving the amount due notice.

International remittances are considered timely based on the date and time when the bank generates the remittance voucher, not when funds later arrive in Nakajima’s bank account. Customers must submit the remittance voucher through designated channels within the specified period.

If customers fail to pay after multiple manual reminders, Nakajima may terminate cooperation unilaterally. Confirmed and reserved orders must still be fully completed and settled before any remaining advance purchase balance can be refunded.

7. Supply Changes and Reservation Orders

  • A manufacturer delay generally does not allow the customer to cancel a confirmed order.
  • If a manufacturer discontinues a product or cancels supply, the undelivered portion is automatically canceled and the related amount is restored to the customer’s prepaid purchasing balance.
  • If actual arrival quantities fall short of confirmed quantities, undelivered portions typically remain as reservation orders.
  • When original products are unavailable, Nakajima generally does not offer alternative product suggestions.
  • Customers can contact Nakajima before procurement begins to negotiate order modifications; once procurement starts, cancellations are not allowed.

Waiting for consolidated shipments is not subject to a unified storage period as long as it remains within the customer’s advance purchase balance and procurement quota.

8. Packaging and International Shipping

When goods are ready or customers decide to ship, Nakajima packages them and informs of final international shipping fees. International shipping fees can be deducted from the advance purchase balance; if insufficient, customers must replenish funds before shipment.

Nakajima may recommend international shipping methods and carriers, but the customer decides and bears the costs. Standard shipping documents include order forms, commercial invoices, and packing lists; country of origin certificates may be issued as needed. Cargo insurance is arranged only upon request by the customer, with fees borne by them.

Packaging, standard packaging materials, and special reinforcement are not charged separately. When goods cannot be shipped together, customers can choose to wait for consolidated shipments or ship in separate batches; additional international shipping fees from separate shipments are borne by the customer.

Import duties, import VAT, clearance fees, and local delivery charges are the responsibility of the customer and not deducted from the advance purchase balance.

9. Shipping Risks and Claims

Risk of loss or damage transfers to the customer once goods are delivered to an international carrier; specific issues can be resolved through mutual agreement. Nakajima continuously monitors logistics progress until arrival, communicating with customers upon discovering potential losses.

Customers must file claims directly with carriers or insurers; Nakajima will provide necessary assistance throughout the process. Claim evidence is determined on a case-by-case basis according to carrier or insurer requirements.

For goods that have been delivered, transport damage, an incorrect JAN, or a quantity discrepancy must be reported within 2 Japanese business days after receipt. If an entire shipment has not arrived, there is no fixed deadline based on a receipt date; the parties communicate according to the actual tracking situation.

Customers who do not purchase insurance or receive insufficient compensation from carriers or insurers will not be compensated by Nakajima; however, both parties can still negotiate a resolution. Compensation paid by carriers or insurers is fully credited to the customer’s advance purchase balance. Refunds are not processed through banks during continued cooperation.

10. Manufacturing Defects, Returns, and After-sales

Manufacturing defects are not subject to a 2 working day reporting period after delivery. Customers should contact Nakajima upon discovering issues for resolution based on product, defect, and manufacturer’s handling methods.

Before returning goods, customers must obtain written consent from Nakajima. Packaging, labels, and attachments retention requirements, as well as refund amounts, methods, and timing post-defect confirmation, are determined case-by-case. Original shipping fees, import taxes, and return shipping costs are also negotiated between both parties.

Nakajima does not accept returns or exchanges because the customer changed its mind, ordered incorrectly, or caused the issue for another customer-related reason.

11. Import Compliance and Customs

The legality of importing, selling, and using goods in the destination country, as well as compliance or certification responsibilities, are confirmed on a case-by-case basis according to specific product requirements and local regulations. Nakajima does not guarantee the provision of required test reports, compliance certificates, or other special documents.

Nakajima explicitly refuses under-declaration of value, false declarations of goods names, quantities, origins, or other customs information.

When goods are detained, returned, confiscated, or destroyed due to destination country regulations or customer lack of permits or certifications, Nakajima is not responsible for related costs. If errors in commercial invoices, packing lists, or declaration documents by Nakajima cause customs issues, both parties will negotiate a resolution.

12. Terminating Cooperation and Balance Refunds

Customers must submit written applications via registered email from the designated contact person to terminate cooperation. All confirmed orders, reserved goods, and other payable fees must be fully completed and settled first.

After final settlement, Nakajima processes the remaining prepaid purchasing balance refund within 7 Japanese business days. Refunds are made in JPY and, in principle, only to a bank account in the applying company’s name. The customer bears the refund and intermediary-bank fees.

During continued cooperation, factory stockouts, canceled supplies, shipping compensation, or other refunded amounts are credited to the advance purchase balance without bank remittances.

13. Notifications, Responsibilities, and Dispute Resolution

Information sent via registered email, designated shared cloud storage, or SFE system is considered formal notifications; customers must confirm them promptly. Changes in company name, contact person, email, or refund bank account require written notice and Nakajima’s approval to take effect.

Providing false information, long-term non-payment, illegal requests, violations of export or import regulations, or severe disruption of the relationship may lead to unilateral termination by Nakajima.

Nakajima is not responsible for delays or failures due to natural disasters, wars, pandemics, strikes, factory shutdowns, shipping disruptions, customs measures, or other factors beyond its control. Nakajima also does not cover customers’ lost resale profits, reputation damage, or indirect losses; if such losses occur, Nakajima will share relevant information.

In case of disputes, both parties should first attempt to resolve them through negotiation. If negotiations fail, jurisdiction lies with the courts in Tokyo, Japan.

Ready to Start Cooperation?

Please submit a trading application and fill out company details, target countries, sales channels, desired products, JAN, estimated quantities, budget, and import experience as completely as possible. Upon approval, Nakajima will send instructions for the first advance purchase payment and bank transfer details.

First Advance Purchase Payment: Minimum 200,000 JPY

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, product inventory, pricing, or delivery dates. Nakajima will contact customers based on their application materials and actual supply conditions.

FAQ

New Customer FAQ

Common questions about Nakajima applications, prepaid purchasing funds, purchasing limits, quotations, arrivals, shipping, returns, and ending the business relationship.

Application and Review

Who Can Apply for Cooperation?

Overseas wholesalers, distributors, trading companies, physical retailers, online stores, as well as social media sellers, content creators, and live stream e-commerce operators with stable sales capabilities and actual import experience can apply. Retail consumers are not eligible for this cooperation model.

Is Import Experience Required?

Yes. Actual import experience is a necessary condition for applying for cooperation.

What Documentation Should Be Provided During Application?

Typically includes company registered name and address, registration certificate, contact person and email, website or sales page, countries and channels of sale, categories of goods sold, expected purchase amount, import experience, as well as permits or certificates required by the destination country. Nakajima may request additional documentation based on review requirements.

How Long Does the Review Take?

It can take up to 10 Japanese business days.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of the Review?

Review outcomes include approval, need for additional documentation, or rejection. If additional documentation is required, payment instructions will not be sent until all documents are submitted and reviewed.

How Can I Obtain Bank Information After Approval?

After completing the basic review, Nakajima sends the bank account details and initial prepayment instructions directly to the customer. Bank instructions are not provided before approval.

Advance Purchase Funds and Credit Limits

What Is the Minimum Amount for the First Advance?

The minimum first advance is 200,000 JPY, but customers can also pay higher amounts.

What Are Advance Purchase Funds?

They are funds that customers pre-deposit to cover subsequent goods payments and international shipping fees. They are not membership fees, security deposits, or interest-bearing accounts.

For Which Fees Can the Advance Purchase Funds Be Used?

Only for goods payments and international shipping fees. Import duties, import VAT, clearance fees, and local delivery charges are borne by the customer separately.

Will the Advance Purchase Funds Expire or Generate Interest?

No, they do not expire and no interest is generated.

Can the Advance Purchase Funds Be Transferred to Another Company or Individual?

No. The balance only belongs to the company that has passed the review and cannot be transferred.

Can Additional Advance Purchase Funds Be Added?

Yes. Customers can add funds based on orders and available credit at any time.

Who Bears the Remittance Fees?

Fees are borne by each party for their respective bank charges during remittances. During termination of cooperation, refund and intermediary bank fees are borne by the customer.

How Is the Amount of Advance Funds Recorded in the Balance?

The credited amount is the actual JPY received by Nakajima’s bank. Nakajima normally sends receipt and balance confirmation within 3 Japanese business days.

Does Paying an Advance Guarantee Inventory and Pricing?

No guarantee is provided. Each purchase still depends on manufacturer inventory, pricing, minimum order quantities, and supply conditions.

How Are Purchase and Reservation Credit Limits Calculated?

Purchase and reservation credit limits are calculated as "remaining advance balance × 400% + cumulative historical goods payment amount × 10%". This limit represents the combined upper limit for spot purchases and reservations, not additional funds provided by Nakajima.

Why Can an Initial Purchase or Reservation of up to 800,000 JPY Be Made After Paying 200,000 JPY?

When there is no historical purchase record, the initial credit limit comes from 400% of the remaining advance balance. Therefore, 200,000 JPY can form an initial purchase and reservation credit limit of up to 800,000 JPY.

What Should Be Done When Credit Limits Are Insufficient?

Customers must replenish advance purchase funds before placing orders. If the pre-paid balance is insufficient to cover final international shipping fees after packaging, additional payments are required before shipment.

Will Unfulfilled Orders Result in Direct Bank Refunds if Manufacturers Go Out of Stock or Cancel Supply?

No. Any unused or restored amounts remain in the customer's advance purchase balance for future purchases. Only after all orders and expenses have been settled can a bank refund be processed upon termination of cooperation.

Quotations, Orders, and Mature Customers

What Information Is Required to Place an Order as a New Customer?

Please provide JAN, product name, and order quantity.

What Does the Quotation Include?

Typically includes unit price, 7-day quotation validity period, and estimated delivery time. The estimated delivery time is a rough timeframe, not a guaranteed arrival date.

How Can I Confirm the Quotation?

New customers can confirm quotations via their registered email or designated shared cloud storage.

Can Orders Be Cancelled After Confirmation?

Orders cannot be cancelled after procurement has started. Customers may contact Nakajima to negotiate modifications before procurement begins if errors are discovered.

Are There Minimum Order Amounts for Subsequent Orders?

No. After the initial minimum advance, there is no additional minimum order amount required for subsequent orders.

Is There a Minimum Order Quantity for Products?

The manufacturer's published minimum order quantity or shipping unit applies. This information may not be included in Nakajima’s quotations.

Why Might Actual Delivery Be Higher Than Ordered?

If customers do not meet the manufacturer's minimum order quantity or shipping units, the manufacturer may deliver according to their minimum quantities. Payments are based on actual delivery amounts.

Do Prices Increase After Order Confirmation?

No need for reconfirmation. The final amount is based on the latest procurement and delivery conditions, and customers adjust subsequent purchase plans according to the latest actual delivery prices.

What Are Mature Customers?

Customers who can estimate approximate prices based on manufacturer retail prices and fixed discounts without needing individual quotations are considered mature customers by Nakajima.

How Can Mature Customers Place Orders?

Orders are submitted through designated shared cloud storage. Once submitted, they are formally confirmed, and Nakajima can start procurement without further quoting.

What Can Mature Customers View in SFE?

Currently, they can view delivery status, invoices, and historical invoices. The pre-paid balance query function is still under development and not yet available.

Can the SFE Account Be Shared?

No. The account is limited to the applying company and designated contacts; it cannot be transferred or shared with third parties.

Can Email Queries Be Used When SFE Is Unavailable?

No. There are no alternative query channels provided when the SFE function is temporarily unavailable.

Delivery, Invoices, and Payments

What Does Nakajima Inspect Upon Warehouse Entry?

Only JAN and quantity verification; no quality, functionality, or completeness inspections are conducted.

Will Deliveries Be Made Even If Manufacturers Change Packaging or Specifications?

Delivery confirmation is based on JAN. Consistent JAN means that even if packaging, color, specifications, or attachments change, goods will still be delivered according to the received items.

When Are Invoices Created?

Nakajima creates invoices based on actual delivery conditions; there are no fixed batch or consolidated billing cycles.

How Is the Goods Payment Calculated?

Based on the actual quantity of goods received at Nakajima's warehouse and applicable prices.

Within What Timeframe Must Payments Be Made After Notifying the Amount Due?

Customers must pay within 3 Japanese business days after receiving notice of the amount due.

If International Remittances Do Not Arrive Within 3 Workdays, What Should I Do?

Timeliness is based on the date and time generated by the bank's remittance voucher. Customers must submit the remittance voucher through designated channels within the specified period.

Are There Reporting Periods for Discrepancies in Invoices?

No fixed periods apply. Contact Nakajima promptly to verify any issues discovered.

What Happens if Payments Are Long-Term Delinquent?

After multiple manual reminders, Nakajima may terminate cooperation unilaterally. Confirmed and reserved orders must still be completed and settled.

Supply, Storage, and Combined Shipping

Can Orders Be Cancelled If Manufacturers Delay Delivery?

Typically not. The estimated delivery time does not guarantee the actual arrival date.

How Are Unfulfilled Orders Handled When Manufacturers Cease Production or Cancel Supply?

Unreceived portions are automatically cancelled, and related amounts revert to the customer's advance purchase balance.

What Should Be Done if Only Some Goods Have Not Arrived?

Unreceived portions are typically retained as reserved orders.

Will Nakajima Recommend Alternative Products?

Generally no. Alternative product recommendations are not provided.

Are There Storage Periods for Goods Waiting for Combined Shipping?

There are no unified storage periods for goods as long as they remain within the customer's advance purchase balance and credit limits.

Can Partial Shipments Be Chosen Instead of Combined Shipping?

Yes. Customers can choose to wait for combined shipping or opt for partial shipments, with additional international shipping fees borne by the customer.

Packaging, Transportation, and Import

Are Packaging Fees Charged?

Packaging, standard packaging materials, and special reinforcement are not charged separately.

Who Decides on International Transportation Methods?

Nakajima can provide suggestions; final decisions on transportation methods and related costs are borne by the customer.

What Are Standard Shipping Documents?

The standard documents are the order sheet, commercial invoice, and packing list. A certificate of origin may be arranged depending on the circumstances.

Can Freight Insurance Be Purchased?

Yes. Nakajima arranges it according to customer requirements, with fees borne by the customer.

Who Bears the Cost of Destination Country Taxes?

Import duties, import VAT, clearance fees, and local delivery charges are separately borne by the customer and not deducted from the advance purchase balance.

Can Nakajima Ensure Provision of Required Certificates for the Destination Country?

No. Whether testing reports, compliance certificates, or other special documents can be obtained depends on the manufacturer and actual circumstances.

Can Low-Valued Declarations Be Made or Content Changed?

No. Nakajima refuses low-valued declarations as well as false declarations regarding product names, quantities, origins, or other customs information.

What Should Be Done if Goods Are Detained Due to Destination Country Regulations or Lack of Permits?

If goods are detained due to destination country regulations or lack of customer permits or certifications, Nakajima is not responsible for related costs. If errors in the declaration documents by Nakajima cause issues, both parties will negotiate a resolution.

Transportation Losses, Discrepancies, and Returns

When Does Risk Transfer Occur?

Risk transfers to the customer upon delivery to international carriers. Actual problems are resolved through mutual agreement.

Will Nakajima Track International Shipping?

Yes. Nakajima monitors logistics progress until goods arrive and communicates with customers if there is a risk of loss or confirmation of potential loss.

What Should Be Done If Transport Damage, JAN Errors, or Quantity Discrepancies Are Found Upon Receipt?

Report the issue within 2 Japanese business days after receipt. Packaging, labels, photographs, delivery records, and other evidence are determined according to the carrier’s or insurer’s requirements and the actual circumstances.

How Is the Reporting Period Calculated When an Entire Shipment Has Not Arrived?

No fixed period based on the date of receipt is set. Communication occurs based on logistics status at any time.

Who Bears the Responsibility for Claiming from Carriers or Insurers?

Customers are responsible for making claims, with Nakajima providing necessary assistance during processing.

What Should Be Done If Insurance Is Not Purchased or Compensation Is Insufficient?

Nakajima does not bear compensation differences but can negotiate a resolution based on actual circumstances.

How Are Transportation Compensation Payments Made to the Customer?

Compensation is fully credited to the customer's advance purchase balance. Refunds are not made through bank transfers during continued cooperation.

Do Manufacturing Defects Also Need to Be Reported Within 2 Workdays?

No. Contact Nakajima upon discovering manufacturing defects, and both parties will resolve based on actual circumstances.

Can Manufacturing Defective Goods Be Returned Directly?

No. Customers must obtain written consent from Nakajima first. Handling of packaging, labels, attachments, refunds, and related fees is determined based on actual circumstances.

Can Returns Be Made If the Customer No Longer Needs the Goods?

No. Changes in purchase intent, order errors, or other customer reasons do not allow returns or exchanges.

Termination of Cooperation, Notifications, and Disputes

How Can I Apply to Terminate Cooperation?

The registered contact person must submit a written application via their registered email.

Can Immediate Refunds Be Made After Application for Termination?

No. All confirmed orders, reserved goods, and other payable expenses must be completed and settled first.

How Long Does It Take to Process the Final Refund?

Nakajima processes the refund within 7 Japanese business days after final settlement.

In What Currency and Account Will the Refunds Be Made?

In JPY, typically only to the bank account of the applying company. Refund and intermediary bank fees are borne by the customer.

Which Channels Are Considered Formal Notifications?

Customer registered email, designated shared cloud storage, and SFE system. Customers must promptly confirm information in these channels.

How Can Company or Account Information Be Changed?

Changes to company name, contact person, email, or refund bank account require written notice and approval by Nakajima.

Can Nakajima Terminate Cooperation Unilaterally?

Yes. When customers provide false documentation, long-term delinquency, illegal requests, violations of export or import regulations, or severe disruption of the cooperative relationship, Nakajima can terminate cooperation unilaterally.

How Are Delays Handled Due to Force Majeure?

Nakajima is not responsible for delays caused by natural disasters, wars, pandemics, strikes, manufacturer shutdowns, transportation disruptions, customs measures, or other factors beyond its control.

Does Nakajima Bear the Customer's Resale Profits or Indirect Losses?

No. Nakajima will share relevant information with customers when they incur or may incur losses.

How Are Disputes Handled?

First, both parties negotiate a resolution. If negotiations fail, jurisdiction lies with the courts in Tokyo, Japan.

NAKAJIMA SYOUJI CO., LTD

New Customer Trade Guide

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