[This is a sponsored article with ZenMarket.]
ZenMarket’s founders didn’t plan on becoming personal shoppers, but every time they flew to Japan for their studies, friends and family would flood them with requests for snacks, figurines, and other Japanese goodies.
You see, shopping overseas from Japan was a hassle—language barriers, tricky shipping, and confusing websites made it nearly impractical for most people.
Spotting an opportunity, the four founders created a service that makes it easy for anyone to shop from retailers in Japan, with no Japanese address needed.
That’s how ZenMarket started out operating from the team’s 50-square foot apartment in 2014. Just one year later, they expanded to a warehouse in Osaka. By 2016, they were shipping to global customers, showcasing that they had a winning idea on their hands.
From Japan to your doorstep
ZenMarket, part of the ZenGroup family, helps you seamlessly shop from Japan and have those goodies delivered right to your doorstep. This simplicity is exactly why the founders chose “Zen” to be part of the company’s name.
They expanded to Malaysia in 2020, and operate in over 170 countries as of August 2023.
The platform currently supports 19 languages, including Malay. So if you’ve ever been intimidated out of making a purchase by Japanese-only sites, ZenMarket has got you covered.
With access to over 10,000 stores, you can explore everything from rare anime collectibles to premium skincare products.
Shop from any Japanese store
While first-time users of such a site might experience a slight learning curve, ZenMarket’s intuitive platform, detailed FAQ, tutorial blogs, and built-in Google Translate search support lower the barriers to entry. They also have a reliable customer support team who can assist you if you’re unsure of any product, or other shopping experiences.
Once you’ve signed up, you can browse through online stores in Japan like Amazon, Rakuten, Mercari, Yahoo! Shopping, and many others directly on the site.
If you’ve found something on a Japanese website that isn’t listed on ZenMarket, you can just paste the product’s URL into ZenMarket’s search bar, and you’re good to go. You’ll then get to specify details about the item you’re purchasing, such as the colour or size you’re looking for.
And if you’re buying multiple units of the same product, you’ll only be charged one service fee, making bulk purchases more cost-effective.
Packing up your orders
After your shopping spree, ZenMarket takes care of the rest by consolidating your purchases into one parcel at their Osaka warehouses. You can hold your items for up to 60 days for free, giving you time to add more before they’re shipped out.
If you’re buying gifts or running a business, you can even request to reinforce your packaging or remove invoices and price tags from your parcels—ideal for dropshipping or personalising your gift.
ZenMarket also has flexible payment options. You can choose to pay in Malaysian ringgit (converted from yen) and select from a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrency.
Plus, ZenMarket rewards loyal customers with credits and up to 1% cashback on every purchase.
Thorough customer service
ZenMarket isn’t just about offering a platform, they’re focused on making your shopping experience smooth and worry-free.
With features like their photo service, you can request pictures of your items before they’re shipped, ensuring they’re exactly as expected.
For those who are extra cautious, ZenPlus, a sister division of ZenGroup, provides a curated marketplace of vetted sellers, guaranteeing authenticity.
However, keep in mind that ZenMarket’s return and refund policies vary by individual store, so it’s essential to review these details before making a purchase. Additionally, be aware of customs regulations and ensure the products are eligible for shipping to your destination. Should any issues arise, ZenMarket’s customer support team is available to assist you throughout the process.
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As Japan faces a shrinking domestic market, there’s an increasing need to tap into global demand for Japanese products. That’s where ZenMarket comes in to bridge the gap between international shoppers and Japan’s vibrant ecommerce landscape.
Whether you’re hunting for exclusive Japanese goodies or just want the ease of shopping abroad, ZenMarket simplifies the process.
Furthermore, if you’re a first-time user, you can enjoy a 15% discount on international shipping for your first parcel by using the code OMOTENASHI2409 before the end of October 2024.
Aptly, this campaign is named after the Japanese concept of “omotenashi,” or hospitality, ensuring that first-time customers receive a warm welcome into the world of effortless Japanese shopping.
Featured Image Credit: ZenMarket
