Your Marketplace Luxury Purchase Has Arrived | Checks Before Confirming Receipt

When a luxury item purchased through a resale marketplace arrives, inspect it before confirming receipt or submitting a rating. Compare the actual item with the listing rather than relying on branded packaging.

Depending on the platform, confirmation or ratings may trigger transaction completion and payment release. Japan’s National Consumer Affairs Center highlights the risks of rating an item too quickly. Reference: National Consumer Affairs Center, Japanese

1. Check the Item and Accessories

Compare the received item with the listing:

• Brand, model, color, and size.

• Undisclosed scratches, stains, or damage.

• Included straps, keys, dust bags, and other listed accessories.

• Normal zipper and clasp operation.

• Differences between the item and listing photographs.

Avoid forcing mechanisms. Photograph any concerns as you find them.

2. Keep Packaging and Transaction Records

Keep the box, packing materials, and shipping label until your checks are complete. Save the listing, order details, messages, and photographs of the received item.

An unboxing video can provide a record, but it does not guarantee compensation. If there is a problem, avoid using, cleaning, or repairing the item while its arrival condition is being reviewed.

3. Report Problems Before Rating

Describe specific discrepancies through the platform’s transaction messaging system.

For example, Mercari instructs buyers not to rate when an item has a problem and to contact the seller. Other platforms may have different procedures. Reference: Mercari — Item Differs from Description or Is Damaged, Japanese

Use factual wording rather than making an unsupported accusation:

The item arrived today. I found cracking at the handle attachment that was not mentioned in the description. I have attached photographs and would like to discuss the condition and next steps.

4. Check Deadlines and Contact Platform Support

Leaving a transaction unrated is not always enough to keep it open. Check automatic completion notices and deadlines, and report the issue promptly.

Mercari provides instructions for stopping automatic completion where applicable. Check the current instructions for your own transaction and platform. Reference: Mercari — Receipt and Rating Procedure, Japanese

Give support the transaction number, discrepancies, photographs, message history, and the resolution you are requesting.

5. Confirm Return and Authentication Procedures

Before returning an item, confirm the return address, shipping costs, shipping method, and cancellation procedure with the seller and platform as appropriate.

If you are considering independent authentication, first ask the platform what evidence it requires, its submission deadlines, and how it handles assessment documents. Waiting for authentication does not automatically extend transaction deadlines.

MODE EYE offers online authentication using product details and photographs. An assessment alone does not determine whether a seller or marketplace will issue a refund. MODE EYE Online Authentication

6. Seek Help Even if You Have Already Rated

If you discover a problem after rating, contact the seller and platform promptly with your records. Available support depends on the platform’s conditions and transaction circumstances.

In Japan, the Consumer Hotline at 188 can direct consumers to a local consultation service. Consumer Affairs Agency — Consumer Hotline

Inspect, document, and resolve concerns before completing the transaction whenever possible.