Placing a Request
- How do I place a Request?
- Are Requests legally binding?
- How do I upload a 'Reference image'?
- I can’t upload a picture.
- What kind of reference link should I use?
- What makes a good Request?
- Can I contact the Friend directly?
- Can I make Requests from within Japan?
- How can I become a Friend on Otsukai?
How do I place a Request?
There are three possible ways to create Requests on Otsukai.
A) Create a Request
Creating new Requests is the most common way to purchase items on Otsukai. It allows you to create your own unique Request for which you will receive offers if our users in Japan can get hold of it. A good Request will include an adequate title and description and a relevant image.
- Log in to Otsukai.
- Click on the + Request an item button, which is permanently visible at the bottom of the page. If you are using the app, click on the + button on the bottom of your screen.
- Insert all the required details and click on Create.
- Your Request will appear on the front page and is now ready to receive offers. All you have to do now is wait for offers to be made by our users in Japan.
B) Create a new Request based on an existing offer.
This function can be used to create a Request based on an Offer which was made to someone else. By creating a Request this way, the Japanese user who made the offer will automatically be notified and is likely to make you the same or similar offers.
- Log in to Otsukai.
- From the All Offers page (or the Home tab on the app), go to the offer that piques your interest.
- Click the I want to request this item! Button.
- Fill in all the required information and click Create.
- Sit back and wait for offers!
Please note that the navigation may be slightly different in the smartphone version of Otsukai.
C) Purchase an item via the Open Offer function.
The Open Offer function is one of our newest features. This feature allows you to accept Offers which have been made to other users under certain circumstances. If the item is available to you, the Buy now button will be displayed on the Offer page.
- Log in to Otsukai.
- Navigate to an Open Offer. Open Offers will be Offers made to users other than yourself that have a Buy now button. They will also display a price on the All Offers page, unlike non-open Offers.
- Click Buy now and proceed with payment.
- The offer will disappear from the original Request and a new Request will be automatically created.
Please see our Open Offers page, which includes some questions you may have regarding Open Offers.
Are Requests legally binding?
You enter a legally binding contract from the moment you accept an offer and make payment. Please only make a Request if you intend on making a purchase.
How do I upload a Reference image?
Click Upload image and choose a file. The maximum file size is 10MB.
I can’t upload a picture. / My picture doesn’t show up.
If you can’t upload a picture, the file may be too big. Please try an image that is smaller than 10 MB, or just leave it blank. A picture is not a required detail.
What kind of reference link should I use?
Links to official Japanese sites such as the manufacturer’s page or an online store listing are the most helpful, but even links from MyFigureCollection are of great use.
Please keep in mind that pages on websites such as Crunchyroll and Goods Republic are not accessible within Japan.
What makes a good Request?
A good Request will be short, simple and to the point. Remember, most of the Friends are not proficient in English, so unnecessary information may cause confusion.
Things we like:
+ Series name
+ Character name (or description )
+ Item description
+ A photo / reference URL
+ If applicable, the name of the event the item was sold at
+ If there are multiple items in the picture you uploaded, please circle / describe the item(s) you want
A good example:
Request title: Dragonball - Goku
Request description: I want this figure of Goku (with blond hair) by BANDAI. It came out in Winter Wonfes 2010.This request tells Friends exactly what you want! You should receive offers easily for the item you are looking for.
Things we don't like:
- Vague descriptions (e.g 'I want any Totoro' or 'a figure from any anime')
- Unnecessary information (e.g 'This is for my friend' / 'I looked but could not find it anywhere' / 'I love this character!')
- Anything against listed in What not to Request
A bad example:
Request title: Jojo
Request description: Any Jojo figure
With such a vague request, the Friends will have no idea what to offer you. In this case, you should at least include a list of characters or the parts that you like (e.g. Joseph Joestar figure, part 4 figures).
Can I contact the Friend directly?
All contact with the Friends must be made via Otsukai.
It is against the Otsukai rules to share any personal contact information such as email addresses, Twitter/Discord handles, etc. This is for the safety of both you and the Friends as Otsukai are unable to assist you if any problems occur with your order if you have been communicating outside Otsukai.
Otsukai provides ways for you to communicate with the Friends both during your order and before you make a purchase.
Before you make a purchase:
You can use the Comment feature on your Request to add information or ask questions about offers you have received. Read more about comments here.
During your order:
You can use the Errand Message feature to communicate with the Friend directly while your Errand is in progress. Read more about Errand messages here.
Comments and Errand messages are visible to the Otsukai admins, and Otsukai reserves the right to remove any comments or messages which violate our rules at any time.
Comments and Errand messages are currently not available on the Otsukai app. If you would like to use these features, please visit Otsukai on your browser.
Note for users who choose DHL shipping: The Friend may ask for your email address in order to fill out the DHL shipping label. In this case, you may give your email address to the Friend if asked via Errand Message.
If you suspect that your email address has been used by the Friend for any other purpose than to fill out the DHL shipping label, please contact Otsukai support immediately.
Can I make a Request from within Japan?
Requests can only be made on Otsukai from outside Japan.
If you are within Japan, you can only access the side of Otsukai which is for Friends.
You cannot make Requests if you reside in Japan, are vacationing in Japan or are using a VPN with a Japanese IP address. Please be sure to switch off any VPNs before attempting to make a Request on Otsukai.
How can I become a Friend on Otsukai
In order to become a Friend on Otsukai you must:
・Be a resident of Japan
・Be in possession of a Japanese bank account
・Have a high enough understanding of Japanese to navigate our guide
Please be aware that the Japan-side of Otsukai can only be accessed from within Japan.