eBay App Now Supports Japanese! A Comprehensive Guide from Listing to Payment Options

• This article is for reference only as it is merely a translated version of the Japanese article below.
  eBayアプリが日本語対応でさらに便利に！出品・購入方法からお得な決済手段まで徹底解説！ (Japanese version)

Source: ebay.com.jp

eBay, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, has made shopping even easier for users who are not comfortable with English by supporting the Japanese language on its app starting January 2023.

Additionally, with the latest updates, the app allows users to easily list items directly from their smartphones, making the platform more convenient than ever.

This article will provide a detailed guide on how to list and purchase items using the eBay app, along with tips on the most beneficial payment options. Those who are thinking of trying eBay should definitely find this useful.

What is eBay?

Founded in the United States in 1995, eBay operates an online auction and shopping website. On eBay, both individuals and businesses can buy and sell a wide variety of items, including new and used products.

eBay offers two sales formats: auction-style listings and fixed-price purchases. The platform features a wide range of categories, from electronics, fashion, and collectibles to cars and real estate.

Available in many countries and regions worldwide, eBay serves as a platform connecting international buyers and sellers.

eBay has been a pioneer in online shopping and auctions since the early days of the internet’s growth.

How far has eBay’s Japanese language support progressed?

Source: ebay.com.jp

Current Status of Japanese Support on the eBay Official App

eBay partially launched Japanese support on “eBay.com” in August 2021 and achieved complete Japanese language support in 2022.

In June 2023, the eBay app was updated, and as of December 2023, it is now available in Japanese on both iPhone and Android devices.

Japanese-Supported Features on eBay and Future Prospects

In addition to Japanese language support on the eBay website and smartphone app, the support site for Japanese sellers, known as the “Seller Portal,” was revamped. Now, anyone with an eBay ID can access customer service in Japanese, which was previously only available in English.

Furthermore, a new image recognition feature was added to the app, allowing users to easily list trading cards for sale.

Previously, listing trading cards was often cumbersome because their names might differ between Japanese and English, making translation a hassle. This may have discouraged some from listing their cards.

For instance, Pokémon cards have international versions sold outside Japan in various languages, including English, Italian, French, and Thai.

The Pokémon names can be the same as in Japan or entirely different in other regions, complicating the product descriptions.

With the app’s scanning feature, users can now scan the card, and the information will be automatically translated, greatly reducing the time needed for listing. Thanks to the enhanced Japanese support, Japanese products can be more easily sold to users and collectors worldwide.

Reference: eBay.com Category Information [Trading Cards & Anime Goods]

How to Set the eBay App to Japanese

Here is how to switch the eBay app to display in Japanese. Usually, if the smartphone’s language setting is set to Japanese, the app will automatically display in Japanese. If not, manual configuration will be required.

Note: For those who have not yet downloaded the eBay app, please install it from the following links.

iPhone: App Storee「Bay Selling & Shopping Online」

Android: Google Play「eBay: Online Shopping Deals」

How to switch eBay app to Japanese display

Tap “My eBay” at the bottom.

Next, tap “Settings.”

The language settings are automatically detected and set based on the location of the smartphone, so “Japan” is usually selected.

If a language other than Japanese is preferred, tap the red frame to turn off auto-detection, allowing for manual settings.

Differences Between the eBay App on iPhone and Android

Previously, the eBay app did not allow users to list items if the “Country/Region” was set to Japan. However, with the update in January 2023, it is now possible to list items even when the setting remains as Japan.

As of January 2023, this feature was only available on iPhone, with plans to gradually support Android as well. However, as of December 2023, the feature has not yet been implemented on Android.

When listing items from an Android device, users must change the “Country/Region” setting to the United States.

Tips and Important Points for Using the Japanese Version of the eBay App

With the eBay app now supporting Japanese, it has become easier to use for those who are not comfortable with English. Nevertheless, there are still some points that require attention.

Three Important Things to Note When Using the Japanese Version of the eBay App

1. Some sections are still in English.
2. Translation accuracy may be low.
3. Listing items requires some creativity.

1. Some Sections Are Still in English

When searching for products, the screen will look like this. Most of it is in Japanese, so it is generally understandable.

However, product details are still displayed entirely in English. It seems that full Japanese support across the platform will take more time. Those who are not confident in English should consider using translation apps.

2. Translation Accuracy May Be Low

When searching for products, there are times when the correct items do not appear. For example, entering the title of a popular manga may result in incorrect Japanese translations, making it difficult to find. In some cases, it might be easier to search using the local name of the product rather than the official product name.

Additionally, for electronic devices, there have been cases where items not tested for functionality were incorrectly labeled as functional, leading some users to prefer using the app in English.

3. Listing Items Requires Some Creativity

As of December 2023, the Japanese language support on both the eBay app and the PC version of the official eBay website has improved, making most content understandable.

However, when listing items and communicating with buyers, there are still situations where some English is needed. For those who are not confident in their English skills, it is recommended to use translation tools.

Tips and Tricks for Using Auto-Translation Features

The auto-translation feature of the eBay app is not always perfect. Additionally, when listing items, there are still instances where English needs to be used.

In such cases, using translation tools is a helpful strategy. Here are some recommended translation tools and tips to improve accuracy:

Recommended Free Translation Tools:

1. DeepL Translate: High translation accuracy and natural phrasing. Supports text translation, image translation, and voice translation.
2. Google Translate: Supports over 130 languages and can be used offline.

Tips for Better Translation:

• Keep sentences short.
• Include a subject in the sentences.
• Use Kanji in sentences.
• Avoid unnecessary words that can be omitted without losing meaning, like “however.”

Translation tools work best with concise sentences. Input clear and straightforward phrases like “Who did what.” Additionally, using Kanji instead of Hiragana can make the meaning and sentence breaks clearer.

Recently, more people are starting to use ChatGPT for translation. It might be worth trying out as well.

How to List and Purchase Items on the Japanese Version of the eBay App

How to List Items Using the eBay App

For users with Android devices, it is necessary to change the “Country or Region” setting to the United States before listing items.

From the app’s home screen, tap “Sell an Item.”

Enter keywords such as the brand or model of the item you want to sell into the search box, and related items will be displayed. Besides keyword searches, you can also search using product photos or barcodes.

For example, by entering “Nike,” a list of related products will appear, allowing you to select the product you wish to sell.

Next, enter your contact information.

Choose the shoe size for the item being listed.

Select the condition of the item you are selling.

Enter a description of the product. If you selected the item using a photo or barcode, the title will be automatically generated. Additionally, by tapping on “Let AI Draft,” an AI-generated description will be created for you.

Then, add photos of the product.

Set the sales format and price. To determine the best price, search for similar items already listed and check their selling prices as a reference.

After confirming the listing details and shipping method, tap “List Item” to complete the process.

How to Buy and Search for Products on the Japanese Version of the eBay App: Payment Methods Explained

On eBay, items priced under 5,000 USD with the “Buy It Now” option can be purchased as a guest without needing to register an account. This is recommended for those wanting to try eBay without committing to full membership.

However, there are some limitations when purchasing as a guest:

• Cannot access order details like the transaction ID
• Cannot participate in auctions
• Cannot communicate with buyers or other sellers
• Cannot leave reviews for purchased items

eBay’s member-exclusive features, such as managing purchase history and messages through “My eBay,” are not available for guest users.

The eBay app allows for straightforward purchasing, much like Japanese e-commerce platforms:

1. Search for the desired product on the app’s home screen.
2. Add the desired product to the cart.
3. Proceed to checkout and tap “Buy Now.”

To make product searches easier, utilize these functions:

Tap “Sort” or “Filter” to display options, allowing you to input preferences to find matching items.

What is eBay Managed Payments?

Previously, PayPal was the only available payment method from Japan. With the introduction of eBay Managed Payments, sellers can now receive all their sales in a single payout, and buyers have multiple payment options to choose from.

Currently available payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and PayPal Credit.

Reference: ebay.co.jp Managed Payments

Comparing Payment Methods and Fees for the Japanese eBay App: Why “Wise” and “Revolut” Are Recommended

When using a credit or debit card for eBay purchases, currency conversion fees are inevitable. Therefore, selecting a payment method with high fees can lead to unexpected costs.

The final charge from the card company will include the product price, shipping fees, and conversion fees. The breakdown of these fees is as follows.

Here is a comparison of fees based on different payment methods. For instance, if the total product price and shipping come to 1,000 USD, the final payment would be as follows:

• PayPal: 1,040 USD
• Credit Card: 1,026 USD
• Revolut (weekday transaction): 1,005 USD
• Wise: 1,006 USD

The difference between PayPal and Revolut is 5,250 JPY (calculated at 1 USD = 150 JPY). This shows that significant amounts can be paid in fees without realizing it.

There are many other benefits to using Revolut and Wise beyond lower fees, which will be introduced below.

Wise

Source: Wise Payments Japan K.K.

Wise offers several advantages, including no annual fees and low foreign transaction fees.

It supports electronic payments, so purchases can be made directly from a smartphone, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to carry a wallet or physical card. Wise is compatible with “Apple Pay” on iPhones and “Google Pay” on Android devices.

Another notable feature is its high level of security. Wise is registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau as a funds transfer provider, ensuring security comparable to that of a bank. This makes it a reliable choice for opening an account with confidence.

【Revolut】

Source: REVOLUT TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN

The key feature of Revolut is the ability to issue “disposable virtual cards” for one-time transactions.

Many people may feel uneasy about using their cards for online shopping on foreign websites. However, with Revolut’s virtual cards, the card information disappears after each transaction. This means that even if the information is leaked, the risk of fraudulent use is minimized.

Additionally, Revolut supports refund processing, ensuring a secure shopping experience.

Revolut offers three plan options: Standard, Premium, and Metal.

The top-tier Metal plan includes a 1% cashback (up to 5,000 JPY), meaning with 200,000 JPY worth of transactions, the monthly fee of 1,980 JPY is effectively covered.

Exclusive Offer: 3 Months of Premium for Free

By signing up for Revolut Premium through this page, the usual monthly fee of 980 JPY is waived for the first three months.

This plan is recommended for those who frequently shop on international websites or want an easy way to manage foreign currencies.

By clicking the button below, you can access Revolut Premium for three months free.

＼ Get 3 Months of Premium for Free – Normally 980 JPY/month!／

Summary of the Japanese Version of the eBay App

The operation of the Japanese eBay app is as easy as using Mercari. With the app’s Japanese support, listing and purchasing items has become even more convenient, so be sure to give it a try. When shopping online internationally, a good tip for getting the best deals is to choose payment methods with low fees. Enjoy eBay shopping with the recommended services “Revolut” and “Wise” for affordable transactions!