I’ve been doing a lot of reading online and it seems like if you want to resell stuff on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Mercari, etc you need a “Kobutsu” license (or a “second hand dealer license”). The thing is, out of the few people I know who do resell stuff, I’m almost positive they don’t have this license.
Is this actually a thing that people bother to acquire? And would you be able to attain it on a working visa? For the record, I’m not talking about selling your personnel items because you’re moving or whatnot, I’m talking about buying stuff from shops specifically to resell online for substantial profit. And doing so as a sideline business to your “office” job.
Any advice would be useful, cheers.
EDIT’ Thanks everyone for your fast responses, its really appreciated. I have a follow up question specifically for people who attained the license. Was it easy to do so, were you sucessful first time applying, and what VISA were you on? I dont mind getting a licence, but Im worried I wont be able to get one on my humanities visa. Thanks again.
6 comments
There is no government mandated license I am aware of. The only thing that may resemble any sort of an administrative identity is a corporation number but that is more for tax purposes of running any kind of store/business.
No. Being said, I’m a permanent resident and buisness owner. If it comes down to actual self employment I’m not sure. If you’re selling something on FB Marketplace, then the answer is no. If you’re selling something on Amazon as a buisness, you should probably look into how to report the income at least.
This article seems to outline it well: https://www.marketingjapan.nl/en/how-to-proceed-to-get-permission-to-deal-with-laws-for-opening-online-shopping-business-in-japan/
For selling 2nd hand stuff you need to become acquainted with “Secondhand Articles Dealer Act (古物営業法)”: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=324AC0000000108
And obtain a “Secondhand dealer license
(古物商許可)”
Likely require immigration’s permission too on a work visa considering you’d probably have to start an online shop (I.e a business).
Also you need to look into the taxes for the wealth you generate (or losses)
Never heard of such thing.
But to sell on Amazon you need to be like Solo Proprietorship.
I know it because I have Amazon JP seller account.
Anyone can sell on Mercari.
If you sell your personal unused stuff online from time to time, you do not need a kobutsu license. However, if you buy things from people in order to resell them to other people at a profit, and your reselling constitutes a business, then a license is needed.
My understanding is that the license is relatively easy to acquire, and thus many people just get the license instead of taking the risk of breaking the law.
For the most part you won’t need one unless it is your primary business or source of income. If you are just selling a few bits online then there is no need.
I have one as selling used items online is my primary business. And it really helps when it comes to getting a business loan etc. But otherwise it is not necessary at all.
If anything it is just another stealth tax.