Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese Product Wholesale

ECI supports international buyers with wholesale supply of Japanese products, flexible shipping options, export documentation support, and bilingual communication. This page answers the most common questions from overseas buyers considering business with us.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Logistics & Ordering

Q
 Can ECI consolidate different product categories into one shipment?
A

Yes. ECI specializes in consolidation. We can combine multiple product categories—such as bulk matcha, traditional ceramics, kitchenware, and food items—into a single shipment (LCL or FCL) to optimize your container space and minimize total logistics costs.

Q
 Do you support both small orders and full container shipments?
A

Yes. We offer highly flexible shipping options tailored to your business scale. Depending on your order volume, destination, and urgency, we support FCL (Full Container Load), LCL (Less than Container Load), as well as conventional air freight and EMS/courier services.

Q
What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
A

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies depending on the product category, manufacturer, and individual item. However, because we consolidate products from multiple brands and categories at our warehouse, we can often offer significantly lower and more flexible MOQs per item than if you were purchasing directly from individual manufacturers.

Q
What are your accepted payment methods, terms, and currencies?
A

We primarily accept payment by international bank transfer (T/T). To provide greater convenience and help reduce international transfer fees, we also accept PayPal. Payments can be made in either U.S. Dollars (USD) or Japanese Yen (JPY). The final payment terms, including deposits and advance payment requirements, will be determined based on the size and nature of your order.

Q
What is your policy regarding order changes or cancellations?
A

Once an official proforma invoice is confirmed and payment/deposit is processed, we immediately secure inventory and begin localized logistics or customization in Japan. Therefore, orders generally cannot be canceled or modified after this point. We request that all product specifications and quantities be thoroughly verified during the quotation stage.

 Compliance & Documentation

Q
Can ECI help with labels and documentation?
A

Yes. We provide comprehensive documentation support. We prepare and coordinate standard export documents, including detailed product lists, packing lists, shortage reports, leftover stock reports, and certificates of origin.

We also offer multilingual labeling services at our warehouse so that your products arrive retail-ready and can be placed on store shelves upon arrival. Labels can also be customized and created according to your specific requirements.

Q
Can you help with compliance and customs requirements?
A

Yes. ECI helps navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of global markets. We coordinate compliance-related safety documents and laboratory test results, such as USDA/EU Organic certificates for matcha and FDA/CE safety standards for ceramics and electronics. Because import regulations vary heavily by country, we analyze and support requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Services & Sourcing

Q
Can you provide product catalogs?
A

Yes. We provide carefully curated product catalogs tailored to your target market, sales channels (such as e-commerce, hospitality, hotels, restaurants, and retail), and preferred product categories.

We also offer an online web catalog, allowing you to browse our product selection anytime and anywhere.

Q
Do you support private label or OEM projects?
A

Yes. ECI actively supports private label and OEM projects in close cooperation with trusted Japanese manufacturers. Whether you want a custom package for matcha starter kits or localized brand labeling, feasibility and minimum run sizes will depend on the product category.

Q
Can we request product samples before placing a bulk order?
A

Yes. We can provide product samples for verified business customers so that you can evaluate product quality and compliance before placing an order.

The sample products are generally provided by ECI or the manufacturer. However, international shipping and courier charges are the responsibility of the buyer.

If you place a Full Container Load (FCL) order with us, the cost of the sample products and shipping will be credited toward your order.

Q
Are the products sourced directly from manufacturers?
A

Yes. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized manufacturers or official distributors. This ensures that every product is 100% authentic, supplied with fresh production batches, and offered at stable wholesale prices.

Q
What is your After-Sales Support policy for damaged or defective items?
A

We carry out strict quality inspections before shipment and use protective export packaging, including double-wall cartons and temperature-controlled packaging when required. However, international shipping inherently involves certain risks.

If any products are damaged during transit or found to have manufacturing defects, please notify us within the period specified in our agreement and provide clear photographic evidence. We will promptly investigate the issue and, where appropriate, offer a credit toward a future order, a refund, or replacement products.

Q
What are your standard trade terms and liability boundaries?
A

Our standard international trade terms are FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), depending on your preferences. Other Incoterms can also be discussed upon request.

ECI handles all domestic logistics in Japan, including product consolidation, warehouse operations, and export customs clearance. The scope of responsibilities, shipping terms, and delivery schedule will be clearly defined in a formal trade agreement before shipment, ensuring complete transparency for both parties.

Q
What is the typical lead time from order to shipment?
A

Lead times depend heavily on stock availability and customization requirements. For standard, in-stock products, shipments can often be dispatched within a few weeks. For high-demand items, handcrafted ceramics, or OEM projects, a precise timeline will be confirmed during the quotation phase.

Getting Started & General

Q
What kind of buyers does ECI work with?
A

We partner globally with high-volume importers, wholesalers, commercial distributors, retail chains, supermarkets, hospitality groups (hotels/restaurants), specialized boutique owners, and growing e-commerce brands looking for a reliable gateway to Japanese goods.

Q
Do you have a physical office or showroom we can visit?
A

Our main business operations and product consolidation facilities are located in Japan. To ensure efficient communication and help minimize overhead costs for our partners, meetings are generally conducted online via email, Zoom, or WhatsApp.

In-person meetings and warehouse visits can also be arranged by appointment.

Q
How can we start working with ECI?
A

The most efficient way to start is by submitting your requirements through our Wholesale & B2B Inquiry Form or via WhatsApp. Please provide your target items, destination country, and expected order volume. Our procurement team will review your data and respond with optimal sourcing options within 1-2 business days.