Decide how you will work
There are two common ways to start.
- Become a licensed exporter in Japan yourself. You need a company in Japan, a used car dealer licence and membership at the auctions.
- Work with a licensed exporter in Japan. You find and serve the buyers in your own country, and the exporter buys the cars for you.
Many new businesses start with the second way. It is faster and needs less money at the start.
Choose your market and your cars
Pick the countries you know best. Check what buyers want: family cars, vans, trucks, pickups, bikes or machinery. Read the import rules first. Some countries limit the age of the car, the steering side or the emissions.
Build trust before you build volume
- A clear company name, a domain name and a professional website.
- Clear fees and a clear process: registration, deposit, bidding, payment, shipping.
- Fast answers by WhatsApp or chat.
- Auction sheets that your clients can read in their own language.
The tools you need
- An auction website where your clients can search, bid and pay.
- A back office for your team: bids, sales, invoices, containers, balances and reports.
- A way to take deposits and payments.
You can build these yourself, but it takes years. JAS is a ready-made system with all three, on your own domain, ready in about one week.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting without checking the import rules.
- Promising prices before you know all the costs.
- Having no contract or no clear terms with your clients.
- Using spreadsheets for money. Mistakes in balances cost a lot.
A simple plan for the first 90 days
- Weeks 1 to 2: choose your market, your cars and your way to work.
- Weeks 2 to 4: set up your company, your brand and your tools.
- Weeks 4 to 8: test the process with a few friendly clients.
- Weeks 8 to 12: start to advertise. Show real cars, real sheets and real shipments.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to start?
It depends on how you work. Working with a licensed exporter needs much less than your own licence and office. Ask us for a quote for the system.
Do I need to live in Japan?
Not if you work with a licensed exporter. If you want your own licence you need a company and an office in Japan.
Can I start with a small team?
Yes. With a good system, a small team can handle many clients.
Where can I read more about the full process?
See the step-by-step guide on the JAS How It Works page.
Last updated: 9 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the details with the authorities.