@sephirona:
Agh, I hate auctions because of that.
How do Kuji sales happen, anyways? If we can't pre-order them, what's a fan supposed to do? ;A; I've never bought anything from Yahoo Auctions, and I don't think I'd succeed even if I tried. Any store that might stock them? Or do I have to wait months after they're all sold out for a super overpriced one off ebay? =3=
BRAIN PAIN.
I recently got into Yahoo Auctions but i'd agree having a friend in Japan would be much cheaper. I'd ask friends to buy them for me but they can't be avaible for these things 7/24 after all.
Since you know about Ichiban Kuji, i tought you knew about Yahoo Auctions also but of course i can compare how they go on Yahoo and Ebay ^^;
Yahoo Auctions:
There are problems like auto bidders and sellers who doesn't accept some certain stuff so you can't bid but there'll always be someone else.
The auction style and all are pretty same with E-bay.
If the Ichiban Kuji figures are not out yet some sellers get them on something like i think pre-orders.
For example the recent Macross Frontier Ichiban K. figures will be out in March. But some high-rated sellers already have them on auctions starting from 6000yen (which doesn't end up being anywhere around 6000 yen after all <_<) OR giving you the chance to buy it right away from 10-15000 yen. (I really wanted White Rabbit Sheryl T_T)
If you wait for the actual release time, since other sellers would also have it you just might get lucky and fetch them for good prices ^^
I recently got Ichiban Kuji Lord Genome for 2100 yen from a good seller ^^ (which is ridiculously huge for 1/8) And yet it goes for 76 USD on E-bay…
You can use sites that help foreigners shop from Japan and if you want i can PM you the details^^
E-bay:
Get ready for maniac auto-bidders and high prices for IK… You know the rest :P
I had found some Ichiban Kuji figures for good prices, but either the shipping was HIGHER than the figure itself or there were psychopathic auto-bidders.
I sometimes even think those auto-bidders are actually the sellers themselves but that's another story... <_<
As someone living outside Japan those are the only ways i can get Ichiban Kuji figures. Again; having a friend in Japan is better of course.
@CoralSnake:
I think my luck is finally changing and I might have a new job ;___; that means I can buy shit!! WOOOO!!! and pay Local back xD
sad thing is now… there was a digital recorder on HSN and my mom told me she'd buy it for me if I paid her back... I owe two people money now xD and I shall name the beautiful ruby baby AKAINU
Awww i'm so happy for you ;_;/
I recently quit the job i had gotten but i really understand how much you want to spend what you get for figures XD
Don't worry about your mom for now, i'm sure she won't report you for your debts :P
Man, I need a new job also~~~