If I remember correctly from the way Hide explained it, if you want to order something online in Japan you email the site with your request and then send a FAX with your post office account number (post offices in many countries operate banks). The dealer takes the FAX to the nearest post office and gets paid, then mails the goods.

Clearly, it is difficult for people without a Japanese post office account to order from Hide's web site. His site is successful in Japan, but it is in Japanese and payment is very difficult outside the country.

We have discussed this in detail and have decided to go into partnership. I have built and will maintain his English-language site. I shall also be receiving the money and paying him (he has an American bank account). It is a relationship built on trust.

When you order a bead, a torch, or glass, you will pay for it by credit card through ccnow (mail orders are also fine). In an hour or so you will get an email from ccnow saying the order has been received. I will get one telling me what is ordered.

A little later, since I am not as fully automated as ccnow, you will get a confirmation email from me and Hide will get a copy of the ccnow order. He will fulfill your order and send it out to you the quickest way possible from Japan. You should have it in a few days.

After your credit card has cleared ccnow will send the money automatically to my bank. I shall retain a commission to cover my costs and time and send the rest of the money to Hide's bank.

You really do not have to know all of these details. However, I thought it best in the interests of full disclosure in case you were wondering what was going on.

Peace
Pete Francis
Webmaster, TheBeadSite

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