A complete guide to obtaining a secondhand goods dealer license: procedures, required documents, costs, and examples of what not to do. Reasons you can't ask at the police station for your application, and the reality of it taking 40 days to apply.
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If you sell second-hand clothing or sell second-hand goods on a flea market app, you cannot avoid obtaining a second-hand goods dealer license.
However, the procedure for obtaining a license, the required documents, and the costs are difficult to understand, and many people feel anxious and don't know what to ask at the police station .
In this article, we will explain the basics of secondhand goods dealer licenses, the application process, common examples of denials, and the realistic number of days it takes to apply, aimed at beginners.
By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear understanding of what you need to do to obtain permission yourself, and you will be able to start your second-hand goods business with confidence .
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Correctly understand what a secondhand goods dealer license is before applying
Before obtaining a secondhand goods dealer license, the first thing you need to understand is whether your business really needs a license .
The trade of second-hand goods is judged differently depending on whether it is for commercial purposes and the type of transaction.
If the standards are not followed correctly, it could lead to unnecessary applications and operating without a license.
Here we will outline the basics of secondhand goods dealer licenses and help you determine whether you are eligible to obtain one.
How to think about second-hand goods business that requires a second-hand goods dealer license
・The act of purchasing and selling second-hand goods is subject to a second-hand goods dealer license.
・Any product category is acceptable, including secondhand clothing, branded items, and miscellaneous goods
・This includes not only store sales but also home sales and sales via flea market apps.
・The same standards are applied regardless of whether you are a sole proprietor, a corporation, or a side business.
Why profit-making and recurring continuity are the criteria
・If the product is sold with the intention of making a profit, it is considered for-profit.
・If purchasing and selling are repeated, it is judged that there is repetitive continuity.
・In principle, one-time disposal of personal belongings is not covered.
・Even with flea market apps, continuous sales will likely require permission
Why are second-hand clothes considered second-hand goods?
All clothing that has been used once is treated as second-hand goods.
・Even if the item has not been used, it is considered a second-hand item as soon as it is purchased as second-hand.
・Clothing purchased from second-hand clothing wholesalers and individuals is also eligible.
・When selling secondhand clothing, a secondhand goods dealer license is often required.
Explaining the cases where a secondhand goods dealer license is required and not required using concrete examples
Whether or not you need a secondhand goods dealer license cannot be determined solely by whether or not you are selling secondhand goods.
Depending on the purpose and frequency of sales , and whether or not you purchase the goods , there is a clear distinction between cases where you need a license and cases where you do not.
If you continue selling without understanding this difference, you may unknowingly be found to be operating without a license .
Here, we will use specific examples from selling secondhand clothes and using flea market apps to clarify when a secondhand goods dealer license is required and when it is not, as well as points that are easy to make mistakes on when running a side job.
Patterns where permission is required for secondhand clothing sales and flea market apps
・If you purchase and sell second-hand clothing, you need a second-hand goods dealer license
・Purchases from second-hand clothing wholesalers, recycle shops, and individuals are eligible
・It is easy to be judged that the product is being sold continuously for profit.
・It doesn't matter where you sell it, whether it's in a store, at home, or on a flea market app.
・Police stations place importance on whether the matter is being run as a business.
Cases where permission is not required for disposal of personal property or one-off sales
・Disposal of clothing used by yourself or your family is likely to be excluded
・In many cases, permission is not required for one-time sales that do not involve purchasing.
・Sales for the purpose of moving or organizing are unlikely to be considered for profit
・However, the decision may change if the number of sales or the volume increases.
The grey area where it's easy to make a mistake with your side job
・Even if you intend to dispose of personal belongings, if you start purchasing them midway through the process, they are likely to be subject to the law.
・Even if the profit is small, permission is required if the purpose is for profit.
・The standards do not change even if you have a side job or use a flea market app.
・If you are unsure about what to do, it is safer to assume that you will need to obtain permission.
Organizing the entire process for obtaining a secondhand goods dealer license for beginners
To obtain a secondhand goods dealer license, there are certain steps you should take beforehand rather than just going straight to the police station .
If you make a mistake in determining whether to apply as an individual or a corporation, the location of the business office, or the jurisdiction of the police station, it is likely that you will have to redo the paperwork or the process will be delayed.
This chapter explains the process for beginners, from preparations before application to receiving the permit .
By understanding the overall picture in advance, you can reduce wasted time and anxiety and aim to obtain permission smoothly.
Decide before applying: Differences between individual and corporate applications
・You must first decide whether you are applying for a secondhand goods dealer license as an "individual" or a "corporation"
・Individual applications are for side jobs and sole proprietors, and require fewer documents.
・For corporate applications, in addition to documents from the representative, a certificate of registered matters and articles of incorporation are required.
・If you change the classification midway, you will likely have to resubmit documents.
・It is important to select a company taking into account the future business scale and name.
The opinion of the business office and the local police station
・Applications should be submitted to the police station with jurisdiction over the location of the business office .
・Even if you don't have a store, if you sell online from home, your home will be your business office.
・Addresses where the actual business situation is unclear are more likely to be verified
If you are renting a property, you should also pay attention to the terms of use.
・Checking the jurisdiction of the police station in advance will make the process go more smoothly.
Basic process from application to license issuance
Prepare all the necessary documents
・Apply at the police station in your jurisdiction
・Contents will be checked and reviewed
If there are no problems, the permit will be issued in approximately 30 to 40 days.
You cannot start business until you receive a permit.
Explaining the documents required for applying for a secondhand goods dealer license one by one
When applying for a secondhand goods dealer license, the content and preparation of the documents you submit will greatly affect the outcome .
There are not many required documents, but if there are any mistakes or omissions, it is likely that you will have to reapply or the review process will be prolonged.
In this chapter, we will organize each of the documents required for the application, including the secondhand goods dealer license application form, resident registration card, identification card, resume, and pledge.
By understanding the key points and preparing in advance, you can make the process at the police station go more smoothly and aim to obtain your permit with peace of mind.
Points to note when filling out a secondhand goods dealer license application form
When applying for a secondhand goods dealer license, consistency of content is more important than format .
When filling out the form, please pay attention to the following points:
・Make sure that the applicant information matches the contents of other submitted documents
・The address of the business office should be written in the same way as on the resident card or registration information.
・Accurately indicate whether or not the product is available for online purchase.
・Ambiguous descriptions and blank spaces are likely to be subject to confirmation .
Even small discrepancies can be requested by the police station, so it is important to review your application before submitting it.
How to properly prepare your residence certificate and ID card
When applying, you will need both a copy of your residence card and proof of your permanent domicile .
A driver's license or My Number card cannot be used as a substitute.
・Resident registration cards will be obtained without listing your My Number.
・Identification cards are issued by the city, town or village where you are registered.
If your registered domicile is far away, you can also request it by mail.
Generally, documents issued within the last three months are required.
Since the sources of acquisition are different, it is safer to start preparing early.
What to look for in a resume and how to write it
In a resume, explaining gaps in employment history is more important than past experience .
The police department checks the applicant's background to see if there are any irregularities.
- Describe your educational and work history in chronological order
If there is a gap in your employment history , please briefly explain the reason.
・Write short-term work experience without omitting anything.
・If you have experience selling secondhand clothes or working a side job, feel free to mention it here
The key to a smooth review process is to be honest and easy to understand.
Relationship between the pledge and grounds for disqualification
The pledge is a document that declares that you are not subject to any disqualification reasons .
Disqualification grounds refer to the conditions under which a secondhand goods dealer license cannot be obtained.
If you have a certain criminal record, you may be subject to
・This also applies if you have a relationship with anti-social forces.
・If you provide false information, your permission may not be granted.
It is important to understand the content and fill it out based on facts.
Additional documents required for corporate applications
When applying for a secondhand goods dealer license as a corporation, more documents must be submitted than when applying as an individual .
・Certificate of registered matters
・Copy of the articles of incorporation
・Representative's resident card and ID
・Resumes and pledges for all officers
Both corporate information and personal information of the representative will be verified, so you need to prepare well in advance.
URL explanation documents for online sales
If you are selling online, you will be required to submit documentation showing your permission to use the URL .
・URL of your company website or e-commerce website
・Sales page of a flea market app
・A screen where you can confirm that the account name matches the applicant
・Copy of the page showing operator information
The purpose of the screenshots is to show who is running the site, so it's important to make them clear.
Understand the breakdown and estimate of costs involved in applying for a secondhand goods dealer license
When it comes to obtaining a secondhand goods dealer license, the first thing that many people are concerned about is the cost .
In reality, there are few cases where high costs are required, and if you understand the breakdown, you can make sufficient preparations in advance.
In this chapter, we will organize the costs required to apply for a secondhand goods dealer license, such as the application fee paid to the police station and the actual costs of obtaining official documents.
Application fee to be paid to the police station
・Application fee: 19,000 yen (nationwide flat rate)
・The amount does not change whether applying as an individual or a corporation
・No refunds even if permission is denied
・If you submit your application with incomplete documents, you will likely waste time and money.
Actual costs for obtaining official documents
・Copy of residence certificate
・Identification card of permanent domicile
・(For corporations) Certificate of registered matters, etc.
・Estimated total: 1,000 to 3,000 yen
・Some documents have a short validity period, so it is safe to obtain them just before applying.
Total cost if you apply by yourself
・Total: Approximately 20,000 to 22,000 yen
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Application fee: 19,000 yen
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Document acquisition cost: several thousand yen
・If you do not request a public scrivener, there will be no additional costs.
・Instead,
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Document preparation
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Interacting with the police station
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Dealing with deficiencies
You have to do everything yourself
→ The key points that determine whether you want to save money or prioritize time
The real reason why your secondhand goods dealer license will be rejected, something the police won't tell you
When applying for a secondhand goods dealer license, even if you submit all the necessary documents, it is not guaranteed that the license will be granted immediately.
In reality, there are reasons for rejection or being put on hold that are not explained in detail at the police station counter .
In this chapter, we will explain cases where the review process is halted even though there are no problems on paper, and the points that are looked at in resumes and sales activities.
By understanding the points to be aware of in advance, you can easily avoid unnecessary redoing and unexpected denials.
Reasons why your application is denied or put on hold even if all the necessary documents are in order
The documents have inconsistencies in their contents
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The business details are different between the application form and resume
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There is a discrepancy between the URL explanation document and the sales explanation
・Purchasing and sales methods are unclear
・Just saying "we'll start now" doesn't reveal the reality
👉 Key point: Consistency is more important than quantity when it comes to documents
Particular points to note in resumes and sales activities
・Gap periods in employment history are not explained
・I have experience selling at flea markets, but I didn't include it in my resume
・Only using expressions such as "side job" or "in preparation" is not specific
👉 Tip: Separate what you are doing now and what you will do after approval.
Common mistakes when selling from home or online
・Even though it is rented, it is unclear whether it is possible to operate the property
・The actual business office space cannot be distinguished from living space.
・URL explanation materials are weak
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Unable to verify existence
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I can't read the sales method.
👉 Key point: "Where, what, and how to sell" from a third-party perspective
Explaining the actual time required to obtain a secondhand goods dealer license
It is often thought that a secondhand goods dealer license can be obtained immediately after applying, but in reality, a certain period of preparation and review is required.
The number of days it takes to receive permission can vary greatly depending on how quickly you collect the documents and how well they are organized.
In this chapter, we will explain the realistic number of days it takes to prepare the documents, as well as the process from submitting them to the police station until the permit is issued.
Knowing the total time required in advance will make it easier to plan your opening schedule, and will also help you smoothly proceed with purchasing and preparing for sales after obtaining permission.
A realistic number of days to prepare the documents
Preparing an application for a secondhand goods dealer license takes at least three days, but on average, five to seven days .
The reason is that some documents, such as a resident registration card and identification card for one's registered domicile, cannot be collected on the same day .
If you cannot go to the city hall on a weekday or if you make a mistake in filling out the form, it will take even longer.
The review period from submission to the police station until approval
After submitting your application documents to the police station, the review period is approximately 40 days (legal period) .
During this period, the actual status of the office and the details of the information will be verified.
If there are no problems, you will be notified of the issuance of the permit around the time of expiration.
Why it takes 40 days from three days of preparation to approval
The secondhand goods dealer license system is divided into two distinct phases: preparation and review .
The application process cannot be shortened as you must prepare the documents yourself and the police station will handle the review.
Even if you want to start right away, you should plan for at least a month .
The option of second-hand clothing wholesale, where you can purchase with confidence as the products have been inspected
To start selling immediately after obtaining permission, it is practical to use a second-hand clothing wholesaler that has inspected the goods .
This reduces the burden of having to check authenticity and condition yourself from scratch, making it less likely that you will stumble when first starting out.
The more beginner you are, the more important it is to have peace of mind when purchasing.
Who is suitable for OLD FLIP's secondhand clothing wholesale and assorted purchasing?
OLD FLIP's second-hand clothing wholesale is ideal for people who want to start selling without spending a lot of time .
Instead of having to select each item individually, you can purchase an inspected assortment in bulk.
You can get started even if you don't know where to start right after obtaining permission.
➡Click here to purchase second-hand clothing
Check the list of purchases you can start making immediately after obtaining your secondhand goods dealer license
Once your permit is issued, it's important to know your suppliers so you can start using them right away .
If you decide on your potential purchases in advance, you can obtain permission and move straight into sales.
If you think about the flow of supplies during the preparation stage, it will make things easier after opening.
If you want to start with an inspected assortment, choose OLD FLIP
Immediately after obtaining a secondhand goods dealer license , many people find themselves in a situation where they have obtained the license but are unable to purchase goods .
Especially when selling secondhand clothing, if you spend too much time verifying authenticity and inspecting the items, the start of sales will be significantly delayed.
In order to avoid stopping at the first step, it is important to know how to purchase goods that have been inspected and can be prepared for sale.
Why do so many people start with "Inspected Assortment"?
There are many different types of secondhand clothing wholesalers, but beginners often get stuck on
"Condition check," "Brand check," and "Mixing in unsellable inventory . "
If you are a second-hand clothing wholesaler that handles inspected assortments,
-Easy to avoid large damage items
・Minimum inspection process can be omitted
・Photograph and list items immediately after purchasing
This has the following advantages:
OLD FLIP is positioned as a second-hand clothing wholesaler for people who want to reduce these initial hassles .
As it is an assortment format that allows you to purchase in bulk, it is ideal for people who want to start their sales flow immediately after obtaining their secondhand goods dealer license.
It's quicker to look at a list than read about whether a supplier suits your sales style.
If you would like to check all the suppliers that can start working immediately after obtaining permission, please check the link below.
▶ See how we can get started immediately after obtaining permission to buy second-hand clothes
summary
Obtaining a secondhand goods dealer license can be a procedure that can make you feel anxious, but it's not difficult if you understand the process and points to note .
The process involves determining whether a permit is required, checking with the business office and the local police station, preparing the necessary documents, applying, and having the application reviewed.
By understanding the required documents, costs, reasons for disqualification, and examples of what is not allowed in advance, you can reduce the risk of your application being denied or put on hold.
What is particularly important is to check early on whether you meet the requirements and prepare the necessary documents accurately.
If you know the realistic number of days from application to approval, you will have more flexibility in your opening schedule.
If you prepare with the right knowledge, you can smoothly start your secondhand goods business after obtaining your secondhand goods dealer license.