Skip to main content

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about BreederDirect

Account & Registration

Is registration free?

Yes, registration is completely free. You can sign up with your email address.

Are there fees for breeder registration?

No. Breeder registration and listing are free. A commission of 5% (excl. tax) applies only upon successful transactions.

What do I need to register?

An email address is all you need.

Can I change my registered email?

Yes, you can change it from your My Page settings. Verification of the new email is required.

What if I forgot my password?

Click 'Forgot password?' on the login screen to receive a reset email. Follow the link to set a new password.

Can I enable two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Yes, from the security settings in My Page, you can enable 2FA via email or a TOTP authenticator app.

How do I delete my account?

Send a request via the contact page. Ongoing transactions must complete before account deletion.

My account is locked. What should I do?

Security locks expire automatically after a period, or you can contact us through the contact page.

Can I export my data?

Yes, use the data export feature in My Page to download your profile and transaction history in JSON format.

Buying

What is the buying process?

Find a listing you like, click 'Buy Now' to proceed with payment. After payment, the breeder prepares shipping. The transaction completes after you confirm delivery.

Can I message the breeder before buying?

Yes, use the messaging feature on the listing page to ask about care methods, specimen details, or anything else before purchasing.

Is there a favorites feature?

Yes, click the heart icon on any listing to add it to your favorites. View your favorites list from My Page.

Can I cancel a purchase?

Cancellation is possible before payment. After payment, cancellation may be possible before shipping if you contact the breeder via message.

What if there's a problem after purchase?

First, contact the breeder via messaging. If unresolved, contact us through the contact page and our team will mediate.

What if the specimen arrives with issues?

Contact the breeder via message before pressing the delivery confirmation button. Pay-after-inspection is recommended. Please also report to our team.

When should I press the delivery confirmation button?

After the specimen arrives safely and you've confirmed its condition. Payment is released to the breeder after confirmation.

Can I buy multiple items from the same breeder?

Yes, but each listing is processed as a separate transaction.

Are there search and filter features?

Yes, you can search and filter by category, price range, region, shipping method, and more.

Can I negotiate prices?

No. Price negotiation is prohibited on BreederDirect. Please purchase at the listed price.

Selling & Listings

How do I list an item?

First register as a breeder and pass verification. Once approved, you can create listings from your dashboard.

Are there listing fees?

Listing is free. A commission of 5% (excl. tax) applies only upon successful transaction.

What types of animals can I list?

Animals: corals, marine fish, tropical fish, goldfish, medaka, reptiles, birds, small animals, insects, dogs, cats.

How long are listings active?

90 days from listing. Automatically hidden after expiry but can be relisted.

Can I edit my listing?

Yes, you can edit price, description, photos, and other details from your dashboard at any time.

How many photos can I upload?

Multiple photos are supported. Please upload clear photos from multiple angles to show the specimen's features.

Can I list animals from auctions or third parties?

No. Only self-bred specimens can be listed. Reselling is prohibited.

What are the breeder verification criteria?

Our team reviews applications. Animal handling business registration is required for applicable categories. Review typically completes within 1 business day.

Can I pause my listing?

Yes, you can toggle listings between public and private from your dashboard.

Where can I check my sales?

From the transaction list and sales report in your breeder dashboard.

Payments

What payment methods are available?

Payment is arranged directly between breeder and buyer (bank transfer, cash on pickup, etc.). Confirm options via messaging before purchase.

Can the breeder receive payment before delivery?

Payment terms are set by mutual agreement. We recommend paying after in-person inspection of the animal.

How are refunds processed?

Refunds are arranged directly between breeder and buyer. Contact BreederDirect office if a dispute arises.

Are receipts available?

Receipts are issued directly by the breeder. Confirm receipt issuance via messaging before purchase.

How do breeders receive payment?

Breeders receive payment directly from buyers (bank transfer, cash, etc.). After the deal closes, report it via the breeder dashboard and we will issue a platform commission invoice.

What are the fee details?

An 5% commission (excl. tax) is charged to the breeder upon successful transaction. No fees for buyers.

Shipping

How is shipping handled?

Breeders set shipping methods: courier, local pickup, or both. Consult with the breeder about appropriate methods for the species.

Who pays for shipping?

It depends on the listing. Some include shipping, others charge separately. Check each listing page for details.

Is shipping live animals safe?

Breeders use appropriate packaging and shipping methods for live specimens. Please confirm packaging details with the breeder via message before purchasing.

Can I specify a delivery date and time?

This can be arranged with the breeder within feasible limits. Confirming availability to receive is especially important for live animals.

Is local pickup available?

Yes, if the breeder supports it. Arrange pickup location and time via messaging.

Is international shipping available?

Currently only domestic (Japan) shipping is supported. International shipping is not available due to regulations and animal safety concerns.

What if the animal dies during shipping?

Check the specimen upon arrival. If there's an issue, contact both the breeder and our team before pressing delivery confirmation. Pay-after-inspection is recommended.

Is shipping safe during extreme weather?

Shipping may be paused or require special insulation during summer heat or winter cold. Discuss with the breeder in advance.

Account Management & Security

Where can I edit my profile?

From 'Edit Profile' in My Page, you can change your name, address, profile image, and more.

Can I change notification settings?

Yes, from the notification settings in My Page, you can configure transaction and announcement email preferences.

What should I do if I suspect unauthorized access?

Change your password immediately and enable 2FA. We also recommend contacting our team via the contact page.

Can I block a breeder?

Yes, use the block feature on the breeder's profile page. Messages from blocked breeders will not be delivered.

Can I view my browsing history?

Yes, from the browsing history section in My Page.

Where can I see my transaction history?

From the transactions list in My Page, you can view all past transactions.

Can I check my login history?

Yes, from security settings in My Page, you can view recent login history (date, device, IP address).

General Platform

What is BreederDirect?

BreederDirect is a platform where you can buy live animals directly from breeders. No middlemen — communicate directly with breeders.

Can I use it on my smartphone?

Yes, the platform is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Is English supported?

Yes, the platform supports both Japanese and English. Switch language using the toggle at the top of the page.

Where can I find the terms of service?

Via the 'Terms of Service' link in the footer or the site menu.

How is my personal information managed?

We manage personal data according to our privacy policy. Since payment is arranged directly between breeder and buyer, BreederDirect does not store payment details.

What is the badge system?

A system showing breeder trustworthiness. Badges include Verified, Top Breeder, Quick Responder, and more. See the badge system page for details.

How do I report a problem?

Use the 'Report' feature on listing pages or contact us through the contact page. We accept reports of inappropriate listings or users.

Who operates BreederDirect?

Please see the legal information page (Tokushoho) for details about the operating company.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Contact Us >
Share