Aucnet’s role in global circular commerce and Japan-spec devices

SecondaryMarket.news: Could you explain in more detail what kind of business operations the Digital Products Division of Aucnet focuses on, and what role it plays in the wider used device ecosystem?

Hiroshi Kuroda: We run B2B online auctions and a member-only marketplace for used smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, smartwatches, and earphones. We offer 30,000 devices every week and 2 million devices annually. Since 2008, we have helped repurpose more than 17 million devices globally. We focus on smart market design to ensure reliable quality and seamless trading.

SecondaryMarket.news: What would you say are the most important characteristics of the devices Aucnet handles, and how do these qualities make them attractive in the international secondhand market?

Hiroshi Kuroda: Most of the devices we handle come from carrier stock, meaning they are primarily trade-ins from individual consumers through telecom operators. These devices are typically returned after around two years of use. In the secondary market, the phrase “Used in Japan” has come to signify exceptional care, as many Japanese users protect their devices with cases and screen covers. As a result, only an extremely small percentage of units are repaired with fake parts.

Over the past year, our return rate due to complaints has been under 0.25% annually. We believe that the low ratio of fake parts, combined with our strict grading standards, allows us to maintain such consistently high quality.

SecondaryMarket.news: Japan-spec Apple iPhones have often been known for the mandatory camera shutter sound, but can you clarify if this feature is still included today, and whether it functions differently when devices are used abroad?

Hiroshi Kuroda: Yes, Apple iPhones sold in Japan include a mandatory camera shutter sound to prevent covert photography and protect privacy. However, starting with Apple iOS 15, this shutter sound is automatically disabled when the device is used outside of Japan, as long as it is in silent mode.

SecondaryMarket.news: Many international buyers notice that Japan-spec phones often appear cleaner than those from other markets. Could you explain why these devices are typically in such good condition?

Hiroshi Kuroda: There are two main reasons. First, Japanese consumers tend to handle their devices carefully, and in most cases, they use cases and screen protectors. Second, Japan has long embraced the spirit of “mottainai,” which values careful and respectful use of things, so devices are generally kept in good condition. As a result, products with very clean appearances often enter the market.

SecondaryMarket.news: There has been some confusion in the global market about SIM configurations. Could you clarify whether Japan-spec Apple iPhones come with dual physical SIM card slots like China-spec Apple iPhones, or if there are differences?

Hiroshi Kuroda: No. Japan-spec Apple iPhones typically support one physical SIM card and one eSIM, enabling dual SIM functionality, but they are not equipped with two physical SIM slots like some China-spec Apple iPhones. Also, please note that China-spec Apple iPhones don’t support eSIM.

SecondaryMarket.news: Could you walk us through in more detail how the weekly auction process works, including the typical timeline from bidding to payment and eventual shipment?

Hiroshi Kuroda: Each lot in our auction contains 70–100 used phones. The auction begins on Friday and closes the following Tuesday. Payments for the earliest shipments must be completed by Thursday, with shipments starting on Friday. Products typically arrive by the following Monday in your warehouse.

SecondaryMarket.news: Aside from the weekly auctions, how can buyers make purchases directly through the members-only Marketplace, and are there any special offers or products coming soon?

Hiroshi Kuroda: The Marketplace allows buyers to purchase items immediately at a fixed price. Apart from that, the transaction process is the same as our auctions, with goods shipped on the next business day after payment is received.
Starting in September, we will be offering special-grade Apple iPhone 13 and 14 models that are guaranteed to be free of fake parts, have a battery health of over 85%, and no visible scratches on the screen.

SecondaryMarket.news: Finally, for companies interested in gaining access, how straightforward is it to register as a member with Aucnet, and what is the first step they should take?

Hiroshi Kuroda: Simply contact our UK Branch Sales Representative via WhatsApp or email, and we will promptly share the steps for membership registration.