Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 7, 2026
Studio Ghibli Howl's Moving Castle Wooden Puzzle Kit ki-gu-mi Color Ver – Seller: GloTradee (eBay.ca)
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/375504280279Why we think so?
GloTradee is a large-volume eBay seller based in Oita, Japan, listing over 1,100 items, including the Studio Ghibli Howl's Moving Castle Wooden Puzzle Kit. The seller boasts a 99.5% positive feedback score and has sold over 600 units of this particular puzzle kit. The store covers a wide range of Japan-sourced collectibles, electronics, and hobby items, suggesting legitimate business operations. Their listings use original product images and offer standard eBay buyer protections—including PayPal, credit cards, and 30-day returns with seller-covered shipping. However, the puzzle kit's price is significantly higher than many authorized Japanese retailers, but within the range of 'rare export' resellers. There are no credible external reports accusing GloTradee of selling counterfeits or manipulating reviews. While the high sales count and professional storefront indicate a genuine operation, buyers should still ensure the product meets their expectations given the international shipping and premium pricing. 🛡️
Risk Insights
High-Volume Japan Export Seller
- Over 1,100 listings and thousands of sales from a single, verified eBay storefront.
- Specializes in Japanese collectibles and electronics; consistent with a real export business.
Price Markup Relative to Japan Direct Sources
- eBay price is notably higher than some local Japanese retailers.
- Markup typical for rare or export-restricted pop culture items.
Buyer Protection and Return Policy
- Buyers covered under eBay Money Back Guarantee.
- 30-day returns with seller-paid shipping.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- The item is listed at a significantly higher price than some official Japanese retailers, reflecting a potential export 'premium.' This isn't a scam by itself, but buyers should be aware.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity verifiable and consistent
Score: 95
Seller identity verifiable and consistent
"Contact info, branding, and inventory are coherent and traceable to a Japanese business."
Reason: GloTradee uses a consistent store name, seller info, and profile details that match across eBay's platform.
Reputation (feedback, complaints, external flags)
Score: 93
Reputation (feedback, complaints, external flags)
"No active complaints or fraud alerts surfaced in search; strong repeat buyer base for Japan export goods."
Reason: A 99.5% positive feedback score after thousands of sales is indicative of strong, lasting trust from buyers.
Technical: Listing details and fulfillment patterns
Score: 90
Technical: Listing details and fulfillment patterns
"High volume of sales and inventory across categories. Product images are authentic and not stock photos."
Reason: Item details, images, and shipping information match genuine Japanese goods exporters’ practices.
Content: Accuracy and review authenticity
Score: 90
Content: Accuracy and review authenticity
"Feedback links appear healthy and not suspiciously generic or duplicated."
Reason: No evidence of fake reviews or manipulated ratings. Item description is factual, matching manufacturer data.
Legal and regulatory: Returns, buyer protection, clear terms
Score: 92
Legal and regulatory: Returns, buyer protection, clear terms
"Terms conform to eBay buyer guarantee requirements."
Reason: Standard 30-day return policy with seller-paid return shipping. Payment protection via PayPal/Credit Card.
Business validity (inventory, sales continuity, non-scam patterns)
Score: 94
Business validity (inventory, sales continuity, non-scam patterns)
"Cross-listing Japanese gadgets, collectibles, and consumer products signals a functioning and ongoing operation."
Reason: Inventory size, repeated sales, and the span of offered items all point to an established export business, not a one-off scam.
Your Next Steps
-
1
If you decide to purchase, pay via PayPal or a credit card for maximum protection.
-
2
Review the seller's feedback directly for recent buyer comments and resolution of any disputes.
-
3
Compare the product price to authorized dealers; expect a markup due to Japan export/shipping costs.
-
4
Keep all purchase records in case you need to use eBay's Money Back Guarantee.
Key Evidence & Citations
-
eBay Item Listing – Studio Ghibli Puzzle
⤷ Official product listing confirms sales volume, seller info, and detailed product characteristics.
-
eBay Seller Profile: GloTradee
⤷ Public eBay storefront for GloTradee showing inventory, established reputation, and history.
-
Price/Authenticity Discussion for Howl's Moving Castle Puzzle
⤷ Shows official price ranges and marketplace comparison for this puzzle kit, helping explain price variance.
🕵🏻 Keep vetting
Verify if a Ebay seller is safe to buy from: detect counterfeits, fake reviews and red flags.
Investigate eBay electronics listings that never deliver »Sellers list scarce GPUs or consoles, collect payment, and disappear with tracking numbers that never update. ScamAI ana...
Spot counterfeit luxury goods online »Counterfeit rings list designer bags and watches using stolen catalog photos. ScamAI reviews serial numbers, past takedo...