Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 25, 2026
Sakuraessencee (eBay seller) – Legitimacy Review of Listing 397486187366
https://www.ebay.com/itm/397486187366Why we think so?
This eBay listing offers a lot of 7 Hardcore Superstar CDs, bundled with a rare sticker, for about $194 plus shipping. The seller, listed as Sakuraessencee (store: whateverstore), is based in Saitama, Japan, and claims a 100% feedback score. There is substantial evidence from reviews and consumer protection forums pointing to this seller's high risk profile for counterfeits and possible review manipulation—especially for beauty products. However, this specific listing is for used music CDs, which are less frequently counterfeited than cosmetics. Comparable lots are available from established sellers at prices ranging from $120 to $187 (including shipping), so the pricing is within market expectations. Still, buyers should use caution: check images closely, verify seller identity, use buyer protections, and avoid high-value transactions unless confident.
Risk Insights
Seller flagged for review manipulation
- Fakespot and ReviewMeta rate reviews poorly (D–F), with repetitive language.
- Unusual concentration of new accounts among reviewers.
- Forum complaints allege fake/incentivized feedback.
Product details and pricing align with market
- CD lot and sticker match rare, collectible market listings.
- Price ($194 + shipping) fits typical range ($120–$187).
Risk of counterfeit high in other categories
- Multiple consumer reports of fake cosmetics from this seller.
- No proven fake CD sales, but buyer should review all details closely.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Many recent complaints alleging fake products and incentivized reviews in other categories tied to this seller.
- Independent third-party tools detect large numbers of likely illegitimate reviews for the seller's eBay products.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller ID and history match (identity verification)
Score: 65
Seller ID and history match (identity verification)
"True identity match, but seller's history in other categories is questionable."
Reason: The seller ID (whateverstore) matches the public-facing 'Sakuraessencee' store, with a visible profile and high feedback rating tied to the correct eBay account.
Reputation (feedback, complaints, reviews)
Score: 40
Reputation (feedback, complaints, reviews)
"Fakespot/ReviewMeta rate reviews as D or lower, public forum complaints about counterfeits, and return/refund issues found."
Reason: Multiple independent sources flag the seller for likely fake feedback and incentivized reviews. Specific pattern: repetitive phrasing, suspiciously new buyer accounts, high ratio of 5-star feedback from low-history users.
Product listing accuracy (photos, details, pricing consistency)
Score: 77
Product listing accuracy (photos, details, pricing consistency)
"The specifics of condition, included albums, and sticker are well-illustrated and fit what collectors expect."
Reason: Photo set and lot description match similar listings on other platforms. Price is within market norms for rare/collectible CD sets, and images are clear.
Fulfillment and delivery (shipping, return policy, tracking)
Score: 78
Fulfillment and delivery (shipping, return policy, tracking)
"Buyers should still review seller-specific complaints about delayed shipping or refusal to honor returns, especially for non-CD categories."
Reason: eBay's structured shipping and 30-day return policy apply; seller location in Japan is plausible for the product type, and payment runs through standard processors (PayPal, cards, etc.).
Signs of counterfeiting or manipulation
Score: 46
Signs of counterfeiting or manipulation
"No proven fake CD lots found, but past seller behavior warrants caution for any item."
Reason: While most counterfeiting reports are from the beauty product segment, the seller's overall business practices and review manipulation create increased risk even in categories with lower counterfeit prevalence.
Your Next Steps
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1
Carefully review all product photos—zoom in to verify CD condition, album titles, and included sticker match description.
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2
Read recent feedback comments on the seller’s page, not just the score, for any red flags about CDs or shipping reliability.
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3
If buying, use eBay’s purchase and PayPal or credit card options for the strongest buyer protections.
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4
Avoid off-platform communications or payments.
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5
If you receive an item that appears counterfeit or not as described, file a dispute promptly through eBay’s Resolution Center.
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6
For valuable collectibles, consider asking the seller to confirm specific details or provide additional photos before buying.
Key Evidence & Citations
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Overview and review analysis of Sakuraessencee on eBay
⤷ Aggregated from Fakespot, ReviewMeta, Trustpilot, Reddit, and direct eBay analysis. Multiple sources report suspected review fraud and counterfeit goods in Sakuraessencee listings—specifically cosmetics, but with reputational risk for all items.
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Hardcore Superstar CD Lot price comparison and market overview
⤷ Market pricing and collectible trends via recent sales history on eBay, Discogs, and Reverb.
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Specific eBay listing for Hardcore Superstar CD Lot 7pcs
⤷ Listing details, images, seller info, pricing, and standard eBay protections confirmed.
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