Like me do you often debate on whether to purchase a used kimono or a new one? Well I have discovered that I actually prefer buying a used kimono to roll in than I do a new one. Part of that feeling is driven by my phobia against popping the cherry of a virgin gi, and part of it is driven by the financial savings that can be had in buying used vs. new (or BNIB).
For example, I have sold a BNIB Batch 17 GUMA Shoyoroll Competitor gi in A2 for nearly $500 + shipping. And the same gi that I have in my rotation I bought used but in excellent condition for well under $200. I think it was about $150 or so actually. So that means I could purchase nearly three used kimonos for the price of one new one. At least using those figures. The difference isn't usually that great, maybe more like 30% or 40%, but still if you are going to use the gi anyway...why not buy a used one that's in excellent shape and save a few dollars?
That being said there are aspects to purchasing a used kimono that you need to be aware of. And some of these apply to buying a new gi also. But the focus here and now is on acquiring a USED kimono, so let us begin.
Get Photographs
Several photos of a used gi will tell you quite a bit. If it is an authentic or fake for one (there are many fakes being sold these days). Photos will also show you the fading and overall condition. If you have specific concerns based upon statements made by the seller, ask for photos of those areas.
Get Measurements
Ask the seller to provide you with some basic measurements that you can then use to compare to the same measurements of a kimono that is in your current rotation. Use the guidelines below and even send these images (or images like these) to the seller so that you are both on the same page and ultimately know how his gi will fit you in comparison to one that you already have at home. One advantage to buying used is the shrinkage has already occurred and is likely locked in already.
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Ask Questions
If you are allergic to pets or cigarettes you should ask if the kimono has been kept in a pet free and/or smoke free home. I once bought a BNIB Shoyoroll off of eBay. And when it arrived and I opened the box I had to take a step back. It REEKED of cigarettes. So I had to hang it up in a well ventilated area of my home for THREE MONTHS before the smell dissipated enough where I could move it to my new gi storage area.
Even if you have photographs, you never know what you might not be shown and what is hidden. So ask about shrinkage, damage, fraying of seam tape, holes, rips, patches that have been removed, smells, etc. And get the answers before you send your money.
Also ask if the kimono comes with the gi bag and/or other items that originally were sold with the gi. Sometimes with used kimonos (and even new) those items are sold off by the owner separately to subsidize the initial purchase. The cigarette gi mentioned above was BNIB but the seller didn't send the bag with the gi. How nice. And with some kimonos they come with an unattached patch that the brand owner sold with the gi but did not apply. Shoyoroll kimonos 1751 GUMA 2012 and Batch 30 Like Cheese are notorious for being sold on the secondary market, both new and used, without the patches that originally came with the gi from Shoyoroll. So if you want that item, make sure it is a part of the deal.
Make Payment Properly
Once you've decided to move forward with the purchase make sure to protect yourself with PayPal also. Insist that the seller send you an invoice for the kimono so that your payment is processed via their Goods & Services option, thereby affording you with some buyer protections should the kimono not be what it was represented to be. Even if you have to pay the fees or pay a few extra dollars for the kimono, doing so is well worth it.
While you are processing and authorizing the payment of the sellers invoice make sure to click on the "add note to seller" link that appears in the last screen before you click "make payment." In that note area, which is located right below your shipping address, write in the specifics of the purchase. For example for a used kimono I would typically write the following:
Payment in full for a USED, but in excellent condition as represented by the seller in our emails of July 4, 2014, Shoyoroll Batch 30 "Like Cheese" kimono, including accompanying & matching patch and cloth gi bag, mailed to me at zip code 96734 USA.
That way if the kimono does not reflect the statements made to you by the seller, you have a stronger case with PayPal to get your money back.
Inspect Upon Arrival
As soon as the gi arrives in the mail, take it out of the box and inspect it. Make sure it fits and is in the condition as represented by the seller. If it is, then contact him and let him know. And if it is not, contact him and discuss whatever findings you have that are different from those he represented to you.
And if there is a problem, do not wait. If you contact him weeks or months after you received the gi and have finally gotten around to checking it out, your likelihood of recouping any monies is pretty low.
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