yaoi.caOn-line Stores
Introduction
Depending on where you live, your purchasing habits (type of manga, quantity purchased etc.) and so forth, you will need to consider which on-line shops work best for you. What follows below are some on-line sources for purchasing manga that may be useful to you.
As always, if you have an experience contrary to any cited below, or have a great experience at an on-line shop I haven't listed, send me an e-mail and tell me about it. Thanks.
Original Manga (unlicensed)
BK1
This is my number one choice for online shopping for NEW books. They charge the cover price (minus the Japanese taxes if you live outside Japan) and actual shipping only. Your order must be for a minimum of 1,500 YEN or you will likely be charged an additional fee or the order may not get processed. They accept all forms of payment and ship as slow or fast as you like. I live in Canada and have had no problems with customs. I ship everything by SEA because of the size of my orders, and they come pretty fast -- around 3 weeks. English only readers may want to check out this buying guide for help and guidance.
JPQueen
This is my preferred choice for online shopping for some USED books. If a book is popular, then they usually still sell the used books at a higher price than the cover list price. However, sometimes fairly new releases dive in popularity and they blow out the books cheaper than the cover price. Also, their shipping rates are higher than actual shipping rates. Buyer beware if you're on a budget or trying to get as much bang for your buck. All my JPQueen packages get opened by customs in Canada now and I get hit with an admin charge plus GST taxes (usually amounts to CAD$15 per shipment) -- they don't confiscate any books, however. Payment through KAGI with your credit card is easy and trustworthy. Shipping is expedient if customs doesn't open the packages. You may want to check out this buying guide with emphasis on shipping.
Half Moon Books
In Vancouver, BC Canada, but they will ship. You can e-mail them with a "looking for" list and they'll respond. They have mostly older releases, but if you're looking for something long out of print, they may very well have it. Completely trustworthy.
Mandarake
I used them once and while I had no problems, their prices are routinely higher than JPQueen. However, they often have manga and doujinshi that JPQueen does not have.
Amazon Japan
Not always the cheapest in terms of books or shipping, they may be convenient for you or have what no one else has.
YesAsia
I have used them in the past a couple of times but their site is more difficult than the most obstinate uke in all the yaoi universe. Searching does not often yield results. However, if you're browsing, it's not too bad. And sometimes they do have things the others don't. Their prices are reasonable, but you may do better elsewhere.
Licensed Manga
Amazon
Deals can often be had if pre-ordering. However, they don't always get the titles in for shipping out in a timely fashion.
Robert's Anime Corner Store
An excellent USA provider of all things manga and anime. They pride themselves on dealing in authorized goods only. Their prices are average, although sometimes quite good. Selection is slim on the yaoi front. Completely trustworthy. Free shipping on orders over $99. Have items shipped within the USA, however -- shipping into Canada will invoke customs and GST.
Dreamland Comics
THE cheapest prices in the USA on yaoi I've discovered yet (especially if you pre-order). Free shipping on orders over $30. HOWEVER, buyer beware -- many people have had complaints, problems and grief over using this source. I won't be trying it any time soon.
Anime Castle
Good prices on licensed yaoi. Good selection. No free shipping. Have items shipped within the USA, however -- shipping into Canada will invoke customs and GST.
Justmanga
Recommendation from another: This carries a wide variety of licensed manga including many yaoi and shonen-ai series. The prices are reasonable, and you can get some good deals. Shipping is fast and reliable and you can get it for free for orders over 40 dollars. It is a US store which is where I live so I don't know how they are with international shipping, but I've been very pleased with the service I've had there. Also despite the name they don't just carry manga. They also carry DVDs and model kits and many other items.
Akadot Retail
A number of people have suggested this one: Like Justmanga they carry a wide variety of licensed manga, however they also carry many untranslated series as well as artbooks, toys, clothing, and accessories. They're prices are reasonable and they're willing to special order items. Shipping is fast and reliable and it's free if the order is over a 100 dollars. This is another US store but they do ship internationally.
Be-Beautiful
Buy direct from the publisher! Especially when Amazon or others are not carrying.
DramaQueen
Another case of buying direct from the publisher when no one else is carrying.
The Right Stuff
Recommended by some North American publishers.
United Publications
UK provider of licensed works. Perfect for those in Europe.
DiscountAnimeDVD
Another suggestion: They have pretty good prices, usually at 25% to 30% off, their blowout sale can usually get you 40% or more on their manga. All the yaoi stuff are there too, and their availability status are always up to date, so you'll know exactly what you're ordering. The downside is that to get free shipping, you got to order over $99.
