Entrepreneur Takafumi Horie Joins as Advisor for Maxas's New Luxury Concierge Service

Takafumi Horie Joins Maxas as Advisor

This June, Maxas Co., Ltd., known for its nationwide buyback services with 46 stores across Japan, welcomed the iconic entrepreneur Takafumi Horie as an advisor. The company, led by CEO Kenji Seki, is set to embark on a remarkable new journey with the introduction of 'Maxas Premium'—a bespoke buyback service tailored for the affluent community.

The Journey Begins

Kenji Seki, affectionately known by the nickname 'Sekiemon,' has expressed admiration for Horie, revealing that his own nickname was inspired by the famous entrepreneur. Their collaboration ignited following Horie's participation in the YouTube series 'REAL VALUE,' where Seki proposed a project that caught the attention of Yuta Misaki—known as 'Aojiru Prince'—who suggested optimizing the service for wealthy clientele. Horie noted, "I might consider focusing on the wealthy segment!" This decision was birthed from Horie's own struggles with managing excess possessions, leading to a service designed to resolve the material dilemmas of the affluent.

Launching 'Maxas Premium'

The new service 'Maxas Premium' aims to uncover 'hidden assets' that wealthy customers may not realize they possess while alleviating the burdens of selling them. This unique offering promises a comprehensive buyback service, from luxury items to unwanted goods, all handled with the utmost convenience. As the reuse market continues to thrive—projected to exceed 4 trillion yen by 2030—the potential for such services has never been higher. Moreover, the estimated latent market value of unsold items within homes is approximately 66 trillion yen. 'Maxas Premium' strives to do more than simply buy back items. It aims to alleviate the customer's burdens surrounding material possessions, offering services that cater to activities such as moving, relocating, inheritance, and decluttering, all through a one-stop shop approach.

Key Features of 'Maxas Premium'

With the guiding principle of taking on the 'asset management woes' of affluent individuals, the service highlights several key features:

1. Convenience Over High Valuations: Clients can simply request, "Please handle everything!" rather than fret over individual item valuations. From jewelry to household appliances, everything can be managed in one go.
2. Smart Appraisals: Items of all kinds—furniture, electronics, art—can be assessed and picked up on-the-spot without hassle.
3. Logistical Support: Whether clients need temporary storage during a move or just want help disposing of excess belongings, Maxas offers flexible support.
4. Time and Space Management: Beyond merely parting with items, the service aims to reconstruct clients' spaces, enhancing their living environments.

Privacy Assured

To cater to the privacy needs of its distinguished clientele, Maxas employs unique methodologies developed since its inception in 2012. The company ensures confidentiality by allowing anonymous transactions and minimizing the amount of personal information collected. Appointments are fully customizable, allowing for flexibility in timing and avoiding overlap with other clients. Staff members utilize unmarked vehicles during visits, and clients can opt for personal name visits if desired. The entire process, from initial contact to aftercare, is handled by dedicated staff, minimizing information leakage. Digital signatures facilitate contactless transactions, and the company offers various delivery options to enhance anonymity.

Marketing Strategy

Leveraging Horie's significant influence and extensive network, Maxas plans to showcase real-life assessments and buyback scenarios via social media, providing engaging content that resonates with a luxury audience. By collaborating with firms and professionals serving affluent clients and utilizing press releases during key events, Maxas aims to increase brand recognition and establish a strong market presence.

Final Thoughts from Horie and Seki

Takafumi Horie expressed his enthusiasm for the venture: "What Maxas is doing transcends the traditional reuse industry. They are innovating spaces by creating new values through individuals, IT, and a robust system. 'Maxas Premium' smartly resolves luxury clients' asset concerns, evolving closer to a lifestyle management service. At a time where busy individuals focus on optimizing their time and space, I see an endless scope for efficiency in this model. As an advisor, I hope to leverage my insights for further evolution."

Meanwhile, Kenji Seki recalls how Horie’s success influenced his own entrepreneurial path: "At 16, I was inspired by Horie's work at Livedoor and aspired to become an entrepreneur myself. This collaboration is an exhilarating opportunity to bring innovative business concepts to life."

Maxas is currently seeking two exceptional members for its special project team to launch the new premium buyback service. Interested candidates can find more details from Seki’s explanations in a video on their official channel.