Is USA okay to but Tamiya NIB from

[Podfather(2)]

I am completely new to this forum and have just a short question.

I notice on ebay that many NIB can be purchased from the states at far cheaper than UK prices (even with the shipping).

Is there a problem with these models at all?

[Podfather(2)]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...item=1921672901

Please see above just to illustrate the point. I know this is Hong Kong, but the total cost including shipping by surface would add up to less than £65

This is nearly £40 cheaper than a UK model store ?!?!

[TWINSET]

Welcome to the forum!

I've imported a couple of kits, and the other thing you'll have to factor in is import duty.

Someone like Tower Hobbies WILL declare the true value of goods, so that's what you'll pay duty on, private sellers can be asked to put a lower price on shipping documents, but this'll affect the insurance payment if goods are lost/damaged.

I got a Clodbuster from Japan, quoted at $150 (U.S.) and paid £17 duty.

A local tax office can give you the info, so you can prepare for the worst.

[Podfather(2)]

Thank you very much for replying.

So essentially, they make look cheaper, but after you add on shipping and import duty (lets say it averaged £15), you are only really saving something in the region of about £30.

I think I'd rather give the extra cash to my local model shop in Hemel Hempstead and keep them in business. []

[TamiyaRacer]

This kit contains the same items we get in the US, ie, motor and mech. speed control - I don't know what you get in the UK. All of the kits here are also shrinkwrapped at Tamiya USA. The price here is $100, or about £64, for this Ford Focus RS kit. Prices are much lower here in the US, both kits and body sets, than in the UK. Most TL-01 kits are $80 and body sets are $29.

[TWINSET]

Import is good for stuff UK has discontinued - Clodbuster, Blitzer Beetle, Pumpkin etc.

If you want something still 'off the shelf' a local store is better, specially when it needs repairing!

[DJTheo]

quote:So essentially, they make look cheaper, but after you add on shipping and import duty (lets say it averaged £15), you are only really saving something in the region of about £30. I think I'd rather give the extra cash to my local model shop in Hemel Hempstead and keep them in business.

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Sorry but I wouldn't spend 30 pounds extra on a 65 pound items just to keep my hobby shop at business and I don't think they would do the same for me or you, if someone cannot run a business with success he should close it and work for someone else who can []

[Podfather(2)]

Theo

I agree with your sentiment to a point. But I doubt very much the model shop in the UK is able to purchase the item for the same cost as either Hong Kong or the USA.

Also the cost of £95 quoted is synonymous with all UK model shops.

Have you not heard of Rip off Britain?

[TWINSET]

That'll get the flag wavers going!

I found with rally cars, the easiest way to get a cheap one was go for an old body, I got an 'Orange' Subaru TBO1 for £30 less than a blue one, just cos they couldn't shift the orange ones.

Dunno about the WRC02 chassis, but it might be worth a dig?

The way I trash lexan, it doesn't really matter what comes with it, it'll be replaced soon enough[]

[TamiyaRacer]

By the way, I believe that auction listing is inaccurate and deceptive. The kit shown, no. 58292, is for the '02 car and is based on the TL-01 chassis. The TL-01 chassis is not a bathtub chassis (monocoque), the TL-01 does not have a longitually mounted engine, the kit does not include oil dampers (friction dampers) or rally block tires (slicks), and there is no aluminum heat sink available for the TL-01. What the seller is describing is the TB-01 chassis and the kit contents for no. 58281, which is the Focus RS WRC '01 kit. Big differences between the two kits, wonder if the buyer knows what he got. Here's the two cars as listed by Tamiya:

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/rc/electr...tl01/58292.html

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/rc/electr...tb01/58281.html

[snollan]

No don't buy kits for the US they're all scammers. In fact don't bid keep the prices down for guys like....like....like me.

[Podfather(2)]

Tamiyaracer, you are a star. I would not have noticed that at all.[:0]

So to conclude.

It's fine to buy NIB kits from the USA/Hong Kong as long as you know exactly what you are looking for and are confident you will spot any mistakes in the Ebay advert.

However, if you are mortal and prone to "skimming" over the detail, you may be better off buying from a uk source where it is easier to solve any misunderstandings or disputes face to face.

Basic cost of this kit (kit 58292) from Hong kong (including shipping, insurance, import duty) = £75

From a UK model store/online (plenty to choose from) = £89.99

I'm still convinced to go UK for the lack of aggro.

[DJTheo]

quote:But I doubt very much the model shop in the UK is able to purchase the item for the same cost as either Hong Kong or the USA.

id="quote">id="quote">

Definetely not, but it shouldn't also cost him much more with the amounts he buys than a single one you would buy and import from abroad, don't forget the HK also makes a profit []

For 20% difference you are right, you might consider UK, but usually the differnce is higher than that... [xx(]

[TamiyaRacer]

This same auction showed up today on the US ebay site so I sent an email to "helenspirit2002", pointing out the items I mentioned above. I got this reply from Helen Chan

Hi,

Oh thank you, I forgot to change it ,and I will fix ti soon

thansk

boris

id="red">

OK, that's now somewhat resolved, but who is boris ? []

Podfather, I agree with you, I try to buy locally here in the US if at all possible. I think for the extra £15 it is worth it, especially considering that surface shipping from Japan, Hong Kong, etc is 8 weeks. I have done that before, on a few hard to get kits, and spent about 6 of the 8 weeks wondering where the item is and if it's going to arrive.