On-line shopping analysis – shock
klutz_100
11-12-2010, 01:04 AM
I am stuck in 2 days of meetings in Budapest so decided to make good use of my time and do some on-line shopping for modelling supplies :iceslolan
In my naivety I had assumed - until now - that the differences in prices between stores was probably relatively small (+/- 5-10%) and therefore not worth worrying about. However, I did some comparisons between stores and boy did I get a shock!
My analysis is based on a basket of 6 products from 3 different manufacturers that was composed of p/e sets, detail rivets and multimedia detail sets. All prices were in US$ as quoted by the stores. The prices are for the goods only and do not include shipping charges.
It is worth noting that I have used all of the stores in the past and have found all of them to provide an equally reputable and high quality service.
One of the stores is in the UK (Hiroboy), one in Australia (escale shop) and one in Japan (HLJ) and one in Singapore (MediaMix Hobby).
The eScale store won hands down.
Here’s a quick summary of the results:
On a simple average basis, Hiroboy was 44% more expensive, HLJ 63% and MediaMix 18%.
High/low dispersion was: Hiroboy 62%/35%; HLJ 109%/10%; MediaMix 36%/6%
However, this is not truly a good comparison because it is not weighted in any way and not all stores had all the products (each store was out of stock on one item).
A better comparison is to make a basket of only the products that all stores had in stock (1/20 MP4/4 Cockpit Detail-up Set, 1/20 MP4/4 Antenna (2 Pieces), 0.7mm Hex Rivet with Flange (20pcs) ).
The cost of this basket looked as follows:
Escale: $29,35
Hiroboy: $41,56 (+42%)
HLJ: $51,29 (+75%)
MediaMix: $36,04 (+23%)
Just for the record, the shipping charges on my order were $10 and I don’t imagine that it cost any less in any of the other stores.
I need to point out that this is far from being a robustly representative analysis – to do that would require a larger and more differentiated sample base but none the less, I think it gives a lot of food for thought…
In my naivety I had assumed - until now - that the differences in prices between stores was probably relatively small (+/- 5-10%) and therefore not worth worrying about. However, I did some comparisons between stores and boy did I get a shock!
My analysis is based on a basket of 6 products from 3 different manufacturers that was composed of p/e sets, detail rivets and multimedia detail sets. All prices were in US$ as quoted by the stores. The prices are for the goods only and do not include shipping charges.
It is worth noting that I have used all of the stores in the past and have found all of them to provide an equally reputable and high quality service.
One of the stores is in the UK (Hiroboy), one in Australia (escale shop) and one in Japan (HLJ) and one in Singapore (MediaMix Hobby).
The eScale store won hands down.
Here’s a quick summary of the results:
On a simple average basis, Hiroboy was 44% more expensive, HLJ 63% and MediaMix 18%.
High/low dispersion was: Hiroboy 62%/35%; HLJ 109%/10%; MediaMix 36%/6%
However, this is not truly a good comparison because it is not weighted in any way and not all stores had all the products (each store was out of stock on one item).
A better comparison is to make a basket of only the products that all stores had in stock (1/20 MP4/4 Cockpit Detail-up Set, 1/20 MP4/4 Antenna (2 Pieces), 0.7mm Hex Rivet with Flange (20pcs) ).
The cost of this basket looked as follows:
Escale: $29,35
Hiroboy: $41,56 (+42%)
HLJ: $51,29 (+75%)
MediaMix: $36,04 (+23%)
Just for the record, the shipping charges on my order were $10 and I don’t imagine that it cost any less in any of the other stores.
I need to point out that this is far from being a robustly representative analysis – to do that would require a larger and more differentiated sample base but none the less, I think it gives a lot of food for thought…
gionc
11-12-2010, 02:45 AM
OKI buddy... I'll try the Australian shop but.... havent't it to do with the currecies chart? USD isn't so low like our better shopping days but neither strong, pound is a bit stronger than a couple YA (20% is not only a bit) and yen is stellar HI right now.....
Haven't the comparo to be affected by it?
Haven't the comparo to be affected by it?
klutz_100
11-12-2010, 03:01 AM
havent't it to do with the currecies chart? USD isn't so low like our better shopping days but neither strong, pound is a bit stronger than a couple YA (20% is not only a bit) and yen is stellar HI right now.........
Haven't the comparo to be affected by it?
Not for the purpose of this analysis.
A dollar is a dollar. And these are the prices that the stores are charging in dollars. I have not made any currency conversions.
If the reason for a high price is because a given store has applied a high rate of exchange, it was their choice. This is still what they are expecting a customer to pay.
Of course, it is possible that in EUROs the differences would change but 75%???
Also, the dynamics of the prices strongly suggest that this has little to do with exchange rates but a lot to do with pricing policy.
Haven't the comparo to be affected by it?
Not for the purpose of this analysis.
A dollar is a dollar. And these are the prices that the stores are charging in dollars. I have not made any currency conversions.
If the reason for a high price is because a given store has applied a high rate of exchange, it was their choice. This is still what they are expecting a customer to pay.
Of course, it is possible that in EUROs the differences would change but 75%???
Also, the dynamics of the prices strongly suggest that this has little to do with exchange rates but a lot to do with pricing policy.
gionc
11-12-2010, 03:09 AM
Not for the purpose of this analysis.
A dollar is a dollar. And these are the prices that the stores are charging in dollars. I have not made any currency conversions.
If the reason for a high price is because a given store has applied a high rate of exchange, it was their choice. This is still what they are expecting a customer to pay.
Of course, it is possible that in EUROs the differences would change but 75%???
Also, the dynamics of the prices strongly suggest that this has little to do with exchange rates but a lot to do with pricing policy.
Yes, 50-75% is a lot... and yes, I analized the currencies changes starting by our dear euros standpoint :D
Interesting stuff BTW, I think we're often in a hurry and untidy and we purchase in the "usual" webshop.... your though push we to think about ;)
A dollar is a dollar. And these are the prices that the stores are charging in dollars. I have not made any currency conversions.
If the reason for a high price is because a given store has applied a high rate of exchange, it was their choice. This is still what they are expecting a customer to pay.
Of course, it is possible that in EUROs the differences would change but 75%???
Also, the dynamics of the prices strongly suggest that this has little to do with exchange rates but a lot to do with pricing policy.
Yes, 50-75% is a lot... and yes, I analized the currencies changes starting by our dear euros standpoint :D
Interesting stuff BTW, I think we're often in a hurry and untidy and we purchase in the "usual" webshop.... your though push we to think about ;)
91p10nizmo
11-12-2010, 03:32 AM
Some interesting information there. Just wondered do you have a link to that aussie shop?
Forhod
11-12-2010, 03:55 AM
FYI, Mediamix is in Singapore. :p
star21
11-12-2010, 04:07 AM
FYI, Mediamix is in Singapore. :p
Ditto... I was going to chime in on that one too. :lol:
The total cost of the items may be cheap, but for me shipping is still a very important deciding factor. Shipping cost from the UK or Australia is simply ridiculous. I only order from Hiroboy when I've got no other choice.
Ditto... I was going to chime in on that one too. :lol:
The total cost of the items may be cheap, but for me shipping is still a very important deciding factor. Shipping cost from the UK or Australia is simply ridiculous. I only order from Hiroboy when I've got no other choice.
klutz_100
11-12-2010, 04:14 AM
FYI, Mediamix is in Singapore. :p
Of course you are right! Thanks for pointing out my bad.
Apologies to MediaMix for that
Of course you are right! Thanks for pointing out my bad.
Apologies to MediaMix for that
jaykay640
11-12-2010, 04:52 AM
Well there's also another factor that you have to consider...customs and tax charges. If i order from outside the EU my beloved government will make me pay at least 19% VAT ( and they include the shipping charges... ). So items that are cheaper in Japan, Singapore or Australia may be more expensive than something ordered inside the EU once they get to my doorstep.
For example a Hiro kit is cheaper if i order it from Hiroboy than HLJ because of that.
Generally i always compare prices in different shops and then order based on the total including shipping and tax. At least you can do that nowadays very easily from your desk. Great improvement over "ye olde days" :-)
For example a Hiro kit is cheaper if i order it from Hiroboy than HLJ because of that.
Generally i always compare prices in different shops and then order based on the total including shipping and tax. At least you can do that nowadays very easily from your desk. Great improvement over "ye olde days" :-)
ChicoBR
11-12-2010, 07:53 AM
What is the link to eScale?
Have to take a look there...
:biggrin:
Francisco
Have to take a look there...
:biggrin:
Francisco
racer93
11-12-2010, 08:25 AM
What is the link to eScale?
Have to take a look there...
:biggrin:
Francisco
I was going to ask the same thing...
Have to take a look there...
:biggrin:
Francisco
I was going to ask the same thing...
klutz_100
11-12-2010, 08:29 AM
Generally i always compare prices in different shops and then order based on the total including shipping and tax. At least you can do that nowadays very easily from your desk. Great improvement over "ye olde days" :-)
Absolutley! A very good practice that I had not done before.
Although with the tax, any saving better than 19% I guess puts you ahead? :)
This was my simple spreadsheet
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/comptable.jpg
What is the link to eScale?
http://www.escalemodels.com/shop/
Absolutley! A very good practice that I had not done before.
Although with the tax, any saving better than 19% I guess puts you ahead? :)
This was my simple spreadsheet
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/comptable.jpg
What is the link to eScale?
http://www.escalemodels.com/shop/
360spider
11-12-2010, 10:28 AM
You should check www.hobbyeasy.com - you might be pleasantly surprised.
I find it about 30% cheaper than MediaMix - depending on the products of course.
their service is excellent as well, I've been shopping there exclusively for the past 4-5 years.
I find it about 30% cheaper than MediaMix - depending on the products of course.
their service is excellent as well, I've been shopping there exclusively for the past 4-5 years.
GTV2000
11-12-2010, 12:06 PM
Absolutley! A very good practice that I had not done before.
Although with the tax, any saving better than 19% I guess puts you ahead? :)
This was my simple spreadsheet
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/comptable.jpg
http://www.escalemodels.com/shop/
The 19% rule is not always true for EU countries unfortunately....
This purely depends on each country's policy. For instance, if I buy from HLJ and have the goods shipped to my country (Greece) there is a chance the package will be stopped at customs (has only happened once but I paid trough the nose). Anyway , if it gets stopped my friendly customs guy will charge me about 10Euro for the privilege of checking my package, he will then calculate the 21% VAT on the total price, including forwarding costs and his own 10Euro charge :jerking: and will issue a bill for the package. After all this is said and done the package will go to my local post office, which will then issue a paper and summon me to collect the package. When I go to collect I will find out that the post office will charge me an additional sum about 5-10 Euros depending on the customs charge.......You can see how a 300$ order can easily have a 100Euro surcharge-Ouch
So for the more expensive stuff I am usually getting through Hiroboy.. Much cheaper in the end, and quite fast, but of course that is just my case. I did read a similar story here not long ago about the UK though...
P.S. Some years ago I was ordering some models from the USA. Back then nobody was stocking AMT and R-M models in Greece. Anyway to cut a long story short, quite unexpectedly the USPS stopped forwarding the packages to the post office but instead made a deal with some private company (I believe then privatized Royal Mail? )to distribute the packages in some European Countries, Greece among them. That meant that when the package had cleared customs it was treated like an international forwarding instead of regular package mail and you had to hire a forwarder to get it through customs!!!!!! Thankfully this has been revoked since.....
Although with the tax, any saving better than 19% I guess puts you ahead? :)
This was my simple spreadsheet
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/comptable.jpg
http://www.escalemodels.com/shop/
The 19% rule is not always true for EU countries unfortunately....
This purely depends on each country's policy. For instance, if I buy from HLJ and have the goods shipped to my country (Greece) there is a chance the package will be stopped at customs (has only happened once but I paid trough the nose). Anyway , if it gets stopped my friendly customs guy will charge me about 10Euro for the privilege of checking my package, he will then calculate the 21% VAT on the total price, including forwarding costs and his own 10Euro charge :jerking: and will issue a bill for the package. After all this is said and done the package will go to my local post office, which will then issue a paper and summon me to collect the package. When I go to collect I will find out that the post office will charge me an additional sum about 5-10 Euros depending on the customs charge.......You can see how a 300$ order can easily have a 100Euro surcharge-Ouch
So for the more expensive stuff I am usually getting through Hiroboy.. Much cheaper in the end, and quite fast, but of course that is just my case. I did read a similar story here not long ago about the UK though...
P.S. Some years ago I was ordering some models from the USA. Back then nobody was stocking AMT and R-M models in Greece. Anyway to cut a long story short, quite unexpectedly the USPS stopped forwarding the packages to the post office but instead made a deal with some private company (I believe then privatized Royal Mail? )to distribute the packages in some European Countries, Greece among them. That meant that when the package had cleared customs it was treated like an international forwarding instead of regular package mail and you had to hire a forwarder to get it through customs!!!!!! Thankfully this has been revoked since.....
jano11
11-12-2010, 01:12 PM
The 19% rule is not always true for EU countries unfortunately....
This purely depends on each country's policy. For instance, if I buy from HLJ and have the goods shipped to my country (Greece) there is a chance the package will be stopped at customs (has only happened once but I paid trough the nose). Anyway , if it gets stopped my friendly customs guy will charge me about 10Euro for the privilege of checking my package, he will then calculate the 21% VAT on the total price, including forwarding costs and his own 10Euro charge :jerking: and will issue a bill for the package. After all this is said and done the package will go to my local post office, which will then issue a paper and summon me to collect the package. When I go to collect I will find out that the post office will charge me an additional sum about 5-10 Euros depending on the customs charge.......You can see how a 300$ order can easily have a 100Euro surcharge-Ouch
So for the more expensive stuff I am usually getting through Hiroboy.. Much cheaper in the end, and quite fast, but of course that is just my case. I did read a similar story here not long ago about the UK though...
P.S. Some years ago I was ordering some models from the USA. Back then nobody was stocking AMT and R-M models in Greece. Anyway to cut a long story short, quite unexpectedly the USPS stopped forwarding the packages to the post office but instead made a deal with some private company (I believe then privatized Royal Mail? )to distribute the packages in some European Countries, Greece among them. That meant that when the package had cleared customs it was treated like an international forwarding instead of regular package mail and you had to hire a forwarder to get it through customs!!!!!! Thankfully this has been revoked since.....
Post and customs are model builder's blood suckers everywhere in Europe!
And even so it is cheaper than buying at the local scale model shop.
This purely depends on each country's policy. For instance, if I buy from HLJ and have the goods shipped to my country (Greece) there is a chance the package will be stopped at customs (has only happened once but I paid trough the nose). Anyway , if it gets stopped my friendly customs guy will charge me about 10Euro for the privilege of checking my package, he will then calculate the 21% VAT on the total price, including forwarding costs and his own 10Euro charge :jerking: and will issue a bill for the package. After all this is said and done the package will go to my local post office, which will then issue a paper and summon me to collect the package. When I go to collect I will find out that the post office will charge me an additional sum about 5-10 Euros depending on the customs charge.......You can see how a 300$ order can easily have a 100Euro surcharge-Ouch
So for the more expensive stuff I am usually getting through Hiroboy.. Much cheaper in the end, and quite fast, but of course that is just my case. I did read a similar story here not long ago about the UK though...
P.S. Some years ago I was ordering some models from the USA. Back then nobody was stocking AMT and R-M models in Greece. Anyway to cut a long story short, quite unexpectedly the USPS stopped forwarding the packages to the post office but instead made a deal with some private company (I believe then privatized Royal Mail? )to distribute the packages in some European Countries, Greece among them. That meant that when the package had cleared customs it was treated like an international forwarding instead of regular package mail and you had to hire a forwarder to get it through customs!!!!!! Thankfully this has been revoked since.....
Post and customs are model builder's blood suckers everywhere in Europe!
And even so it is cheaper than buying at the local scale model shop.
ChicoBR
11-12-2010, 03:17 PM
sportracer02
11-12-2010, 04:39 PM
I find it about 30% cheaper than MediaMix - depending on the products of course.
their service is excellent as well
Hi,
talking about service and the 2 expensive companies mentioned by Steven:
- How often can we read here, that Hiroboy doesn´t answer mails ??
- Experience from modelling friends show, that ordering from HLJ several article and not all are available makes it possible, that they send you what is available and the rest later: twice the postage for you.
(Btw: did anybody realise, that the first price of Geronimos Gemballa GT1 transkit was 59 Euro at Hiroboy, the last price is 74 Euro???)
their service is excellent as well
Hi,
talking about service and the 2 expensive companies mentioned by Steven:
- How often can we read here, that Hiroboy doesn´t answer mails ??
- Experience from modelling friends show, that ordering from HLJ several article and not all are available makes it possible, that they send you what is available and the rest later: twice the postage for you.
(Btw: did anybody realise, that the first price of Geronimos Gemballa GT1 transkit was 59 Euro at Hiroboy, the last price is 74 Euro???)
klutz_100
11-13-2010, 02:33 AM
You should check www.hobbyeasy.com - you might be pleasantly surprised.
I find it about 30% cheaper than MediaMix - depending on the products of course.
their service is excellent as well, I've been shopping there exclusively for the past 4-5 years.
Thanks! I didn't know that store.
They certainly seem to have competitive pricing.
I checked the mp4 cockpit set from my "basket" and they were the cheapest of all at $18 although their shipping charge was a further $18 compared to the $10 I paid with escale.
I find it about 30% cheaper than MediaMix - depending on the products of course.
their service is excellent as well, I've been shopping there exclusively for the past 4-5 years.
Thanks! I didn't know that store.
They certainly seem to have competitive pricing.
I checked the mp4 cockpit set from my "basket" and they were the cheapest of all at $18 although their shipping charge was a further $18 compared to the $10 I paid with escale.
hirofkd
11-13-2010, 10:02 PM
At StradaSports, the cockpit set is $21.99, Antenna is $4.99, Rivet set is $5.99, making the subtotal $32.47, which is 10% higher than escale.
But(!), USPS domestic shipping is only $2 by first class or $4.60 by Priority, making the grand total $34.47, or $37.07.
And in-stock items arrive within a week, so that's also a plus for a US resident like me.
But(!), USPS domestic shipping is only $2 by first class or $4.60 by Priority, making the grand total $34.47, or $37.07.
And in-stock items arrive within a week, so that's also a plus for a US resident like me.
gtziaf
11-14-2010, 03:38 AM
My shop analysis to a resin kit
Lancia Beta Modelcarlo 1/24 MFH :
Hiroboy : 201,1 US$
http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/product_info.php?currency=USD&products_id=2591
Stradasports : 150 US$
http://www.stradasportsstore.com/shop-bin/sc/productsearch.cgi?search_field=lancia+beta+1%2F24&Search.x=42&Search.y=10&storeid=*1cfc5cf5910d2ed1916b463a9bad60ec&p1=ExplodeA40abeb5d61cffde22ab2a3a316d2e7446ceffd6 b81539af3f01872ad3ee819bbee83c9529f14972d3c51ced4e 59eacbf&called_from_results=on&orig_search_field=beta+1%2F24&index_items=&index_item_count=2&gi_mode=-1&auto_stem=0&search_results_list=4052%2C6357&max_prod_id_length=4&gi_current_page=1
Bestbalsakits : 286 US$ (209 Euro on site)
http://www.iaiamedia.be/tamiya/tamiya-detail.asp?kitnumber=948
Domino : 236 US$ (173 Euro on site)
http://www.domino.be/main.php?action=firmaselectprods&type=productenmodelbouw&firmaid=149&naam=model_factory_hiro&categorie=3&categorienaam=Rally%20Cars&pagina=1
Islandcollectibles : 160 US$
http://www.islandcollectibles.net/prod02101.htm
Ebay (min :149 Euro- max : 239 Euro):
http://global.ebay.com/search?Query=lancia+beta+1%2F24+-1%2F43+Hiro&Region=0&cc=GR&PageNumber=1&SortBy=8
That's for now...
With this, I don't want to make a promo to one or another company but just to ask why this big gap between them... I understand a logical difference (maybe cause of taxes, costs, etc) but this are over 100US$ in same cases
What your opinion?
With regards
Lancia Beta Modelcarlo 1/24 MFH :
Hiroboy : 201,1 US$
http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/product_info.php?currency=USD&products_id=2591
Stradasports : 150 US$
http://www.stradasportsstore.com/shop-bin/sc/productsearch.cgi?search_field=lancia+beta+1%2F24&Search.x=42&Search.y=10&storeid=*1cfc5cf5910d2ed1916b463a9bad60ec&p1=ExplodeA40abeb5d61cffde22ab2a3a316d2e7446ceffd6 b81539af3f01872ad3ee819bbee83c9529f14972d3c51ced4e 59eacbf&called_from_results=on&orig_search_field=beta+1%2F24&index_items=&index_item_count=2&gi_mode=-1&auto_stem=0&search_results_list=4052%2C6357&max_prod_id_length=4&gi_current_page=1
Bestbalsakits : 286 US$ (209 Euro on site)
http://www.iaiamedia.be/tamiya/tamiya-detail.asp?kitnumber=948
Domino : 236 US$ (173 Euro on site)
http://www.domino.be/main.php?action=firmaselectprods&type=productenmodelbouw&firmaid=149&naam=model_factory_hiro&categorie=3&categorienaam=Rally%20Cars&pagina=1
Islandcollectibles : 160 US$
http://www.islandcollectibles.net/prod02101.htm
Ebay (min :149 Euro- max : 239 Euro):
http://global.ebay.com/search?Query=lancia+beta+1%2F24+-1%2F43+Hiro&Region=0&cc=GR&PageNumber=1&SortBy=8
That's for now...
With this, I don't want to make a promo to one or another company but just to ask why this big gap between them... I understand a logical difference (maybe cause of taxes, costs, etc) but this are over 100US$ in same cases
What your opinion?
With regards
juhapekkahe
11-14-2010, 10:57 AM
A dollar is a dollar. And these are the prices that the stores are charging in dollars. I have not made any currency conversions.
If the reason for a high price is because a given store has applied a high rate of exchange, it was their choice. This is still what they are expecting a customer to pay.
Below is the direct quote from Hiroboy site
"2.3 The website quotes the price of the goods in various currencies (US Dollars, Euros etc.) this is a guide only, All Credit/Debit Card and Paypal Payments are charged in Pounds Sterling at an exchange rate set out by the acquiring banks."
So you are not charged in dollars, but pounds. And I think other stores do likewise.
Pekka
If the reason for a high price is because a given store has applied a high rate of exchange, it was their choice. This is still what they are expecting a customer to pay.
Below is the direct quote from Hiroboy site
"2.3 The website quotes the price of the goods in various currencies (US Dollars, Euros etc.) this is a guide only, All Credit/Debit Card and Paypal Payments are charged in Pounds Sterling at an exchange rate set out by the acquiring banks."
So you are not charged in dollars, but pounds. And I think other stores do likewise.
Pekka
klutz_100
11-14-2010, 02:59 PM
Below is the direct quote from Hiroboy site
"2.3 The website quotes the price of the goods in various currencies (US Dollars, Euros etc.) this is a guide only, All Credit/Debit Card and Paypal Payments are charged in Pounds Sterling at an exchange rate set out by the acquiring banks."
So you are not charged in dollars, but pounds. And I think other stores do likewise.
Pekka
A good point although I am not sure it actually changes anything (for the better).
Take the cockpit detail set in my basket. HB price is 18,49GBP or - as you rightly point out - an estimated 28USD That gives a rate of exchange of $1,51 to the pound sterling.
I just went to the Financial Times website and checked their listings. Last week the pound was fluctuating between $1,60 and $1,61 Today's ROE is $1,61. More practically, I also checked on my PayPal account and got a similar exchange rate of $1,59
Therefore, it seems that the HB estimator is underestimating the US$ - today at least.
Assuming that banks and PayPal are using the FT or similar rate, then in fact the set would ultimately cost between $29,40 and $29,76 - i.e. around $1,50 more than quoted on the HB site!
I'm sorry but I still do not see enough evidence to convince me that the differences in prices are the result of exchange rates. And most certainly not to the tune of 50%, 75% or even 100%!
Please bear in mind that my point in posting this thread was not to promote any one store over another. Also, I am most certainly not saying that "one solution fits all" - without doubt, potential import duty risks and postal costs also need to be factored in to one's individual case.
What I am saying though, is that there are clearly wide differences in pricing and therefore, rather than using one's regular store by default, an hour of comparative browsing can save you a considerable amount of money. In my case I saved at least 40$ (probably more) including postage.
"2.3 The website quotes the price of the goods in various currencies (US Dollars, Euros etc.) this is a guide only, All Credit/Debit Card and Paypal Payments are charged in Pounds Sterling at an exchange rate set out by the acquiring banks."
So you are not charged in dollars, but pounds. And I think other stores do likewise.
Pekka
A good point although I am not sure it actually changes anything (for the better).
Take the cockpit detail set in my basket. HB price is 18,49GBP or - as you rightly point out - an estimated 28USD That gives a rate of exchange of $1,51 to the pound sterling.
I just went to the Financial Times website and checked their listings. Last week the pound was fluctuating between $1,60 and $1,61 Today's ROE is $1,61. More practically, I also checked on my PayPal account and got a similar exchange rate of $1,59
Therefore, it seems that the HB estimator is underestimating the US$ - today at least.
Assuming that banks and PayPal are using the FT or similar rate, then in fact the set would ultimately cost between $29,40 and $29,76 - i.e. around $1,50 more than quoted on the HB site!
I'm sorry but I still do not see enough evidence to convince me that the differences in prices are the result of exchange rates. And most certainly not to the tune of 50%, 75% or even 100%!
Please bear in mind that my point in posting this thread was not to promote any one store over another. Also, I am most certainly not saying that "one solution fits all" - without doubt, potential import duty risks and postal costs also need to be factored in to one's individual case.
What I am saying though, is that there are clearly wide differences in pricing and therefore, rather than using one's regular store by default, an hour of comparative browsing can save you a considerable amount of money. In my case I saved at least 40$ (probably more) including postage.
Macio4ever
11-14-2010, 05:19 PM
This is ALL your fault Steven! I havn't relised that MP4/4 cockipt set even exists till YOU started this thread... :grinno:
So, I have had to try hobbyeasy and their low prices especially MP4/4 set...
Seriously - thanks for sharing! I've just saved few bucks.
So, I have had to try hobbyeasy and their low prices especially MP4/4 set...
Seriously - thanks for sharing! I've just saved few bucks.
hirofkd
11-14-2010, 11:41 PM
The difference you are seeing is due to the gab between the time when the inventory was added, and the time when the conversion was performed at the time of checkout.
Besides, where is Top Studio located? The country of origin and when the inventory was added affects the retail prices at each shop. Also it's usually cheaper to buy goods directly from the country of origin.
Besides, where is Top Studio located? The country of origin and when the inventory was added affects the retail prices at each shop. Also it's usually cheaper to buy goods directly from the country of origin.
racer93
11-15-2010, 10:40 AM
The difference you are seeing is due to the gab between the time when the inventory was added, and the time when the conversion was performed at the time of checkout.
Besides, where is Top Studio located? The country of origin and when the inventory was added affects the retail prices at each shop. Also it's usually cheaper to buy goods directly from the country of origin.
TS is in Hong Kong.
Besides, where is Top Studio located? The country of origin and when the inventory was added affects the retail prices at each shop. Also it's usually cheaper to buy goods directly from the country of origin.
TS is in Hong Kong.
John18d
11-16-2010, 02:02 AM
For those of us living in the USA - StradaSports is the place to shop. Kevin and the others there either have anything one could need or will get it if it is available. I have ordered many special items by talking to Kevin and he has always come thru for me. I only shop for the zero paints at Hiroboy anymore as they are color matched, but the shipping cost is a huge detractor. Kevin at StradaSports can fill any other request and for USA residents and his prices are great - John
http://www.stradasports.com/ - for anyone new to StradaSports please check out the link - John
http://www.stradasports.com/ - for anyone new to StradaSports please check out the link - John
luchoteam
11-16-2010, 06:44 AM
Thanks for sharing this information, it would be great if someone do a post with all the online web site that we can buy model kits, accesories and all that...i just know HJL and Hobbysearch
Here in Argentina, we pay 50% of the product value as taxes (but here they dont add the price of the shipping, just the product)...so if you buy something at 50 dollars, we pay 25 dolars as taxes in customs
Here in Argentina, we pay 50% of the product value as taxes (but here they dont add the price of the shipping, just the product)...so if you buy something at 50 dollars, we pay 25 dolars as taxes in customs
nakadds
11-17-2010, 01:06 AM
For those of us living in the USA - StradaSports is the place to shop. Kevin and the others there either have anything one could need or will get it if it is available. I have ordered many special items by talking to Kevin and he has always come thru for me. I only shop for the zero paints at Hiroboy anymore as they are color matched, but the shipping cost is a huge detractor. Kevin at StradaSports can fill any other request and for USA residents and his prices are great - John
http://www.stradasports.com/ - for anyone new to StradaSports please check out the link - John
Kevin at stradasport is also my first choice for ordering supplies. I just placed an order over the weekend for all the top studio mp4's stuff. The order was shipped on Monday and should be here in southern CA by the end of the week. Another great place in the States to order from is macsmodelling.com. You cannot beat the shipping price stradasport and macsmodelling charge, at least for continental US.
My choice for web stores:
1a. Stradasport
1b. macsmodelling
2. mediamix
3. luckymodel
4. hiroboy -for zero paint
5. HLJ/Rainbowten -when I cannot find it anywhere else
http://www.stradasports.com/ - for anyone new to StradaSports please check out the link - John
Kevin at stradasport is also my first choice for ordering supplies. I just placed an order over the weekend for all the top studio mp4's stuff. The order was shipped on Monday and should be here in southern CA by the end of the week. Another great place in the States to order from is macsmodelling.com. You cannot beat the shipping price stradasport and macsmodelling charge, at least for continental US.
My choice for web stores:
1a. Stradasport
1b. macsmodelling
2. mediamix
3. luckymodel
4. hiroboy -for zero paint
5. HLJ/Rainbowten -when I cannot find it anywhere else
John18d
11-17-2010, 02:27 AM
Kevin at stradasport is also my first choice for ordering supplies. I just placed an order over the weekend for all the top studio mp4's stuff. The order was shipped on Monday and should be here in southern CA by the end of the week. Another great place in the States to order from is macsmodelling.com. You cannot beat the shipping price stradasport and macsmodelling charge, at least for continental US.
My choice for web stores:
1a. Stradasport
1b. macsmodelling
2. mediamix
3. luckymodel
4. hiroboy -for zero paint
5. HLJ/Rainbowten -when I cannot find it anywhere else
4.
Nakadds - you are absolutely correct about Kevin at Stradasports and also Mac at Mac's Modeling. I just placed an order with him for the new Tamiya 2009 Yamaha M-1's "Rossi" and Tech3 - a 1/12 Tamiya McLaren M-23 and other tasty bits. For me Mac is just up the road in Scottsdale AZ - p.s. Mac is expanding his business according to the news-letter - John
My choice for web stores:
1a. Stradasport
1b. macsmodelling
2. mediamix
3. luckymodel
4. hiroboy -for zero paint
5. HLJ/Rainbowten -when I cannot find it anywhere else
4.
Nakadds - you are absolutely correct about Kevin at Stradasports and also Mac at Mac's Modeling. I just placed an order with him for the new Tamiya 2009 Yamaha M-1's "Rossi" and Tech3 - a 1/12 Tamiya McLaren M-23 and other tasty bits. For me Mac is just up the road in Scottsdale AZ - p.s. Mac is expanding his business according to the news-letter - John
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