HLJ.com and the USA

I want to do some Tamiya models but my supply options are limited. I could hunt around on eBay or go buy the small selection at eHobbies.com or go with HLJ.com. Is HLJ that good to use as a "regular shopping" store or is shipping a pain and would it only be good for special kits I can't find anywhere else? I know there's info on HLJ but it's hard to find a clear time frame and shipping estimate for sending an order to the US. There's plenty of international users on here (Which I think rocks..) so I was wondering if anyone from the US has shopped there regularly. Opinions?

I actually prefer Hobby Search (http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/plamo/) who are slightly cheaper than HLJ and seem to process things a little quicker. However I've only ordered once from each of them and still awaiting the HLJ order (anyday now!:) ;) ) so i'm not that much of an experienced shopper to comment. However the general consensus amongst the members here is - THEY ROCK!

If HLJ has it in stock you will get it in about a week. It is actually cheaper to buy a Japanese kit(Tamiya,Fujimi,Hasegawa)even with shipping than your local Hobby shop. They are rock solid and trustworthy and they package things very well. Bottom line Highly Recommended.

is the reason I still build models; nowhere else have I found the selection and service that they offer. I have a basement full of kits from HLJ that I've been told didn't exist or I'd never get ahold of. I've always been treated quite fairly by them. :) Sometimes it takes a while for my orders to reach me but I've never had a bad experience with them.

If you are looking for simply tamiya models, then check out www.hobbylinc.com (http://www.hobbylinc.com). They have decent prices for the states and ship rather quickly. If you want the rare kits then go with one of the above. Hobbylinc also has paints, tape, etc from tamiya. They also run weekly sales on models and you can always fine a couple tamiya auto kits for sale.

Thanks for all the responses. My Skyline R34 should be on it's way soon. :sun: I ordered it from Hobby Linc.

I ordered from HLJ once and took about 3 weeks to receive kits. i tried ordering several times since then but every time i place order i get the status next day saying 3 out of 4 kits in my order will be back ordered. they don't seem to have good stock other than new kits. is this true? i never wanted to wait for back order so i cancel.
how long does it take for them to fill back order?

I notice you are in New England...if you are anywhere near Rhode Island, I can recommend some hobby shops.

Matt

Originally posted by ae86_takumi
I ordered from HLJ once and took about 3 weeks to receive kits. i tried ordering several times since then but every time i place order i get the status next day saying 3 out of 4 kits in my order will be back ordered. they don't seem to have good stock other than new kits. is this true? i never wanted to wait for back order so i cancel.
how long does it take for them to fill back order?

well if you noticed, HLJ have already put up a system to let you know whats in stock or not. the items in bold letters are in stock. the turn around time for HLJ usually takes about 2 weeks, the first week to process the order and the second to ship. so unless you have no patiences i do not reconmends HLJ. ive shop many times from HLJ and spent hundreds of dollars . even though shipping cost alot its still not bad and usually cheaper than getting it locally. plus HLJ is some time the only place to get hard to find items too

Originally posted by mdaniels
I notice you are in New England...if you are anywhere near Rhode Island, I can recommend some hobby shops.

Matt

Sure, I wouldn't mind crossing the border from time to time. I know theres East Bay Hobbies in Seekonk, I just haven't gone there. (Even though that's not quite Rhode Island, yet.)

Originally posted by Ragnarok043


well if you noticed, HLJ have already put up a system to let you know whats in stock or not. the items in bold letters are in stock. the turn around time for HLJ usually takes about 2 weeks, the first week to process the order and the second to ship. so unless you have no patiences i do not reconmends HLJ. ive shop many times from HLJ and spent hundreds of dollars . even though shipping cost alot its still not bad and usually cheaper than getting it locally. plus HLJ is some time the only place to get hard to find items too
i had hoped that the items not in bold are also readily available but no. you are right. i did some number crunching and you can save close to 30% on kits compared to local retailer(adds sales tax) even after adding up high shipping cost.
i won't be able to shop HLJ for a while since i bought too many kits from ebay.. one Fujimi AE86 i bought from hong kong i paid way too much. but wanted to get it. :smoker2: