Hobby Search

MaxSE · #1 10-21-2002, 07:12 PM

I would just like to know how many of you here have dealt with Hobby Search? and how's their service? i prefer their selection compared to hlj and their prices seem a tad bit cheaper... but i'm not to confident with their paying method. It seems as though they're a small company...lastly their grammar doesn't help things.... So what's the deal?

thanks!!

COZMO6476 · #2 10-21-2002, 07:59 PM

i think they are ok... i've ordered from them before and i've always gotten what i asked for. although the prices seem cheaper, you end up paying the same as HLJ after shipping charges. i dont see any reason not to buy from them if they have what you're looking for. thats my opinion at least

sugarcaddy · #3 10-22-2002, 08:43 AM

I just got an order from them and I didn't have any problems at all. They went out of there way to find a model that was out of stock for me in a timly manor. Also they are friendly and will answer any questions you have within a reasonable time.
My only complant is the shipping charges. They just can't nail down a basic mailing cost. If they said there was a flat fee for the US/Canada, Europe, Asia etc. it would make things simpler.

Scott

MaxSE · #4 10-22-2002, 09:00 AM

Quote:

My only complant is the shipping charges. They just can't nail down a basic mailing cost

does that mean it's over priced for shipping?!?? cause i live in Canada and i also heard that duty is a factor. so will i end up paying more for a kit than if i just buy it at the hobby shop? Check my example:i left it all in yen to keep matters simple!

this kit sells for 1000yen+ shipping and taxes ONLINE:

If i buy it at my hobby shop it would cost me 1800yen total.

so my question is: is it worth it ordering online?

sugarcaddy · #5 10-22-2002, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MaxSE

does that mean it's over priced for shipping?!?? cause i live in Canada and i also heard that duty is a factor. so will i end up paying more for a kit than if i just buy it at the hobby shop? Check my example:i left it all in yen to keep matters simple!

this kit sells for 1000yen+ shipping and taxes ONLINE:

If i buy it at my hobby shop it would cost me 1800yen total.

so my question is: is it worth it ordering online?

Well do a money conversion http://www.xe.com/ucc
1000 yen is 9 US dollars and some change, while 1800 yen is around 17 US dollars. IF you can get this kit at your local hobby shop for $17 US I say forget the online shop, because shipping could run you more than $7 bucks. Now as far as Canadan money I would figure that out at XE.com

Scott

MaxSE · #6 10-23-2002, 09:14 PM

Thanks Scott!

So i guess people order online for kits that are not avail in their neck of the woods so to speak. Not so much because of the prices.

AccordTypeR · #7 10-23-2002, 10:22 PM

They took my money and never sending models....

So I'm fighting with them now.....

djmr2 · #8 10-24-2002, 01:48 AM

i ordered, 2 sets of gundam color, some mr softer, some liquid masking substance and tamiya spure cutters.

it's now almost 4 weeks since when they said they had sent my package (SAL)

HLJ takes no longer than 2 weeks by SAL.

i ordered from HLJ and hobbysearch at the same time.

thats my experience, hopefully my stuff will come.
i tried hobby searcdh because hlj didnt have what i needed at the time and also because most people have had good experiences with them and they reply e-mails fast too...

tazdev · #9 10-24-2002, 02:22 AM

I have brought a couple of things from hooby search and have not had a problem with them. Service was quite good really

nconceic · #10 10-24-2002, 02:45 AM

Hello
I'd make an order, that took only to arrive at my home in Portugal. And more the costumes also check the package(but not tax me).
I'm happy with their service.

Jonno · #11 10-24-2002, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nconceic
Hello
I'd make an order, that took only to arrive at my home in Portugal. And more the costumes also check the package(but not tax me).
I'm happy with their service.

what???

twoninety · #12 10-24-2002, 04:11 AM

Hobby Search generally charges shipping by weight. What I normally do is to go to HLJ's page, check the items weight (HLJ lists the kit's weight and size) and do the necessary calculations on Hobby Search using the table they provide.

I was thinkin of buyin the Tamiya 1/12 Mini Cooper so the charges are as follows:

HLJ: 5800 yen (kit alone) + 1380 (shipping. i live in South East Asia) = 6700 yen.

Kit weighs 780g, add the box for shipping, about 1kg.

1999.co.jp: 5510 yen (kit alone) + 1080 (SAL shipping for 1kg) = 6590 yen.

A saving of 110 yen. Not significantly cheaper but if you buy in bulk, your savings would be considerable.

I haven't put it to the test yet so I can't tell you how accurate it is.

primera man · #13 10-24-2002, 04:31 AM

I'm starting to do alot more with them as they seem alot quicker then HLJ at present.
Price is slightly cheaper

zetaet · #14 10-24-2002, 04:42 AM

I would prefer Hobby Search to HLJ. The kits take just 1 week to reach me after sending out the shippin notice.

They are slightly cheaper compared to HLJ, and they have loyalty pts system. The stuff they have online is in stock as well, not like HLJ, they have all the listings online... but after you order them, they are all backorder!!

Hobby Search sure gets my vote!!

sugarcaddy · #15 10-24-2002, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MaxSE
Thanks Scott!

So i guess people order online for kits that are not avail in their neck of the woods so to speak. Not so much because of the prices.

Well.......
That also depends on where you live. I can't find a Tamaya kit for under 30 bucks where I live and forget about even finding any other kits from other model makers.

So Hobby Search and HLJ is a good altenitive to paying high prices and finding a wide range of cars that I could not find here in the states.
I can get a Fujimi kit for $12-16 bucks plus shipping which for me is a bit cheaper than buying here IF I could find it.

Scott

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