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Яusso-Soviэt Forum: WWII Soviet Armor
For discussions related to WW2 era Soviet armor.
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Shipping costs outrageous!
210cav
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Virginia, United States
Joined: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 04:08 AM UTC

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No, they didn't! Every time I order anything from Squadron they show $25 as the shipping cost, but it is not what they will actually charge you once your order is shipped. This is just the general value they use for all international shipments. The actuall shipping cost USUALLY is significantly lower. I can imagine however that for some larger orders they could in fact charge you even more than that, but in your case they would chrage you less.

Well if that's true, why don't they show the actual charge at time of purchase. Other websites do it. It's just bad business practice. They've probably lost a lot of customers because of that policy. It just makes no sense to me.


My .02 cents. Squadron desperately needs to update their website. The order process is archaic. Their search engine is next to useless. I have bought from them since 1974 when they were in Michigan as I recall. They are dependable and responsive. If you call, you get a prompt and courteous response. But, that website is atrocious.

DJ
Jacques
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Minnesota, United States
Joined: March 04, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 04:36 AM UTC
I agree, Squadron is a great model store with a excellent mail-order setup and staff, but they seem to have been hauled kicking and screaming into the digitial age. There website was great 8 years ago but now...
Grumpyoldman
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Florida, United States
Joined: October 17, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 05:16 AM UTC
Funny, I never have a problem with Squadron, but then again I'm archaic also.
I really can't remember the last time I had a major problem with them, and any broken or missing parts or items have always been promptly handled and the entire kit replaced for damaged or missing parts with a simple phone call. Since all my orders are over the FREE shipping level, I can't comment on their shipping prices.

The new postal regs suck, and prices certainly took a leap when they changed them.
210cav
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Virginia, United States
Joined: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 05:55 AM UTC

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Funny, I never have a problem with Squadron, but then again I'm archaic also.
I really can't remember the last time I had a major problem with them, and any broken or missing parts or items have always been promptly handled and the entire kit replaced for damaged or missing parts with a simple phone call. Since all my orders are over the FREE shipping level, I can't comment on their shipping prices.

The new postal regs suck, and prices certainly took a leap when they changed them.


Dave-- I agree there is nothing wrong with Squadron once you get past their dismal website. I just ordered their CM Curtiss Seamaw for $18...what a steal! Darn thing usually goes for $35. I am happy even though it cost $7 to ship. But, they use FedEx which means that bad boy will be here pronto.
DJ
Grumpyoldman
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Florida, United States
Joined: October 17, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 08:13 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Funny, I never have a problem with Squadron, but then again I'm archaic also.
I really can't remember the last time I had a major problem with them, and any broken or missing parts or items have always been promptly handled and the entire kit replaced for damaged or missing parts with a simple phone call. Since all my orders are over the FREE shipping level, I can't comment on their shipping prices.

The new postal regs suck, and prices certainly took a leap when they changed them.


Dave-- I agree there is nothing wrong with Squadron once you get past their dismal website. I just ordered their CM Curtiss Seamaw for $18...what a steal! Darn thing usually goes for $35. I am happy even though it cost $7 to ship. But, they use FedEx which means that bad boy will be here pronto.
DJ


I have to laugh---- I just picked up a few Aircraft kits also.... FJ4B for 13.99, FR-1 for 14.99 and the XF2R for 14.99....... could it be a few OD guys are going to start wing things and posting at Areoscale?
I also picked up a few car kits!
As for their site, I have to use firefox to order for some reason it never works on IE.

Hisham
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Al Qahirah, Egypt / لعربية
Joined: July 23, 2004
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 09:06 AM UTC

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I can't imagine how bad it would be if I lived in a country where there were no model stores, and was forced to have everything airmailed from overseas.


I CAN imagine!!! Believe me, you guys don't know how good you have it, as far as pursuing this hobby is concerned.
Plasticbattle
#003
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Donegal, Ireland
Joined: May 14, 2002
KitMaker: 9,763 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 09:31 AM UTC
On a similar subject ....
I recently was looking for Blast´s Krupp protze resin tarp cover on their homepage. It cost €17 .... thats Ok as I like their stuff. Postage was over €10 for this one small piece to Sweden. Its true though, that I could buy several similar items and the postage would be the same ..... but all I really wanted was this tarp. But I was not prepared to pay €27 ($42.36) for this single item ..... so Ive changed my mind and will not buy this item at all.

My point is that shops are cashing in big time on internet sales ... and can increase their earnings so much more. Its also may be a way to encourage more sales or reduce small single buys like this .... but in the end ofthe day ... it comes down to the same thing as the initial post ... its hardly good customer care.
I dont mind paying extra for quality items, but refuse to be blindly ripped off with the extras.
210cav
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Virginia, United States
Joined: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 01:38 PM UTC
Frank-- well said! It would boost my morale to lead a revolt of the ripped-off, but there are glimmers of hope. For example, I always look for Legend products on Lucky Model since they usually ship for free. Saved big bucks doing that dance. In the US, Squadron always offers good deals and their shipping is reasonable. I use Hobby Link Japan sparingly. He just is not as responsive as he use to be. But, I always go after his sale items. He has several good sales a month.
DJ
elph
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Seoul, Korea / 대한민국
Joined: November 13, 2005
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Posted: Sunday, July 06, 2008 - 01:49 AM UTC
Next time I post some pictures of my latest model, I'll name it something like, " Ripped off again", or, " don't trust this seller". I'll have more hits that way .
210cav
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Virginia, United States
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Posted: Monday, July 07, 2008 - 05:11 AM UTC
Brett-- your verbal creativity is always appreciated.
DJ
Panzergrenadier44
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Iran / فارسى
Joined: January 30, 2008
KitMaker: 93 posts
Armorama: 84 posts
Posted: Monday, July 07, 2008 - 10:18 AM UTC
I bought a Iwata HP-CS from greatmodels and the shipping was only 15 cad dollars but when it arrived I had to pay an additional thing of 32 dollars that I never knew about.
PantherF
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Indiana, United States
Joined: June 10, 2005
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Posted: Monday, July 07, 2008 - 11:30 AM UTC

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Next time I post some pictures of my latest model, I'll name it something like, " Ripped off again", or, " don't trust this seller". I'll have more hits that way .


I knoooow the feeling.
GregCloseCombat
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California, United States
Joined: June 30, 2008
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Posted: Monday, July 07, 2008 - 11:38 AM UTC

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I bought a Iwata HP-CS from greatmodels and the shipping was only 15 cad dollars but when it arrived I had to pay an additional thing of 32 dollars that I never knew about.


I love the Greatmodels website and they have good shipping rates here in the USA. I believe there's some wierd US-Canada postal customs/tax "thing" going on especially if items aren't marked as "gift" when shipped
PantherF
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Indiana, United States
Joined: June 10, 2005
KitMaker: 6,188 posts
Armorama: 5,960 posts
Posted: Monday, July 07, 2008 - 12:22 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

I bought a Iwata HP-CS from greatmodels and the shipping was only 15 cad dollars but when it arrived I had to pay an additional thing of 32 dollars that I never knew about.


I love the Greatmodels website and they have good shipping rates here in the USA. I believe there's some wierd US-Canada postal customs/tax "thing" going on especially if items aren't marked as "gift" when shipped


Yeah, it's always good to do a little homework before buying something from another country.

I've always ordered from Great Models ... their great!!
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