I know this has been talked about before, but I wanted to buy Tankograd's KV-1 late models book from the Squadron website. They wanted $25 shipping for a $20 book. How could this be? A few months ago, I sent my Aztek from here in South Korea to the states for $5, standard airmail. My package was about 200 grams and the lady at the post office put into a roughly A4 size envelope the same used for magazines and thin books. It arrived within two weeks. All these shops have every excuse under the sun, but when I recieve my orders the postage stamps are far below what they have charged me.
Anyway, does anyone know a good website that sells this book with reasonable shipping costs?
Hosted by Jacques Duquette
Shipping costs outrageous!
elph
Joined: November 13, 2005
KitMaker: 319 posts
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Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 02:19 PM UTC
wanagun
#145
Joined: June 22, 2006
KitMaker: 471 posts
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Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 02:33 PM UTC
Shipping cost in the US are very high. It is very expensive for us to ship anything out of the country. Not saying $25 is correct but it is probably not as out of line as you think.
vtrockin
Joined: April 24, 2007
KitMaker: 59 posts
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Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 03:24 PM UTC
That IS high for a book. I just checked out ebay and they have a store selling a new one for $25 and $7 shipping. If shipping is THAT high search elsewhere.
woodstock74
Joined: December 28, 2002
KitMaker: 1,189 posts
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Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 03:46 PM UTC
I have a book coming to me from the UK and the cost is $26. I regularly ship to Europe and can't get anything out of here for under $25 for a 2-3 lb item. $25 sounds about right if the book is in that same weight category (figure hard cover, 200+ pages, 9" x 12" x 1"). I just had a look at USPS's site, and for a 3lb 12oz book, shipping to Aus is $23.87. USPS changed their shipping charges at the begining of the year if I recall. Last year shipping to Europe was typically $15-20.
For what it's worth, I seem to recall an international book rate shipping method called "M-bag". Here's some more info:
http://www.iosart.com/misc/m-bags.html
So with that method your cost is a more reasonable $9.90. Of course this takes 4-6 weeks vs. your standard 5-7 days. And M-Bag rates are subject to eligibility--must be printed material. But in fairness to vendors, you have to walk in to your local post office to complete this transaction. Don't beleive you can do it online.
For what it's worth, I seem to recall an international book rate shipping method called "M-bag". Here's some more info:
http://www.iosart.com/misc/m-bags.html
So with that method your cost is a more reasonable $9.90. Of course this takes 4-6 weeks vs. your standard 5-7 days. And M-Bag rates are subject to eligibility--must be printed material. But in fairness to vendors, you have to walk in to your local post office to complete this transaction. Don't beleive you can do it online.
Steelcl4d
Joined: June 26, 2008
KitMaker: 32 posts
Armorama: 29 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 04:35 PM UTC
If they use fedex or purolator that's why it's costing so much, but if they use the national post there's probably noway that's overpriced. That's probably how they get their money, their price is probably cheaper but they catch you up with the shipping and handling.
ausboarder
Joined: June 03, 2007
KitMaker: 162 posts
Armorama: 139 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 04:56 PM UTC
shipping to australia is crap prices.
i went on the woodland scenics site to buy some terrain and the shipping was $70. it may have been an error though. bit much ?
i went on the woodland scenics site to buy some terrain and the shipping was $70. it may have been an error though. bit much ?
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 05:30 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I know this has been talked about before, but I wanted to buy Tankograd's KV-1 late models book from the Squadron website. They wanted $25 shipping for a $20 book. How could this be? A few months ago, I sent my Aztek from here in South Korea to the states for $5, standard airmail. My package was about 200 grams and the lady at the post office put into a roughly A4 size envelope the same used for magazines and thin books. It arrived within two weeks. All these shops have every excuse under the sun, but when I recieve my orders the postage stamps are far below what they have charged me.
Anyway, does anyone know a good website that sells this book with reasonable shipping costs?
You could try the publishers themselves, since they do sell direct to the public. http://www.tankograd.com
Or maybe Motorbooks International in the UK. Shipping costs may still be high, but you'll often find that the shipping for several books is the same as the cost for one. In international transactions, I've found that it's much more economical to order a few different titles at once rather than buying one book at a time.
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
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Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 09:12 PM UTC
Quoted Text
25 sounds about right if the book is in that same weight category (figure hard cover, 200+ pages, 9" x 12" x 1").
Well, it isn't. It's an A4, softcover book with less than 80 pages...
There's far too much of this at the moment - i'm afraid there are a series of retailers who are making a LOT of money out of shipping. There are also several U.S. retailers who, IMO, are price-gouging. Not all of them, companies like Sprue Brothers are offering a service AT COST. Others seem to NOT want business from the rest of the World as their own market is so bouyant.. or not...
elph
Joined: November 13, 2005
KitMaker: 319 posts
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Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 - 01:09 AM UTC
I agree there is too much price gouging on shipping. Recently, I ordered some 1/35 flags which were printed on half A4 size, so it fitted into a similar sized envelope. I was charged 6 euros, but the stamp was 92 cents. Do the shops think we are stupid? I use to work in a hobby shop that did a lot of mail order and if mail cost $4.50 we would charge $5, not $25, enough said.
milvehfan
Joined: June 26, 2007
KitMaker: 2,116 posts
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Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 - 04:07 AM UTC
I agree, shipping is getting really out of hand, I recently sent (USPS) a $20.00 model , weighing 1 1/2 lbs from Pa to Ontario, Canada and it cost $18.95 to mail. I couldnt believe it.....everything is going up except wages... OUCH !!!!!!. milvehfan 
berwickj
Joined: April 16, 2007
KitMaker: 352 posts
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Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 - 04:53 AM UTC
www.bookdepository.com
they don't have everything, but they do have free shipping worldwide, and are usually 20 to 30% cheaper than Amazon.
I get almost all my books from them Concord, Osprey, Pen & Sword, H&C, Stackpole. Search and ye shall find! Even got MIG's AFV book from them!
John
they don't have everything, but they do have free shipping worldwide, and are usually 20 to 30% cheaper than Amazon.
I get almost all my books from them Concord, Osprey, Pen & Sword, H&C, Stackpole. Search and ye shall find! Even got MIG's AFV book from them!
John
Halaci
Joined: October 05, 2005
KitMaker: 223 posts
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Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 - 05:26 AM UTC
Thanks for the hint, but do you have any experience whether they restock the unavailable books sometimes or they are vanished forever? I'm looking for the Allied-Axis books, but only one was available now.
jphillips
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 1,066 posts
Armorama: 789 posts
Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 - 05:57 AM UTC
I agree, shipping is too high. It's especially unfair to have to pay as much to ship a decal as a model-it's just a piece of paper, after all-and for this reason I order my decals from Flightdecs, as often as possible. Of course, I build vehicles as well as aircraft, and Flightdecs doesn't sell decals for vehicles, so sometimes I do get stuck paying eight dollars or whatever, just to ship a little decal. It's outrageous!
And then, perhaps worst of all, there are the folks who simply refuse to say what they charge for shipping. Some of these sellers are on eBay, and some are regular online stores, but either way, I find this practice deceptive. It's like they want you to order something so they can surprise you with a twenty dollar shipping charge (and some really do charge that much, even to ship within the United States).
Some sellers in Europe and Japan have lots of great stuff that you can't find anywhere in the States, but I don't order from them because the shipping is so high. Thank God I live in the United States, where many sellers are located. 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.
This hobby is really getting expensive, and more expensive for some than for others.
And then, perhaps worst of all, there are the folks who simply refuse to say what they charge for shipping. Some of these sellers are on eBay, and some are regular online stores, but either way, I find this practice deceptive. It's like they want you to order something so they can surprise you with a twenty dollar shipping charge (and some really do charge that much, even to ship within the United States).
Some sellers in Europe and Japan have lots of great stuff that you can't find anywhere in the States, but I don't order from them because the shipping is so high. Thank God I live in the United States, where many sellers are located. 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.
This hobby is really getting expensive, and more expensive for some than for others.
berwickj
Joined: April 16, 2007
KitMaker: 352 posts
Armorama: 342 posts
Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 - 09:43 AM UTC
Hi Halaci, a bit of topic, but my wife and I were just in Budapest last month. Lovely town!! They do restock, sometimes it takes a while.
elph
Joined: November 13, 2005
KitMaker: 319 posts
Armorama: 266 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 01:38 PM UTC
Quoted Text
www.bookdepository.com
they don't have everything, but they do have free shipping worldwide, and are usually 20 to 30% cheaper than Amazon.
I get almost all my books from them Concord, Osprey, Pen & Sword, H&C, Stackpole. Search and ye shall find! Even got MIG's AFV book from them!
John
Thanks for the website. I couldn't get the book I wanted, but I picked up some other books for an excellent price and free shipping - that's outrageous!
Belt_Fed
Joined: February 02, 2008
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 01:51 PM UTC
well, you guys need to take into account the rise in gas prices. At least in the US.
Jacques
Joined: March 04, 2003
KitMaker: 4,630 posts
Armorama: 4,498 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 04:39 PM UTC
It has to do with fuel costs for air fuel. That is causing a drop in flights going anywhere and a loss in space to send mail in the extra space. That is what is causing SOME of the shipping cost rise.
Another thing is the insurance rates. No excuses for Squadrons rates, I am surprised at how high it is, but...
Another thing is the insurance rates. No excuses for Squadrons rates, I am surprised at how high it is, but...
elph
Joined: November 13, 2005
KitMaker: 319 posts
Armorama: 266 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 01:37 AM UTC
The prices for gas in the US I know have risen a lot, but you still pay significantly less than a lot of other countries. I think you guys pay $4 a gallon which works out at $1.05 a litre - compare that to a lot of European countries that traditionally pay double or more than US prices, but I still got free shipping from England. So I am not exactly convinced of such high shipping costs from the US as being legitimate increases.
Grumpyoldman
ConsigliereJoined: October 17, 2003
KitMaker: 15,338 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 02:29 AM UTC
Brett, I've shipped quite a few packages international over the years at the site, and believe me shipping to Australia, South Africa, and Spain has been higher than the same weight and size to Holland and England. Unfortunately I don't foresee it coming down, just another cost of the hobby that is forever increasing. Part of the times, for what ever reason- fuel, packaging, etc.
(why is the cost of living exceeding my cost of living wage increase?)
Hell, even the 4 for a dollar cat food is now up to 3 for a dollar. (I guess it's time to really start building the stash kits, and put the kitties on a diet!
)
(why is the cost of living exceeding my cost of living wage increase?)
Hell, even the 4 for a dollar cat food is now up to 3 for a dollar. (I guess it's time to really start building the stash kits, and put the kitties on a diet!
)
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 02:38 AM UTC
Quoted Text
They wanted $25 shipping for a $20 book.
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.
Pawel
jcourtot
Joined: June 06, 2008
KitMaker: 344 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 02:49 AM UTC
I just bought from the Ukraine and it only cost $5.20 for shipping, and it arrived in good timing too.
thxs,
John
thxs,
John
Jacques
Joined: March 04, 2003
KitMaker: 4,630 posts
Armorama: 4,498 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 06:09 AM UTC
Postage from the Ukraine is SIGNIFICANTLY lower than sending the same package TO the Ukriane. But then again, the average wage in the Ukraine is only $220, and yes, I have confirmed this with people I know there.
As for US gas prices, remember that the US is a country that is built on personal transportation as opposed to mass transit. If the US had the rail system Europe does, I would probably not own a car, be healthier from walking more, and the Oil Lobby would not be the monster it is right now. And if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Don't let a direct comparison fool you.
I agree about Squadron as well...the postage on the order is a BASE price. Look at the policy page:
As for US gas prices, remember that the US is a country that is built on personal transportation as opposed to mass transit. If the US had the rail system Europe does, I would probably not own a car, be healthier from walking more, and the Oil Lobby would not be the monster it is right now. And if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Don't let a direct comparison fool you.
I agree about Squadron as well...the postage on the order is a BASE price. Look at the policy page:
mastercaster
Joined: June 23, 2008
KitMaker: 21 posts
Armorama: 17 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 02:26 PM UTC
Speaking from direct experience in the shipping department........we ship our kits via Fedex Ground to all contiguous 48 states. Hawaii, Alaska, and the rest of the world gets USPS. I've had people complain about the high price that we must charge using Fedex Ground, and ask us why we don't use USPS. The answer is simple: Time is money
We charge what Fedex Ground charges us, + the fuel surcharge that is on every shipping statement that we get. Usually around $2.50 per shipment. This has probably gone up in the past month or so. If I were to ship via the USPS for every order, then the price (including my time it takes to get to the post office and wait in the godforsaken long line, and the time to drive back to the shop) would be triple or more what we charge using Fedex Ground. I can print my labels, drive to the Fedex location, drop off the prepaid labeled package, and drive back to the shop in under 15 minutes. Every time I have to go to the post office, it takes me anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour from the time I leave the shop until I return. Like I said, Time is Money. Most people just don't get it when I explain it to them. All they see is what is printed on the box/envelope for the postage. There is more to the shipping enigma than meets the eye. My .02 cents
We charge what Fedex Ground charges us, + the fuel surcharge that is on every shipping statement that we get. Usually around $2.50 per shipment. This has probably gone up in the past month or so. If I were to ship via the USPS for every order, then the price (including my time it takes to get to the post office and wait in the godforsaken long line, and the time to drive back to the shop) would be triple or more what we charge using Fedex Ground. I can print my labels, drive to the Fedex location, drop off the prepaid labeled package, and drive back to the shop in under 15 minutes. Every time I have to go to the post office, it takes me anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour from the time I leave the shop until I return. Like I said, Time is Money. Most people just don't get it when I explain it to them. All they see is what is printed on the box/envelope for the postage. There is more to the shipping enigma than meets the eye. My .02 cents
Belt_Fed
Joined: February 02, 2008
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
Armorama: 1,325 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 02:59 PM UTC
I beleive i know why the US and Europe have such a cost difference. European countries have higher gas prices becasue a portion of that money goes to things like schools hospitals, ect. Schooling is free and you dont need to pay to go to the hospital. Over here it just goes in someones pocket. Oh, and this is what my grandfather said a while ago, i dont really know how true it is today.
elph
Joined: November 13, 2005
KitMaker: 319 posts
Armorama: 266 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 - 02:36 AM UTC
Quoted Text
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.
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