[Ed Klein]

I’m looking for help about the shipping of the models. As you can see on the left, I’m from Brazil and there isn’t a store here in my city which sells Century Wings or even brands like Corgi, Gemini and Hobby Master. A relative of mine brought two Corgi 1:144 B-52 for me last year after a trip in US but with some difficult in carrying the boxes in the airports.

Almost all of the web stores sells and ships models to Brazil. My question is about the quality of the shipping service. Actually, I’ve bought the CW A-6E (AJ500), but I sent it to a cousin that lives in CA, asking him to ship for me in a service like Global Guaranteed Express from USPS or the DHL. I thought that both could delivery it to me in good conditions and no damage – my worry, but those services are too expensive (due the box dimensions, according to him) in comparison to the service offered by Flying Mule, for instance.

So, that’s my doubt. The international shipping services from these web stores are reliable? The package and, specially, the delivery service are safe to bring the models without damage?

Thanks for the help!

Ed

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Ed Klein

I’m looking for help about the shipping of the models. As you can see on the left, I’m from Brazil and there isn’t a store here in my city which sells Century Wings or even brands like Corgi, Gemini and Hobby Master. A relative of mine brought two Corgi 1:144 B-52 for me last year after a trip in US but with some difficult in carrying the boxes in the airports.
Almost all of the web stores sells and ships models to Brazil. My question is about the quality of the shipping service. Actually, I’ve bought the CW A-6E (AJ500), but I sent it to a cousin that lives in CA, asking him to ship for me in a service like Global Guaranteed Express from USPS or the DHL. I thought that both could delivery it to me in good conditions and no damage – my worry, but those services are too expensive (due the box dimensions, according to him) in comparison to the service offered by Flying Mule, for instance.
So, that’s my doubt. The international shipping services from these web stores are reliable? The package and, specially, the delivery service are safe to bring the models without damage?
Thanks for the help!
Ed

Ed,
If you are looking to buy from Theflyingmule, you can't go wrong... They always pack items well and use reliable shipping methods to get your items to you as best they can.. Unfortunately, as many members in distant countries will attest, shipping from the US to them gets very expensive especially when ordering oversize or multiple items..
ZS-Van and Cardinal can probably fill you in better than I can the obstacles they face when shipping to their homes..

[gbeck]

ED,

Just shipped two pkgs. to Brazil today. The shipping rates are herendous, but the size of the packages shipped has a max. of 79" overall, for Priority Mail Intl. Anything above Priority shipping is Out of the Question! Due to the size of most models the max. no you can get in one package is three to four depending on the scale of your models. Each of the two packages weighed 7lbs. 10 oz., and 7lbs. 8oz. respectively and each package shipping cost was $42.90 for a total of $85.80. This may give you some idea as to what you have to face as far as shipping is concerned. Good Luck!

GBeck

[Spinnaker]

Originally Posted by Ed Klein

I’m looking for help about the shipping of the models. As you can see on the left, I’m from Brazil and there isn’t a store here in my city which sells Century Wings or even brands like Corgi, Gemini and Hobby Master. A relative of mine brought two Corgi 1:144 B-52 for me last year after a trip in US but with some difficult in carrying the boxes in the airports.

Almost all of the web stores sells and ships models to Brazil. My question is about the quality of the shipping service. Actually, I’ve bought the CW A-6E (AJ500), but I sent it to a cousin that lives in CA, asking him to ship for me in a service like Global Guaranteed Express from USPS or the DHL. I thought that both could delivery it to me in good conditions and no damage – my worry, but those services are too expensive (due the box dimensions, according to him) in comparison to the service offered by Flying Mule, for instance.

So, that’s my doubt. The international shipping services from these web stores are reliable? The package and, specially, the delivery service are safe to bring the models without damage?

Thanks for the help!

Ed

Hey Ed,

I buy most of my diecast from The Flying Mule, and can attest to the fact that their service is nothing short of superb. Models are always very well packaged, shipping is reasonable (compared with some others I've dealt with). Most of all, I've found them to be fast. The record so far has been 4 days from California to New Zealand!

Cheers, John.

[tripoli]

Shipping to other countries is just going to be darn expensive no matter what. Hate to say that, but its part of getting such goods from your local.
As for getting a quality model, i think it would be best to look at having someone you know in the host country make the purchase. Most country distributors are going to replace the model with no issue if its easy to do and inexpensive compared to the out of the country shipping cost. As I can attest to, if you get a bad model from out of the country shipped to you, you may have the problem of the cost of returning it being so high, the lose is going to be equal to just buying a new model. As long as you do not have a distributor there, you are at the mercy of the honor and profit lose of the distributor if something goes wrong. More than likely all sides lose and no one will be happy on either side. Having someone that can pre-inspect the model and then ship it may be your best option.
One other consideration might be to open your own distributorship there. If there is no one around, makes the competition scarce and an easier sell for you. As well the wholesale cost and profit of selling can pay for the hobby of collecting there. Many people in different hobbies have started a small business just to cover their cost of their hobby, if you have the capitol and time to do so, might be a good option to consider.

[11SQNLDR]

Hi Ed,

like Spinnaker i'm in New Zealand also & i've probably had near 20 cartons shipped to me over the past 6 months.
These have been from The Mule, Aikens, Pete's, On Mark and of late 6 lots from Perry's. All have come via the USPS, all have arrived in great condition as they have been well boxed with plenty of good packing material inside.

Freight is always expensive down under so order a few models at a time to make the most of the shipping. Dealers such as The Mule & On Mark tell you the freight cost as you order and i've found them to be very well priced.

Good luck!

[Ed Klein]

Thanks for the help, guys! Now I've a much better idea about the question!

[ZS-VAN]

For me shipping takes about a month regardless of what is advertised. After some correspondence with the Flying Mule they undertook to explore the possibilty of reducing international shipping charges. I can confirm that they indeed have been able to reduce postage by about 30%. For that's making a hugh difference. When ordering you have to confirm the shipping charges because it can come back to bite you!

[gbeck]

Ed,

If you need more info. you might P.M. me at: gbeck@bacdiecast.com.

GBeck