discussion Too good to be true

[Guest]

On Ebay whilst you are looking for an item you sometimes come across an item that is located in a far off land. And the price is tempting and the postage is tempting. In all it seems to good to be true.

When ever I see them I just ignore them.

But

I just wondered if anyone had ever gone for one and what experiences they had with it.

Was it a success as suggested or did it case all sorts of problems one way or the other.

 

[Alan 45]

I have had a number of things from America to Japan and everywhere I between and never have a problem sometimes you might wait a few extra days for delivery . But always check out the seller and look at the responses to see if there is anything untoward like if they sold something that was not complete or is damaged but as I say I've never had a problem with anything I've bought

 

[eddiesolo]

I have ordered from Hong-Kong in the past and the delivery and service has been spot on, in fact the delivery has sometimes been quicker than our own Royal Snail.

One thing to watch out for is customs charges at our end, this seems to be more from bulk items especially from the States. My mate got a few items and ended up having to pay another £35 on top.

Si

 

[Richi72]

I have to agree with Alan and Si,

I like to buy stuff from Asia because the are cheap, you just need to remember that the stuff you buy there, maybe is not the usual quality you would expect from buying at your local store, but there is a lot of stuff that has the same quality as those particular brands that are 6 or 7 times higher priced. ( have some experience with that here in Germany).

Cheers Richi

 

[tanktrack]

I would agree with the guys as I have bought watches models and bits and bobs around the world , I have been hit a few times with import duty and tax , I spoke to customs and they seem to chase footwear/clothes and electronics a bit , it is the luck of the draw . if you see an item you fancy then go to the customs website add the item price and postage/insurance and you can work out the excess if caught and see if it is a bargain

 

[Ian M]

I tend to stay within the EU and avoid the ransom charges. I have had a few things from HK and the USA and have even managed to avoid the duties However over here, not sure if it's the same in the UK, the shipping cost is added to the price when they work out the duties. I have had some "fun" conversations in the post office about that!

A thing I find rather irritating is the growing tendancy for people not to send things out of the country. I often ask and 9 out of 10 time get told NO.

Its good one has buddies that can help out at times when I really want something that the seller refuses to send "overseas"!

Ian M

 

[Guest]

I`ve purchased items from main land China and HK, Taiwan, Spain and not had any problems at all, good communication and delivery, I wont buy anything from the USA due to the high postage costs, also one of my friends was hood winked into parting with his hard earned, only to get ripped off, but that`s a different story.

I tend to stick with sellers and companies from overseas that I`ve dealt with before, talking of high postage costs, has anyone else noticed that some sellers on e-bay are getting rather greedy in regards to postage costs here in the UK, some of the postage costs listed on items for sale are an absolute joke.

 

[eddiesolo]

I`ve purchased items from main land China and HK, Taiwan, Spain and not had any problems at all, good communication and delivery, I wont buy anything from the USA due to the high postage costs, also one of my friends was hood winked into parting with his hard earned, only to get ripped off, but that`s a different story.I tend to stick with sellers and companies from overseas that I`ve dealt with before, talking of high postage costs, has anyone else noticed that some sellers on e-bay are getting rather greedy in regards to postage costs here in the UK, some of the postage costs listed on items for sale are an absolute joke.

Ebay changed their rules regarding postage. To offer free postage (which is what they want) the price has to go on the item, as for adding postage the seller has to pay extra fees to them for adding this. I could have got this the wrong way around but it is something like that. They seem to want to get rid of the small item seller and just want businesses.

Si

 

[Guest]

They seem to want to get rid of the small item seller and just want businesses.

Si

Arh!! money yes the root of all evil .I don't know if it has always been the way maybe its because Im getting older but it just seems that everybody wants money.

I did import some Diecast Fire engines from America but I was fully aware of what would happen .I paid about £40 for delivery on top of the item which was about £150

.when it arrives in the UK it goes straight to Customs (the actual delivery to the UK takes about 48 hours) it spends about 2 weeks there, then you are sent a letter saying if you pay the import taxes you can have your item. The tax was about £25 once you pay it is delivered within say 2 days.

So for something that cost £150 the real cost was £215.

I recently sold something on ebay and by the time Ebay and paypal had taken their cut which is about 10 % it didn't seem to be such a good sale, Mainly because it can take about a month before they take their money and it comes as a blow when they do.

However at the moment I do find Ebay my first port of call when I want something ,I think it has been a brilliant tool not just for modelling but all sorts as well.

As a purchaser I hope it stays around until I've gone. Lets not forget that as a buyer you don't pay any charges other than postage.

I think maybe given the responses above (thank you ) I may attempt to buy from afar and test the water for myself

 

[Alan 45]

I have just recieved a kit from the USA and what was quoted on the site is what I paid , I never had any problems with customs or any added costs , I wonder if it's only for certain items or weight reasons

 

[stona]

I got stiffed for a substantial sum (duty and handling charges) by HMR&C on a Zoukei-Mura kit I bought from Japan. I didn't mind the duty but the handling charge was about a third the price of the kit. It made an already expensive kit very expensive indeed. I suppose you just have to take a chance.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Im no expert ,but I think mine went through customs because of the method of posting ,there are many methods of postage.

 

[Guest]

Just to change the subject a teeny weeny bit.

What is it with these people who don't do your feedback on ebay ,especially as I do mine instantly.

When I checked one person hasn't done any in 6 months and yet he,s currently active.

 

[eddiesolo]

Just to change the subject a teeny weeny bit.What is it with these people who don't do your feedback on ebay ,especially as I do mine instantly.

When I checked one person hasn't done any in 6 months and yet he,s currently active.

Ebay gives them a reminder after so long, but I agree, can be very annoying.

Si

 

[Alan 45]

Ebay gives them a reminder after so long, but I agree, can be very annoying.Si

What's this feedback thing ?

 

[Dave W]

I`ve purchased items from main land China and HK, Taiwan, Spain and not had any problems at all, good communication and delivery, I wont buy anything from the USA due to the high postage costs, also one of my friends was hood winked into parting with his hard earned, only to get ripped off, but that`s a different story.I tend to stick with sellers and companies from overseas that I`ve dealt with before, talking of high postage costs, has anyone else noticed that some sellers on e-bay are getting rather greedy in regards to postage costs here in the UK, some of the postage costs listed on items for sale are an absolute joke.

Don't know what the postage costs you are referring to are like.But I recently posted a large kit to one of the forum members.I wanted first class,insured,recorded delivery and it cost £10.

 

[eddiesolo]

What's this feedback thing ?

You rate the seller on performance out of 5 stars: Postage, description etc.

Si

 

[Alan 45]

You rate the seller on performance out of 5 stars: Postage, description etc.Si

Oh right I get it same as amazon cheers Si

 

[Guest]

I order quite a bit from ebay and other HK/China based site, but mainly for electronics and have never had any issues. The few ebay purchases I have made for kits have been delivered without any problems and at quite a considerable saving.

The only thng I find can't work out is how on earth are they making any money? Last kit I ordered was a Tamiya Wild Willy Jr for one of my children, cost was $9 US, postage was $40HK, making the kit about £2.50.