As a person new to collecting, is JetCollector the best there is?

[GoLithuania]

So, I'm new to collecting and I have 5 models so far. The first one I got off the GeminiJets website. The model, an American Eagle retro E170, arrived fine, but when I went shopping again, I realized that there are other sites that offer more selection and are cheaper. I found JetCollectors had a good variety and good prices, so I ordered 4 models from them, and they came in great condition and packed well with way too many packing peanuts. Now I'm looking for new stuff again. Should I stick with JetCollectors or try a new site?

 

[Purpleplane]

I've used Jet collector for years, and I've never had an issue with them. You can also get a 10% discount with their loyalty program. They are definitely my go-to retailer. I've also used Squatchys diecast, Prairie diecast, Airplane Replicas, and Waffle Collectables, and they all provided great service...no complaints from me.

 

[vsr]

I often use JetCollector - they’re reliable, if a little more expensive, and they’re very responsive to inquiries. I’ve also used others - ezToys, ScaleModelStore, futurewings, Prarie Diecast - without issue, and I’ve even snagged some deals with Waffle. The one retailer I would avoid at nearly all costs is PandaFox - they offer free shipping in the US, but customer service is nonexistent.

 

[Mikeymag]

I use ezToys, WaffleCollectibles, JetCollector and Wildcat Diecast.

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

As someone not based in the US but who has purchased from a few US retailers, Jetcollector has been the best, and is my no 1 go-to if I'm intending to purchase from a US retailer.
VIPGOLD coupon gives you 10% off FYI

 

[LeoMuse747]

JetCollector is awesome and so is the VIPGOLD coupon

 

[Columbus Aviation]

I primarily use JetCollector, Squatchy's, and YankeeVictor400. However, MTS Aviation Models and Wildcat Diecast are also great options. Other than that, there are some good ones here and there

 

[GoLithuania]

I often use JetCollector - they’re reliable, if a little more expensive, and they’re very responsive to inquiries. I’ve also used others - ezToys, ScaleModelStore, futurewings, Prarie Diecast - without issue, and I’ve even snagged some deals with Waffle. The one retailer I would avoid at nearly all costs is PandaFox - they offer free shipping in the US, but customer service is nonexistent.

From my research Jet Collector's price tag is only surpassed by Waffle.

 

[swagninja84]

From my research Jet Collector's price tag is only surpassed by Waffle.

Waffle has much more expensive shipping, total price at Jetcollector usually ends up cheaper.

 

[ghqv2988]

Waffle has much more expensive shipping, total price at Jetcollector usually ends up cheaper.

Waffle's high shipping covers any possible return expenses, otherwise the extra price is pure profit. Jetcollector is reasonable.

 

[Columbus Aviation]

Waffle's high shipping covers any possible return expenses, otherwise the extra price is pure profit. Jetcollector is reasonable.

Northeast Diecast is similar. Good, rare, perhaps even cheap models for what they are, but crazy shipping

 

[vsr]

Waffle has much more expensive shipping, total price at Jetcollector usually ends up cheaper.

If you buy at retail, yes, but Waffle has weekly eBay auctions with occasional good finds. The guy who runs the store is also kind of infamous around here for his temperament, so there’s that.

 

[bakejobb_23]

I have been using these two the last few months and all my orders were delivered very nicely and customer service has been top notch. I don’t mind paying an extra couple $ to ensure everything will arrive okay or be taken care of if something is wrong! Both are great for newer releases on average.

YankeeVictor400
JetCollector

As for trying to find older more specific releases:

Waffle has been mentioned, the ebay auctions are great, general retail products you could go elsewhere probably. Buyer beware for the temperament if you have an issue with your order though. It’s been well documented on the forum if you search for it!

Northeast Diecast has a great selection of older models, and the customer service was very nice as well from limited experience. Biggest downfall is the crazy prices. Worth it if you just need a specific model or two and can’t find it elsewhere though.

ebay in general is also great to find cheap models in varying conditions. just do your due diligence to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. You figure out the pricing on there the more you look at things. It helps to wait it out to find the specific model you want for the price you want. I’ve come across many random last minute bids on great models from all brands for cheap cheap cheap just because it wasn’t on specific radars.

 

[keji833]

Interesting thread, one thing I want to say is the seller landscape definitely has been evolving, so some old reviews might not be as useful.

3 years ago I regularly used PandaFox, JetCollector, Eztoys, WCD, MV400, and Waffle, but now I rarely use them besides waffle, mostly due to the price increase.

These days, in the States I would rank:

1. Wildcat diecast: great everything, great variety, great price (most importantly) + free shipping, great customer service (return and exchange was very fast).
2. Waffle collectibles: like above but with standard price (no markup like many do, but not much discount either due to shipping, they used to do discounts once in a while but it's been less often)
3. Yankee: like above but less variety
4. JH wings: like above but slightly higher price

Again I have to highlight wildcat where I get 80% of my models from these days.

 

[LeoMuse747]

Northeast Diecast is similar. Good, rare, perhaps even cheap models for what they are, but crazy shipping

I've never seen cheap models there. Amazing selection of rare stuff though

 

[Jazajia]

I've never seen cheap models there. Amazing selection of rare stuff though

He has come down on some of the least popular models. He’s also getting IF from a distributor, so he’s got those at market price.

 

[JJ Skippy]

I think it’s hard to truly define an objectively “best retailer”. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses — but specifically for JetCollector, I’ve never had an issue with them. Their selection is in what I’d call an A tier for US retailers since they carry a lot of brands, both mainstream and the smaller ones, and they have a decent selection of older releases too. I don’t think they do many restocks so coming across old releases isn’t exactly common.

 

[ghqv2988]

I think it’s hard to truly define an objectively “best retailer”. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses — but specifically for JetCollector, I’ve never had an issue with them. Their selection is in what I’d call an A tier for US retailers since they carry a lot of brands, both mainstream and the smaller ones, and they have a decent selection of older releases too. I don’t think they do many restocks so coming across old releases isn’t exactly common.

Outside of collection sales and among commercial retailers they do have a wide selection of older releases, and more recent releases that may be sold out elsewhere. I’ve purchased many long sold out AC models from them (last year the US Airways A320 in the navy colors, Powder the Polar Bear A321) and even Gemini (United Saul Bass 767 for $10). Just a few that come to mind

 

[JJ Skippy]

Outside of collection sales and among commercial retailers they do have a wide selection of older releases, and more recent releases that may be sold out elsewhere. I’ve purchased many long sold out AC models from them (last year the US Airways A320 in the navy colors, Powder the Polar Bear A321) and even Gemini (United Saul Bass 767 for $10). Just a few that come to mind

Dang I wish I got the polar bear one.