List of Reputable North American 1/400 Retailers

[ghqv2988]

Do not include Waffle on the list. He is a cancer to the hobby. He sells cheap models and delivers them sometimes in good conditions sometimes in bad conditions. I used to buy from them 10 years ago. Customer service is just ridiculous. If you send him an email complaining about the defective models he sends, he is going to be extremely rude to you and will refuse any returns. I wish this guy shut his doors one day.

Since he's expanded his team, customer service has improved. With email inquiries it's typically someone by the name of Masha who responds. They typically accept returns on regular in-stock items. Non-returns are for collection sale items. I'm not too certain about models sold under the "re-stock" label but the policy should be on their website. That being said, with grossly damaged collection sale models, they will accept the model back in exchange for store credit, granted the buyer pays for return shipping.

I do understand exactly what you mean by Waffle being rude. Luckily nowadays that only seems to be an issue on eBay in response to negative feedback. There's a reason why Gemini Jets singled him out a while ago as a non-authorized retailer due to the sheer number of customer complaints.

I've had my fair share of good and bad experiences, but through his collection sales I have been able to acquire some extremely rare models at a bargain (e.g. NG Colors in Motion Delta 757 at $55, NG Northwest 757 final livery at $48, NG Thai A330 at $58, NG American Chrome 757 with winglets at $65, NG Aer Lingus A321 at $50, etc.), all in excellent to perfect condition.

 

[ghqv2988]

Shipping is WAY too much.

There's a 10% discount code (FACEBOOK) at checkout which helps to offset the cost, but yes, it is a little steep. It's essentially doubled to cover the expense of return shipping if a return is initiated by the customer. If not, the extra is pocketed as someone else mentioned. With the sheer volume of orders, that extra money adds up.

Perhaps someone can chime in, but do retailers get shipping label discounts through label printing services?

 

[diecastfreak]

Did it arrive in a brown paper bag?

In the past, you would buy fish in a market and it did come wrapped in newspaper. His models are the same, only packed with paper.

 

[Jazajia]

Perhaps someone can chime in, but do retailers get shipping label discounts through label printing services?

Yes, as opposed to shipping directly with the shipping provider. However, we also have the ability to pass the discount on to the customer. That is, if we are using live rates.

There's the option to just set a bracket system of flat rates. Or a combination of both, live rates for certain products/situations, and flat rates for others.

Keep in mind that there are also operating costs associated with shipping materials and labor. That's why many retailers refer to it as shipping & handling. The boxes and packing peanuts are not free, and models don't pack themselves on their own

 

[ghqv2988]

Yes, as opposed to shipping directly with the shipping provider. However, we also have the ability to pass the discount on to the customer. That is, if we are using live rates.

There's the option to just set a bracket system of flat rates. Or a combination of both, live rates for certain products/situations, and flat rates for others.

Keep in mind that there are also operating costs associated with shipping materials and labor. That's why many retailers refer to it as shipping & handling. The boxes and packing peanuts are not free, and models don't pack themselves on their own

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification!