Pandafox has stopped stocking NG or it takes forever for NG to get on their shelf for a year or so now (their PH is marked up $15 compared to other stores so it's out of discussion). I'm also curious who are the US sellers that offer NG/PH widebody at <= $50 and free shipping.
Tariffs & Model Airliner Prices
- Thread starter CalAviator
- Start date
Jazajia
Well-known member
Can you give the list of US retailers for those of us in the US that might be looking for new retailers soon? I’m always looking to diversify my retailer lists to check values and dealsMight help keep some people in the hobby the more they become known in the community.
Looking at the box for my 2009 release US Airways A321 and the original retail price of 29.95 just hits different man… I could buy so many models per month if everything was still those prices….
It depends on particular models. But Eztoys, for instance, will let you use their 10% code and get free shipping on orders above $140. They have some models cheaper than other retailers, but then again, other retailers also have some models cheaper than them...
Texan just went free shipping on all orders and he usually has a 15% code going on, but I don't think he's got a huge Phoenix stock.
I am actually going to have to admit defeat here. I just did a cart-to-cart comparison just like I used to do during the peak of my collecting days last year, and to my surprise I had a hard time beating the price of one of a Canadian retailer. I guess things have changed, I used to have to request price matches often, but now they are coming ahead with the low prices on their own. Interesting.
ChairFlyer101
Member
Oh I was not aware of this! Is it auto applied free shipping at ezToys with the usual 10 percent code? That makes it kind of comparable to WCD then. But yeah the price for three models at WCD or mv400 made the cost per model easy to swallow along with their 5-10 percent coupons.
bakejobb_23
Active member
I was actually looking to place an order at EZtoys soon since they have 3 newer models across 3 brands I wanted for the best price so far. Is there any usable codes you’re willing to share to get that price down a little more? (if that’s allowed here?)
Isn't eztoy only doing either 10% with "bobcat" or free shipping, as much as I'd like I don't think you can get both combined though unfortunately.
Yes merely a year ago JetCollector, Waffle would be on my list but their prices have also gone up substantially. I still need to check out Texans.
PS: Not to cry about prices, just point out the change.
Jazajia
Well-known member
I was trying to compare their prices and I was able to combine "bobcat" and free shipping but I did not finish the transaction, so not sure if it actually works.
Waffle prices are almost always a bit lower than everybody else, in the U.S. at least. He also has a 10% code but it is not easy to use, I need to input it many times for it to work. But it does help when it workd. For instance, earlier today I ordered a model from his collection sale. The model was $50, shipping was $7 and some change. After the code, I paid $52.15 in total. His variety probably makes him comparable/competitive also.
I do offer free shipping above $120, and I do allow it to be combined with a code. But my stock is limited. I don't currently carry NG, for example. I am in talks with them though, they are the last big brand that I need to add to my site, but I'm not in a hurry to do so. We had a spike of sales recently with the Patriot DC-10s and the Panda 763s, MD-11s. I don't think I would like to be that busy all the time. So, I would like to pace any future expansion. Plus, the tariffs on China don't help either.
Another thing to consider beyond prices is level of customer service. Yes, some sites offer cheaper prices, but the customer service may suffer. I would rather pay a little extra knowing that I am cared for. I have not purchased models in a while, but based on my overall experience the BEST customer service goes to 1) Jetcollector 2) Pandafoxtoys 3) WCD. Models arrive in-store fast. All are responsive and attentive. These are musts. The guy who runs Jetcollector even goes so far as to provide a contact phone number which you can call/text.
Waffle does provide some rare offerings, especially with his collection sales. Shipping prices are steep though and tend to offset the 10% discount (if you add two 1:400 models to your basket, shipping is automatically $18 minimum).
bakejobb_23
Active member
“bobcat” doesn’t work for me on my cart. Is it because there’s preorders in there or am I doing something wrong?
Jazajia
Well-known member
Not sure. When I tried it earlier I used it with some Phoenix pre orders. Maybe he excluded some of the items in your order from the promotion. IDK.
ChairFlyer101
Member
Maybe you have to be logged in?
And echoing above I prefer Jetcollector over all simply because they are responsive and accomodating.
If your order reached the free shipping threshold, the 10% discount code doesn't work. At EZ Toys it's one or the other. Try adding only one model and using the code to see if it works.
Are you in the same pickle?
damn those patriots are all out of stock in your shop...
British Airways fan
Well-known member
I’m based in UK/Canada so the tariffs don’t effect me luckily, was just wondering which model it was to keep a look out for you
swagninja84
Well-known member
It was always one or the other at eztoys.
My order from November from Texan still has not shown up, long after all other retailers have received their items, emails unanswered. Joke! Free shipping doesn't matter if the items never ships.
In my past couple of comparisons, waffle, JetCollector, WCD. WCD was always the cheapest.
UALFan1994
Member
I hate to call out any retailer, but sadly I’ve had the same experience with Texan on more than one occasion. Free shipping on all orders? Great. But the stress of trying to track down the order status and/or open a claim is NOT worth the $6-12 saved. I will say that IF the owner responds, he’s always very kind, but the chances are like 25% though and half the time it’s a runaround response. Why the lack of communication is beyond me. Customer service is an integral part of ANY business.
On that note, DAS tends to be slower at receiving and shipping their orders. They do communicate well via email though. For anyone thinking to place a pre-order with them I would be prepared to exercise extreme patience.
Waffle is always lightning fast to respond and ship but they enforce a strict no refund policy for purchases made from their collection sales (one time received a model from them that looked like a toddler threw it across the room). They won’t reimburse return shipping but will offer store credit minus the cost of original shipping.
Jetcollector - always spot on. WCD - mostly spot on. Have received a few duds but they will work with you to make it right.
British Airways fan
Well-known member
I know he’s busy with school, but if that’s they case maybe he should put the store on hold so that this doesn’t continue
UALFan1994
Member
There have been several members here who have expressed similar experiences to my recollection. The owner is a great guy and it’s 200% respectable that he’s pursuing what he is (school and running a business). However yes, agreed, running a business ultimately means managing other people’s money and requires responsibility and integrity. Part of that is ensuring the promised goods are delivered. It wouldn’t hurt to take things a step back.
Rrrk
New member
Im also just gonna say it, Texan Airplane Store has a horrible website. Among other things, every time i try to look through their stock the header pops up and blocks half the screen every time i stop scrolling. Its the only model aircraft retailer I havent been able to get through the entire list of models.
