Model Expo

itwbluey

itwbluey

Joined
May 11, 2020
Messages
41
Points
78

Has anyone tried to order from Model Expo using their website?
Shipping costs to Australia are ridiculous and make me think it is a glitch on their site.
As an example...5 packs of Falkonet 2mm Thimbles total list price for items 14.95 usd.
Shipping cost 160.33 usd.
Another...Mamoli Constitution Cross Section listed at 169.99, discount 42.50.
Shipping cost 327.45 usd.
I have queried them via online messages and was assured they would look into it ASAP......that was several weeks ago!!
Shipping costs vary wildly depending on the selection in the shopping cart.
Not the first time I have found their customer service wanting, clearly not interested in customers from afar.
 
itwbluey said:
Has anyone tried to order from Model Expo using their website?
Shipping costs to Australia are ridiculous and make me think it is a glitch on their site.
As an example...5 packs of Falkonet 2mm Thimbles total list price for items 14.95 usd.
Shipping cost 160.33 usd.
Another...Mamoli Constitution Cross Section listed at 169.99, discount 42.50.
Shipping cost 327.45 usd.
I have queried them via online messages and was assured they would look into it ASAP......that was several weeks ago!!
Shipping costs vary wildly depending on the selection in the shopping cart.
Not the first time I have found their customer service wanting, clearly not interested in customers from afar.
Click to expand...
Something is off with this shipping price,our member @Bluebeard works for Model Expo,he can verify this issue
 
The shipping cost is correct. USPS is not shipping to Australia from us, so we have to use UPS, that’s why the cost is so high.
We have a big Hobby Store that distributes all of our models and it will be cheaper to buy direct from them.
Here is the link: www.HOBBYTOOLS.COM.AU.
You can tell Cathy Podger I sent you.
If they don’t have what you are looking for, they will ask us so we could include it in their next shipment.
I hope this will solve lots of issues for the fellow modelers in Australia.
Let me know if this work.
 
itwbluey said:
Has anyone tried to order from Model Expo using their website?
Shipping costs to Australia are ridiculous and make me think it is a glitch on their site.
As an example...5 packs of Falkonet 2mm Thimbles total list price for items 14.95 usd.
Shipping cost 160.33 usd.
Another...Mamoli Constitution Cross Section listed at 169.99, discount 42.50.
Shipping cost 327.45 usd.
I have queried them via online messages and was assured they would look into it ASAP......that was several weeks ago!!
Shipping costs vary wildly depending on the selection in the shopping cart.
Not the first time I have found their customer service wanting, clearly not interested in customers from afar.
Click to expand...
Yes, I live in the Philippines and the shipping costs kill me not a lot of ship modeling products locally in the country. Sometimes I pay more for the shipping than I do for the Product ordered!!! but those costs you quoted look a little high!
 
I’m always willing to help any way I can.

I also would like to take the time to let you guys know that soon I wont be working for Model Expo as their Parts Department Manager.
The calls and the emails are just overwhelming and are crashing against my new health issues.

I give you a sample:
I received a called from a very angry customer and I did all I could for to help him out. Well, that wasn’t enough for him and he insulted me and Model Expo with all the power that he could musters up.
Wile I answering to his stupid remarks, I started to have the worst nose bleed ever that lasted two days and finally my ENT had a hard time trying to cauterize it.

I will be working for them but just until someone could replace me, even then, I will help them and you guys out as much as need it.
 
members, ladies and gentlemen it is not the businesses it is the postal and shipping services. This is killing businesses like the Lumberyard for model shipwrights the cost for shipping has gone totally out of control. We can not ship out of the country because of the cost. A bundle of planking material value $15.00 cost $17.00 in postage. We can not even restock some of the woods because of the shipping costs to get it. It is not the cost of the wood it is the cost to get it which is often very, very expensive. By the time we pay for the wood and shipping then add a retail price the wood becomes way to expensive.
I do not know what will happen in the near future but it does not look good.
 
Just to keep everyone honest here. Shipping costs USA to Australia can be calculated here. "https://postcalc.usps.com/Calculator/MailServices"
That calculation does not include ground handling by the seller or any customs documentation required.
Model Expo is mentioned here. I previously posted about high cost from American vendors without using specific names. My issue was with that vendor particularly because their published printed catalogue states "Delivery within continental US, Canada & Mexico Merchandise total to $59.99 add $10.99" I was quoted $38.00 on their website and when I request a review I was told the cost was $25.00. A month previously another order was repriced to $13.99 shipping.
This company is not alone. A US West coast supplier's shipping costs to Canada convinced me to go to AliExpress and the shipping from china was free.

IMG_0997.JPG
 
Welcome to the world we now live. We've been dumb, fat and happy for years. There's no 10 cent bread, 28 cents per gallon gas and no 5 cent postage stamp. Unfortunately it's the small business that's taking it in the shorts with the price of shipping and material availability something which they have no control over.
I recently purchased an item from Europe and the shipping was more than the item. Did I want the item, yes did I purchase it, yes. But that's just me.
 
Last edited:
Bluebeard, I am a happy camper, got my Armed Virginia Sloop yesterday, and it was beautifully packaged and in perfect condition. Don't know what all you did but want to express my thanks and appreciation. I ordered it on the Christmas Day sale so it took a while but as everyone keeps agreeing in this time that's to be expected. Now the pressure is on, ha!
 
Bluebeard, hoping you can help me out I have an order which seems to be stuck in processing:
Date Ordered: 3/29/2022

Order Number: AB-65084

If it hasn't shipped could you please cancel it for me. John doesn't seem to be responding to emails, sent one 5 days ago or returning phone calls. I realize you guys are moving, but my order went in processing 14 days ago.
Thanks,
Jim
 
OldSalt1950 said:
Bluebeard, hoping you can help me out I have an order which seems to be stuck in processing:
Date Ordered: 3/29/2022

Order Number: AB-65084

If it hasn't shipped could you please cancel it for me. John doesn't seem to be responding to emails, sent one 5 days ago or returning phone calls. I realize you guys are moving, but my order went in processing 14 days ago.
Thanks,
Jim
Click to expand...
I will take a look at it tomorrow and will do something about it.
 
Thought I’d give kudos to Model Expo. I recently placed two different orders with them and they were delivered within two days of my placing the orders. Granted the items I ordered were in stock and I live only 300 miles from Miami. Just saying, that’s excellent service.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top