I’m looking a getting a Badger 100LG. i’ve done my research and think that’s the airbrush for me (plus extra head assemblies, needles, air hose etc).
Anyhow, i’m in Australia, and all the decent local hobby stores, the closest being 75km (almost 50 miles) away, really only stock Paasche and single action Badgers, so i’ve decided to buy online.
Just wondering if anybody has had experience with international orders from either Bearair or Dixie Art? If so, was it a good experience or one to never mention again?
I had made a purchase from Bearair last year, Though the prices from Bearair were very good, I was not prepared for the extra charges at this end when UPS delivered.
I live in Canada, and there was of course duty charges over $40.00 and a adminstrative fee for UPS of $40.00. So I had a surprise bill of over $80.00 when my package arrived from Bearair. Of course they had not mentioned anything about this, so I had to dish out extra money for my order. In the long run I had not saved anything in the purchase from Bearair, it more likely cost me more to purchase from them than thru a dealer.
So, if you order, make sure that they do not use UPS to deliver.
I’ve bought from both, and they are equally good. I’m also in Canada, and the extra charges weren’t so surprising to me. Can’t really blame the UPS Birdgunner, it’s Ottawa that got your money!
Try getting it mailed to you, it will take longer, but cost less.
You’ll enjoy the 100LG, I have two, as well as the 150 siphon and a 200-20, and they are all great ABs!
Looking at Bearair, appears they only ship internationally via UPS - given it was $40 to Canada, i shudder at what it might be to Australia…
In any event, given i haven’t found one hobby shop in Queensland that sells the 100LG, i guess i can’t be too fussy - and even if they did, i’m sure it’s cheaper to buy online anyhow.
Well, i’ll place my order soon…can’t wait for it to arrive!
Have you contacted Dixie Art? They’re really good to deal with. They will also quote you a rate. That doesn’t prevent your government from grabbing money on the way in to Oz, however.
I live in Canada & have bought stuff from the states. UPS charges an exhorbitant brokerage fee (some guy looks at the package & fills a form out), which the government sees nothing of. I think Fed-Ex is lower & USPS doesn’t have a fee.
Over at avsforum.com. a lot of Canadians buy a/v equipment, mainly front projectors, from the states since prices are cheaper. Apparently, UPS overnight air doesn’t have the brokerage fee. You may want to check with UPS about that.