Hello, being new to the hobby, I have bought my first few models from Amazon. Any suggestions on where to purchase for the best prices? Direct from the companies? Amazon? Squadron.com? Any input would be appreciate. Thanks
Danny
If you have a decent local hobby shop, I’d consider buying at least some of your kits from them. If the LHS goes out of business, you are faced with ordering your paints, glue, etc. on line, and even with next day delivery, that can be an irritation, if you are used to popping into the car for a quick trip to LHS.
I agree with going to a LHS if you have one around, however the next best thing is Amazon IMO.
I buy most of my stuff from eBay. You will find competitive prices and sometimes a “used” kit at a discount because it was opened.
Steve
All great suggestions.
plus Squadron, Freetime, Tower Hobbies.
Nothing beats Ebay or Sprue-brothers.
I definitly concur with eBay,careful searching yields good deals.
Spruebrothers
Scalehobbyist
Redfroghobbies
Also check out any local shows as you can get some great deals at the vendor tables!
If I don’t purchase from my local Hobby Town, I’ll purchase online at Sprue Brothers, Scale Hobbist, and eBay.
Definitely your LHS first.
If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby, use a 40% coupon. Although they may not have the best selections in kits and paint, but it’s worth looking.
Others:
Scalehobbyist.com - they have the best prices IMO.
Amazon tend to be more on the high side as far as kits & supplies goes. Ebay is definitely another place to find great deals.
Thanks everyone. Here in Quebec, I don’t have a hobby store too close but I did visit one today some 35 miles away. I was very disappointed that it was very weak in the field of military models. When I end up in Lakeland, Florida next month, there is a Hobby Store near by and will be checking it out. In the meantime, I will check the websites you guys suggested. Thanks again. Danny
This could be just My opinion, but I hate ebay( I like being able to just buy my stuff, I don’t like bidding for whatever “lowered” price.) so I just stick with Amazon who seems to have very reasonable prices compared to what I have payed at the LHS however I do like supporting the LHS. Tis’ up to you how you purchase your kits.
Thanks Guys. I’ve visited the different websites you guys suggested and I found that Scalehobbyist seems to have the best prices. I’ve opened an account and will be ordering a few things a couple of days before I go to Florida for the winter so the kits will be there when I arrive. There are two hobby shops near my place in FL so I will be paying them a vist as well. Cheers. Danny
I hate bidding wars as well. But… I have gotten a few things where the seller gives you a choice to:
Buy it Now
or…
Make Offer.
Two purchases examples were made not too long ago.
Purchase #1 -
I saw a kit I was interested in and placed a reasonable offer to the seller. I also asked if he/she would accept a bank check or money order as alternative payment method. The seller accepted my offer.
Purchase # 2 -
Another way I have had good luck with - especially where multiple decal sets (or aftermarket kits) are involved by the same seller.
Simply PM the seller, tell him what you’re interested in and ask what kind of price he/she can give you for buying multiple items from that seller.
I bought a pair of decal sets for a good price. For what it’s worth, it came out much cheaper to buy as a package deal rather than buy separately. Again, an alternative payment method via bank check or money order was asked and the seller accepted.
Yeah, it may have took longer to get my items shipped but it was well worth the wait.
Considering I was extremely pleased with both orders, I always leave the seller a positive feedback; be it on leave feedback link on ebay or through PM to the seller. Do mention to the sellers you will look forward to do further business with them on future orders.
I like sniping too, but lately since I’m not buying much, my snipes expire and it costs more than its worth.
I agree, make an offer and see what you get.
Again, Amazon tend to be on the high side as far as kits goes. Compared to other online stores, you’ll find better deals/prices there than Amazon prices.
Compare for yourself.
I can’t remember the last time I bid on ebay,I almost use the “buy it now feature” of course including shipping prices,it’s needs to be a deal for me,and there are deals if your patient.
Ditto, I check the “Price+Shipping: Lowest First” feature. Then I decide whether I want to wait for shipping from overseas or here.
We don’t have a LHS here so I don’t have much choice.
Sometimes I go to Tower Hobbies and check their clearance section. Pretty good stuff there sometimes as well.
my top sites are Sprue-bros and squadron. I can usually find whatever i need on those two.
but for imports, hobby-linc japan is hands down the best place. HLJ has really good deals an kits and shipping, so much so that I can often get a kit sent from japan for an equal or lesser cost than buying it from Sprue/Squad, or even at the LHS!!!