Hey guys, so i’ve been buying my model kits from a local Hobbytown. The guys that run the shop are great, and its always fun to check out their shop, but their inventory is really limited. At this point i feel like there has to be a better place to buy my models at, because they tend to only stock older tamiya kits, and their freaking expensive! Every time i pick up a kit, i find out its left over from the 70s. Is there a good website I can order from? Is there any way to order direct? I’ve searched online a bit, but haven’t found any online shops that are domestic (in the USA). Any tips here would really be appreciated. I would love to have access to some of the newer kits out there, but just don’t know where to find them.
I’ve heard very mixed things about both Squadron and Roll Models. Personally, I’ve ordered through Amazon for some kits and Lucky Model (Hong Kong, I think) for others, but you have to consider shipping for Lucky Model, which offsets their lower prices somewhat. No problems with either Amazon or Lucky Model. I understand Hannants in England and Hobby Link Japan are good, too.
There are a lot of other domestic places that ship; just takes some digging.
While there is nothing at all wrong with buying online, it really can save money, still I buy kits only from my only hobby shop in town. 4th generation family owned, great stocking policy and all of the other stuff you need for building.
I also do scale balsa free flight, so superior grade balsa, fir, basswood and spruce is available, any kit I want that they don’t have in stock is quickly ordered and delivered. The bonus there, is I don’t pay any shipping costs.
The main reason I buy only at my local hobby shop, is they are a store near me, very responsive and when I do need something they are there. I feel it’s important to support my local business, because when they go, I can buy only online. Other reason? I like them very well.
A shout out for Eugene Toy and Hobby, Eugene, Oregon.
For the most part, I use Squadron and Sprue Bros (already mentioned and linked).
The majority of my orders are for after market goodies, as I can’t get them at the LHS, although I’m very certain they’d order me anything I wanted. When I do order kits, it’s with a sale or great deal…or it be that I just HAVE to have it!
Amazon can also have some great deals…last year I got 3 1/72 Hobby Boss A-7’s…2 were $8.99 and the 2 seater was $15. Those kits are priced in the $20’s each, everywhere else (mostly).
The majority of my stash has come from contest vendor tables. Many…MANY great deals to be had there…especially toward the end of the day. You get better deals too, if you buy a couple-few kits at a time. Even if you don’t enter the contest…bring a fist full of dollars!!!
I have 4 sources. The local Hobby Lobby, the local hobby shop that’s been around for ages, eBay, and I’ve ordered from Hobbylinc.com before. For my rare/hard to find kits I’ve had to use eBay. Paitence is needed though, otherwise you will pay an arm and a leg.
Yup, hobby show vendors for the win. I can buy enough kits at one show to keep me in modeling work for a year, and I usually spend only $40 or so. Biggest way I’ve made the wife happy in the last five years! LOL
Vendor tables at shows are the best source of bargains. I usually wait for sales at Squadron and SB. Scale Hobbyist has the lowest prices around. Freetime Hobbies is another good source. And finally eBay once in a while has what I’m looking for.
Scale Hobbyist has been my go to for new kits for years now. No one has lower prices and they have great customer service.
Sometimes Tower will have kits Scale does not have and with the coupons 15% off plus free shipping, then I’ll buy there.
I stopped buying at the LHS when the Revell Germany Hermann Marwede was $109 plus tax. I got it online delivered to my door for $79 dollars. Thats $30 saved on one kit.
I don’t understand why anyone that buys many kits would pay Brick and Mortar prices.
Lots of good info here. I guess it just boils down to what you want and what your resources are. If you need it bad and quick, you may have to go with someone with a large inventory and superior service, like HobbyLink, or Squadron. If you can wait a little bit, I’d check out Roll Models for a great selection, but longer order fill time. Their website is a bit clunky, but the customer service is great. I get a great deal of mine from eBay because they are cheaper, have a great variety, and most sellers are pretty reputable. You really have to know WHAT you are looking for, and are at the mercy of a seller at times. LOOK at the pictures, ASK questions before you bid if it looks sketchy, and HUNT for bargains. I use the Android eBay app. to track the things that I’m most interested in. It helps to know what the retail price of an item it; how rare it may be, and what condition it is in. If you are looking for aftermarket items, I’d recommend a seller by the name of “rebelalpha,” I got a lot of good decal sheets from him and he provides first class service.
I use Squadron and Sprue Bros if buying retail. I mainly use them as a pricing guide when looking at kits on eBay. I would say that eBay is my number two source for kits, but I always make sure that it is the cheapest price or else I buy it retail.
My main “go to” source are model forums. They will almost always have the best deals, but you have to be careful when buying and selling there. Sometimes when the buyer or seller is out of the country, postage can be cost prohibitive. Buying a $50 kit for $20 and shipping is great when the seller is in the US. But if the seller is in the UK or EU, that $20 kit becomes a $50 one with international shipping. Might as well buy it retail then.
I’ve learned, and other US sellers have learned that a quick way to separate ourselves is to state shipping from zip code 12345 (ex.). That way another US modeler can figure out approximate postage from the seller’s zip to the buyers zip.
Hey Raindog, Looks like you got the best replies. I have to agree with all here. If you have the opportunity to go to a model show, even a smaller local one, you will do very well at the vendor tables. Just search online for local shows or regional ones close to you. eBay is a good source too…BUT, like everyone said, you must have patience! Watch the prices (some will make you laugh!), and check the seller’s feedbacks. You can get some super deals, but remember you are bidding against the world. LOL! Local hobby shops are great! Yes, the prices are noticeably higher, but you have to consider their overhead expenses, etc. that are factored into the final price. The personal interaction is nice, but it does come at a cost. Local model clubs are also a good source. A lot of clubs have swap night, small shows where they will have a table or two of kits to sell…and you can’t beat the friendships and knowledge you gain from them too. Hope all this helps. Great advice from all here, so I think you’re stash will start to increase. Eagle90
Mostly ebay.UK, where I live, some ebay USA. Most of the shops have gone but we have one about 20 miles away but we only get to that town on a Sunday when it’s shut!
He is open on Sunday’s though in December only with the run up to Christmas, so it’s once a year!
Eagle90