Purchasing on eBay from overseas?

[bbowser]

I've been doing a fair amount of business both buying and selling on eBay, I'm just about even up on selling kits I'll never build and buying ones that pique my interests now.

How do you figure out what a kit from say Japan or Korea will cost once customs, duties, taxes, title, insurance, etc are added in? I've searched eBay's help section but I can't figure out what the costs will be ahead of time before I bid on something. There's a few F1 kits I'm interested in but I don't want to end up paying hundreds for a $20 kit.

I've shipped a few to overseas buyers using eBay's Global program, where I send them to Kentucky and they take it from there. I've had buyers pay upwards of $100 for a kit I got $30, the rest was fees, taxes, etc. I don't want to get caught flat-footed.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Brizio]

You should ask a the custom of your country.

I ship different packages overseas, from US to Europe, Japan etc... And usually if the value declared on the invoice is $20, the receiver will not pay any expense. Some Country have a $30 limit.

Here in the US, I receive package from all around the world and never hat to pay anything. Also when the declared value of the content of the box was over 100$.

[fumi]

I assume you live in the US. There is no customs for model car kits.

[Casey]

How do you figure out what a kit from say Japan or Korea will cost once customs, duties, taxes, title, insurance, etc are added in? I've searched eBay's help section but I can't figure out what the costs will be ahead of time before I bid on something. There's a few F1 kits I'm interested in but I don't want to end up paying hundreds for a $20 kit.

The exact shipping cost will be stated in each listing. If it's not, contact the seller and ask for an exact cost. We pay no fees nor import duties for packages coming into the U.S., so what's stated is what you'll pay.

You might consider buying direct from HobbyLink Japan or similar if it's a recent/current kit you are thinking of buying, and HLJ has an eBay store if you want to buy from them through eBay, too.

[bbowser]

Thanks for the responses. Good to know there are no additional charges on incoming items.

Edited November 21, 2014 by bbowser

[martinfan5]

You might consider buying direct from HobbyLink Japan or similar if it's a recent/current kit you are thinking of buying, and HLJ has an eBay store if you want to buy from them through eBay, too.

No, HLJ does not have a Ebay store

[Rob Hall]

Plaza Japan (plazajapan.com) sells on eBay under the name 'tokyo-hobby'...I've bought from them on eBay multiple times w/ no issues.

[martinfan5]

Plaza Japan (plazajapan.com) sells on eBay under the name 'tokyo-hobby'...I've bought from them on eBay multiple times w/ no issues.

Oh yes, Tokyo Hobby, another great seller, although, I did have a issue the one time I bought from their website(Plaza Japan) the kits never showed up, but they did refund my money.

Their prices are very reasonable as well.

[Erik Smith]

Plaza Japan (plazajapan.com) sells on eBay under the name 'tokyo-hobby'...I've bought from them on eBay multiple times w/ no issues.

X2. Very good seller - good prices - cheap shipping, same as USPS priority - usually 2.5 weeks. No additional fees.

[Casey]

No, HLJ does not have a Ebay store

Oops, you're right, it's hobbylinc I was thinking of.

[martinfan5]

Oops, you're right, it's hobbylinc I was thinking of.

Very close, I sometimes see that and think HLJ for a second as well

[Mike Chernecki]

I order all my Japanese kits from thepolarbearstable2012. Prices and shipping are reasonable, they are fast and only list what they actually have. A couple days and I have my order. Highly recommended.

[martinfan5]

I order all my Japanese kits from thepolarbearstable2012. Prices and shipping are reasonable, they are fast and only list what they actually have. A couple days and I have my order. Highly recommended.

The prices are ok, but you can get the stuff cheaper elsewhere , they have a listing for a Subaru Wagon, listed at 2900Yen, I paid 1900Yen for mine from HLJ.

I am assuming they dont use SAL if you are getting the orders fast, so I guess the shipping isnt to bad.

Edited November 21, 2014 by martinfan5

[vintagerpm]

No, HLJ does not have a Ebay store

But you could buy directly from the HLJ off their web site. They are one of the most dependable & well respected companies in the model business.

[martinfan5]

But you could buy directly from the HLJ off their web site. They are one of the most dependable & well respected companies in the model business.

Yes, I spend a lot of money at HLJ every year

[Don Sikora II]

I recommend Hobby Link Japan too. If you shop there, it's worth understanding how their "Private Warehouse" shipping option works. I use it to help save on shipping costs.

[om617]

It`s hard to beat the prices on items and shipping from Tokyo Hobby on Ebay.

[sjordan2]

I've had more problems with Amazon's independent vendors from overseas, 2-3 times, with items getting stuck in customs for up to a month. Only once with eBay in many years. No extra charges.

Edited November 25, 2014 by sjordan2

[martinfan5]

It`s hard to beat the prices on items and shipping from Tokyo Hobby on Ebay.

Its not that hard at all really, HLJ beats Tokyo Hobby prices , and for shipping, yes, beat there too, HLJ gives you four shipping options, Tokyo Hobby gives one , maybe two.

Now, with all that said, Tokyo Hobby is a great place to buy from, and I do from time to time.