Hi Guys
I was just wondering what are some reputable online dealers, we only have the 1 hobby shop around me and its 35-45 minutes away and for the most part only stocks CN and CP locos, what are some good sites you can recommend? The only site I have ever bought from is Walthers.
cheers
Jeremy
Trainworld/Trainland is my first choice. Just know what you want because most of the customer service reps are not model railroaders.
Jeremy, you should have noted that you are in Canada. Hopefully, other Canadian modelers will give you some ideas. The big issue, of course, is shipping and paying those outrageous fees that are involved to get your trains across the border. From reading other posts on the subject, one problem with some US online suppliers is that they only ship UPS, and that company in particular makes shipping to Canada very expensive. (Someone please correct me if I’m wrong on this.)
That said, I also like Trainworld, as well as M.B. Klein.
I placed a order yesterday and the shipping from walthers was like $18. But they were the only ones that had what I needed. Im assuming as my order was only $60 that I dont get hit too bad on duty.
just got off the phone with customs and they said there is no duty, just my Provincial taxes will be applied.
MisterBeasley
You are absolutely correct about UPS charging astronomically high amounts for cross border shipments.
Canadians buying from the US should always ask for items to be shipped via USPS (United States Postal Service). If I understand the customs rates, apparently they do not collect duties for shipments worth less than $100.
As far as on line hobby stores, most of my experience has been with Walthers but I rarely buy anything at full retail with the exception of detail parts or the like. When I compare the cost of Walthers shipping rates to the cost of driving into Toronto to my LHS’s the drive is hardly worth it. I have also dealt with Tony’s Train Exchange for DCC with great satisfaction.
One Canadian on-line shop to consider is Canadian Express Line. Dave Cool’s prices are almost always discounted below retail. http://www.canadianexpressline.com/. He can order anything you want.
I also use Hobby Wholesale in Edmonton http://www.hobbywholesale.com/ for basic supplies like paint, #11 blades, balsa wood etc.
Dave
I would suggest you try MB Klien
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/
You can specifically order specific items and roadnames and you will be connacted when items arrive.
Another happy customer of Dave Cool’s. He is one of the best Canadian dealers out there. Also try Otter Valley Railroad. http://www.ovrtrains.com/ I get most of my Walthers buildings from them at way below retail. Canadian Model Trains, http://www.modeltrains.com/ are another great source but unless you preorder they don’t give much of a discount. Were are you located? There are tons of good hobby shops in Canada as well as a few poor ones. We will steer you the right way.
Many companies will use Fedex ground, but push UPS. While Fedex ground to Canada isn’t cheap, its less than UPS.
I use Accu-lites. (http://acculites.com/)
They carry a lot of DCC stuff, but can order from Walthers. They give you a 20% discount on the Walthers stuff. They also take PayPal, which is why I started with them in the first place.
You can order off the web site, but if I am ordering Walthers stuff, I send them an email list because that stuff is not listed on their site. When it comes in, they send me a PDF invoice.
For Canadian online shops. It is really hard to beat Otter Valley Railroad. www.ovrtrains.com. Very good prices, good freight and fast shippments.
Most of the rest of online shops in Canada will full charge you full list, unless pre-ordered.
There are other options in the states as mentioned. MB Klein and Caboose Hobbies.
However there are some good Canadian ones too.
Regards,
CASO
[:-^]
Try Dallas Model Works, Craig is a great Guy to deal with and he supplies lots of online extras to us as well.
Johnboy out…
I checked the sites out and find that with provincial and federal taxes I am far better off shopping at MB Klien. Cheaper plus no taxes.
Yeh’ speaking of the S/H plus duty from Canada I bought a tripod trolley for my video camera the price for the trolley was $49.95…shipping it UPS plus duty was $59.95…will admit it weighted 10lbs but still…ouch!
I learned years ago not to use Couriers. UPS, Fedex have hidden charges to the purchaser If the item is being exported from the US and imported into Canada.
These charges are outragous. and since most of the Courier services have them you are stuck. Many of the vendors are completely unaware of additional charges being passed on to the Canadian purchaser.
I just remembered that DHL courier service did not charge additional fees, but one should check as that was quite a while ago.
Im hoping that it comes through the Canada post, for the Canadians here that have ordered from walthers. How did it come?
Jeremy, never ever order directly through Walthers. You will pay way more then you will if you spent your cash up here. Walthers usually ships UPS to Canada. Make sure you have a credit card handy when they come. Look up those hobby shops a bunch of us posted, they will always be your best bet.
Jeremy, you never did tell us where you live.[B]
I’ve used both Dallas Model Works and Factory Direct Trains. Both Craig at DMW and Joe at FDT both supply great service and orders usually arrive in 1 to 2 weeks. Canada Post strikes and lockouts not-withstanding. I consider that to be reasonable as DMW is out west and FDT is in Florida and the delivery is coming to Canada.
I have nothing to do with either company other than being a satisfied customer.
Blue Flamer.
Hi guys
My order came today, it came through Canada Post so I didn’t have to pay any brokerage fees. I was downstairs and heard a noise and came up and my package was inside the door. I have my AC on and its still hot upstairs, well back down to the cool basement.