I've always wondered what makes models in the Philippines so much cheaper than in most other parts of the world, online stores included. Sure, a lot of them may be made here, like Academy and Tamiya, and that explains why they're cheaper. Panda, Trumpeter and DML are cheaper, since they're made in China, practically a nextdoor neighbor.

But others, like Italeri and Revell-Germany and Revell-Monogram have much farther to go to get here (being made in Italy, or Germany, or America) - not to mention the poor peso-dollar rate - and yet they're cheaper here than in online shops! And, with the huge selection Academy and Tamiya have, they can't possibly make everything here (Academy's brochure lists several factories worldwide)

I'm not complaining or anything (why would I be?) - I'm just wondering how those hobby shops charge so much less than competition abroad, and still make money, especially since most of their stock is imported, and imported goods here usually have a markup (look at electronics, cars and clothes!)

Depends on the importer. Lils is the sole importer (I think) of Tamiya kits so they are cheaper. Contrary to that, STC is the sole importer of DML, Dragon products.

Another theory of mine is the labor... mura lang labor sa Pinas. Also China has a low labor fee that's why Chinese kits are quite cheaper.




Just be glad about it. I'm happy to spend every cent of mine on models. Let us just call us people poor fellas with lucky models :-)

If I plan to go home, the first the thing I would do is spend my $100 on kits, maybe it's gonna fetch me at least a good deal of Academy, Tamiya and Trumpeeter kits now my only problem is bringing it back here, which they might charge me for duties and taxes(kung makakalusot okay!). Thus, relatively it's still cheaper. I must agree on that, you guys are lucky :-)

On the other hand lets compare the prices of paints, books and airbrush and availability. I have to admit that they got a huge selection and at a cheaper and reasonable prices, (am I off topic?) by the way I don't intend to add AM products, 'coz it's friggin expensive.

"it would be nice to have the best of both worlds."