I posted this back in April and was test to see if Squadron or Model Expo was better. Here is a copy of my post.

From: Rob Gronovius
Subject: Unscientific Test Between Model Expo and Squadron
Newsgroups: rec.models.scale
View this article only
Date: 2001-04-03 19:56:09 PST

Since I use Model Expo and Squadron Mail Order the most when purchasing kits, I
decided to do an unscientific test between the two services. I placed orders
with both companies for roughly the same amount ($30-32) and similar items,
making sure that each website said all items were in stock.

I used the Model Expo online website to order and used the fax machine for the
Squadron website. Orders were placed Monday, March 26 mid-morning.

Results:

1) Shipping for Model Expo was $6.99 and does not vary. Squadron's shipping
started at $4.75 and goes to $6.25, over $100 order is free. This order was
$5.25 for shipping. +Squadron

2) Both packages were well packed and arrived safely. Even

3) The Model Expo package arrived Monday, April 2 via UPS. The Squadron package
arrived Tuesday, 3 April via UPS. +Model Expo

4) The Squadron order was filled completely and correctly (6 items). One error
was in the Model Expo order (4 items). +Squadron

The winner for this very unscientific experiment is Squadron.

Although in Model Expo's defense, the stock numbers were very similar for the
incorrect item. The item was highlighted on the invoice (invoice was correct)
in yellow, signifying that someone may have noticed the error, but shipped the
order any way. Also, this is the first time I have had an error in a Model Expo
order.

As an aside, Squadron's prices for the same items were less than $1 more, but
they had all items in stock, Model Expo did not. I guess I could have given
Model Expo a "+" for price, but it does little good to have a slightly lower
price if you don't have it in stock.

One day shipping difference could also be accounted for by distances: Model
Expo is Florida to New Jersey (both East Coast) and Squadron is Texas (Central
Texas at that) to New Jersey. About 1000 miles further.

You can come to your own conclusions, but I like both companies.

This was a follow up response by me:
Just to follow up on my Model Expo vs. Squadron test, I e-mailed (no reply)
then called Model Expo regarding the misshipment from my order. They apologized
for the error, sent the correct kit (a $5 kit) for free and told me to keep the
wrong kit (a $7 kit) instead of mailing it back. They do have good customer
service and I'll continue to order from them.

I have ordered from model expo 2 times and it has been fine. I have never ordered from squadron. The reason I went with model expo was price. I find the shipping price info helpful because a lot of online stores lower prices then stick you with shipping. It looks like in the case above it was probably close to a wash when you added both totals up. I think I may give squadron a try in the future, they seem to have a good selection of items and a huge happy following. I would not be against using model expo though.

Drew, just wait until you get the pleasant monthly mailer from Squaron. Most of us love to get it and look it over. They also send out an annual catalog, I have mine going back to 1990. They are great references on when a kit came out (SMO is almost always the first to get it) and I use the catalog as the standard for what a kit price should be. In other words, they list a manufacturers suggested retail price and then their own price. That way you know what to expect if you see the kit in a store or search online for a better price.

Send me your address and I'll send you a copy of the Feb flyer (got an extra one with my M4A3 75mm kit)
(BTW this is where I get a lot of my kit info from such as kit #'s and types available)

As a wholesaler side of the house, I havnt had any trouble with either of the 2. I prefer to order from Squadron/MMD for my shop mainly because they just down the highway from me and we tend to get the item within 2 to 3 days. Nice bunch of people and the wharehouse is outstanding. Once and a while I like to pick up our order just to see what else is in the wharehouse. Its like a kid in a candy store. We tend to use Model Expo mainly for the ships.

Hi guys!
Rob could you please inform the web address of these both stores?
Thx in advance.
Cheers!

www.squadron.com
www.modelexpo-online.com normal page
www.modelexpo-online.com/catb for current "whale of a sale" page