Guys,

I need your help.

Have you tried buying from someone who is selling in the "Buy and Sell" forum?

I want to buy some of the things offered there. However, I live in the Philippines.

Do you have any idea about the process on paying the post office in my currency here (pesos) and they'll receive it in dollars there?

Thanks.

Angela

Haven't tried purchasing through these guys but be aware that postage and tax can be as much as 50% of the kit's price.

This process will be risky.

It will be risky to buy from an individual. Since you really never know who he is. But if you're doing that anyway here's what I suggest.

He's not going to give you an official receipt anyway so tell him not to declare the real value of the kit so you don't get taxed based on the amount. If you bought it for $50, tell him to declare it for $15 or $20. The risk here is if the goods get damaged you can only claim that amount from the broker in this case it will be FedEx or DHL or LBC.

I don't think you can do this though with a hobby store because they will have to give the receipt of the purchase to the parcel company. But maybe they can help you. Again you risk the insurance.

Payment: Most companies and individuals, especially in the US accept mail order through any Western Union outlet. I think you can find them in the Malls and pawnshops in the Philippines. I also send money through them. Ask the individual or company where to address the payment wether in his bank account or mailed check to the address. Be carefull because WU will charge you for the normal rate of transfer plus special transfer to banks or mailing station. I also use WU to pay for my orders. I'm afraid of using credit cards on the net. Good Luck.

One way to get a cheaper price is to order in online hobby ships around asia. so far, i had good experiences with luckymodel and hobbyeasy. for the US shops, i go for squadron.

One nice thing about Armorama and other discussion forums where you've been a 'regular' is that you know that some people can be trusted. Check out those selling in the BnS forum. I reckon some are trustworthy enough. You can ask around (discreetly, via PM) if the vendor is ok. Plus, if the seller turns out to be a sham, you can, at least, degrade his reputation.

You can post your inquiries for items you need. And if an ageement has been set.You can request the individual to send the item as a "gift".It might lessen the P&H. But still you have to pay for the that.
Regarding the mode of payment, you can either pay in credit card or money order, Available through the Post Office or Banks(peso to dollar equivalent).
The disadvantage of using you credit card is another issue, using your VISA or Mastercard is very risky and prown to online fraud. On the other hand sending a MO might take weeks before the dealer receives it and before the MO gets cleared.
cheers..

Thanks for the advice guys.

The risk is too great for me to take. I think I'll just have to research on the net on what I want and scratchbuild it here. Or maybe go to Manila and buy those things from the hobby store.

Speaking of that, can someone give me a list and addresses of hobby stores in Manila? I only know about Lil's Hobby Shop in Glorietta.

Also, is anyone from Cagayan de Oro? I also need a list of shops where I can buy kits since I'll be going there soon for a visit.

Thank you.

Angela

Here ya go mam! If you do visit here, drop me an SMS so I can tour you around

Wow! Fast yata ang reply.

Thank you so much. Now where's my traveling bag?

Angela

Hehehe... nagkataon lang

Hi Angela, if you do decide to order something this way from an individual I can offer this suggestion. Go to your bank and get it in travelers checks, there wont be the hassle trying to get a good exchange rate when exchanging the money and when you take foreign money to the bank here they charge between 15- 30 usd for the exchange service so it really doesnt pay to send cash or bank notes. good luck!! Cheers Kevin

Western Union is the fastes and more secure way .
I send money this way before all around the world .
U go to ur post or WU office and say the amount in dollars u want to say and fill the form with the receivers and senders info.
The WU programm has an online calculator that can tell u before u send the money how much it is in your country's currency .So u know the exact amount . u also add the Western Union Commission which is about 10 $ for 150 $ money sendage . Then u pay and go . Next day the guy sdelivers the money .

But have to risk for the guy u send the money .
usually Armorama guys are more than ok .

Hope i helped

Costas