Firstly let me say I feel your pain... they must be using the South African Post Office's tariff sheet.... I recently airmailed a 1.3KG package to a friend in the UK which cost me about R230 (£21 or $36)...
Best of luck...
Rudi
Hosted by Jim Starkweather
Buyer Beware.....
Tarok
Member Since: July 28, 2004
entire network: 10,889 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:26 AM UTC
Dave,
Firstly let me say I feel your pain... they must be using the South African Post Office's tariff sheet.... I recently airmailed a 1.3KG package to a friend in the UK which cost me about R230 (£21 or $36)...
Best of luck...
Rudi
Firstly let me say I feel your pain... they must be using the South African Post Office's tariff sheet.... I recently airmailed a 1.3KG package to a friend in the UK which cost me about R230 (£21 or $36)...
Best of luck...
Rudi
spooky6
Member Since: May 05, 2005
entire network: 2,174 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:49 AM UTC
Dave, I've ordered from Hannants only once (about 6 months ago) and the kits (2 Tamiya 1/16 figs & 1 Dragon 1/16 fig) arrived here in Sri Lanka in 3 weeks. Didn't cost too much on postage either. My only problem with them is that all orders have to be at least 50 pounds sterling. One of my fellow modellers here in Colombo regularly orders from Hannants (several times a year) and he's quite pleased with them.
lestweforget
Member Since: November 08, 2002
entire network: 2,832 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:57 AM UTC
Dont worry mate, ive been down that road alot, and thats just from ordering from Hong Kong.
42 USD is 69 Aus dollars, and for just those kits that is ridiculously expensive, but you also have to consider that ordering from Great Britain, your not going to get the better end of the exchange rate, meaning no discounts, as you would ordering from say Hong Kong.
This is why i never order anywhere overseas except Hong Kong.
Cheers
42 USD is 69 Aus dollars, and for just those kits that is ridiculously expensive, but you also have to consider that ordering from Great Britain, your not going to get the better end of the exchange rate, meaning no discounts, as you would ordering from say Hong Kong.
This is why i never order anywhere overseas except Hong Kong.
Cheers
jazza
Member Since: August 03, 2005
entire network: 2,709 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 11:09 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I never commit to a buy until I find out shipping / handling costs. I have heard too many stories like yours about being stung.
This is something i always do when purchasing stuff online as well. If shipping cost ends up being more than half the cost of the product itself, i tend to forego it and try somewhere else. Online retailers do add a certain percentage ontop of their shipping cost for labour as well which can be a pain cause it really cant be justified.
I feel your pain Dave and im sure we will hear back from you once you have found another online retailer that is more reasonable with its shipping cost.
roudeleiw
Member Since: January 19, 2004
entire network: 2,406 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 12:00 PM UTC
@Eric
Quote:
A Similar thing happened to me on Ebay, to ship some 'rust solution', it cost me US$24 from the States and that on surface mail, to add insult to injury, 80 odd days later and nothing has arrived. End Quote
Eric, you may consider that such things like you ordered may fall under some security restrictions regarding air transport (sprays, chemical solutions, etc). and the seller didn't know and does not care to tell you know. It doesn't help much, but at least you may know the reason why it doesn't ship.
Otherwise , my record time for getting goods from the State via surface mail was nearly 10 weeks, so maybe you are only breaking this record shipping time.
What i want to say about shipping charges from the States to Europe is , that a lot of online shops are shooting semselfs in the foot because of there shipping policy.
Serious Stores are mentionning from the beginning that the are going to calculate the correct and best shipping charge and email you to confirm the order, that's perfect. The other ones, often smaller ones are simply asking a forfait of 30 % of the goods value for shipping, justified if i want to order only one heavy Friul-track, but hardly justified the other times.
If i see that, click, good-bye.
I live in a small (very small ) country , i do not have any domestic online shopping for modelling items, so the shipping charges is a big factor in choosing the shop.
Cheers
Claude
Quote:
A Similar thing happened to me on Ebay, to ship some 'rust solution', it cost me US$24 from the States and that on surface mail, to add insult to injury, 80 odd days later and nothing has arrived. End Quote
Eric, you may consider that such things like you ordered may fall under some security restrictions regarding air transport (sprays, chemical solutions, etc). and the seller didn't know and does not care to tell you know. It doesn't help much, but at least you may know the reason why it doesn't ship.
Otherwise , my record time for getting goods from the State via surface mail was nearly 10 weeks, so maybe you are only breaking this record shipping time.
What i want to say about shipping charges from the States to Europe is , that a lot of online shops are shooting semselfs in the foot because of there shipping policy.
Serious Stores are mentionning from the beginning that the are going to calculate the correct and best shipping charge and email you to confirm the order, that's perfect. The other ones, often smaller ones are simply asking a forfait of 30 % of the goods value for shipping, justified if i want to order only one heavy Friul-track, but hardly justified the other times.
If i see that, click, good-bye.
I live in a small (very small ) country , i do not have any domestic online shopping for modelling items, so the shipping charges is a big factor in choosing the shop.
Cheers
Claude
jlmurc
Member Since: August 29, 2005
entire network: 1,267 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 03:48 PM UTC
I really find this to be totally amazing, as I only live 30 miles from their base in East Anglia, the next time that I visit I shall certainly make comment about this thread as it is disgusting, when I know that our postage is quite expensive but, not as they would have you think.
I wonder if any of us UK modellers could assist our foreign brethern.
It is worth looking at some of the other smaller specialist retaillers for good service, this is one website to visit, for a cracking service from a modeller who runs his own company and is most definitely honest in his approach to stock and carriage pricing.
http://www.armour-models.co.uk/
Have a Happy New Year,
John
I wonder if any of us UK modellers could assist our foreign brethern.
It is worth looking at some of the other smaller specialist retaillers for good service, this is one website to visit, for a cracking service from a modeller who runs his own company and is most definitely honest in his approach to stock and carriage pricing.
http://www.armour-models.co.uk/
Have a Happy New Year,
John
jlmurc
Member Since: August 29, 2005
entire network: 1,267 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 03:51 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I do the same as Steve, for anything I buy not just model stuff. E-Bay sellers are now jacking the shipping prices up to compensate for their 'low' prices, you can see it easily with the calculate your shipping costs option on some bidders items. I've decided against many an E-Bay item because of that, I know what the cost of shipping the item should be and I don't like seeing the cost magically double.
I have noticed this but still there are many who trade as a genuine hobby like myself as well as some companies like Panther Models who still maintain fair carriage prices, but I now check as I have been caught out with postal charges and now confirm the price with the purchaser.
John
mikeli125
Member Since: December 24, 2002
entire network: 2,595 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 03:54 PM UTC
To be fair I've seen the wererabbit kit in the shops picked it up and it is quite heavy as theres paint/glue and the likes in it (not sticking up for Hannants BTW) so if they have used RM ot can get pricey sending it
nato308
Member Since: October 23, 2003
entire network: 884 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 04:01 PM UTC
Dave, if you wish my friend, they can swim with the fishes? Joiesy style!
Grumpyoldman
ConsigliereMember Since: October 17, 2003
entire network: 15,338 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 04:48 PM UTC
Quoted Text
As BOAC merger with BEA to form British Airways in 1975, she’d be probably be pushing 60 and dragging a ton of baggage with her, Dave that’s a loaded gun you don’t want!
ROLLING on Floor...... shows you how up to date I am on BOAC and BEA.... 1975...time does fly.... Mal, I'm pushing 60 also.... sounds good to me......... :-) :-) :-)
The truth is had I known it was going to be $49.00 to ship it, I would have canceled the order..... but since it is already paid for, and supposed to have been shipped already...... I'll let it end.... I'll just never spend again at Hannants.
I'm not even telling anyone else not to buy there, that is up to each of you to decide, just be aware of the high cost of shipping from the UK to the states, and make sure you have your heart medications handy when the bill comes. Again had I been informed before hand that shipping was going to be $49.00, I would have cancelled the order.
Tordenskiold
Member Since: February 12, 2005
entire network: 426 Posts
KitMaker Network: 78 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 05:13 PM UTC
Dave, this may be a stupid question (if so please forgive me), but have you made sure they have deducted the VAT before shipment ??
Grumpyoldman
ConsigliereMember Since: October 17, 2003
entire network: 15,338 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 09:29 PM UTC
Yep.... the VAT was deducted....
I guess by asking that question, a few people ended up paying unnecessary VAT ???
My package has arrived, it is large, and heavy.... not sent by Royal Mail, but a courier, and then express mail across the river from JFK to NJ... approx 70 miles.
I still think the shipping is outrageously high, and the customers deserve the right of knowing shipping cost BEFORE shipment, and the right to cancel the order if they do not approve of the high costs.
Instead of shipping and shocking...... not a way to get repeat/returning customers. I will not be a repeat or returning customer.
Gee I wonder if I can use my "anit-pesto van" for the new Move it Campaign...... LOL
I guess by asking that question, a few people ended up paying unnecessary VAT ???
My package has arrived, it is large, and heavy.... not sent by Royal Mail, but a courier, and then express mail across the river from JFK to NJ... approx 70 miles.
I still think the shipping is outrageously high, and the customers deserve the right of knowing shipping cost BEFORE shipment, and the right to cancel the order if they do not approve of the high costs.
Instead of shipping and shocking...... not a way to get repeat/returning customers. I will not be a repeat or returning customer.
Gee I wonder if I can use my "anit-pesto van" for the new Move it Campaign...... LOL
jimbrae
Member Since: April 23, 2003
entire network: 12,927 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:25 PM UTC
A certain large (U.S.) miltary bookstore/publisher, is charging a MINIMUM of $50 (FIFTY) for the first book and $15 for each subsequent book in the order. On the other hand, having just bought SS ARMOR on the EASTERN FRONT, by Velimir Vuksic another U.S. dealer only charged me $24 (airmail) postage.
Dave, I truly feel your pain....Jim
Dave, I truly feel your pain....Jim
Moezilla
Member Since: June 01, 2004
entire network: 1,161 Posts
KitMaker Network: 533 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:35 PM UTC
$50 for the book with shipping or just for the shipping? That's CRAZY!
Pilgrim
Member Since: November 20, 2004
entire network: 516 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:40 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Well, now that I've taken my heart pills and calmed down some..... :-) :-)
I'll keep the package when it arrives... I've bought from Hannants many times in the past, and never paid such a high shipping rate... did rates go up in the UK lately?
Yes they did, to take into account size as well as weight.
On ebay I sold three books to a lad in Toronto. They were hardback, but not huge. Shipping was over £25, and then I had to break them up into smaller packages to even qualify for shipment by Royal Mail. Parcel Force and Couriers were even more expensive. I was shocked, God knows what the buyer thought: I'm just glad the stamps were there on the packing for him to see!
staff_Jim
PublisherMember Since: December 15, 2001
entire network: 12,571 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 10:49 PM UTC
I think a lot of this has to do with which shipping companies they use. Dave - did they use FedEx or UPS? Even shipping a medium size model thru these guys overseas is in the $50 range. More if weighty.
That is why I always use US Postal Service Global Priority mail now. It's about 1/4 the cost and still gets there (just not quite as fast).
I agree that Hannants should be informing customers of shipping charges before charging the customer. I feel their pain too as I know this is a hard thing to do with shopping carts because international shipping rates are ususally not available. So it's either charge a flat rate or do it manually. What they need is a latter step that is a confirmation of the shipping charges and an affirmation by the customer to proceed. They need their web developer to figure out how to do that!
Cheers,
Jim
That is why I always use US Postal Service Global Priority mail now. It's about 1/4 the cost and still gets there (just not quite as fast).
I agree that Hannants should be informing customers of shipping charges before charging the customer. I feel their pain too as I know this is a hard thing to do with shopping carts because international shipping rates are ususally not available. So it's either charge a flat rate or do it manually. What they need is a latter step that is a confirmation of the shipping charges and an affirmation by the customer to proceed. They need their web developer to figure out how to do that!
Cheers,
Jim
Salvo
Member Since: August 14, 2005
entire network: 311 Posts
KitMaker Network: 98 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 11:02 PM UTC
I have ordered from Hannants once. I really wasn't all that impressed with the service. I ordered some Maskol and it took around two weeks to get here. I usually order from Squadron, but since I am stationed in the UK paint has to be delivered by boat due to regulations. I still order my kits from Squadron and have for the past 10 years and never had a problem. I usually get my kits within a week, and the sneak them into the house. Also I get more for my US dollar as oppose to paying in pounds which almost doubles the price depending on the exchange rate. Although that is out of our hands. I like Models in Motion for paint in the UK and have found a few smaller places for oddball items. I also like Hobbylink Japan except it takes some time usually. Anyways I hope you get your troubles sorted.
Cheers,
Ryan
Cheers,
Ryan
jimbrae
Member Since: April 23, 2003
entire network: 12,927 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 11:30 PM UTC
Quoted Text
$50 for the book with shipping or just for the shipping? That's CRAZY!
$85 PLUS $50 shipping charge - not crazy, positively idiotic...Jim
Moezilla
Member Since: June 01, 2004
entire network: 1,161 Posts
KitMaker Network: 533 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 11:48 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text$50 for the book with shipping or just for the shipping? That's CRAZY!
$85 PLUS $50 shipping charge - not crazy, positively idiotic...Jim
$50 shipping for a book is completely INSANE! Is the book like 200 pounds or something? lol I'm sure one of us can probably pick the book up and ship it to you for a wee bit less than that.
jafad
Member Since: December 02, 2004
entire network: 230 Posts
KitMaker Network: 38 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 11:53 PM UTC
My only gripe about Hannants is the length of time it takes to send out an order which seems to be about 2-3 weeks.
Tarok
Member Since: July 28, 2004
entire network: 10,889 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,373 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 09:51 AM UTC
Quoted Text
hard thing to do with shopping carts because international shipping rates are ususally not available. So it's either charge a flat rate or do it manually. What they need is a latter step that is a confirmation of the shipping charges and an affirmation by the customer to proceed. They need their web developer to figure out how to do that!
IMHO I don't think it's a big deal to integrate a quotes module for postage into their current setup... they undoubtably have a prefered proved for despatch and that company should have a fixed tariff sheet which changes possibly every quarter at the most... and IRRC airlines change their rates (international) annually...
When I was working in the air freight industry (for about 5 years) we wrote a quotes system for cash (or over counter) sales in less than a week....
Personally I think Hannants are just being plain lazy in not building in a postage calculator - and they're losing business by not doing it, 'cos it appears most of the other online resellers have already done so...
Rudi
mikeli125
Member Since: December 24, 2002
entire network: 2,595 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,079 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 01:30 PM UTC
I agree that Hannants are lazy by not quoting an on-line shipping price, I order stuff from Vietnam (scooter bits) and even before I confirm the order I know the shipping price &over all cost I can make my mind up if I want to proceed with it same goes for using the model shops in HK.
Hannants service is a joke dont care how big they are they taking 2-3 weeks just to post out an order in the UK is a farce
with slow postage and crap customer service is it any wonder why people now order from the states/far east?. Makes you wonder how much business the poor service they provide has cost them in the long run
Hannants service is a joke dont care how big they are they taking 2-3 weeks just to post out an order in the UK is a farce
with slow postage and crap customer service is it any wonder why people now order from the states/far east?. Makes you wonder how much business the poor service they provide has cost them in the long run
jimbrae
Member Since: April 23, 2003
entire network: 12,927 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,060 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 01:36 PM UTC
It'd be nice if Hannants actually came forward and answered their critics. It's noticeable, that companies such as Lucky-Model are always ready to put their heads above the parapet when someone goes against them...
Hannants it seems suffer from that well-known British affliction - complacency...Jim
Hannants it seems suffer from that well-known British affliction - complacency...Jim
DaveCox
Member Since: January 11, 2003
entire network: 4,307 Posts
KitMaker Network: 788 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 03:17 PM UTC
Not defending Hannants, as there is no good reason why they can't advise shipping charges in advance; but I regularly pay Squadron 30%of the order value to ship by sea, or 50% by air, but put up with it as the kits are so much cheaper than UK shops that the shipping cost is still ok
. I''ve also shipped a few parcels of commission-built wargames buildings & vehicles to a customer in the US, and he's paid $50 shipping (that is cost, no profit for me!!) for DHL/Parcels2Go as the UK mail imposes some pretty mean size restrictions on parcels outside of Europe.
Reading the list of stuff that Dave had in his parcel it could well be over the mail parcel size once packed - still no excuse for not advising the cost up front though as the customer should always have the choice to say no.
. I''ve also shipped a few parcels of commission-built wargames buildings & vehicles to a customer in the US, and he's paid $50 shipping (that is cost, no profit for me!!) for DHL/Parcels2Go as the UK mail imposes some pretty mean size restrictions on parcels outside of Europe.
Reading the list of stuff that Dave had in his parcel it could well be over the mail parcel size once packed - still no excuse for not advising the cost up front though as the customer should always have the choice to say no.
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