What Online Retailers to buy from?

[Magnus]

Originally Posted by Sureshot22

i got hit one time for $40 on a $50 item and its always some weird amount that doesnt make any sense to me so i dont think there is really any rhyme or reason to the amount they decide to hit you with.

If they are using FedEx or UPS, you're being charged for customs fees and that company's "handling" fees. I've never tried this, but apparently what you need to do is refuse payment on their fee and tell them you'll go pick it up at their shipping center. There, you can pay for only the customs charges, which should be less than half what they are charging you for a $50 purchase.

[BoNKerS]

Originally Posted by CyberMnky

The one order I had from Captured Prey has been good, teh couple from Robot Kingdom I think have been good - no customs on either.

BBTS I can't sit down for a week after every package... 20-40% customs fee every single time.

Hmm interesting... I've had my last 3 orders come by without any charges... weird... Are you using USPS? I strictly choose USPS never any charges so far.

Pls do not choose UPS... if so this is the problem.

[Nameless]

^Just out of curiosity, how big were your orders? Did you have to pick them up from the post office, or were you home to receive them?

I've always used USPS when ordering from BBTS, and I usually had to pay customs. I noticed I was more likely to pay if I picked up the package from the post office, but less likely if I (or someone else) was home to receive it. It's probably just my imagination, though...

[BoNKerS]

^ Hey Nameless,
Orders were like so.

1. $60
2. $150
3. $85

Only the $60 purchase I was home to recieve. The rest I had to pick up.

[Wheelie]

Originally Posted by SolidusPrime

Thanks for the heads up guys. I was under the impression it was perhaps every once in a while since you can declare your orders as gifts on BBTS. Guess I was way off.

How about TFSource? Have any of you ordered from there and got dinged by customs?

I've been dealing with TFSource for over 5 years. Not once have I ever had to pay for customs/duties. I've had some pretty large and high valued orders with them. Not to mention the quality of their packaging is USPS/Canada Post idiot proof unless they have elephants working there now.

[Bruticus]

LOL... BKCollectables.com for all your G1 needs.

[SolidusPrime]

Originally Posted by Wheelie

I've been dealing with TFSource for over 5 years. Not once have I ever had to pay for customs/duties. I've had some pretty large and high valued orders with them. Not to mention the quality of their packaging is USPS/Canada Post idiot proof unless they have elephants working there now.

LOL awesome. Thanks for letting me know! BBTS seems erratic when it comes to customs charges. Placing an order online is difficult when it comes to price matching because of the fear of customs bending you over.

[anotheran]

My preference:
BBTS
Edbomber
TFSource
evilbay
HLJ
Robotkingdom