BC Community Thread For Non-Sightings Chat

[Darth Cylon]

The best part is that HLJ and AA are willing to absorb part of the price increase. Honestly 300-500 yen increase in more than 20 years is more than fair. Other companies will just pass on the increase and jack up shipping even more. NY is already over charging their shipping. I wonder what they'll do now.

[kirbenvost]

Yeah, it's true, pretty impressive that it's the first increase in 20 years, and great customer care that they're absorbing part of the cost.

[RocketGTR]

I don't think AA is absorbing any of the increase. They're just looking into cheaper alternate arrangements.

I believe that HLJ is the only one offering to absorb part of the increase from what I've seen from other Japanese sites. Maybe this means even they have been overcharging for their shipping costs (obviously not to N-Y extremes) and that is why they can make this offer? It's not like they put an end date for their costs absorption at this point.

Either way I tend to use SAL mainly so shouldn't affect me too much either way.

[Darth Cylon]

HLJ said they can absorb 20% of the shipping cost increase by Japan Post because they have already reduced their discount on many items. Gunpla used to be 20% off MSRP, now it's only 15% off.

As for AA, as long as they keep their sales prices competitive I am ok with it.

Honestly I don't even use EMS so much unless the item is over-sized or over-weighted.

[RocketGTR]

Ahh I wonder if they had hints that the price increase was on its way

[Darth Cylon]

Hobby Search also posted a notice.
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/ShippingCostChangeInfo.html

Now, we understand that this change of shipping cost for EMS could be problematic for some customers, so we are currently considering introducing SAL Parcel as a possible new shipping method, to provide alternative shipping method. We plan to announce this once we finalize our decision.

It's customer services like this that keep me a loyal satisfied customer. Honestly these companies are not required to tell us about a price increase from Japan Post. But I like that they are upfront about it.

[RocketGTR]

I got offered a chance to buy toy insurance at TRU today. I didn't realize that was a thing now.

[Autocons]

Me too.. They offered it to me on leader class UM.

[Ozrein]

It's been a thing for a while. Just depends on if the cashier remembers to ask. Usually it's for larger or more expensive items.

[CyberDragon10K]

I remember getting this offer when I picked up the 2nd Voyager Predaking at TRU. I suppose it's good if you're buying for a young'in that may end up chipping something or what have you.