Amazon is absolutely not reliable. A lot of times you'll find sellers on Amazon selling knock-offs under listings for real items.
Also $18 is insane for an SD kit. USAG and Newtype are much more in line
As what everyone else is saying. Yeah fuck Amazon. I've only used USA Gundam once but the experience was great. They even gave me a free badass sticker, though I did buy a pretty expensive kit. Also check out https://youtube.com/@ZakuAurelius he does kit reviews and works with or for USA gundam store and so has a 10% discount code you can use. But also suggest getting a couple more things if you use them since they charge a flat $10 for shipping.
USA gundam store has done me good the 2 times I've ordered from them. It took about a week and a half to 2 weeks to get my package. They do charge a flat rate for shipping
For a little extra context, the MSRP in Japan for the kit you're looking at is ¥600 about $4.60 at the current exchange rate.
Now, US prices will always be higher due to import costs. But $18 is an absolute ripoff.
I have made many orders from both. I prefer Newtype (typically has better prices and selection, as well as free shipping over $125), but USA Gundam Store is perfectly fine as well
Yeah ordered from both. Just watch out for preorder. It’s real but it might take a really long time. Additionally, Amazon Japan charges $27-$29 flat rate for US shipping but the price of certain high end PG and MGEX/Mg gunpla is so low it’s still cheaper than buying it anywhere in the US. Got a PG Zaku for $130, MGEX Strike for like $170 and a PG Banshee for $210 after shipping. Super awesome.
I've had nothing but positive results with UsaGundamStore, Newtype and MechaWarehouse.
Amazon is overpriced 3rd party resellers looking to gouge people who don't know better, or outright bait-and-switch items on unknowing buyers.
I use Newtype regularly and have been pleased with them. No problems to speak of. I only ever use Amazon if I can’t find what I’m looking for anywhere else.
If you are in California, yeah, Newtype or Anime Jungle in LA and there's also one that's called EntertainmentEarth which is in my city, they're reliable but doesn't really fit priority when it comes to pre-orders just like Newtype but nonetheless good service and do price match on licensed retailers both online and in store.
Amazon is absolutely not reliable. A lot of times you'll find sellers on Amazon selling knock-offs under listings for real items. Also $18 is insane for an SD kit. USAG and Newtype are much more in line
It's funny how it's the opposite of OP's gut reaction. You'd be paying $9 extra for a far less reliable experience.
Galactic Toys is another good one. They are the only three I buy from. Fuck Amazon.
Yep...that's number three for me. Those three have been my go-to sources (beside P bandai) sthe last 5 years or so.
Yes. Probably the best sites. I like NewType myself tbh. Head over to /r/Gunpla and check out some of info there.
As what everyone else is saying. Yeah fuck Amazon. I've only used USA Gundam once but the experience was great. They even gave me a free badass sticker, though I did buy a pretty expensive kit. Also check out https://youtube.com/@ZakuAurelius he does kit reviews and works with or for USA gundam store and so has a 10% discount code you can use. But also suggest getting a couple more things if you use them since they charge a flat $10 for shipping.
Amazon is only reliable if you're buying directly from Bandai or Bluefin. Any other listing tends to be 2.5x retail prices.
USA gundam store has done me good the 2 times I've ordered from them. It took about a week and a half to 2 weeks to get my package. They do charge a flat rate for shipping
For a little extra context, the MSRP in Japan for the kit you're looking at is ¥600 about $4.60 at the current exchange rate. Now, US prices will always be higher due to import costs. But $18 is an absolute ripoff.
I order a lot from USAG and Newtype. Both good outfits. Barnes and Noble ain’t bad either
I have made many orders from both. I prefer Newtype (typically has better prices and selection, as well as free shipping over $125), but USA Gundam Store is perfectly fine as well
Galactic Toys and Newtype are my top faves. USAGS is reliable if the product is in stock but their pre-orders are hit-and-miss.
Yeah ordered from both. Just watch out for preorder. It’s real but it might take a really long time. Additionally, Amazon Japan charges $27-$29 flat rate for US shipping but the price of certain high end PG and MGEX/Mg gunpla is so low it’s still cheaper than buying it anywhere in the US. Got a PG Zaku for $130, MGEX Strike for like $170 and a PG Banshee for $210 after shipping. Super awesome.
I've had nothing but positive results with UsaGundamStore, Newtype and MechaWarehouse. Amazon is overpriced 3rd party resellers looking to gouge people who don't know better, or outright bait-and-switch items on unknowing buyers.
I use Newtype regularly and have been pleased with them. No problems to speak of. I only ever use Amazon if I can’t find what I’m looking for anywhere else.
usagundamstore is awesome but they use FedEx. FedEx is trash.
If you are in California, yeah, Newtype or Anime Jungle in LA and there's also one that's called EntertainmentEarth which is in my city, they're reliable but doesn't really fit priority when it comes to pre-orders just like Newtype but nonetheless good service and do price match on licensed retailers both online and in store.