Hello all, So, I'm a long time customer of BBTS, but with all the MPs coming out, and awesome third party stuff (especially Warbotron's sets) I have to ask, is there a better/cheaper place to order from? Shipping from BBTS can get expensive, and I know that ordering MPs direct from Japan is cheaper, but I don't know who to order from. Any help is much appreciated!
I don't know if they stock MPs, but I use Hobby Link Japan. I've been collecting Godzilla far longer than I've been into Transformers, and the markup on imported Godzilla figures is just nuts at some places, but HLJ sells items at Japanese retail plus shipping. Usually the cost plus shipping from Japan is better than markup cost plus US shipping, especially if you are purchasing other items. HLJ also has their own Pile of loot system called Private Warehouse, which helps to combine shipments and bring those costs down. Again, I'm not a big collector of MPs, so other members may have better ideas. (With that said, I do love BBTS - thank goodness for Pile of Loot!)
A few dealers have free shipping after a certain amount spent - my favorite online dealer is toy dojo as he is honest, has bullet proof shipping and amazing customer service. I recently changed all my transformers related preorders to him. See below
I've gotten all my MP cars off eBay. When BBTS was/is asking $80 plus shipping, I got them for around $60 free shipping. I've bought them from different seller each time (which ever was the cheapest) but I think all have been from Hong Kong. Never had a problem and shipping was as fast as if I had ordered it from a place in the states. If it's been awhile since an MP car was released you will find a lot of KOs listed on eBay but the seller will usually tell you if it's a KO or not some where in the listing. Perhaps eBay works best if you are buying an MP car soon after a new figure has been released. I will still pre-order MP from BBTS but since you can cancel a pre-order at any time I will use them as a back up just in case I can't get one cheaper off eBay.
I say captured prey, Free shipping for orders over $150, it's a site sponsor (link at the top), and the guy who operates it is top notch. He posts on the boards as 'Sidecutter'. Great guy and active board member!!!
Shop Smart. Shop ToyDojo Free shipping over $150 amazing customer service. And a great pre-order system that requires no upfront payment. ( its a Hard pre-order though)
Recently I've purchased a lot of TFs on the cheap via Amazon. If you spend a certain amount & you'll get free shipping for it.
I really like Captured Prey. I've had really positive experiences with them. They're quick to answer emails and just super friendly. I haven't ordered any MPs from them yet. I found CP after placing my order with BBTS. I'd rather order from reputable online sites to avoid unknowingly buying a knockoff disguised as the real thing. I did order my MP22 from Anime Express though. I've never dealt with them before, but people here say they're reputable.
Gotta give another shoutout to the Dojo. Switched most of my preorders from BBTS to Toydojo (still keep a POL running for retail stuff since I am sick of the hunt), but Toydojo has amazing customer service, packaging, is a bit cheaper then the big retailers, and free shipping on $150+. He is edbomber on the boards here, and one of the friendliest people you will be in contact with. Shifted all my MP preorders and 3P dinos to him last week (outside of the ones that I have coming through our local crack dealer), and been ordering from him since my Henkei days.
