Tamiya - online ordering in the UK?

Specials on Tamiya occasionally advertised in the modelling press.
Scott G. Welch

Thanks Scott.
Phil

If I was you I wouldn't bother ordering them from the anywhere in the UK = but get them singly from Hobbylink Japan. You'll save a fortune. For = example the Tamiya P-47D cost me about =A318.00 including postage = compared to =A328.99 in the UK without postage!! I get all my Tamiya = from HLJ now. URL is=20

Just make sure and order kits singly to avoid paying import tax, I've = yet to be charged any.
HTH Andy

I should point out that the high costs of Tamiya kits is due to the = importers and not the model shops. The discount model company I work for = tried to see about stocking Tamiya but the prices charged by the = importers would have prevented us offering any discount on Tamiya kits = without making a loss.
Andy

Thanks for the tip. I assume the instructions are in English?
Phil

The UK importer are ripping off retailers, and modellers with high margins. On many kits they charge retailers above Japan or Hong Kong retail; and that's before inland revenue wants to add their VAT on top. The retailer ussually have to write off any faulty or damaged kits, sometimes upsetting loyal customers in the process.
I feel Tamiya has hand in this as well, they know what is going on and can easily step in and sort it out if they cared. They have signed the importer up as sole distributor so they can easily get away with running like this. Then everyone wonders why you see many local model shops close down, they just have no chance.
If more UK modellers imported their kits, from or maybe Tamiya and UK distributor would have to reconsider serving UK modellers like this.
Regards, Paul
I should point out that the high costs of Tamiya kits is due to the importers and not the model shops. The discount model company I work for tried to see about stocking Tamiya but the prices charged by the importers would have prevented us offering any discount on Tamiya kits without making a loss.
Andy

Exactly the same kits as you buy here, plans and all.
Andy

Excellent. Thanks Andy. :-)
Phil

I've found Hannants to be pretty good.
Regards JP

Good thinking, I'd forgotten about them (haven't bought a kit for ages).
Phil