Model Expo's latest e-mail news boasts a 25% "across the board" discount on all products. However, when you go to the website, you'll notice that just about ALL of the Model Shipways produces have increased in price by $20 - $30. So, instead of saving on the old prices, the only amount that you save is the reduction of the new (increased) prices to what they were a week ago.

Where's the big sale, Model Expo?

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

I suppose they don't have much choice but to raise prices for the foreign kits with the dollar being so weak but why does their own brand, "Model Shipways" made in the USA have to be so expensive? For kits that are mostly inexpensive basswood it doesn't add up.
Its sad for those who don't have allot of cash like me to spend on a nice hobby and only succeeds in hurting Model Expo in the long run by discouraging new customers as soon as they open the catalog.
I'm also not one to subscribe to the idea that "its still a cheap hobby if you consider the time (mos./years) spent on building the kits". Its like trying to justify spending $100 for a $2 block of wood just to carve on for 9 months.

This is a sore subject for me so I'll drop it and buy a really nice fishing rod for my new hobby. I bet I'll be really good at fly tying.

Dave

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

OH DAVID!! Fly tying is a fun pastime but you will find that by the time you purchase all of those "must have's" for the proper fly you could have bought three kits!
Having said that: I find that my vise, bobbins, threads and various other tools are ideal for ship modeling..... nothing beats waxed tying thread for seizing, and the vise is ideal for holding small items. Still can't find a use for all those feathers though! .
Stick to modeling; the fish will thank you.

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

I think that I may have been a bit harsh with my comment on the price hike of Model Shipway Kits. After the sticker shock wore off and I really put some thought into it, the situation is not quite as bad as it initially looked.

You can't say that Model Expo at least didn't warn us about the increase in prices on imported model kits. With the Yankee Greenback so weak against the Euro slug, it's no wonder the prices are increasing according. As for the rise in prices on the Model Shipways line, if you look at the average cost of a model, the increase is about 15% more or less. I just wish that they would have warned us. But, they are offering a 25% sale on all of their catalog items which helps a bit.

I would suspect the increase in prices is due to a number of factors. The cost of doing business (energy, wood, foreign made components, payroll, insurance, etc.) is probably the main reason. The prices of everything or going up and you cannot fault Model Expo for that. Plus, take into consideration their excellent customer service, free parts replacement and their guarantee, it's pretty easy to see why the need for price increases.

I will continue to be a customer dedicated to Model Expo and their Model Shipways line. Compared to the other manufacturers, their kits offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Happy modeling,

Al

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

I'd say that giving the 25% sale at the same time as the price hike could be interepreted as giving us fair warning. They posted the price increase, but for the next couple weeks it won't really go into effect due to the sale discount.

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

How can Model Expo have sole claim to the selling of the European kits if they are no longer going to be restocking them in their inventory?
What this means is that we will have to go to overseas stores to get the European kits - very pricey on shipping, not to mention the exchange rate.
ME should go ahead and restock and sell at the higher price just so they can get a piece of the action. I would think we would still buy the kits at almost any price if we really want it rather than "settle" for a lesser model. I can already tell you that I will be buying at least one kit from the UK at the higher price, which means ME will be getting nothing out of it. If ME would sell it, I would buy it from them.
Just my 2 cents.
Richard

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

I was advised by a Model Expo customer service rep that if you order an out of stock item on a special (such as free shipping) that they will cancel that item & not hold your order until item is "in stock". I placed an order for the new Mayflower kit coming out in December along with other items (which I received) and now am told that Mayflower has been canceled since order was on a special deal (free shipping). Anyone else aware of this?
Dennis

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"

Does the Bermuda Triangle extend all the way into and across Hollywood Florida?
They do seem to work in very mysterious ways over at ME.
Richard

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon"