For Thanksgiving week, John DeLuna, Brian Kilby, Exvee, Diecast and Don tackle a collector question: when do you import Transformers direct from Japan instead of buying domestic? Exchange rates, shipping, cancellation policies, speed and customs all factor in. Exvee warns against yen preorders, Diecast weighs speed for reviews and Don keeps an eye on resale.
How Importing Has Changed
Exvee imported heavily from HobbyLink Japan and AmiAmi until the yen exchange rate crashed. That pushed him to domestic retailers, who pay for express shipping on whole pallets. Brian bought Beast Wars II and Beast Wars Neo through domestic dealers. He only started ordering from HobbyLink Japan about two years ago, and now loves Amazon.co.jp. Don imports when the Japanese paint job is better, but cancellable orders keep him domestic. Diecast imports at least once a week.
Has Hasbro Pricing Pushed Fans to Takara?
Exvee says it depends on the line. Takara’s Robots in Disguise figures often have much better decos for a small jump, and Masterpiece imports beat the Toys R Us prices. Takara’s Legends Blurr is a clear step up, while Hardhead isn’t worth the premium. Brian says Takara Deluxes rose from about $25 to $40, so Hasbro pricing hasn’t pushed him toward Takara. Don got Takara’s Thunderhoof for about $24 shipped, with a far better deco. Diecast bought the Takara Blurr for $25 to $30.
When to Pull the Trigger
Exvee avoids long preorders in yen, because the exchange rate can move before release; it was 109 yen to the dollar at recording. He points to Unite Warriors Megatronia costing about $25 more than earlier sets. Brian buys from whoever gets a toy to him first for the show. He waited for Liokaiser at retail while Matt paid about 50 percent more from Robot Kingdom. He predicts fan-to-fan selling will get easier. Don buys at the lowest cost for future resale, but pays a little more domestic for easier returns.
Shipping, Speed and Customs
Diecast prioritizes speed for reviews. His Masterpiece Optimus Primal was delayed two weeks by an address mix-up, and Fortress Maximus cost about $95 in shipping. Exvee likes HobbyLink Japan’s FedEx option and explains the dreaded origin post delay. Another host picks a carrier based on which one he can actually collect from. One host finds Generation Toy, DX9 and Unique Toys cheaper on Taobao, but not Make Toys, Fans Project or Fans Toys. Don notes that friends in Canada and the UK face unpredictable customs fees. Another host adds that importing is often still cheaper than local shelves abroad.
Contributors: John DeLuna, Brian Kilby, Exvee, Diecast, Don
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