Hi, there few things bugging my mindas:

If I pre-order a item from Hobby Search. Will it be cheaper than our local store or expensiver? I did a calculation between HLJ & Hobby Search shipping cost & both were different for the same item. Hobby Serach shipping cost much cheaper compare to HLJ.

As in risk, what soft of risk that we need to take if buying online? Custom tax were out of the question as Hobby search ship 1 item as 1 shipment.

Delievry get lost? Just for my reference. How many buyer here unluckily have their items lost during the delivery? It might help me on my decision making. Thank!

I've got a funny story to tell you people. I bought an original replica 300 Thermopylae shield (see pic below for more details).

[attachmentid=292203]

The shield I ordered in is about 1 meter in height with the battle scars and a few broken arrows chuting out from the shield, like in the movie. Everything was going smoothly until reach our Malaysian Custom (as usual lar always got problems wan!). They called me to the department and said that this "weapon" is illegal.

I told them it is not a weapon but a wheel cap for my tyre.   
Guess they not that stupid to fall for it. Oh well.

Anyway, after they look at my invoice of purchase which is RM 7,543, that time, they asked me, "Bang, you boleh beli benda ini untuk lebih daripada 7 ribu, kan? Berapa you mahu bayar?"

When I heard this I know that these people are wanting "money under the table". So I said RM300. And the guy said, that the so called "fine" RM300 is very little. So I asked how much I possibly need to pay the least. And the guy said RM2500. I was like WTF!!!
That is like paying almost 1/3 for the so called "weapon" which is still a wheel cap. 
And again the guy said that if you are able to pay more than RM7000 for the "weapon" RM2500 should be nothing. Total bullshit of the century.

So I just asked them to pack up the item and return it to the sender. Finish story.

So the point is that not to give in to these type of people or they will continue to be more aggressive and thick-skin, like a kerbau

Some more they shake-shake the boxes first. 
What can we do? We dont have evidence to proof they do all this things.

You mean is based on the percantage of the item (e.g. 20% of the cost) or a lump sum of money (e.g. RM50)?
Or they dun even have a fixed criteria to tax us?
Fyi, my items are gundam model.

Since you guys are more experience those tax rate, mind to share with me, what will be the approximate tax for plastic model?
Thanks.

Thanks for the reply......
Well, I guess I will only know when in the custom office.......
Damn, I am afraid I will argue with them and they wil turn up detaining my item and send back to the sender.......

Why they can't tax on EMS?
Mind to explain.....
Thanks.

It looks quite true to me as all these times, I was using EMS but I want to save up some shipping cost, so I have been using SAL for past few shipment.......
And now, headache to me......

Butterworth.....

may i know how to buy from amazon.com???
when i put malaysia address, it said cannot ship to ler...

toys only ler...

Product Details
    * Product Dimensions: 4.5 pounds
    * Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
    * Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
    * ASIN: B000OKXRQ0
    * Item model number: 82419
    * Our Recommended Age: 5 years and up
    * Manufacturer Recommended Age: 5 years and up
    * Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7 in Toys & Games (See Bestsellers in Toys & Games)

Die. I brought about RM2k thing from HJL and they using sal for shipment. The custom going to tax me kau kau. 

ermmm.. i emailed to UPS Malaysia with the following info:

1. Description of merchandise: Reduced scale model/figure kits
2. Quantity: 1 consignment of 2 items
3. Value of merchandise: USD$129.30 (~RM437.25)

They replied back that I need to pay 10% sales tax.. kinda turned me off about using their service sudah.. =.="
are you sure? i thought that their policy is that they will ship by EMS even though u request SAL for items more than 15,000 yen (~RM440)

but never the less.. RM2k no matter what shipment u use still taxable..

10000yen discount in declare form?? If I not mistaken, japan custom side won't allow to do that.

hey guys, i planned to buy Black Saber from Play-Asia or 1999.co.jp
but are both trustable?

If got pwned by custom, what are the tips to avoid being charged for a high price?

Also i'm afraid that they might catagorize Saber as adult material and hold back the item >.>

Please, i need advice, thanks

Thanks for the info.
I would really prefer to order from local toy shops, but I just don't know which shop provide such service with a good price...
i live in penang btw...

Don't get scared by those custom and tax. You re not import those illegal thing. If your calculation price is worth to buy online (including shipping cost, convenient and tax) just get it. The max they can tax you is just 15%. (I ve the custom tax book to refer). Tell them is a hobby item for own use. Anything tax less and free tax take it as bonus. I ve purpose brought a model kits less than rm500 last week to see if the custom will tax me or not. Should be arrive next week. The kits is much more cheaper than local after the calculation.