Willy Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Has anyone here used Caboose Hobbies – link below – and had items sent to the UK/Europe? If so, have you any comments as regards their service as I am interested in ordering a couple of items but I don't want to part with my hard-earned until I know what they are like? http://www.cabooseho...index_brief.php Cheers Willy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Piszczek Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Sorry can't vouch for their shipping across the Atlantic, but they are a top notch organization. I have ordered from them a number of times through the years and have nothing but praise to offer. I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlin46 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Hi Willy I have used them numerous times over many years, & they have always provided a proficient service. Just be prepared to pay the VAT & other import costs as the delivery firm, normally DHL always collect the extra funds on behalf of our government HTH Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thank you Pete, it is always good to get first hand experience. Hi Willy I have used them numerous times over many years, & they have always provided a proficient service. Just be prepared to pay the VAT & other import costs as the delivery firm, normally DHL always collect the extra funds on behalf of our government HTH Tim Hi Tim, Thank you, that is exactly the sort of thing I wanted to know. There was a time when you could take a chance with the VAT but I expect that they have to collect as much as they can now. Cheers Willy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorious NSE Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I've only ordered from them once but my experience was the same as Tim's. Ref the VAT - couriers like DHL and UPS are much less likely to miss out on collecting VAT/Charges than the post office or parcelforce unfortunately - worth keeping in mind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warbonnetuk Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I've only ordered from them once but my experience was the same as Tim's. Ref the VAT - couriers like DHL and UPS are much less likely to miss out on collecting VAT/Charges than the post office or parcelforce unfortunately - worth keeping in mind. Echo Tim and Martyn's comments Excellent selection and have never mucked up any of my ordered but they refuse to use USPS shipping for international shipping (despite showing the option on the website last time I ordered!). The flip side is that although DHL ain't cheap it will arrive in 4-5 days (my experience at least) rather than sit with Royal Mail for a couple of weeks while they process it Can't remember is you said what you wanted but if it's detailing bits Highball Graphics have a good selection, are v friendly and ship USPS Airmail Dan Spalding Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thank you both for the last two replies. I was after a couple of locos on advance order so I have since emailed Stuart at Model Junction to if he will import them and at what price! Willy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Dale Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Yep, +1 on the positives above. I've ordered consignment brass items from them through their website and requested express air/insured shipping. they've always confirmed the price fo the shipping before processign the payment/order and the items have been well packed. I have had the odd problem once the items have reached the UK, but that's another story... Steph Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
corax67 Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I have ordered stuff from Caboose both when I lived in the states and now I am back in the UK too and they are superb. VAT & stuff is one of those things you learn to live with if you want shiny American stuff & DHL are VERy hot on collecting it too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted February 11, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 11, 2011 Caboose is among the US's biggest hobby retailers. On the several occasions that I've used them, full marks for effort. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold John B Posted February 11, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 11, 2011 Top marks from me too. A very satisfied customer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 2mmMark Posted February 12, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 12, 2011 What fee does DHL charge for collecting the VAT & Duty? Royal Mail charge a flat fee of £8 whatever the amount - a nice little earner for them. It's my experience that fewer packages now are getting through without charges being applied. Mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Thank you all for your contribution and to sum it up I get the impression that they are top rate but be prepared to pay extra at this end. Cheers Willy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Willy - it is possible that French Customs may not charge you Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Willy - it is possible that French Customs may not charge you It is possible Jack, but I seem to remember that the last time I received something from across the pond, which was a couple of years ago frm Toy Train Heaven, I paid both VAT & a sizable "handling charge"! However, that is not the be all and end all because if the only way to get a desired item is to import, then thanks to all the replies here I now have confidence in Caboose Hobbies. Willy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Stewart Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I've ordered from Caboose hobbies many times and would recommend them Colin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 I placed an order with Caboose Hobbies on Thursday last and it arrived here just about an hour ago with a handling charge of 16€ but no customs charge. That is not bad seeing as according to the tracking record, it didn't move yesterday! So, another satisfied customer here and thank you to all those who recommended them. Willy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohmisterporter Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 What fee does DHL charge for collecting the VAT & Duty? Mark. IIRC on my package from Caboose DHL charged £12 for the administration fee. I echo the plaudits for Caboose Hobbies, a top notch firm to deal with. Geoff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northpoint Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I have used them on many occasions and I would echo all the comments re VAT etc. However, I have found that they are a bit sneaky on a couple of occasions when they charged mycard with the amounts for the goods and possibly an estimate for shipping and then another amount later for the complete shipping amount, so you think you've paid and then there's a sting in the tail! But an excellent organisation to deal with. They organised some spare parts from Athearn for a loco that was damaged when it arrived here. I had the good fortune to visit when I was in Denver some years ago. The saying about kids in a sweetshop came to mind! Their claim to be the biggest model railroad shop in the world is probably true. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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