MBK is a brick and mortar hobby shop that does e-sales..
BTW..For years MBK was a leading mail order shop...
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
HaroldA rrinker I guess that's the only flaw I see, their order tracking people don't seem to be up on what their order fulfillment people are actually doing. They have become one of my internet stores of choice. However, I agree with Randy in that I received my last order while the status was still listed as 'processing' and the next time I looked it was listed as delivered. But other than that I have been very satisfied with their level of service and would recommend them to anyone. Pricing can't be beat for many items. If they are a small mail order company like some have suggested, perhaps the sheer volume of orders they may receive would create some issues. I could see where this would pose problems for some customers but my guess is that MBK would do whatever to keep their loyal customer base intact.
rrinker I guess that's the only flaw I see, their order tracking people don't seem to be up on what their order fulfillment people are actually doing.
They have become one of my internet stores of choice. However, I agree with Randy in that I received my last order while the status was still listed as 'processing' and the next time I looked it was listed as delivered. But other than that I have been very satisfied with their level of service and would recommend them to anyone. Pricing can't be beat for many items.
If they are a small mail order company like some have suggested, perhaps the sheer volume of orders they may receive would create some issues. I could see where this would pose problems for some customers but my guess is that MBK would do whatever to keep their loyal customer base intact.
I don' t know if the are small or what size, but all of my orders in the past have been on time and what I ordered. Before Walthers purchased the P2K line, MKB offered the P2K models at a price no one could touch. I think both companies were in Baltimore and the deals were really hot.
CZ
Someone has resurrected an old thread.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Over the last year or so, since I discovered MBK, I have ordered only from them or directly from Walthers when Walthers has a super sale on items that I want and their sale price is lower than that at MBK. MBK's prices are seldom beat. They have excellent service and, the few times I've phoned them, have found the people answering their phones to be very friendly and helpful. I especially like their real-time inventory which lets you know exactly what they have in stock at any point in time.
They also offer a service that I only recently discovered. If you are looking for an item that they don't currently have in stock you can request notification when the item arrives at MBK and is ready to ship. I did this recently when I wanted to order the Kato N-scale California Zephyr passenger set and the D&RGW F3's to go with it. I received an E-mail message when MBK had received them and they were ready to be shipped. They supposedly give you a day to place your order before they list them on their website for general viewing.
No question. I recommend them without any reservation whatsoever.
Bob
I will go so far as to say that MB Klein is the very best of the hobby shops with an Internet web site. I do most of my purchases through them.
Recently, I bought an electronic device through MB Klein that failed, sent it back to the manufacturer for repairs and it still didn't work. I called MB Klein Customer Service. They had me return the defective electronic device to them, and they gave me store credit for the full purchase price. Who else does that?
Alton Junction
BRAKIEMBK is a brick and mortar hobby shop that does e-sales.. BTW..For years MBK was a leading mail order shop...
Last time I was in their shop I had to order using their in store computer and request in store pick up (keeps their online inventory updated). So I would say they are more e-sales with a little brick and mortar on the side.
Enjoy
Paul
IRONROOSTER BRAKIE MBK is a brick and mortar hobby shop that does e-sales.. BTW..For years MBK was a leading mail order shop... Last time I was in their shop I had to order using their in store computer and request in store pick up (keeps their online inventory updated). So I would say they are more e-sales with a little brick and mortar on the side. Enjoy Paul
BRAKIE MBK is a brick and mortar hobby shop that does e-sales.. BTW..For years MBK was a leading mail order shop...
Yeah,I read about that and think that's the wave of the future for most stores..No need to shop by walking,just sit behind a computer,punch in your grocery,colthing,shoes etc order and bingo! There it is nice and tidy.No check out lanes either..
modeltrainstuffHey Guys,Matt here from modeltrainstuff.com. I'm the webmaster over at MB Klein and I just wanted to drop in and thank you all for all the kind words! We've been very fortunate to be as successful as we've been over the past few years and it's all thanks to folks like yourselves and our other customers all over the world. That being said, we're always looking to make our service even better and we've got some interesting things planned for the future...so stay tuned!PS: A few folks have commented about having a delay in receiving their shipping confirmation emails. We had a few issues with the link between our shipping software and our website and as a result had to enter in most of our tracking numbers by hand for the past few weeks. However, everything should be up and running now and you should be receiving all notifications on-time. Thanks!
Matt
Thanks for the message and continued service. As you can tell, most of us are very happy with your service and we are aware things can get delayed now and then.
Based on your, and others suggestion, I ordered on Monday afternoon EST, received today, Thursday.
Good price, fast service.
Photobucket Albums:NPBL - 2008 The BeginningNPBL - 2009 Phase INPBL - 2010 Downtown
I have placed 2 orders with them. The first order took a while but that was ok as it was during all the snow they had out there. I even waited a few days before i placed the order. The second order went in on a saturday and was recieved on wednsday. Awesome service. They will be getting more of my business.
Always liked them, even before the internet!
ML Klein, I am a frequent contributor to several other forums and your company is always mentioned as one of or the best online hobby retailer. I've used your company many times as an example of how to do thing right. You get all of my business that the LHS doesnt, keep up the good work!!
Did you pay customs duties for the replaced items too? How did modeltrainstuff dealt with you in this concern? When in case of defective or damaged items, did you pay customs duties for replaced items? Did you get your items shipped through USPS?
If I get an item damaged or defective and if it's a fault of M.B.Klein, then will I have to pay any extra pennies other than shipping charges? As, I am going to place my first order, kindly help me with this.
wiaruf - Welcome to trains.com!
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
My Blog
I would suggest that you contact MBK directly to determine their policy on shipments requiring the payment of custom duties.
As I said in my post 2 years ago in this thread, MBK is an excellent source for model train items. I don't think their prices or service can be beat. For example, I placed an order with them in the early morning and it was delivered via UPS regular service the next afternoon. I live in Martinsburg, WV and they're just north of Baltimore. They get all of my business, except when Walthers is running a super sale and their price beats MBK's. I've never had a problem with any of the orders that I've place with MBK.
I think you'll be pleased with their prices and service.
Can't say enough good about these people. Funny that Mat mentioned they fixed the confirmation emails - my next to last order, I got the confirmation right away. My most recent order, I got the confirmation the same day my order was delivered. This is the shippign confirmation - i ALWAYS get the oder confirmation right after finalizing the order. I don;t mind it though, maybe if I was further away so it took longer to ship, I'd get it befor the ordered arrived always. I'll take the order getting ot me quickly over that - I have NEVER had a problem with an order, it's ALWAYS been right.
The only time I order elsewhere is if it's something MB Klein doesn't carry, or they are out of and I don't want to wait.
About the only thing they could improve is if they ran a shuttle bus from the Timonium show to their store, since understandably they don't haul all that merchandise to the show for two days when they are just down the road. I'm joking, BTW (well...it might be nice.....)
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
wiaruf Did you pay customs duties for the replaced items too? How did modeltrainstuff dealt with you in this concern? When in case of defective or damaged items, did you pay customs duties for replaced items? Did you get your items shipped through USPS? If I get an item damaged or defective and if it's a fault of M.B.Klein, then will I have to pay any extra pennies other than shipping charges? As, I am going to place my first order, kindly help me with this.
I live in Canada and have ordered items from MB Klien many times. The receiver pays the provincial and federal taxes upon receipt. You pay directly to the post office. As far as customs duty there is no duty as such. However, should Customs decide to open your package you are charged a fee. I believe it is $15.00.
Have never received a defective item so can not comment on that aspect of your inquiry.
wiaruf If I get an item damaged or defective and if it's a fault of M.B.Klein, then will I have to pay any extra pennies other than shipping charges? As, I am going to place my first order, kindly help me with this.
Over the course of many purchases from M.B. Klein, I have had a couple of defective items.
M.B. Klein provides an RMA number and a UPS label to return the defective item.
M.B. Klein incurs all of the return shipping charges, no cost to the purchaser.
Sheesh! This thread has more lives than all my cats!
At least this time, the resurrecter had a new take on the subject.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Guess you can tell we like this company. People are always quick to post when they have problems with something, it's nice to see a thread about someone who does it right.
Thank you so much guys for sharing your experiences.
As, I am located in an Asia, I do not know about the charges borne on the consignee for replaced orders from M.B.Klein. When I enquired whether I have to pay the customs duties for the second time for replaced goods with the staff at modeltrainstuff, they said that they did not have anything do do with customs charges. However, they said they'll pay for all the return shipping charges and put notes on the replaced order saying that they are replaced items.
But, I do not know whether the customs officers in my country are going to take care of that. I am certainly happy about MBK, but, I am still unable to get the exact information.
By reading all your comments, it urges me to place the order immediately with MBK. But, as I don't want to waste my hard earned savings for customs duties unnecessarily for a second time, I would like to be cleared of this.
If anyone residing outside US and Canada reads this post, kindly reply me with your experience, so that I can go ahead and place the orders with no fear and frustration.
Thanks!
Even though Connecticut FEELS like a foreign country sometimes, it isn't. I'll have to pass on the customs duty questions, except to say that, if you were to contact the Customs and Immigration Service here in the US, they would tell you exactly what rules apply. Perhaps your own equivalent organization would do the same.
Just to share a great little story about MB Klein. My youngest son is a train nut like me. All he would give his grandmother for a Christmas idea last year was "something for my train". She decided to get him a locomotive, and after looking around her town for a while, asked me for my advice on a good Internet supplier. Knowing that my mother isn't the most computer savvy person in the world, and knowing that MB Klein has a good web site, I recommended them. She surfed for a while, and got frustrated (don't ask me how... remember she's not actually very good with computers). So I said 'Just call them."
Which she did. And the person she talked to patiently walked her through every click on the website, until she found exactly what she wanted. Now THAT'S customer service.
Customs and Duties are governed by the country of destination (where you live). Most countries do not charge you twice, if you have the propper documentation, (they are not going to take your word for it), Check with your local post office or shipper, they will have your rules. Keep all shipping receipts and copies of the customs slips. If you have to return an item, get an RMA (document from the place of origin giving you permission to return the item), keep a copy and include a copy with the item when shipping. As long as you keep all your documentation in order, you should not have any postal or customs issues, (at least not from here in the US). I have personally shipped to Hong Kong, S. Korea. Taiwan and Japan with no problems.
As far as MB Klein or any other US company that ships out of country, the only responsibility they have is to fill out the customs form correctly and attach it to the package. MB Klein has thousands of customers world wide and has experience shipping internationally. They have a great reputattion for standing behind what they sell and try to resolve any issue to the best of their abilties should they occur (nobody is prefect). You can order from them in good confidence in my opinion. Be sure to supply exact address information, if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask, we north Americans (I like to include our Canadian neighbors) are a pretty freindly bunch!
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
Whether the Universal Power pack included in the Atlas N Trainman train set contains a transformer which has a voltage range of 110-240 vac, 50/60 Hz (or) 120 vac, 60 Hz only?
Can this transformer be used in in countries where the conventional AC voltage is 220 volts?
If it can't be used, what other transformers should I use for running this train set in my country?
Although most of what I can say about M.B. Klein (great service, very quick shipping - amazingly quick!) is similar to others, I will confirm what has been said.
I haven't had occasion to deal with the customs/duty end of things, but from my other dealings with MBK, I would expect that they do at least as well as other not-so-LHS'es (and likely better than several others out there.
Jim in Cape G. (satisfied previous - and future - M.B. Klein customer)