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Buying directly from China

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nw2
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 80 posts
Posted by nw2 on Thursday, April 2, 2015 3:40 PM

I also have bought leds and little plugs (like many use to plug into the dcc board) With no problems and great prices. 

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 2,616 posts
Posted by peahrens on Thursday, April 2, 2015 3:30 PM

I've bought resistors and LEDs, when willing to wait extra weeks.  All have arrived. I did avoid any HO figures (I was after unpainted) as several folks here noted significant quality differences.

Paul

Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Chamberlain, ME
  • 5,084 posts
Posted by G Paine on Thursday, April 2, 2015 3:29 PM

jrbernier
I suspect these are 'pirate' copies and may not register.

Or have some kind of malware hidden away inside

George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Thursday, April 2, 2015 1:24 PM

  I have bought lots of 'trees' and LED's direct from China - and they arrive quite fast!  Most everything else, I can buy just as cheap right here.  I see lots of great 'deals' on software, but I suspect these are 'pirate' copies and may not register.

 

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Thursday, April 2, 2015 12:54 PM

While I have not bought trains directly from China, I have gotten other items, and most were good. The only real issues, were a couple never arrived from shipping, either never sent, or (more likely) captured by customs and not released or lost, and one item had damage, either from ruff handling during shipping or inferior workmanship... Keep in mind, that the shipping does take considerably longer than from this side of the water... The proverbial "slow boat" is really slow sometimes! However, more good than not on purchasing experiences from China/HongKong/Etc...

Edit: Same as any other sellers, the better the rating, the less of a risk you are taking...

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    July 2013
  • From: Stagecoach Nevada
  • 496 posts
Buying directly from China
Posted by crhostler61 on Thursday, April 2, 2015 12:41 PM

In light of a recent job change, I find myself seeking even less costly alternatives to the hobby. (the change cost me about $300. a month average)

Mind you...this is not a rant since it was my choice for the change. So I don't see a need to go into the thread Steven Otte recently created.

I've seen on Ebay, several vendors based in China that are selling signals, street lights, etc at some exceptional prices and very reasonable shipping. Most of what I've seen is basic and simplistic in it's style. And that is okay. 

Does anyone have any insight to these vendors? Quality. Issues in any regard.

Anything in particular I need to look out for?

Mark H

 

Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history. 

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