Mato site.

[tiger205]

hi rob
        i had one of those emails this morning saying exactly the same thing, i had a look thinking a 100 mato points might be worth something, until you look and see for instance a metal track up grade kit for the Tiger is 11.000 mato points, so i emailed them back saying they can keep their 100 points. i have not ordered from them for about 18monthes, for people in canada or the US it might ok, but for us in blighty its just not worth it

                     Tony

[fv432]

true mate i could buy the screw just couldnt afford shipping LOL

[YHR]

i think mato got wise to us brits cashing in on the canadian dollar to pound exchange rate abo, and thought they could take us for a few more £'s

             Tony

Actually guys you can pay in Canadian dollars if you like,  Click on the Canadian flag and you can have the priviledge of buying the 109USD tank for 130CAN.  They are not ripping anyone off.  It is just a fact of the exchange rate.  Canadians pay $130 can for a tank you pay 109 USD for. Same-same.

As far as shipping goes, a lot of that has to do with Canada post.  Next time you receive a package from Canada have a look at what it actually cost the company to ship it to you.  Sure you can ship to Canada for less, but that is because your postal service runs on a different rate structure then Canada Post.  Canada is a huge country with sprawling metros.  You can be sure MAto is paying to have Canada post pick up these packages at their warehouse so they don't have to drive 30 miles to the nearest postal outlet.  Even small Canadian cites have three times the land mass of New York.  I.e sprawling, less density meaning longer distances between services= more operating costs for transport companies.. 

This doesn't justify all the costs that they charge for shipping, but they are putting less in their pockets then you think they are.

[Abo]

Dunno if its my computer but if I try to pay in Canadian dollars I have to give a canadian address.

As an example buying a Jagdpanther,it is SLIGHTLY cheaper buying in Canadian, roughly £66 v £68 at todays exchange rate. Buying it in US dollars is $99 with postage at TWO THIRDS of that cost at US$64. I'm sorry, whatever reason you give for that, I still think paying 2/3 of the original cost of an item, EXTRA for postage is a rip off.

Having said that I just bought an Item from small joes in the US which cost $19.99. Postage was  $26.16 for a parcel that barely weighed 1llb and wasn't especially large. Won't happen again!

[YHR]

Dunno if its my computer but if I try to pay in Canadian dollars I have to give a canadian address.

As an example buying a Jagdpanther,it is SLIGHTLY cheaper buying in Canadian, roughly £66 v £68 at todays exchange rate. Buying it in US dollars is $99 with postage at TWO THIRDS of that cost at US$64. I'm sorry, whatever reason you give for that, I still think paying 2/3 of the original cost of an item, EXTRA for postage is a rip off.

Having said that I just bought an Item from small joes in the US which cost $19.99. Postage was  $26.16 for a parcel that barely weighed 1llb and wasn't especially large. Won't happen again!

Well I am not sure if you can go to the Canadian side of this site, but what I am telling you is the Canadian price is 130CAN, Vs 109 US, so there is no conspiracy against the old world order

Priority Postage in Canada to recieve a tank within our border is $54 CAN, so please fellows don't think they are out to get you.  If they making it tough for you, all they are doing is protecting your suppliers and jobs in your country.  Be thankful.

[BIGMIG]

Hello YHR,
        What is priority postage in Canada.Here in the U.S. we have priority mail which in most cases means a package sent that way will get to you most of the time in three day's.If you are familur with the 1/6 scale M5 Stuart tanks (the Box is about 34 X 18 X 18 aprox-
and weighs about 30 pounds ) and can be shipped across the U.S. by UPS in about five days for $54.00 dollars or less.I bought some tiger tracks from Mato one time along with a panther tank and a bunch of up-grade parts,around a $264.00 dollar order.When I got the box of stuff the tank was all scratched up from loose parts(metal sprockets) and other stuff that was laid on top of the tank and a bottle of oil that had spilled all over everything including a new transmitter that was in the order.The tracks I ordered (I thought would be new
tracks--but aparently was not ) had been  broken apart instead of having the pin removed to take them apart.Not just one half the track set but both of them.Now getting to my point====I e-mailed Mato and told them what shape all this stuff showed up in and that the tracks were broken and needed a couple of replacement links as they were no good to me like they was.They did reply the next day saying they were sorry about the tank being all scratched up but a lot of times that was typical for HL tanks from the "Factory" to have scratches on them.(well I have bought a lot of HL tanks and never had one scratched up like that--or any scratches actualy--that was a crock of bull.) I had also told them about the oil all over my tank and extra parts I had ordered,the worst being the oil all over the new transmitter I had bought extra.The good news was I opened up the transmitter and it had not got all over the inside.I had also explained all this to them in the e-mail.They said they were sending new track links and pins and a new bottle of oil.----------

What this is leading up to is three days later I received a little airmail package from them in my mail box.(and I live out in the country,not in a city).If I remember correctly the rate they paid to ship this package was less than three dollars.So I thought well why can't they use this method of shipping when I order some boards,it's fast and very cheap shipping.So I emailed them to ask if they would send me three board sets using this method of shipping instead of the high rates and time factor they used with a regular shipment from them.They said no they did not like to ship that way,and they said there was no tracking the package.That was my last order I made with them,I started buying new tanks and striping them for parts.For what they charge for shipping on a few parts--I could add a few dollars to it and buy a new tank from Raidentec to strip for parts  and have all the parts ---Complete tank-Transmitter-
battery--charger--commander--and all the accessories.

                                            BIGMIG 


P.S.    Was wondering if you have UPS in Canada ?? I believe they are in other country's but I'm not sure.

[BREL]

Bigmig we have UPS in the UK and Europe

[YHR]

Hello YHR,
        What is priority postage in Canada.Here in the U.S. we have priority mail which in most cases means a package sent that way will get to you most of the time in three day's.If you are familur with the 1/6 scale M5 Stuart tanks (the Box is about 34 X 18 X 18 aprox-
and weighs about 30 pounds ) and can be shipped across the U.S. by UPS in about five days for $54.00 dollars or less.I bought some tiger tracks from Mato one time along with a panther tank and a bunch of up-grade parts,around a $264.00 dollar order.When I got the box of stuff the tank was all scratched up from loose parts(metal sprockets) and other stuff that was laid on top of the tank and a bottle of oil that had spilled all over everything including a new transmitter that was in the order.The tracks I ordered (I thought would be new
tracks--but aparently was not ) had been  broken apart instead of having the pin removed to take them apart.Not just one half the track set but both of them.Now getting to my point====I e-mailed Mato and told them what shape all this stuff showed up in and that the tracks were broken and needed a couple of replacement links as they were no good to me like they was.They did reply the next day saying they were sorry about the tank being all scratched up but a lot of times that was typical for HL tanks from the "Factory" to have scratches on them.(well I have bought a lot of HL tanks and never had one scratched up like that--or any scratches actualy--that was a crock of bull.) I had also told them about the oil all over my tank and extra parts I had ordered,the worst being the oil all over the new transmitter I had bought extra.The good news was I opened up the transmitter and it had not got all over the inside.I had also explained all this to them in the e-mail.They said they were sending new track links and pins and a new bottle of oil.----------

What this is leading up to is three days later I received a little airmail package from them in my mail box.(and I live out in the country,not in a city).If I remember correctly the rate they paid to ship this package was less than three dollars.So I thought well why can't they use this method of shipping when I order some boards,it's fast and very cheap shipping.So I emailed them to ask if they would send me three board sets using this method of shipping instead of the high rates and time factor they used with a regular shipment from them.They said no they did not like to ship that way,and they said there was no tracking the package.That was my last order I made with them,I started buying new tanks and striping them for parts.For what they charge for shipping on a few parts--I could add a few dollars to it and buy a new tank from Raidentec to strip for parts  and have all the parts ---Complete tank-Transmitter-
battery--charger--commander--and all the accessories.

                                            BIGMIG 


P.S.    Was wondering if you have UPS in Canada ?? I believe they are in other country's but I'm not sure.

Yes I know you had issues with Mato.  For the volume that they do there no doubt are a few transactions that go off the rails, and Unfortunately it was you.  Sounds as though even though you weren't happy with the shipping, they did make everything right in a reaosnable amount of time.. There are many more horror stories floating around the forums about Raidentec then Mato, but again if they work for you, great.  Some of the US wholesaler's won't ship to Canada, and if they do the are equally as bad or worse then MAto for shipping charges.  I refuse to accept UPS.  They charge the seller, and then when the shipment arrives at your door they charge an outragous "Customs Brokerage Fee" That can range fro $30-$70.  In some cases the brokerage has exceeded the value of the item.  I specifically tell retailers not to ship UPS into Canada.

Mato is also responsible for the release of this Sherman Tank.  They are much more then a retailer.  They are connected to the factory, and the people you need to talk to if you want something to see the light of day.  Try that at Raidentec.  I've been told this new Sherman is going to be sold as a new line through Mato.  New IR system as well as electronics and sound are on the horizon for the later releases.  All because the guy that runs Mato is a tank enthusist

I feel it is because of Mato that this hobby is thriving.  They are the ones that realized you need to stock parts.  They are the ones that brought out metal tracks at a reasonable price.  They are the ones who have been pushing quality control at the factory.  They are the ones listening to the purchasers to see what we need.  Look at Swathdivers story.  Places like Raidentec and Banana hobby are just wholesale retailers who don't really give a rats' ass what is inside the box they are shipping out the door.    Heng Long  are toy tanks manufactered by the Shantou plastic  company, Mato is trying to elevate them to hobby grade.  Raidentec and the like, don't even care. 

[BIGMIG]

Hello again YHR,
      This is the good thing about the forum's,they are great tools for information.Having members from around the world and living in other country's where the way of doing things in that country can and often is a lot different than how things may be done in your own.UPS here for example is just a few dollars higher in shipping prices than what you can send by regular U.S.,and sometimes cheaper but the big advantage is it is three times faster than regular parcel post.When we get A UPS package there is no additional fees of any kind collected upon delivery,unless a package is sent cash on delivery.One big difference I see here all the time is an apparent "import duty Tax" that is charged in,Canada,UK,and australia,to name three countrys that appear to do this.Not being an importer I don't know what the people that do,pay to bring things like toys into this country.What ever it is it is never collected seperatly from a retail seller in general here,so it must be part of the original price you pay for an item.

I think some may think I'm picking on Mato toys in general,this is not the case at all.I simply state the facts as I see them and post it as information only for those who care to use it.It is not my money and I sure don't try to tell people where they need to buy their hobby stuff.But I do shop around
and try to stay current on prices on things I'm buying,and when I find what is a good price or deal I'm going to post it for other members to use.I have stated before I have no connection with any hobby shop--or any online seller---or store of any kind.When I buy I pay the same as anyone else and have no personel friend in the hobby business,and I receive no special deal or kick back of any kind for posting about a place I may buy a hobby item from.When you see a post from me one thing you can count on it will be true and factual to the best of my ability,and no strings attached.

I can understand a person liking a particular place to buy for many reasons.But on the other hand I didn't just fall of the back of a wattermellon truck
either.There are a lot of members on these forums who may play around with their hobby toys a bit,but are also in the business of selling stuff and some who get special deals for plugging a specific company.Now I find nothing wrong with this if they are up-front and don't try to hide this and be deceiving about it.We mentioned Raidentec and Banana Hobby and they are nothing more to me than,Sears,payless,toy's are us,bi-mart,walley world,target,and the list goes on and on.I'm interested in posting about those who give the best price and the fastest shipping for the best over-all cost.
There are a lot of new guys coming onto these forums wanting to get into the fun of hobbys and some not knowing anything realy about the hobby
(and lets us the term "tanks" in particular---This is a tank forum--And I was one of them-- ) and a lot of these guys have a family to support and are on a budget.These are the people I offer any help and advice I can.There are other's on here who get into these hobby's who could care less what something costs,and I don't care about them they will do what ever they do. But I still can't help but wonder why certin members  see these guys come on the forum asking where they can buy a tank and get the most bang for a buck and they tell them to go buy out of the country,and the best buy is in their own back yard.? Can't help but think there's more going on here than meets the eye.

                Can't exlpain ti any better than that---
                                                  BIGMIG     

[Abo]

In defence of Mato on one point, I have to say that when I have ordered in the past,I have never had to pay any kind of doorstep taxes. Im not sure if this is as a result of the wording on the package/invoice. I'm pretty sure everytime its had the value of the package at $50 ( no matter the real cost) with the item being labelled as "toys". I  don't know enough about import/exports to know whether there is a cut off  value on taxing a package or if "toys" are exempt from taxation.

With regards to buying out of the country, The phrase "rip off Britain" was coined for a reason, for many years we have paid the price of greedy suppliers in many things not just in our hobby, so then, especially with the exchange rate in our favour, it actually was worth us doing our shopping abroad, even with horendous postage. Now, sad to say, the exchange rate is bloody painful to say the least and buying abroad is now looking less of an option.

I appreciate dealers/companies have to make a profit after overheads etc and to be honest the dealers on here are very good but in a recession, as I have said before, I would have hoped some profit would be better than none and some people are definately pricing themselves out of my custom so instead of some of my money they get none, especially with a hobby that's going to take second, third or fourth place to heating a home and feeding a family.

Just my two bobs worth, rant over, time to dream of all those Shermans winging over to the UK!