traffic toys

[dudy63]

is it me or are taffic toys reserves higher than what you can actually buy the model from a shop

[nick]

I had a bad experience with traffic toys where I bought the moffat twinset at there shop for over retail as I was new to collecting. :mad:
nick

[john]

I regularly check out e-bay, and it seems as though every second item Traffic Toys list for auction, passes in. I mean if they are going to take the option of an Auction, give the bloody thing to the highest bidder. Otherwise put a price tag of what you want for the model and just sell it. :mad:

[ZORAK]

I would rather go without the model than deal with these people!

[Aussiecollector]

Melbourne has Traffic and it seems that we in Sydney now have Sams Model Cars, (AKA Senna) see biante Auction list. It would great if we could all buy at wholesale and then resell at auction inflation.

[Leigh]

How to deal with Traffic Toys...(from personal experience)

Check the auction sites, look at the "buy now" prices (for the auctions that have it).

Give them a ring and ask what there "shop" price is.

Go with the cheapest...

I have bought both the white and red A9X Torana hatches from them for UNDER RETAIL by doing it this way...The white A9X was starting to push the $250 mark every where else when I bought it!

Their pricing may be a tad bizarre, but once the deal is done, he doesn't back out (like others do), and you can be confident of getting what you asked for in perfect condition.:)

Regards

[ZORAK]

I did several hundreds or maybe into the low thousands of dollars business with them when I first started collecting Biante's. I then promised a guy I would get him a Moffat Cobra. They messed the order up and sent a street Cobra. Then were very rude to me. They shipped me the wrong model and now it is my fault?!?! It was clearly written in the email what I wanted. Then they wouldn't take my word that I would ship the other one back if they would send me the correct one ASAP. They said I had to ship the wrong on back and they would only send me the right one after the other one was in their hands. And they wanted me to pay for the shipping back to them! So much for trust. I paid for and kept the street one as a spare and they sent me the correct one. Oh well, I would rather spend my money someplace else!

Z

[Leigh]

I take your point Zorak, I have the advantage of pick-up...I probably should have said that in the previous post...

I actually find it quite amusing that I can either place the order by phone, or via an auction site, walk in to the shop to collect, and pay completely different amounts for the same item.

I will enjoy the day I walk in and fork over a lesser amount than somebody else buying the same item, and watch TT's try to explain it!:D

Regards

[zeitgeist]

Originally posted by ZORAK
...They said I had to ship the wrong on back and they would only send me the right one after the other one was in their hands. And they wanted me to pay for the shipping back to them! So much for trust. I paid for and kept the street one as a spare and they sent me the correct one. Oh well, I would rather spend my money someplace else!
Z

The possibility of having to pay return post is my main trepidation regarding overseas purchases. Thank goodness my only one (with Sherriff's) went quite well.

My experience with Traffictoys is rather strange. Via email, I made a deal with them. I would purchase two cars via 'Buy-it-now' and they would cut me a deal on the shipping.

Because of that deal, I didn't use the automatic checkout. Due to miscommunication on both sides, some time elapsed and I thought they had relisted the models. At that point, I bought them through scale18.com.

I sent a message to TT, explaining the situation and offering to pay all listing fees. I rang TT and spoke personally with Ursula for almost 30 minutes. I actually know a decent amount about Melbourne and, after paying the listing fees, we had quite a friendly chat about the city.

About a week later, I received a very nice Port Phillip Bay postcard from Ursula and a keychain. A nice ending to an unfortunate miscommunication, I thought.

I thought everything was cool until later, when I attempted to bid on another TT auction. I was informed that I was banned from bidding on their auctions and, furthermore, 'non-paying bidder' charges were filed against me.

I sent a note to TT, wondering why these had been filed. I received a terse "we'll look into it" response and nothing else.

The NPB charges went away, but I never have been allowed to bid on their auctions since.

Too bad.....

BC

[ZORAK]

Speaking of Scale 18, I went for a spin (he didn't offer it to me to drive and I didn't ask!) in Kevin (owner of Scale 18) new Porsche about 2 weeks ago. We went from his house (models everywhere) to his warehouse (more models everywhere but more organized). Apart from having a very large collection of diecasts and having a great car he is also great guy!

Z

[berkut76]

Originally posted by zeitgeist

The possibility of having to pay return post is my main trepidation regarding overseas purchases. Thank goodness my only one (with Sherriff's) went quite well.


Hey Zeltergeist,
I'm also in the US, and I'm wondering does any vendor besides Kevin of Scale18 carries Aussie-themed models in the US or Canada. Like yourself, I've only bought 1:18 model once from Australia, and just by miracle it has survived freight. To boot, it was a highly sought after Ambrose Falcon. I've bought quite a few 1:43 and 1:64 scale models from Biante and TRAX and everything went wihtout a hitch on those transactions.

Regards,

Sergey

[ZORAK]

Scale 18 is the only official Biante dealer in North America. I think they got in early (back when the Wild Violet XY was new) and have stuck with them. From what I have been told Biante won't accept any more distributors in Nth America.

Z

[biante11500]

hi im also from the usa, and your question of does any one else carry aussie themed cars well all i have seen is toy bugs and diecast fast.com both in california,diecastmuscle.com and the sellection is mighty slim all they carry is autoarts standard line of new model street holdens, kevins scale18.com is the only one i have found here close that carrys all the biante line, i deal with him alot, because i save alot in shipping, but if you want classic carlectables cars you need to get in with a dealer over here in astralia to purchase them. the best person i have found to deal with is Terry at www.ppmcars.com.au he cuts me some pretty good deals on classics cars. and i started out with shire models, model cars of the world, and darcys and none can beat terrys prices. i still have ten cars on preorder, when they come in i will have around 60 aussie cars in 1/18 scale. but the biggest part of my collection is 1960s, and 70s drag cars mostly mopars i buy all of them from Supercar1.com the highway61 models rival anything exoto has done. if your in to that kind of racing. i also noticed your on classics forum i tried to welcome you to the forum, but im having problems replying to topics, it always says invalid session, but i can start a new topic no problem. dont understand that one. well nice to see some fellow americans into the aussie cars. regards

[BATHURSTFAN]

what annoys me is that they put on a $50 starting bid, but have a very high reserve.

what a waste of time, no incentive. They should put it on for the MINIMUM price that they want, NOT RETAIL, why would you bother bidding when you can walk into a the nearest hobby shop and buy the same thing.

[zeitgeist]

Originally posted by BATHURSTFAN
.....what a waste of time, no incentive.....why would you bother bidding when you can walk into a the nearest hobby shop and buy the same thing.

This, in a nutshell, defines the lion's share of Ebay and sold.com auctions.

In my opinion, it's because TT and the others have turned Ebay into an extension of their store.

Nothing wrong or immoral with that and it is a quick, cheap way for some stores to advertise all over the world.
Plus, the frenetic auction atmosphere can work in your favor, like TT recently discovered when someone dropped AU$100 on a 1:43 XC Cobra.

I use auction sites to find something cheap or something not readily available elsewhere and sifting through all the retail-priced stuff is, as bathurstfan says, a waste of time.

Sergey - actually, I've bought about 20 cars from overseas. I've only had a problem with one.

BC

[Dale Robertson]

The best person to deal with is Terry from PPM cars on the central coast. I have bought from traffic toys, sherriffs,shire models and
automodels and have found Terry to be the cheapest as I buy 2 to 3 1.18 per month I don't ever have to worry about missing out
on anything that I am after. Do yourself a favour and contact him.

[berkut76]

Thanks guys,
I'll contact Terry to see what he can do about CC's Chivas Charger. As other "yankees" (I hope I haven't offended Tony from NC) pinted out, Kevin of Scale18 has us covered for Biante models, but CC models have to be imported directly from Australia at this point. Funny, just last year they we're so bad, I wouldn't even bother, but CC definitely lifted its game.

As for Traffic Toys, I've tried to deal with them once before, but they quoted me a shipping charge of $40US(!) per model to be shipped economy air. Needless to say, I haven't tried dealing with ever since.

However, in defence of all retailers and vendors. They don't just receive hot selling items. So, it shouldn't be surprising when they try to cover "losses" on poor selling models by upping the price on "in-demand" items.

Just my two cents,

Regards,

Sergey

[biante11500]

i have the first three cars in the aussie legends series the two 1965 mustangs of pete geohagen and norm beechy and the chivas charger, and there the center pieces of my collection.the level of detail is awesome. i also have the three street cars the magneta pink charger and the turqoise and red 1966 mustang coupes, the vitamin c charger is due in late august, and you should put in a preorder on the bob jane 1969 camaro its going to be off the hook. due in january. and no you didnt tee me off, if you had to work with the trash talking arsses i do, you can tolirate anything:D

[diecastdad]

Firstly let me say in over 30 years of collecting diecast (mainly Dinkys - but my son collect Biante) - I have NEVER found a dealer as good as Traffic. They have a passionate interest in old toys and cars in general. I have had exceptional service from them and if I ever have an issue with a model they tell me to send it back (they always pay the postage) and they either refund or swap it. My son buys from them on ebay and has bought over 20 1:18 & 1;64 Biante models from them - had to send one back because of a spoiler had come off - they replaced it free of charge and no postage costs - fantastic service. My son also pays less than retail.
By the way JOHN - do you know what an auction is? If you were selling your house at auction would you want the auctioneer to start at the reserve? Of course not! Ebay is no different - why winge? Just put your highest bid in and if you don't get it try somewhere else. Why use the Forum to winge that you couldn't get it for cheap?
ZORAK - if they are so bad why do they have such fantastic feedback? I think you have a grudge against them - stop wasting our time airing it all the time!

[Kiwiracing]

Originally posted by diecastdad
Firstly let me say in over 30 years of collecting diecast (mainly Dinkys - but my son collect Biante) - I have NEVER found a dealer as good as Traffic. They have a passionate interest in old toys and cars in general. I have had exceptional service from them and if I ever have an issue with a model they tell me to send it back (they always pay the postage) and they either refund or swap it. My son buys from them on ebay and has bought over 20 1:18 & 1;64 Biante models from them - had to send one back because of a spoiler had come off - they replaced it free of charge and no postage costs - fantastic service. My son also pays less than retail.
By the way JOHN - do you know what an auction is? If you were selling your house at auction would you want the auctioneer to start at the reserve? Of course not! Ebay is no different - why winge? Just put your highest bid in and if you don't get it try somewhere else. Why use the Forum to winge that you couldn't get it for cheap?
ZORAK - if they are so bad why do they have such fantastic feedback? I think you have a grudge against them - stop wasting our time airing it all the time!

Diecastdad aren't you doing what your telling other users NOT to do - like yourself they are entitled to their own opinion, forums are for many things, be it good or bad. Just because you like one supplier more so than someone else does not mean they can't voice their own opinion. I've had a few problems with a few suppliers, I do the most simple thing, I DON'T use them again, and I certainly DON'T recommend them to anyone else.

This thread is a bit like Biante over CC, again each to his own I say. As for wasting time "airing" it, gee's there's thousands of threads that could be called "time wasters" in the forum, don't like it don't read it. Of course you also have the option of adding someone to your "ignore list".

I also note you joined in Dec 2002 and have only posted 7 times, and each time "Traffic" is mentioned in your posts?????:D

Cheers
Kiwiracing

[ZORAK]

Originally posted by diecastdad
ZORAK - if they are so bad why do they have such fantastic feedback? I think you have a grudge against them - stop wasting our time airing it all the time!
Ever heard of a guy called Hitler. Ask just about any German about him in the mid 1930's, I bet he had good feedback too, doesn't mean that I have to conform.

Originally posted by diecastdad
I think you have a grudge against them - stop wasting our time airing it all the time!
I have no grudges only personal experiances. This is a forum and we come here to hear others opinions, thoughts and ideas. We do not come here to tell others what to do or what to say. If you don't like me telling my story then don't read it. The rules of this forum don't stipulate that you have to agree with everything that is said by all members so I WILL tell others my story every time someone asks!

Z! :eek:

[ZORAK]

Originally posted by Kiwiracing
I also note you joined in Dec 2002 and have only posted 7 times, and each time "Traffic" is mentioned in your posts?????:D

Kiwiracing you need a hobby! LOL

Good research, and note that in all 5 posts prior to today bar one, there is special attention to mention their phone number.

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

Z :p

[diecastdad]

Yes I remember Hitler - he used propoganda to influence a nation into thinking that wrong was right!
I AM biased towards one shop as I get along with the staff and I get good deals.
If it makes you feel any better, Antique Toy World in Melbourne is also a great place to go for old toys - their phone number is 03-9882-9997 - ask for Peter.
My son has also dealt with Modelmania in Melbourne for Biante models - their number is 03-9650-8604. Try them both and decide.
"If you don't like me telling my story, then don't read it"!!!
So how is one supposed to know if you agree with the story then? Strange comment.

[ZORAK]

Originally posted by diecastdad
Yes I remember Hitler - he used propoganda to influence a nation into thinking that wrong was right!I am sure that he thought he was right.

Originally posted by diecastdad
I AM biased towards one shop as I get along with the staff and I get good deals.Congratulations but don't crucify me because I don't view them in the same light.

Originally posted by diecastdad
If it makes you feel any better, Antique Toy World in Melbourne is also a great place to go for old toys - their phone number is 03-9882-9997 - ask for Peter.My son has also dealt with Modelmania in Melbourne for Biante models - their number is 03-9650-8604. Try them both and decide.I have my model needs pretty well sorted out these days but thanks anyway.

Originally posted by diecastdad
"If you don't like me telling my story, then don't read it"!!!
So how is one supposed to know if you agree with the story then? Strange comment. Just ignore all my posts and we can all be happy.

Z;)

[Glen Alexander]

ding ding ding!!! Everyone back to their corners!!! Chill out!!!:D

[Odin]

I have to say traffic toys are nothing special. Bought one or two models off them. At the right price. Alot of the time their reserves are set over RRP. So I shop elsewhere. There are plently of good shops out there. ie www.gatewaymodels.com.au Good Prices and free shipping for orders over 200$ :D

[bigblocksrock]

Hey Odin mate! I checked gateway out - mate their prices are huge! Been looking for a Johnson XC - they want $395!! Anyone know where I can get one cheaper than that - that looks like a rip off to me -
Also anyone know a decent spare parts place for an XC - I'm doing up a tired Cobra. Only just shifted up here 2 months ago.
ps - hope this gets through - I'm new to this!

[Leigh]

Bigblocksrock,

Welcome to the forum :)

Having dealt with Gateway, this model would be second-hand and the price reflects what they have paid for it, plus a small profit margin...not buy it cheap and sell it expensive with a huge profit margin like others...

Regards

[bigblocksrock]

Gedday Leigh mate - this is fun! Never done this computer chattin before.
Anyway I rung that traffic bunch - I got the Johnson XC for $265 plus 15 bucks to post it - I'm wrapped mate - was that a good deal? This is gunna get addictive - better get a painting job soon or I'll be eatin baked beans again!
Thanks for writing to me.

[zeitgeist]

Originally posted by bigblocksrock
. Anyway I rung that traffic bunch - I got the Johnson XC for $265 plus 15 bucks to post it - I'm wrapped mate - was that a
good deal?

Don't fret over the price. You shopped around and saved $130.
Someone is always going to get it cheaper. Then again, someone is going to drop $395 at Gateway. Are you wrapped? Enjoy it!

And you're right about Gateway's prices. Some of them are decent, but others are jaw-dropping. They just increased their Sierras from $320 ( a decent market price when you throw in shipping) to $375.

BC

[Gan88]

I've found that Gateway to be model traders. They buy and sell and are good if you have to find a rare model. Their store is crammed with all manner of die cast stuff and collectables not listed on their website.

I suggest the best approach is to take some research with you if you want to talk them down. They spend their time checking ebay and sold as well.

Many of my cars are from Gateway (before I discovered Dianne's) and they were at very competitive prices.

[Odin]

Sure some of the rarer cars are expensive. However the more common cars are normally about 5-10 dollars below RRP. plus free shipping.

[bigblocksrock]

Hey Gan88 - does Diannes have a website?
Cheers
mate

[Gan88]

Unfortunately, they don't... but if you live on the south side (Mt Gravatt-Sunnybank etc), they are only 10 mins away on the freeway.

And they are open late on Thursdays.

They've got all sorts of cars- trax, dinkum, CC, Exoto... the works.

[Leigh]

Hey Gan88,

I thought this was the place

http://www.diannesmodels.com.au/

Regards

[Gan88]

When did that go up?

When I first stumbled in there last year, they said they didn't have one...

Ah well... you learn something new everyday!

Thanks mate.

[bigblocksrock]

Thansk mate - but it's not much good - you click on something and nothing happens - guess they're still paintin it! (should give em a quote)

[Gan88]

They could be too busy selling cars... that place is usually crowded the thursday night after a new Biante release!

:D

[bigblocksrock]

Hey Zorak mate - is there anyone out there that hasn't pi$$ed you off? Do you still use Australia Post? Those buggers can take 3 months to pay out on their insurance - I posted something to my Mum in Adelaide and it never turned up. Had to wait 3 months for 200 bucks - some Postie is gettin around in a lovely pink nightie!
Hope my Johnson XC turns up from Melb. - I'm gettin worried!

[Odin]

Its always good to shop around. I know Biantes website is Actually cheaper for some models ;) Just have to know and want the right ones. Just look b4 you buy.

[ZORAK]

Just the two bigblocksrock. Had a good run since then.

I wonderif he does his rounds in the nightie?

Z :D

[bigblocksrock]

Why? do you want his phone number?

[ZORAK]

Nah mate I don't think so...

[BATHURSTFAN]

BigBlock

for Ford parts:

Rare Spares Brisbane
39 Brookes St Bowen Hills 4006 (07) 3854 0377
Fax (07) 3854 1670

Rare Falcon Rubber Parts & Spares
48 Henderson St Camp Hill 4152 (07) 3843 6611
Mobile Service 0413 743 360

[Kiwiracing]

I noticed that free advertising was going on around here somewhat so I thought I'd do a bit of my own.. Anyone after a good point of sale software program for their model store or better still their chain of models stores should check out the company I work for's web site. ;)

Here it is:

AdvanceRetail Web Site (http://www.advanceretail.com)

Cheers
Kiwiracing

[Leigh]

...KR, will this software work for a chain of online stores?...:D ;)

[Kiwiracing]

Originally posted by lcfp2297
...KR, will this software work for a chain of online stores?...

Sure Leigh we will just write some virtual software - virtually for nothing - NOT;)

Kiwiracing

[Leigh]

:D

[the_goldie]

Originally posted by Kiwiracing
I noticed that free advertising was going on around here somewhat so I thought I'd do a bit of my own.. Anyone after a good point of sale software program for their model store or better still their chain of models stores should check out the company I work for's web site. ;)

Here it is:

AdvanceRetail Web Site (http://www.advanceretail.com)

Cheers
Kiwiracing

Looks good Kiwi.. if I was in the need for that type of software I'd give you a call... Being a microsoft certified partner is it written in Visual Basic? Do you work on the software?

[bigblocksrock]

Thanks mate! I knew there was one in Melbourne somewhere but this is a hell of a lot handier - maybe the heap will be on the road sooner than expected - if I can stop buyin' 1:18's!

[zeitgeist]

If anyone is still prowling about on sold.com.au as it gasps it's last breath, did you notice some of TT's latest auctions? It appears they've dispensed with the declarative 'Dirt Cheap!' tag in favour of one of a more questioning nature: 'Expensive?'.

An odd twist, considering this thread.

BC

[ferrari fan]

As they lists now on the Auctionsite of Biante ,there could be a possibillty that also they read this forum.
I have had one dealing with them and it was very favourable in that instance.

[bigblocksrock]

Just bought another model from 'em - TT that is - a red XA (yeah I know I've got a dead XC in the garage - but I'd have nuthin in the showcase if I only bought XC's!) - $125 and they sent me a freebie little XY GTHO - the chick that served me is Ursla or something - nice lady - wonder if she's fat! They seem cool to me - especially her!
Gotta get some sleep!
I'm paintin this blokes house on Bribie Island at the moment and because he works night shift I gotta paint it at night - can't get used to sleepin in the day though!

[bev]

Hmmm, sounds interesting painting his house at night. My imagination is running overtime, how do you see where to paint ????

[ZORAK]

Bev, maybe he is painting it in that green glow-in-the-dark paint?

Z :D

[bev]

So the owner can find his house when he comes home in the dark!!! OR he is colour blind. His guide dog must have been asleep when doing the colour selections.......

[bigblocksrock]

OK, OK - bunch of funny buggers eh? If you saw the lighting rig that I had to lug out there in the first place....!!
Anyway - I get 60 bucks an hour so I'm not complainin - it's the 10pm start that stuffs me around - though I'm not gunna complain about the peak hour traffic - NOT!

[ferrari fan]

This URSULA lady is a former Swedish BeautyQueen and almost as Beautifull as the BIANTE Ladies ; slim ,trim,and terrific,
The downside is that she might not be interested in chaps who paint in the dark :)

[bigblocksrock]

Mate - they are ALL interested in me - that's always been my problem!

I used to have it all back in Melbourne - Big 60 square house on the bay, new Merc in the garage, heaps of money and the love of an extremely beautiful woman - then POW!! it was all gone.....


My wife found out!


now I'm turnin the bloody computer off, closing the blinds and am gunna try and get some sleep before I drag the overalls on!