The Imperial Shipyards
Imperial Surplus Sales => Online and Retail Stores => Topic started by: Darth More on April 13, 2021, 06:12:13 AM
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As it turned out to be quite difficult at times to find stuff on AliExpress, I thought it makes sense to start this topic here where everyone can share what he/she found on there.
When I looked for specific products for example "Star Wars Action Figure" on AliExpress, no figures were found - even though I know that knock-off Black Series figures are sold on there. I guess they make it more difficult to find products that would be licensed outside of China.
I'm not paid to share any of this, but if you create an account on AliExpress you usually receive different discount coupons which you can redeem on your orders. They advertise a $3 coupon on your first purchase for example.
Please, feel free to share your treasures found on AliExpress here.
I'll add the table of content here with every post shared. I hope you find this thread helpful.
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Artificial Plants for your dioramas and displays...
So before I discovered AliExpress I had bought artificial plants from various Asian sellers on eBay. Due to the 10% fee eBay charges sellers, they were usually a bit more expensive, but still cheap.
Here's a link to my previous topic on Resources and References (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10416.msg205459#msg205459). Many of these plants sold on eBay are of course offered on AliExpress as well!
I'd like to share some new variations of plants and other diorama elements with you here, which I found on AliExpress:
This is a great source (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001433693072.html?spm=a2g0o.home.15002.5.2bd312e2IiOQYj&gps-id=pcJustForYou&scm=1007.13562.168240.0&scm_id=1007.13562.168240.0&scm-url=1007.13562.168240.0&pvid=666201e8-3842-4e5e-ac8c-796104e625d1&_t=gps-id:pcJustForYou,scm-url:1007.13562.168240.0,pvid:666201e8-3842-4e5e-ac8c-796104e625d1,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2395_668%230%23131923%2395_668%23888%233325%2311_668%23888%233325%2311_668%232846%238110%231995_668%232717%237561%23358__668%233374%2315176%23216_668%232846%238110%231995_668%232717%237561%23358_668%233164%239976%23758_668%233374%2315176%23216) for the 1/18 scale Palm Trees (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10416.msg216633#msg216633) I made for my Scarif Diorama.
I'm sure you'll find plants for planets like Yavin 4, Dagobah, Endor, Kashyyyk, Felucia and many more when you click through (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/33052723722.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.571e4c4d9IS6ki). Once you are on the website, it will show you many more similar offfers, which I also click through to find many more great items. As said at the beginning, it can be difficult to find exactly what you're looking for by using the search function on AliExpress, but it's always worth a try.
(https://i.imgur.com/9MPLHJe.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/gIm9MGy.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ep8Crwp.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/IA6f52H.png)
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If you're a fan of Kotobukiya and looking for a 1/10 scale Yoda figure that's based on the Prequels, I can recommend this figurine to you. Strongly reminds me of Gentle Giants statues, but it comes separately straight from AliExpress! If you click on the names below, the link will direct you to AliExpress.
Yoda: (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32884756894.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.32db4c4dWQt37j)
- Height: 2.637 inches // 6,7 cm
- Scale: 1/10 scale
- Accessories (2): 1x Lightsaber (dark green), 1x support pillar/stand
Yoda can stand on his own with no problem.
- 0 points of articulation (figurine)
- unlicensed
- Price: $4.40 + $2.67 USD shipping
Clone Trooper Captain: (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4001271825878.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.41445faeIS1Mlj&algo_pvid=0a24c6ec-17cf-475d-b035-ac6113482860&algo_expid=0a24c6ec-17cf-475d-b035-ac6113482860-0&btsid=2100bdd016162573315135241ef076&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_)
- Height: 6.1 inches // 15,5 cm
- Scale: 1/12 scale
- Accessories (2): 1x DC-17 Carbine, 1x DC-15 Blaster Rifle
- BOOTLEG
- Price: $10-13 (depends on selected seller)
Besides the "STAR WALS" emblem on the box these figures are astonishingly good bootlegs. I'm going to make a custom ARC Trooper with one of my Captains. Centurions Corner (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWs4F_l3Xv7LxtjAB3lB58A) has inspired me a lot with his Clone Trooper customs.
(https://i.imgur.com/q7PUTnO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3sAGGz6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TGlnUH5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1c6pey.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uN34SaB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LmoKbhS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MO4RHIY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oqNfHqa.jpg)
I'm going to replace the rather dark blade with a light green rod. I'm also going to dry-brush Yoda's unpinted hair for better detail. But for under $7 shipped I think this is a brilliant figure! I paid $13.27 for 2 figurines delivered within 4 weeks.
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Base Plates and Stands for your Action Figures for as low as 40 cents each! Depending on how many you buy at once you pay about $1.25 for one including shipping!
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4000246176257.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dl6L1W7
(https://i.imgur.com/TD5NZEx.jpg)
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If you're a fan and collector of coins, these here might be fun! I got the Mando coin for about $3 and the Bitcoins for ~$70 cents each including shipping. Each coin comes in a separate acrylic casing. The diameter of both coins is about 4 cm or 1.6 inch.
Mandalorian Coin (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001960608762.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.2.199766b3eYoPw8&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.169870.0&scm_id=1007.13339.169870.0&scm-url=1007.13339.169870.0&pvid=45d49470-d6d8-4aa7-afb0-c431e8c82111&_t=gps-id:pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller,scm-url:1007.13339.169870.0,pvid:45d49470-d6d8-4aa7-afb0-c431e8c82111,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2382_668%230%23131923%2382_668%23888%233325%2311_668%23888%233325%2311_668%232846%238110%231995_668%235811%2327189%2388_668%232717%237565%23712_668%231000022185%231000066059%230_668%233468%2315616%23742_668%232846%238110%231995_668%235811%2327189%2388_668%232717%237565%23712_668%233164%239976%23964_668%233468%2315616%23742)
Golden Bitcoin (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001965686376.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dl6L1W7)
(https://i.imgur.com/15YZQHM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LSJRP4J.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0iyqkIo.jpg)
When I was on vacation in Spain I recognized how strongly AliExpress advertise there. I got ads for AliExpress almost with every video on YouTube there.
You can see what else I found on Gran Canaria, Spain by clicking here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10814.msg224334#msg224334).
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I really like the coin stuff. I still have my album somewhere. What was that the 30th Anniversary Line? I think? Long time ago, but it started with the Vader; whatever that line was.
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Yes, that was the 30th Anniversary Line, indeed. Good memories of 2007. I got the album only 4 years ago or so for a great price ($16 or so). And the coins are still nice and shiny.
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If you liked the "fruits" for your action figures, which Don shared the other day (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10656.msg224181#msg224181), as much as I did, you might want to check these out: I ordered three different trays from AliExpress in different diameters.
This probably counts as "doll house supplies", but I guess mighty Jabba won't have anything against them as long as they're cheap, right?
(https://i.imgur.com/sKl9AVr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cdG6qsT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xt2RmnU.jpg)
You can also find these rings, which I put on the wall, from the same seller. Here's a screenshot of my order:
(https://i.imgur.com/rGt3wCH.jpg)
So I paid 7.1 cents (€) for each of 64 pieces shipped.
It took a little more than 5 weeks to be delivered to Germany, but that's okay fr FREE SHIPPING worldwide.
If you want to get these trays as well, this link will direct you to the listing on AliExpress:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32653331545.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.f0904c4dUVnWZ3
I'm sorry I cannot switch to the English version without VPN. So the diameters are listed in millimeters.
(https://i.imgur.com/n0Fxg06.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HZ5SxEJ.jpg)
If you find more exciting materials for 1/18 scale dioramas, feel free to share them in our supplies thread (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10416.msg205459#msg205459).
You can also see my other modular dioramas of Mos Eisley by clicking here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=3139.msg55948#msg55948).
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Wow, these are great time to go to the front pages.
Can't you just see one of these modified and on top of an astromech?
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Yes, I can! That's a phenomenal idea, Tamer! One that I honestly hadn't thought of before, so cudos to you! I'll definitely try that out!
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I found some acrylic stands for my fossils and coins I found the other day on AliExpress:
(https://i.imgur.com/TgAX6Oi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vTAGbwt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ShqqrNT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZtQ2orU.jpg)
I paid 9.10€ for 30 of these shipped! Here's the link: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4001152879844.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.56924c4ddpW5wy
(https://i.imgur.com/EZr46Tl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M1MkM0p.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dtxzEea.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tkx4Vg7.jpg)
I also found these metal Pokémon cards on there. If you look for them, you'll find them for about $3 each including shipping!
I paid 5.29€ for 20 of these stands shipped! I got 10 transparent and 10 black ones.
Here's the link: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005002278263167.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.56924c4ddpW5wy
These are perfect for coins or other small collectibles. 40 bigger ones are on the way and I'll add pictures as soon as I got them in hand.
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These are great. I like the fact that they keep to focus on what they are supporting, not them.
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These are great. I like the fact that they keep to focus on what they are supporting, not them.
I'm not sure if I understand what you mean correctly. Who are them?
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I like the fact that the stand doesn't take away attention from the main item being displayed.
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Ah, okay I didn't know you meant the display stands. Thought you referred to AliExpress themselves. Thanks Tamer, I'm sure you'll like what I received yesterday then as well:
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To no surprise AliExpress had a sale going on when Amazon celebrated their Prime Day on June 21-22, 2021. It saved me a couple dollars in total, but that's better than nothing right? So I ordered a few items from different sellers there and the shipping method was "upgraded" to combined shipping. At the end of the day it's less handling for them, but has the same impact on the planet. The only advantage probably is that the risk of the parcel getting lost on transfer is reduced a bit.
I mention this because 3 of 22 orders have probably been lost. Fortunately PayPal reimbursed the 5€.
So today I can show my latest fodder which arrived after almost 4 weeks. That's actually a great delivery time considering that shipping was FREE for most of the items.
(https://i.imgur.com/d20klPN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/G5vb5tK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w9lu78E.jpg)
Here's what I paid including shipping and the links (not affiliate):
- 5 pcs Clone Trooper (91st Recon) (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005002311783844.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.744f4c4dOBNmNq): 23.88€
- 10x acrylic Display Stand for 12" figures (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32952293003.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.744f4c4dOBNmNq): 7.97€
Metal Coins: 2.55€ each and 2.79€ on average including shipping:
- Mandalorian Coin "Beskar" (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001928429584.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.744f4c4dOBNmNq)
- Mandalorian Coin "Brass/Gold"
- Batman Coin "Gold"
- Miniature Metal Trays (https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32951768529.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.744f4c4dOBNmNq):
different diameters, 10 pcs for 70-90 cents can be selected
(https://i.imgur.com/Ihrmvc3.jpg)
I'm impressed how good these coins look! The alloy they selected looks very authentic to Beskar. And I'm sure Disney would charge $6-12 for one commemorative coin if they sold these in their theme parks.
(https://i.imgur.com/abP2yti.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qHMJ1qb.jpg)
The DC Coin with Batman & Joker has a nice texture to it. All coins feel heavy and being of quality.
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I like those coins!
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Thanks, Tamer! I love them as well! The detail on those coins is amazing and I love how much that alloy looks like Beskar!
When I find other designs, I'll let you know! Have you ordered some for yourself, yet?
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So after 7 weeks! my 3 display sockets finally arrived. Ordering 3 was the best constellation. I paid 11,66€/$13 USD shipped from China. Shipping costs, delivery time & customs fees may vary. But since these sockets are quite expensive on ebay, these were definitely worth the long wait!
I'm going to build display dioramas with these. You can see my latest diorama here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10155.msg225112#msg225112).
If you want to order these sockets in different diameters, you can do so here. But be warned, delivery might take half an eternity! Here's a non-affiliate link to AliExpress:
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005002376777982.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.274263c0SsLzBS
(https://i.imgur.com/kZtRZsy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iQC1onr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Tqthszu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1AZMkjP.jpg)
The 4 extra sockets can be removed quite easily, if you don't need them. But be careful to not cut yourself.
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These look like nice bases.
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They really do. Today, the other 3 bases arrived which I ordered because the first batch hadn't arrived in 7 weeks. The second order however only took half the time to pass customs and be delivered.
Meanwhile their price increased to about $10 each. Don't know if they just did for me because of cookies or not. And this time one of them came broken, which is perfect to me because I was going to do it anyway. The other two arrived in even better condition than the first batch - without any dents.
So now I got 6 of these for about $4.30 each. And I'm going to use 3 of them for display dioramas of Felucia, Korriban and Utapau so far. One is going to FialaFernbrugg and two to be sold, again.
(https://i.imgur.com/vD630DK.jpg)
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Here's a look at the metal parts and beads I recently found on AliExpress:
(https://i.imgur.com/UAaLteI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/87AAV8H.jpg)
I'm going to use those for future dioramas and custom figures of Jabba's Palace.
And here is the link (AliExpress/USA):
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32744545365.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4ca84c4dT8QDtp
Prices may vary depending on your location.
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Man, these are great.
You could definitely outfit a palace or sail barge.
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By coincidence I found the Rebel Fleet Trooper Army-Builder 4-Pack on AliExpress. And I decided to give it a try. This is the cheapest seller I found, but there are more options. None of the sellers have received ratings for this item, so order at your own risk.
Here's the English link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003827562098.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.27116b12qrI8u6&algo_pvid=699881b5-2835-45be-9efd-e16487d2daa1&algo_exp_id=699881b5-2835-45be-9efd-e16487d2daa1-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000027286189592%22%7D&pdp_pi=-1%3B71.98%3B-1%3B1131%40salePrice%3BUSD%3Bsearch-mainSearch
And al 3 Army-Builder Packs: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003832709940.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.27116b12qrI8u6&algo_pvid=699881b5-2835-45be-9efd-e16487d2daa1&algo_exp_id=699881b5-2835-45be-9efd-e16487d2daa1-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000027299626680%22%7D&pdp_pi=-1%3B74.68%3B-1%3B-1%40salePrice%3BUSD%3Bsearch-mainSearch
You might find them cheaper looking for them from your location. Good luck.
(https://i.imgur.com/iHfYfOL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NHMrKYe.jpg)
I bought one boxed set and one loose - if they are authentic, I think I cannot go wrong with 15€ per figure.
(https://i.imgur.com/tZhzYL5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hZFWrTM.jpg)
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It will be interesting to see what you get.
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So two weeks later I received the package and the box was crushed on one side. I expected the worst before I opened it, but this time the odds were for my favor. The box of the Rebel Fleet Trooper Army-Builder pack is undamaged and all figures inside look authentic. They even came wrapped in that silk paper and with all blasters. I'm going to add more pictures when I'm back home in 3 weeks.
But so far this was a lucky find, even better than getting them from tunghori. And since I missed out on Captain Antilles at tunghori's, I'm even happier, I took the risk and got them all on AliExpress...
(https://i.imgur.com/1GCRYAI.jpg)
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Looks legite to me.
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Yes, they do! I asked my brother to unwrap one for me, and he pulled Captain Antilles! I'm so glad I decided to pull the trigger on those because I missed out on Antilles at TungHori.
(https://i.imgur.com/b5QSiKV.jpg)
I'm going to share detailed pictures in March.
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Turns out the two sets I got from AliExpress are legit! So so glad I pulled the trigger at 60€ each. Can't complain about 15€ each when mighty TungHori offers them between $15 and $20 each. The loose ones even came wrapped in that silk-paper! Here are some more pictures for you to take a closer look:
(https://i.imgur.com/B1tJVF2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6JbB2A9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/j3iIbGI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HnILQvW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4BratoI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VTVSrdm.jpg)
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Nice. Do they have this in the US? I feel so Alzhemiery this morning. I know I have asked that or you have told me before.
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@Tamer: Yes, they do. I shared a couple links above (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10896.msg228017#msg228017).
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Thanks Philipp.
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Always welcome, Shawn!
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Base Plates for your action figures - 1/18 & 1/12 scale!
Back in the days I had some Warhammer miniatures, which I painted. Some of my friends got way more into them and play tabletop games 'til today. But I could never see me GLUE my action figures on those base plates. As you might know, I wouldn't put my action figures on Hasbro's or any other common action figure stand with pegs. Because I don't want the pin to widen the figure's peg holes.
So far I had always displayed my action figures without any additional support - even if they kept falling.
But as you know: some action figures are in desperate need of a stand.
So after a little brain storming I came up with this idea: instead of 3D printing my own base plates with foot clips, like those from M.O.T.U., I looked for some miniature base plates. Because my younger sister made some rubber jewelery when it was hyped about 6 years ago.
And luckily you can still get those LOOM bands. So I went to my local toy store and got a couple bags of bands 200 for 1€. I wish I could support this store with a higher margin.
So I'm going to experiment a little with those base plates.
Hasbro haven't given display stands in about a decade. Especially fans of The Black Series have pleased Hasbro for such stands since its heritage back 2013. And I don't count that one time we got one with that exclusive Imperial Stormtrooper!
I ordered 80 of those base plates which fit for 3.75" figures. They arrived within 2 weeks for 21.14€ shipped so I paid 26 cents each plus 1 cent for two rubber bands.
Those oval base plates measure 6 x 3.5 cm and ship from China as low as 24 cents each.
Here's the link: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4000781972810.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.1.12c93ae2k8aaqT&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.274681.0&scm_id=1007.13339.274681.0&scm-url=1007.13339.274681.0&pvid=bb4464d0-699d-414c-9758-cd9c834c6cb8&_t=gps-id%3ApcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller%2Cscm-url%3A1007.13339.274681.0%2Cpvid%3Abb4464d0-699d-414c-9758-cd9c834c6cb8%2Ctpp_buckets%3A668%232846%238112%231997&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2210000007793828767%22%2C%22sceneId%22%3A%223339%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21EUR%21%217.54%21%21%21%21%21%400b0a23a516527915535152185e14af%2110000007793828767%21rec&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
For The Black Series 6" figures I'm going to order the big ones with the dimensions of 9 x 5.2 cm.
(https://i.imgur.com/GBlqhf0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pbkOK86.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/evJJ5T2.jpg)
You can see how I make display stands and diorama base plates with those here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10225.msg228052#msg228052).
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Product Piracy at its Best!
I know many of you in the U.S. have trouble to find this 212th Attack Battalion Clone Trooper, which unfortunately is exclusive to Walgreens. Well, I finally pulled the trigger and got four of those knock-off bootleg Clone Troopers based on the new Clone Trooper mold.
And they absolutely blow my mind! Here's why:
(https://i.imgur.com/wXGtvhg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MXcHjFd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/leeS0QP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WIqKB3v.jpg)
Okay, they smell like they were casted in the cheapest plastic, BUT they all come with two blasters each! Hasbro only give us one accessory for $22.99!
Those bootlegs even come with a date stamp!
(https://i.imgur.com/7KMGwpC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EOnAhjd.jpg)
To me this looks like some after hour work at the factories with different plastic. I think the new Clone Trooper is superior even to the one from Bandai's S.H. FiguArts one! I mean the helmet looks amazing and the rocker ankles are the cherry on the pie! The joints of those bootleg figures are like the originals so that the figures can be posed easily.
Centurion's Corner shares all the details in his in-depth reviews. Make sure to check them out and leave a like if you haven't subscribed to his channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWs4F_l3Xv7LxtjAB3lB58A) already.
Star Wars The Black Series Aliexpress Phase 2 Shiny Clone Trooper 6Inch Action Figure Review
Star Wars The Black Series Bootleg 212th Clone Trooper Review
Star Wars The Black Series 501st Clone Trooper New Mold Bootleg Aliexpress Figure Review
Star Wars The Black Series Bootleg Coruscant Guard Shock Trooper Aliexpress Review
Special thanks to Steve of Centurions Corner for the recommendation and encouragement!
Here's the link for those amazing Clone Trooper bootlegs, which you can buy on AliExpress for as low as $15-19 shipped to your house!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003811291210.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.35ef5c5fBNMntD&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
(https://i.imgur.com/UIgY0jT.jpg)
Have your order delivered to your bed! Buying online in 2022.
Yes, you read that right. The delivery man has thrown the package through my window, which was ajar when I was gone. So the Clone Troopers landed right on my pillow.
Since this is a once in a lifetime thing to me, I thought I share this rad story with you guys. I mean WHAT a service! *sarcasm off*
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What great mail service you have. Not! Wow. Glad that was a TVC Item.
Off to share your experience on the front pages.
I am gonna have to look on amazon and eBay to see if I can find some link for those same things here for your great bases!
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Thanks, Tamer.
Here are some links:
100 round base plates with 50 mm diameter: https://www.ebay.com/itm/224316209563?var=523108693823&hash=item343a49b99b:g:OhMAAOSwAnJgAGIV (https://www.ebay.com/itm/224316209563?var=523108693823&hash=item343a49b99b:g:OhMAAOSwAnJgAGIV&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337377665&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1)
600 black loom bands for $5.99 shipped from CA: https://www.ebay.com/itm/184591987500?hash=item2afa8a332c:g:t6gAAOSwP4Nf4noK&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4CZSr2cUv%2FrinHHImHLXT8hfoRqRt91XwnaIzIIUw9XaZoM39yTryHrgVOjHW%2BKhPMh12jRk%2FrGYPUt%2BC2BmIAOa6D0w5075%2FIJCZjZ3OU%2FJRwwWgZg7KdRMv20emeg4AL8rcZovFKUWRYhNhiGz70pxmg2Ul%2BS5Awic6ipF91g7ICFTe4TWP1rL9jNGgTTeJGvgcB8HPtM69j0t1M7fxZn1%2Bh%2BVlQ312yx7xAZ9J%2BTajJUs7KChaWeNc29bMdComHg8MY9r%2FnsD4UTW9IfMPl%2BtVSRvJQtZPr7SOnVPmMDO%7Ctkp%3ABFBM0NmU7Zpg (https://www.ebay.com/itm/184591987500?hash=item2afa8a332c%3Ag%3At6gAAOSwP4Nf4noK&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAkFkgoIn4Qo2MBWi8UkUPwTAMKlQhr3JkTQoNkQNNPkCx%2FERiTkE1E%2FFRERKy%2B%2BJeJgE50uHzV%2FHVqdpAEuEZw7BfT9ccqyxrBVpIiHoA8leS7H82LnueOzZXyTcQraVik3Oe1CLRh4hk4GxnWDLLb0l45%2B8AGb494eEyqroZTdihKhF%2F0gx2IgRzsHf%2Bb6kVOA%3D%3D&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337377665&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1)
Hand Drill: https://www.ebay.com/itm/402633032599?hash=item5dbecc8397:g:rdsAAOSwgsJf8ygd (https://www.ebay.com/itm/402633032599?hash=item5dbecc8397%3Ag%3ArdsAAOSwgsJf8ygd&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAkKDaJIIhBe27GJjtYx1LodG5HKb9vW303uX0LcPy4eK7taSvnjdKj0BQo4vbxkQaIRJZ4WpGZ3maM92mjnuGBpDtcD5z3r1RZ12orUPeeRC2wl%2FpgoKg%2BFBPczCCzonC0KfGwllLe0Ond65KaJ1ES4TLk6keaegla2El5ltDdK%2BkwjyBJmwDujLWJ%2FC7LQOLog%3D%3D&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337377665&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1)
Tweezers: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=tweezers&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=rubber+band+black+diy&_osacat=0 (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=tweezers&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=rubber+band+black+diy&_osacat=0&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337377665&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1)
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Pretty cool lead! I'm not a clone collector, but it's sure nice to see a way to get some more figures that seem good quality.
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Yes, the quality is amazing. They're like the real deal except for the material. At least they smell different. I could even imagine that they do some test runs with cheaper materials until the tooling is heated up or something. Like they do with prototypes and test samples.
It'll stay a mystery when and where those units are made. But I'm pretty certain that they use Hasbro's tooling in the factories where Hasbro have their products made. I think they just accept the fact that some units go missing during production so that they loose part of their charges like error samples.
I found this documentary on AliExpress by the Wall Street Journal. I can wait 2-4 weeks with no hustle, never received a package from China within 72 hours. The German customs alone make this impossible. But it's amazing how far logistics on our planet has come so far.
I try not to order too much online and buy less in general. And I keep what I buy. Don't do returns like most people in my area do. Whenever I send a package, the people at the post office suppose it's a free return. Sad development.
Alibaba Challenges Amazon With a Promise: Fast Global Shipping | WSJ
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Thanks for the links, I have got to go share those.
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The bigger bases for 6 inch figures arrived on Monday and I'm very happy with them!
(https://i.imgur.com/Aok4DcV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EhAgq7R.jpg)
I got 80 of those for 28€. Shipping was included and it took 2 weeks to get from China to Germany.
Take a look how I display my The Black Series figures with these stands here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10225.msg229290#msg229290).
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They do look perfect for six inch figures!
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Got 160 more bases for my 3.75" action figures along with some translucent rubber bands to further improve my idea:
Base Plates: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/4000781844531.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.12c25c5fmjS6Qz&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Rubber Bands: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005002364403378.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.12c25c5fmjS6Qz&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
(https://i.imgur.com/LWH5qv6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H3abmr6.jpg)
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Also ordered some glasses and baverages that fit 1/12 scale figures quite well. Those might be interesting for your next 1/12 bar section:
(https://i.imgur.com/hVYOGgI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hxxT1YX.jpg)
Glasses: https://www.aliexpress.com/p/order/detail.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.12c25c5fmjS6Qz&orderId=8150703037874980
Baverages: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001352122706.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.0.0.2d1763688dKckS&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
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Man, nice update. Those beverage glasses look great.
I look forward to seeing how those translucent rubber bands work for your bases too.
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Got my latest order in today: some acrylic rods in 1mm, 1.5 mm and 2 mm diameter.
I'm going to use them for some custom lightsabers in new colors, to replace the thicker blades that Hasbro use now for The Black Series and also to light some of them up!
I cannot even share a link here because the shop on AliExpress where I ordered them two weeks ago doesn't even exist anymore! But you can find them by looking for acrylic rods on AliExpress!
(https://i.imgur.com/s8mNvRd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sWN6Kk6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fxeFmQC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0TaWqGK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6zREWpz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jU8mBOa.jpg)
The 1 mm rods work perfectly for projects in 1/48 scale like the WOTC miniatures or SW LEGION models!
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Please let me know if you know a source that has such thin acrylic rods in color! I only found clear ones that I have to paint with clear color now.
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Found these artificial plants on AliExpress. They look perfect for dioramas of Scarif! I'd share links here, but the store I bought it from does no longer exist. It took the parcel 6 weeks to arrive this time and I'm glad it showed up eventually.
Click here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=9462.msg229303#msg229303) to see one of the best Scarif dioramas in existence and make sure to leave your feedback for JDeck.
(https://i.imgur.com/8rFk8MT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IQBQdca.jpg)
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They look great for dios.
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Absolutely, but before I share stuff with you guys I always want to make sure it's good.
I'll try to find links for those types. At least I got a screenshot of the prices I paid.
Shipping was free, but took forever. I'm just glad they didn't get lost on their way.
(https://i.imgur.com/3MPGHR5.jpg)
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Update: I cannot access the product page anymore because the items cannot be shipped to Germany anymore. Don't know why, but it happened to several products on ebay before. That means you'll be able to order those from the U.S. page of AliExpress! That's the good news. The bad news is that I cannot access the American site without VPN. I hope you can find them by searching for "artificial plants" - it just takes time.
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I found those bottle opener with magnet in form of crates of beer in my local dollar store last week. They're also sold on AliExpress for about $3.50 shipped. And they're in 1/6 scale and maybe interesting for all 12" Military collectors out there. As war as I know, those 1/6 scale accessories are quite expensive...
(https://i.imgur.com/P23G1G6.jpg)
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804172692692.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.3.a29e2911LJObXd&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.291025.0&scm_id=1007.13339.291025.0&scm-url=1007.13339.291025.0&pvid=680340f7-af13-4f99-8682-abcecc70464e&_t=gps-id%3ApcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller%2Cscm-url%3A1007.13339.291025.0%2Cpvid%3A680340f7-af13-4f99-8682-abcecc70464e%2Ctpp_buckets%3A668%232846%238112%231997&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000028895225570%22%2C%22sceneId%22%3A%223339%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21EUR%211.95%211.25%21%21%21%21%21%40211b442216676566281696404e8c4c%2112000028895225570%21rec&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US
(https://i.imgur.com/Gvcipmk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gxgrSMb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fDeJLgP.jpg)
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In my last post, you might've seen the shipping boxes in model scale. Well, I got those to see how they fit into our hobby. And they work for 1/12, 1/18 and even 1/24 scale.
I also got some beverage dispensers in 1/24 scale, which is the same size as G scale model trains.
My dad is a big fan of G scale model trains so I had to get those for him for Christmas along with the lighted dioramas that I shared the other day (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1012.msg231281#msg231281).
I got all these accessories for $13 shipped from China.
(https://i.imgur.com/kz0ApYT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R5lMpb9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kG0A1K5.jpg)
If you're interested in those items, you cam find them on AliExpress. Links expire way too quickly, so it doesn't make sense to share any here.
(https://i.imgur.com/EHfS0WL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OQan8T9.jpg)
You might've seen this diorama already, but I never get tired of sharing it: One reason why I got those mini cardboard boxes is because this diorama by Work More Or Less (https://workmoreorless.com/) inspired me to make a similar one some day:
(https://i.imgur.com/1tpbcHJ.jpg)
Source: https://workmoreorless.com/blog-collaboration/hasbropulse-razorcrest
Making different styles of Miniature Boxes or "Boxen"... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz1b2vjio5g)
double click for full-screen view
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Nice stuff.
A lot of that would make sense in any Cantina or shop type environment.
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Rustbelt Collector (https://www.youtube.com/@RustbeltCollector/featured) goes deep into the science of toy safety. Make sure to subscribe his channel! You won't wanna miss his content.
Testing AliExpress Bootleg Clone Troopers for LEAD PAINT?!?! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOtLXXct84)
double-click for full screen view
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Never thought about folks still using lead paint. Good idea to check.
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Absolutely and people are suspicious for reasons with all the cheap stuff from China. Good news is: these "custom" Clone Troopers don't have leaded paint applied to them. And the customs protect us from potential hazards as well. Good news is also that the Chinese market adapts to it rather quickly because they want good business, which runs with good quality, too!
Those Clone Troopers for The Black Series look fantastic and I'm really tempted to get a few, but not for 22-26€ a pop...
(https://i.imgur.com/pwVvKwo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QnhNO67.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ftTwSUW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mlO4CsR.jpg)
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the paint work on these seems flawless. Maybe Hasbro ought to give the SW license to these guys? ;D
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They definitely know how two print 6 figures over there. 3 new versions were added on Celebration weekend.
(https://i.imgur.com/Pnd6uzN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8qEyho6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VH8mlbN.jpg)
Previous versions were restocked with 1,000 units each.
(https://i.imgur.com/qMKWHYH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FzAzblO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZYoYlh7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/puwdzKx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tyGoFpc.jpg)
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Paint work looks good too.
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About 2 weeks ago a completely new helmet design Clone Trooper was listed on AliExpress. When I randomly looked for "Clone Trooper Black Series" I found the newly listed ARF Trooper. So I texted CenturionsCorner (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjFZNug53yQ) right away and even he hadn't seen it, yet. His arrived on Friday and mine was delivered today.
I finally pulled the trigger on two other Clone Trooper designs, which haven't been made by Hasbro, yet either.
I got a discount for buying more than one, so I paid 60,77€ for these 3:
It came all the way from China and was delivered to my address by bike!
(https://i.imgur.com/e3oxBZ1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/53mmvyy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Fyoy6Xa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/T0c0Gl7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/z8n4XX1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9pJ47nd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xuyDZz2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wgV7L25.jpg)
Usually the helmet is glued onto the head, but my copy had a loose one:
(https://i.imgur.com/eaHUUdh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CyikiyY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7VIa0LV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bimPECA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xb2KzKp.jpg)
The head is so well sculpted/designed, that I think it's a shame that it's usually hidden. The Commander's skirt is made of fabric. I thought the first batch was made with pleather, but Steve said they always came with softgoods.
(https://i.imgur.com/UsUkUIp.jpg)
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Nice, I always liked the Arfer helmet.
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Yes, the main seller has stopped shipping those Clones to Europe and the UK now because of some new return policies here.
They also increased in price and cost almost $30 by now which kills the deal for me. I rather buy licensed products from Hasbro for that amount of money.
However before the time of those well done bootlegs there were Stormtroopers of minor quality. You could tell they were bootlegs from a distance.
But I think they could be perfect to try this recipe of the latest entertainment by Disney:
Custom zombi trooper easy DIY by Carbonite Creative[/color] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHIjIoAh80Q)
double-click for full screen view
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To my total surprise I just discovered several Battle Packs and other sets from 2010-2012 on AliExpress. The description says they're still sealed. These rare Battle Packs cost $100-110, which is expensive, but still cheaper than the prices for sold items on ebay in comparison.
That STAR TOURS Jedi Training Academy Figure Pack even goes for more than $200-300 on ebay. Didn't know it was from 2008 and it cost $34.95 at Disney Parks back then.
(https://i.imgur.com/wqWjqoA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YXgDeU5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DQy0DWS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CyQXvlU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/REX65zJ.jpg)
I bit the apple and ordered the Battle Over Endor Set 1 of 2, the Yavin Pilot Pack and the STAR TOURS Jedi Training Academy Pack. I'll keep you updated on this exciting journey.
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I remember those battle over Endor packs being hard for me to find.
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Just a small update: All three sets arrived today all the way from China.
It took them just 11 days for delivery! German custom fees and 19% sales tax were paid in advance by AliExpress. And they arrived in their original packaging, indeed! The boxes are damaged here and there, but considering they are 12-17 years old, I'm not complaining!
All rubber bands seem to have solved over time, hope the solvents haven't damaged the plastic or any softgoods. Makes it easier for me to open the boxes. More pictures soon!
(https://i.imgur.com/tBIPAkr.jpg)
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Nice! I remember when I saw those sets in stores (except the Jedi one).
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Glad you got em safe and sound. They look to be in great shape.
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Looks like my last comment is lost once again...oh well. Thanks for your replies, gentlemen.
Starchaser: I wasn't aware that the Disney Park set is from 2007. Where did all the years go?
Tamer: I want to open them as soon as possible also to clean the figures from the dissolved rubber bands. Unfortunately the seller refuses to give me a refund. He offered $10 discount on my next order though, which I probably won't place.
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So the sets are in fair shape considering they're over a decade old and who knows where they come from and where they have been stored all these years.
The seller claims he bought them for a high price as well so his profit is very limited.
If he writes me something like this I suppose he got them for free somewhere in an old warehouse in China with old, not dispatched/forgotten products.
I wonder if the factories keep some amount of products they make for guarantee reasons. A decade of keeping them in stock makes sense to me if there's any claim by customers.
Interesting to note here is, that both boxes were packed by the same person even though I bought them from two different sellers.
I know because the stuffing for both shipments make two complete boxes:
(https://i.imgur.com/qXf6jvK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FpCT8jX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MGx3Ap1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vGlYVQC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0LhQSib.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DHbLGIo.jpg)
The content of both boxes combined make the packaging of two Hasbro figures:
(https://i.imgur.com/vM9AVOW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/S6KBZgq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DHbLGIo.jpg)
I have to admit they were packed tightly, but still well.
(https://i.imgur.com/xPTZifd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ohECRyK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tCJ92A8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/d3e2oTE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AVpj3t6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7RDGDnF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W4imyij.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pV8fiHo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vQFrBSD.jpg)
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I guess as long as you were planning on opening these its ok. Still, if you bought them based on keeping them carded I could see why you would want some type of compensation. I would think at least a partial refund on your order would be ok.
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Last Friday, one of my students told me that he had ordered something through Ali express
and the package arrived empty. He also said this wasn't the first time something he ordered
from Ali express arrived damaged or incorrect.
My response was this.
"Consider where Ali express is based and who controls Ali express."
Took him about 2 seconds to reply, china???
I then told him "consider the source."
Nuff said. He just shook his head.
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I guess as long as you were planning on opening these its ok. Still, if you bought them based on keeping them carded I could see why you would want some type of compensation. I would think at least a partial refund on your order would be ok.
Yes, I'm kinda glad they arrived in this condition. It makes it easier for me to open them. I couldn't open them if they were in mint condition.
But having paid close to 390€ for all 3 sets, a little refund would've been nice.
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Last Friday, one of my students told me that he had ordered something through Ali express
and the package arrived empty. He also said this wasn't the first time something he ordered
from Ali express arrived damaged or incorrect.
My response was this.
"Consider where Ali express is based and who controls Ali express."
Took him about 2 seconds to reply, china???
I then told him "consider the source."
Nuff said. He just shook his head.
I've only made good experience with AliExpress so far. I ordered over 30 items there and all were delivered. Never received empty boxes and even got refunded when delivery took more than a month. Once you get in touch with them, you realize though how strict and focused on their business they are.
Some sellers are quite serious. Well, their prices went up by a decent percentage over the years.
It's not the bargain as it used to be, but still many prices are worth it.
But when it comes to those TBS Clone Trooper knockoffs I've become quite picky. I refuse to pay 23-30€ for a non-licensed, loose 6" Clone.
Thanks for sharing your experience, DarthHawk!
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My pleasure.
I'm glad your experiences have been positive.
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Today was just a strange day. I'm just glad I wasn't killed by a car on my bike. Crazy traffic with even crazier people.
Getting a refund for those 3 sets is not an option for the sellers. Received some rude answers and they claim they only make a $10 profit on those sets.
And they said if I don't accept their conditions they don't want to make further business with me.
Neither do I. I could just send them back and re-order them for 30 bucks less. Because the price dropped by the same sellers, which they claim to be custom fees and taxes.
But I don't send them back to China even if it's for free. It's just the way it is.
China is all about bloody business.
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Sounds like the China business I have done; nice until you have questions or slight reservations and then the barbs come out!
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Nice until you have questions or slight reservations and then the barbs come out!
Just like that!
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AliExpress delivered my latest orders within 2 weeks.
Found some custom brick MOCs including a Sepearatists' Ground Transport Carrier and minifgures.
(https://i.imgur.com/2WoGyjI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nAjmjfu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BvpEl6z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Dr1yIiP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/42Yi6S4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Jamfggu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BkyHQ1k.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mN9XNcB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8IqDpmI.jpg)