HLJ shopping experiences

[BroTaku79]

Hey guys,

How good is HLJ?  I have never bought anything from non USA sites so I was just wondering about your experiences.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Anasazi37]

I've been a customer for almost twenty years and built out a big chunk of my Macross toy and model collection through them. Excellent customer service and their Private Warehouse sets the standard for everyone else. Their website has gone through some big changes over the past year, and I don't think anyone here would say those changes were for the better, but you really only notice the issues when a large number of people are trying to buy the same item at the same time (like the recent preorder for the Bandai DX VF-1S Roy). That tends to not happen with model kits, so you'll be fine.

I bought all three of the Plamax 1/20 Valkyrie kits through HLJ. Sure, they were a bit more expensive than other stores, but given the high price tag, I wanted to make sure that I'd be taken care of if something went wrong...which it did. Turns out the boxes for those kits are BIG, so the automatic shipping cost calculators most sites use (including HLJ) were coming back with estimates well north of $300, which is insane. I contacted HLJ customer support, shared my concerns, and they worked with their shipping department to lower the cost by a substantial amount--for everyone. To my knowledge, they're the only store to do that, which made buying these large kits much more reasonable.

I've also sent feedback to their founder, Scott Hards, on several occasions and he always provides thoughtful responses.

[Thom]

Before the Covid, I bought quite a few from them. Always had good service, though now their shipping prices just about equal the item price!

[Seto Kaiba]

For a while, I was using HLJ almost exclusively... they're good, and their Private Warehouse buying option really helps save money on international shipping by giving you a month or more of leeway about when you ship things.  

That said, pretty much all their shipping options are Priority shipping of one flavor or another (FedEx, DHL, etc.) so shipping costs can get a bit steep.

[Focslain]

Have had no issues with them in the years I've bought kits from them. The private warehouse is the best feature and their customer service is pretty on the ball. 

[vincemoto7]

I've never had an issue with them.

My only complaint (and I'm totally nit-picking here) is that shipping is on the pricey side. 

[kajnrig]

Same as everyone else, I've been a customer for... wow, something like 20 years now... and they've been consistently good the whole way through.

[Darth Mingus]

I've been a customer since they first appeared online, over twenty years ago.  I met Scott at a WizardWorld convention back in the early 2000s.  Super nice guy, big hobby geek.  I have never had an issue with anything from them.  The redesigned site is a bit a flaky, but other than Macross pre-orders, it works if you know what you are looking for.  They are currently running a promotion where you can win back your shipping costs.  Most items on the shop are discounted, again, other than the crazy Macross toys.  If you are looking for model kits, they can't be beat.  Easy to order, great customer service and super trust worthy (they will not scalp).

[505thAirborne]

I've used HLJ since 2007 and knock on wood no issues. They are my go to shop next to AmiAmi  

[lavinrac]

Same as above. they are amazing. I've been shopping with HLJ since at Least.. Well i got married in 2001 and before that. I think my first order from them may've been when i lived in San Diego. so. 1997 or 98. at any rate. they've always been fantastic. I consider them the gold standard. 

• Yes, their current website performs poorly. (I was a web dev until 3 yrs ago.. i could go on.. it sucks) BUT
• They do not charge you for things until they have them in their hands and are ready to ship to you within a couple days. This is a sign of a good company IMHO. 
• They do not overcharge. They do not play scalper games. you will never (so far) pay HLJ $300 for a 150000 yen item. 
• They pack things well. I have never received destroyed merch from them. 
• they are my first line to buy something from Japan every time.
• Did I mention they read and *gasp* ANSWER their email/support?

HLJ is the best.

 

 

Edited July 10, 2020 by lavinrac

[MechTech]

I have to second everyone! I've been buying from them since their early days (wow, a couple of decades now?). I believe they are now one of Japan's largest if not THE largest of exporter hobby goods from Japan. Many stateside stores get their products from them fro retail. - MT

[Urashiman]

Using it since 2002 or so. No issue so far.

[valhary]

There are so great!

A long time ago were slow to send but recently are improved a lot almost as fast as Amiami or NY and with the Arcadia SV-51 issue took care of all including the shipping of the spares

[frankell05]

favorite overseas seller

[Kylwell]

Long time customer. They every now and again have some hiccups but by & large they're my go-to for overseas purchases.

[EastwindS2k]

Good place to shop  

[Reni]

Like many others, have been using them for 20+ years.  Never a problem.  Over those 20+ years, I've lived in multiple countries, and delivery has never been a problem.

[derex3592]

HLJ is great. Never had a problem with them.