Stranger

Does anyone have the Hi-Metal R Monster box and can measure its dimensions for me? As mentioned, I purchased one from FromJapan over the weekend.

I used their shipping estimator and put in Monster's dimensions I found on Amazon and HLJ here: https://www.hlj.com/hi-metal-r-hwr-00-mkii-destroid-monster-bann05211 as 30.2cm x 30.0cm x 27.1cm / 2.290 kg

Using those dimensions, their estimate was 2900 yen.

But now that the item has arrived to them, they are saying the final packing is 

Weight: 3.47 kg     Dimensions: 61×42×34 cm

That difference now makes the cheapest packing option 13,453 yen - which is a $100 difference!!!!

Can someone let me know the actual dimensions of the box please? Thank you
 

It says that my item is above the size/weight limit for Surface, but I went to Japan Post's website and the Monster, which weights 2.5 kg, is well under the surface weight limit. I send in a customer service contact form, so hopefully they can clear this up. *fingers crossed*

Has anyone had this happen to them before? I purchased a Hi-Metal R Monster from FromJapan (which orders from Manadrake and then ships to USA). 

On the purchase page, there was a "Estimate Shipping" button. Using it, gave me: 

Surface: 2900 yen

Fed Ex International Priority: 6000 yen

DHL: 7400 yen

But once the item actually arrived and I went to pay shipping, they only give me these 2 options:

Fed Ex International Priority: 130.000 yen

DHL: 143,000 yen

That is obviously a HUGE difference. Do I have any recourse here?

Any thoughts on how much a 1985 Matchbox SDF-1 is worth? I have the box, which shows wear and tear and the 2 of the shoulder cannons have their ends broken off. 

I see EBay has had some priced from 350-1000 but none of them sold. 

1 hour ago, rdrunner said:

I love what FextToys did to fill a much needed gap for armour kits that fit all the HMR VF-1’s out there. 

I checked out their website - does each armor fit any VF-1J or do  you buy specific armor sets for specific VF's?

Just placed my order for the Monster!! So, I am coming from a Transformers collector background - so was using sites focused on importing 3rd party TF toys.

This thread really introduced me to a lot of Japanese import sites! My original lead on a Monster was for $200 plus $60 shipping from a mainly Transformers site. Thanks to this thread, I head about Jungle and Manadrake. And then Anasazi37 mentioned FromJapan and Rakuten - so I ended up ordering the Rakuten Monser (using FromJapan's website since that was in English) to order the Monster for $153. Damaged box and missing instructions, but definitely a lot cheaper!

Def looking forward to keeping my eyes peeled on these Japanese sites for the Regault, Officer's Battlepod, Destroids, and some VF-1's to add to the collection. I've never been this excited about a toyline before. I love how they  are doing such a wide variety of characters and mecha. 

Thank you everyone!

Awww geez....I think you guys got me in!  Ok, last question before I push the button - what do you think would be a good price for the Monster? Is checking prices on Jungle (which this thread just taught me about and it's an amazing site!) kinda the best way to gauge the going rate for various Japanese toys? (There aren't any Monsters listed right now)

Man, I found a great price for the Monster but $60 shipping is punch in the nuts! And then my brain says "Oh, well if you also add in the Max and Miryia set, that will make the shipping more efficient." - and I can see how Bandai Hi-Metal R is going to be a problem. LOL

Hi, I just discovered the Hi-Metal R. I think I'd like to jump feet first into it. Debating picking up the Monster as my first purchase.

My question is does anyone know if Bandai plans on re-releasing their earlier releases like the Regult, Glaug, or some of the VF-1s?