Online Selling Shockers

Wow - I have a bunch of these new in the box. Didn't think they are that rare though.

I think the word 'rare' needs to be limited use on eBay. I see very common Plarail trains listed as 'rare' with a crazy asking price. Mostly because they were not released in the local market but it doesn't make them rare or particularly valuable.

These on the other hand...

"Operation Has Been Confirmed Tommy Out of Print Plarail Electric Train Thing At"
$1224.62au

They are rare to some extent, but the rarity does not quality for such a price. In the end it really depends on the train in the box. If it is a red and black EF-15, not rare. Else if it is red and grey as seen in the picture, it can sell for at least 30000 yen. Red and grey is hardly ever seen in that box, mostly red and black.

[Super]

Just wondering if this station is exclusive to this set?

As far as the Dark tinted windows...maybe but Plarail released this double decker station with clear windows as a J-24 years ago as a stand alone.



Its probably older but here it is on page 10 of the 1999-2000 catalog (Thanks Ripley)

Colour wise it is similar, the sign is different though. Indeed proves that Tomica World is still available in year 2000.
I think it has the same tint on the windows as the Amtrak set's station. Same tint as Narita Airport Set's station.



This is what clear windows look like.

Here is a nice Amazon US shocker. I like this Cranky set (although it's a Trackmaster item) because trains can go through Cranky, and the Troublesome Truck's 3D face looks nice...

But look at the cost of "Shipping and Import Fees Deposit" to my country.
Total: 154,45 for a 19,99 item?!

OK, I know I can get it for a reasonable price from Amazon UK or elsewhere, but what were they thinking Amazon US? Can "shipping & import fees" be so high whatever the destination is? It really looks I'm living on Mars! 

That is seriously screwed up! I notice that it’s being sold by an affiliate rather than Amazon itself, so maybe that could explain the ridiculous fees.

No, no, look closely: this item "ships from Amazon.com" and is "sold by Amazon.com".  

Affiliate or not, it does not really matter - all fees are high lately, but Amazon's are shocking. Actually, in this case the same item sold by an affiliate is cheaper ($24.63 + $4.99 shipping).

You got me there Mr No! Amazon is normally a useful resource but I have my issues with them and their founder.... So, in the words of Eric Idle, I shall “say no more, say no more”!

Oh, the stories this Gordon could tell...

Here was a strange one, not for what it is, but for where it was found, on Goodwill's online shopping site ShopGoodwill. What journey did this engine go through, from Japan to the US to eventually end up being donated to a Goodwill, still with its box.

I ended up buying it - it was a better price then trying to import one, I'm sure

[Super]

Excellent find Duck. I didn't even know that Goodwill has an Online Shop.