what an amazing piece!
I picked this up today from a local store (well, it's on my way to/from work). Got home, unboxed it, and its damn gorgeous!
Agreed, it is very shineh!
..however I have a cautionary tale for anyone in the UK considering buying this prop replica direct from HCG's website.
I did so, because it had the lights and tube, plus the Sideshow version is very expensive on Evilbay and rarely appears on this side of the Pond anyway.
Sooo, I initially opted for the payment scheme, to spread the pain.. but after one payment, impatience got the better of me.. so I made a second payment to complete the deal.. so far, so good.. the endoarm is shipped and after the usual shipping wait and eye-watering customs duties, the box is in my possession. Yay!
Now, things start to go a bit Pete Tong..
When I check the Endoarm, it turns out that the longest finger has broken off the final segment, in transit.. basically the polystyrene packaging is just above that finger..and continues the entire inch or so, to the (solid) end of the display tube.. so if the box takes an end-on bump, the finger is not going to get cushioned from the impact (especially as the heavy base is going to act as a hammer from the other end).. foam padding would have been better, since it has more 'give' in it.. indeed my polystyrene has a dent in it, where the finger impacted.
Still shouldn't be a problem just contact HCG and get a replacement organised eh?
So, sent an email with photo of the damage and request a replacement.. no problem say HCG, just need to file a claim with our couriers, then all will be well.
Now it just so happens I was also in the process of getting a replacement for another item damaged in transit (different supplier), at the same time.. and that replacement was going a tad slowly.. so a couple of days later, I decided to cover myself by logging both items on the PayPal system as in dispute.. just to be on the safe side, never having dealt with HCG before.
.. and that's when it really kicked off!.. HCG promptly threw all their toys out of the pram at me.. for having the temerity to register the issue with PayPal (which is standard procedure when an item is damaged in transit) and posted some less than repeat business generating comments at me, via PayPal.. ending the tirade abruptly on the 28th of June, with a huffy message about expected delays due to the 4th July holiday.
Since then, nothing.. no replacement.. no discount.. no messages.. zip.
So, despite the earlier aggrieved claims by HCG 'Customer Service' rep about their 'sterling reputation as a store and manufacturer' it currently looks like they are walking away from the damaged goods.
Now long story short, the reason I am posting this tale, is as a warning to other UK collectors, to learn from my mistakes -
1. If you are in the UK and going to buy something from the US.. ONLY make one payment.. because PayPal will only cover you for one payment and NOT a payment scheme of multiple payments.
2. A large, heavy and expensive item cannot be shipped in an economically viable way back to a supplier in the US, if it is damaged, unless the Supplier organises it.. and PayPal require you to return the goods to get a refund.
3. Even if the Supplier pays to collect.. unless the Supplier then replaces the damaged item, you are still going to be out of pocket by the 20% VAT.. because naturally that will not be covered by even a 'full' refund' of the original purchase and shipping cost though PayPal.
4. Don't believe anything the Customer Service department at HCG tell you.
TLDR -