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I have a couple questions about this, since the deluxe version is sold out at Sideshow (and I'm in the USA).
Has anyone purchased a statue from BBTS and had a good experience? Was the $4 shipping fine and legit, as well? And, I always hear you have to wait significantly longer to get your statue--typically how much longer (if anyone knows)?
I also noticed that BBTS, for example, is charging $100 less than Sideshow is charging for the Deluxe. Plus only $4 shipping. I don't know if they charge sales tax, but currently, it's at least a $200 savings to get it at BBTS over Sideshow. But I'm just not sure if I'd be waiting so long to get it that I'd regret it, or if there's some catch to the $4 shipping, etc.
I have ordered from BBTS for over 10-years - they are legit and have excellent customer service, their service reps are on par with Sideshow.
I used to order all my collectibles from BBTS but cut down considerably after they started charging sales tax and inflating their prices on some items.
Mainly buy the smaller scale collectibles from BBTS but for the larger scale (1:6, 1:3, 1:4, etc), I tend to stick to Timewalker, SpecFic, Secret Compass, Giantoy, OneSixthKit.
To address some of your questions and factors you should consider between BBTS and Sideshow:
- $4 BBTS Shipping - no catch, you can compile up to 3-months of in-stock orders and ship for one flat $4 fee; however, beware on certain items. BBTS tends to bake in the cost of shipping into the price of the item. For example, the Hot Toys ROTJ Han Solo costs $290 @Sideshow but BBTS charges $20 more for $310.
- Sales Tax - both Sideshow & BBTS charge tax in CA (not sure about other states). BBTS used to only charge in WI but they started to charge in other states a few years ago.
- Rewards - BBTS does not have rewards but Sideshow gives Rewards points (don't quote me on this but I think it's around 5% on purchases). SSC rewards expire in a year.
- Wait Time - Sideshow tends to get inventory in stock quicker than BBTS (in my experience).
Your Terminator 2 Blitway 1:3 statue example might be an anomaly where BBTS is $100 cheaper than Sideshow ($2,200 vs $2,300) - but you also have to consider whether tax is charged in your state (potentially an extra $200+). If you shop around, you might be able to get this statue cheaper - Secret Compass is $2,100 (shipping extra but 5% Rewards and no tax except in CO).
Honestly, it might a wash after you factor in tax, rewards, shipping, etc. - at the end of the day, you might be paying the same whether at BBTS, SSC, or Company X. But do your research. Hope this helps.