Hi everyone! To start off my new blog I wanted to do a review of Gundam Planet in order to help people who are on the edge about buying from them and for those who are new to the hobby and would like to know more about the store they’re buying from. Let’s begin!

Introduction to Gundam Planet’s Website

For those who are barely getting in to building Gundam models there are some helpful links on the homepage labeled such as “What is Gundam?” and “Cross Series Size Comparison“. Both of these are great for a younger builder to explain to his/her parents as to what Gundam and Gundam Modeling is or for those who need help understanding what the difference is in model sizes. Below the collage of links are several products. These include recently restocked, new, and featured products. Along with selling Gundam models, Gundam Planet sells models from popular series such as Dragon Ball Z, Tiger & Bunny, and One Piece. With that said this review will focus many on the Gundam model section.

Ease of Shopping

One of my biggest pet peeves when shopping online for anything is when a website has a messy user interface. However; Gundam Planet passes with style when it comes to directing their shoppers to what they want.

As you can see, all their Gundam products are lined up to the left. The Category section lists the general Gundam model grade (size) while the Grade section lists the specific line up the model comes from. This is helpful for those who want to simply see all models of one certain size or for the collector trying to complete their collection. You can click on the “Gundam Catalog” section on their homepage to get to this menu or by hovering your mouse over the text it will bring up a small section where you can go directly to what Model Grade section you would like to go to. On a side note, Gundam Planet also has a large selection to help customize models including decals, tools such as specialized masking tape in case you want to paint your model, and aftermarket parts such as shoulder weapons and shields to spice up your Gundam model even further!

Prices and Availability

Comparing prices is a tricky thing since almost all Gundam models sold in the U.S have a mark up in price due to having to be imported from Japan. Along with that, availability can wild differently since stores restock at different times of the month. With those two factors in mind, let’s see how Gundam Planet does against other stores. For this review I will be using Hobbylink Japan (Based in Japan) and Gundam Store and More (Based in the USA) as those are the ones I am familiar with the most. Just to compare prices I will be using the HGUC Twin Ball Set.

If bought at Gundam Planet (currently on backorder as of 3/28/2014, not shown in image):

If bought at Gundam Store and More:

If bought at Hobby Link Japan:

By the looks of it, it would be cheapest to buy the HGUC Twin Ball Set at Hobby Link Japan, followed by Gundam Store and More, and lastly at Gundam Planet. This may seem like the case at first,but be aware of shipping costs that change with how much you order and order destination. I would love to compare shipping costs but sadly I can’t add the HGUC Twin Ball Set to my cart on Gundam Store and More whereas I can add the set to both Hobby Link Japan and Gundam Planet even though it isn’t in stock. On a side note, Gundam Planet/ HLJ both allow you to order things that aren’t in stock and pay for them so that when they do become available they will send them to you.

Membership?

Gundam Planet does have a free membership that allows you to gain “GP Points”. By collecting 200 GP Points you can take a 2 dollar discount off your next purchase. These expire in a year (by going to your account dashboard you can check how long you have left until they expire). The GP Points you get per purchase are (roughly) the purchase amount multiplied by two. So if you were to spend 20 dollars you would get a total of 40 GP Points. Shipping costs do not get you GP Points. Along with getting GP Points having an account will also let you make a wishlist, keep an address book in case you want to send a package to more than one address, and keep track as to what newsletters you get in your Email if you’ve signed up for them.

Customer Support

I have not had a single problem with Gundam Planet since I began ordering with them but from different users from the Gundam Building Reddit the general consensus is that Gundam Planet has a remarkable customer service. If any problems arise, I will gladly update this section. I will also add any personal anecdotes from those who would like to send me them. I have also read on their website that even though they may not sell a certain item you might be able to get them to put it in the store by writing to their email. I haven’t heard of anyone successfully getting an item in to their shop this way but it never hurts to try!

Shipping and Handling (Not to be confused with Shipping and Handling Charges)

I’m currently waiting on a package from Gundam Planet and I don’t have any pictures from the last time I ordered from them but I will put them up as soon as I get them. The last time I got a package from Gundam Planet was when I ordered an SD Kshatriya kit. I was simply amazed at the care that was put in to the package. The packaging consisted of bubble wrap wrapped tightly around the kit box with Japanese newspaper on the outside of the bubble wrap. The kit box itself was in mint condition which was extremely nice too. The package I’m currently waiting for has an HGUC Zaku II, an HGAG Adele and an HGUC Gerbera Tetra. I’m curious as to how the packaging will come with three full sized High Grade kits versus the SD kit.

Site Extras

Gundam Planet actually runs a blog with reviews, tips and tutorials for Gundam modelers. Some of the things I’ve learned so far about building Gundam models I’ve learned from their blog such as How to use Gundam Markers or How to Store your Gundam Models. I also recommend joining their Facebook fan page since they will always post what and when will be getting restocked along with any new models they’ll be carrying.

My Overall Opinion (Don’t let opinions sway your decisions!)

I recommend Gundam Planet for those who know the basics of Gundam modeling and want to pick up the newer kits that are usually in stock. Gundam Planet does however have some older kits but they generally restock much more slowly (not Gundam Planet’s fault). I also want to recommend this store because they’re based in the US and help the Gundam modeling community grow. For those that don’t know, the Gundam building scene isn’t that huge in the US but has been growing thanks to stores like Gundam Planet and Gundam Store and More. If you have any Gundam Planet stories, let me know in the comments section or you can send me a private message through my email at wilxlopez@gmail.com or on Reddit to user Wilxlopez. If you like my blog feel free to follow me or tell me what I did wrong and what I can improve on. Thank you for reading and good luck buying your models! Cheers!