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Canadian, and Canadian Friendly Vendors
Rick:
Hi all,
I'm located just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and wanted to know who you would recommend for a supplier to the Canadian marketplace. I keep hearing "Groovy Game Gear" and "Ultimarc" bantered about quite regularly, and figured I'd just come out and ask the question. I haven't got anything yet, and am looking for the best source (availability vs. quality vs. price) for everything I'll need to build my own cab. (Looking for joysticks, buttons, spinners and trackballs, and possibly light guns and accessories, so don't rule that out.)
Is there anything one vendor has over another? A product that you can't get anywhere else? A recommendation of a better keyboard controller that I might want to buy from overseas, vs. locally? I'm looking into all of my options, and appreciate the input!
Thanks.
Rick
RayB:
You don't buy emulators. You get them free off the "interwebs".
As for parts, unless its general stuff like buttons, joysticks etc, you're stuck buying the unique items from the vendors who make them. ArcadeVGA video card for example is only sold by Ultimarc (in the UK).
There are a couple Canadian vendors who sell the general common items, but no one real "well established" (AFAIK).
Rick:
--- Quote from: RayB on September 02, 2010, 12:44:07 pm ---You don't buy emulators. You get them free off the "interwebs".
--- End quote ---
Sorry. I meant a keyboard controller. OP modified.
--- Quote from: RayB on September 02, 2010, 12:44:07 pm ---As for parts, unless its general stuff like buttons, joysticks etc, you're stuck buying the unique items from the vendors who make them. ArcadeVGA video card for example is only sold by Ultimarc (in the UK).
There are a couple Canadian vendors who sell the general common items, but no one real "well established" (AFAIK).
--- End quote ---
Good info, thanks.
RayB:
Oh I suppose I should at least list some recommendations before you make the newbie mistake of ordering from Happ Controls.
Every Canadian in this hobby needs to know to order from companies that ship using USPS (US Postal service). Avoid any company that uses UPS, as you will get charged unreasonable brokerage fees. (It's normal to have to pay taxes and a small broker fee on stuff valued over $20). If you order from Happ, and you select USPS, or DHL or whatever, they will switch to UPS, and not even bother to tell you. So avoid Happ.
I buy parts from The Real Bob Roberts, ArcadeShop, QuarterArcade, Ultimarc. I've heard good things about TwistedQuarter, and of course Groovy Game Gear.
If you live near a Starburst / Playdium Store location, you can save yourself on shipping if all you want are buttons, joysticks, power supplies, etc.
I thought we had a list on here already of Canadian sellers. Maybe CheffoJeffo will notice this thread and post a link.
Rick:
--- Quote from: RayB on September 02, 2010, 01:13:23 pm ---If you live near a Starburst / Playdium Store location, you can save yourself on shipping if all you want are buttons, joysticks, power supplies, etc.
--- End quote ---
OMG, The Playdium Store. I had no idea this existed. It ... is about 45 minutes from my house. I'm in that area twice a month. I think I'm drooling. Damn, I hope they have a 'store', or that I can order for pickup to avoid shipping charges. I'm so excited.
:P
Wow, what a sexy looking store. I think my Family and I are going on a field trip this weekend. Interestingly enough, however, they DON'T seem to have everything I would like - spinners, for example. Beyond that, I think the prices are a wee bit higher, so I'd have to weigh the price of shipping and the wait times from other vendors vs. the convenience of picking stuff up. (Of course, if I'm just building a basic cab with joysticks and buttons, then they're still an obvious contender.