Large Scale Central

Online purchases using credit card outside American mainland

General Discussion
#1

Two months ago, I tried unsuccessfully, to purchase several LGB items from Ridge Road Station using their online website. After several failed attempts I emailed them of the site problem and was told that it now contravenes U.S. law for a company within the States, to process an online credit card purchase from a foreign national outside the States. I was told to email my order with credit card account details and the order would be processed (which I did and received the goods shortly thereafter).

This does open up my credit card account details, including expiry date plus security code number to unscrupulous email hackers. The details were transmitted over several emails as a precaution. The effect of all this is that I no longer purchase from Ridge Road as I am unable to use the convenient and secure online site.

As a side note, at the same time I purchased several expensive diecast toys from a Chicago-based diecast specialist (3000toys) and they did accept my card details, but did take five working days to approve my card details. Online website purchases are really not very convenient without card access for payment.

Maybe someone outside the continental U.S. could comment if they have had similar experiences.

#2

Try ordering from China using only a CC.
Many of the on line discount dealers will only take Pay Pal.
I was told that this is to make it more difficult for the Chinese authorities to track money movement and therefore tax it.
Apparently Pay Pal is so secure the Chinese Guvmint cannot crack it.

Or, perhaps it is a sign of the times that Pay Pal is now starting to dominate the methods of the way money can change hands.
Even I have to get with them now that I am primarily a direct seller.

#3

Tim,

I very rarely order on-line, just view what is available, even from UK suppliers. I share your concerns about hackers etc. so I prefer to 'phone - especially if there is a toll-free or other free 'phone arrangement but even them only to a company whom I feel is trustworthy and known.

I recall a post some while ago here about a company whose young child often answered the 'phone. I recall the comment, astutely made, by Tac regarding the passing of card details in this instance.

I have purchased often directly from Aristo-Craft and used RLD Hobbies a couple of time using this method: I guess a telephone call is regarded as quite different to on-line purchase and therefore not illegal.

Telephone calls from the UK to the United States are very cheap; using Skype even more so.

#4

Horse Manure.
They just don’t want to pay the currency exchange fees the credit card companies tack on.

I am a US retailer, there is no such restriction to sell overseas.

#5

Dave,
I have been purchasing for years now from Ridge Road using my credit card and until two months ago there was no problem. Now, when a purchaser outside the States attempts to use their website to purchase goods, the site replies that there is a problem with the card and does not complete the purchase. They still process credit card purchases when emailing in the details to them. Actually, the credit card company (Mastercard) charges me the currency exchange transaction fee on every card purchase.

    3000toys in Chicago takes at least five working days to approve a credit card purchase, which had me wondering as to what was going on.  I do not purchase railroad items from other than Ridge Road,  so do not know if other online discounters have a similar policy as regards credit card purchases.  Basically,  this limits my U.S. purchases as I reluctantly email credit card details due the inherent security problems.