Where Can You Buy Metal Earth Models? (And Other Brands Too)

I’ve shopped around and bought metal model kits from a number of different sources, and I’ve learned quite a lot along the way. The Metal Earth brand itself is produced by and distributed in North America by Fascinations Inc. They have a helpful website, but you can’t order from it. Fascinations do not sell directly to the public. So what are your options?

Where can you buy Metal Earth Models? You can buy Metal Earth model kits from many brick and mortar hobby shops, and online from Innovatoys, Amazon and eBay. Other brands of metal models may be sourced overseas from AliExpress and Wish, and also through dropshipping via eBay.

That’s the short answer. But there’s quite a bit of helpful information that I can share …

Where Can You Buy the Metal Earth Brand Specifically?

Metal Earth (including their popular ICONX line) are widely available in North America from the following sources:

Limited Brick and Mortar Stores

Most people who get into the hobby seem to have a similar experience: the very first time they ever see a Metal Earth kit is on a store checkout counter. That’s why it’s really important that they always continue to be sold this way, to keep growing the audience.

• Check local hobby and toy stores (like Hobbytown USA, or independent shops). Unfortunately, these businesses have gone through challenging times in recent years because of the rise of online shopping, and many have closed. But you’ll still find one in many communities.
• Art and craft chains are another source: stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels.
• Barnes and Noble carry them, although usually only a limited range.

As I said, brick and mortar stores are where people are usually introduced to Metal Earth for the first time. Once they start building them regularly, however, most people buy most of their kits online. They do this for a bigger selection, better prices and, of course, convenience …

Innovatoys

Innovatoys (Click here to check them out) are an official online distributor for Metal Earth, and my absolute favorite source. Here are 5 reasons why I recommend them as the first choice for where to buy Metal Earth models …

• Excellent prices. If you compare their prices with Amazon you’ll find they are no more expensive, and in fact they are often cheaper.
• Always free shipping in the USA. You don’t have to worry about being a Prime account holder. They ship free to all customers.
• Fast, excellent service. The first time I ordered from Innovatoys, I was blown away. I had an email confirmation of shipping within a couple of hours, and the order was in my hands just a couple of days later. It was amazing, and I have had exactly the same experience every time I’ve ordered from them.
• Full range. Innovatoys stock all Metal Earth lines, and keep good inventory. It’s rare that you can’t get what you want right away.
• I’d love to be able to tell you what their customer service is like when you have a problem … but I can’t. Because I’ve never had a problem yet.

Innovatoys are my standout first choice.

Amazon

Having just raved about Innovatoys as my standout favorite, I do love Amazon too. They provide great service, and I shop online with them for all kinds of goods. You can find a lot of Metal Earth models available, and if you have a Prime account, shipping is free.

By all means compare Innovatoys and Amazon.

eBay

As you would expect, there are a number of people selling Metal Earth models on eBay. Usually they’re selling what is surplus to their needs, or a supply that they’ve liquidated from a closing hobby or toy store.

eBay are especially good for finding …

• Rare models. Those “retired” by the manufacturer and no longer available through retail outlets.
• Lots. Here’s where you can pick up some bargains, if you’re willing to buy a number of kits at a time. Enter “metal earth lot” into the search bar. I just ran that search and found several deals. One auction is currently bidding at $38.74 for a lot of 21 kits. That works out to be $1.83 per kit, including shipping! The price may still rise on that one, but bargains like that come up pretty regularly.

Disney Parks

• The Disney Parks collection are released only through the gift stores in the Disney theme parks (and a very limited few in the online Disney store). So if you go to Disneyworld some time, stock up!
• Again you can pick them up from time to time on eBay. Search “metal earth disney”.

[You might also like to read: 31 Cool Ideas for Building Your Own Metal Earth Collection]

What About Other Brands of Metal Models?

Piececool and Mu (Maplemu)

These are probably the two most popular Chinese metal model manufacturers, and they have some really amazing kits. (I especially love the Piececool tanks and ships.)

I have two favorite sources for these brands …

• AliExpress. Download their app to your device, and use the search function to find “metal models”. They function a lot like Amazon, being a very large and reputable “umbrella” site for lots of individual sellers in China. I’ve found their shipping to be quite fast.

I do have to say that using a credit card on AliExpress can pose a problem. I believe it’s perfectly safe, but many people (me included) have had the experience of being suddenly asked for two forms of ID (even after making successful purchases). It seems quite random. I would much rather use Paypal, but it’s not offered by AliExpress at the present time.

QUICK TIP: If you want to buy from AliExpress, and you are asked for two forms of ID, just try a different credit card if you can. For some reason that often fixes the problem. I have no idea why.

The other source is …

• Wish. They also have an app you can download. They’re not as large as AliExpress, but very reputable.

One other source for Piececool and Mu is …

• eBay. In this case, eBay sellers are acting as a “middleman”. They are actually “dropshippers”. You place the order with them, and they are placing the order with a Chinese company who then ships directly to you. So, don’t make the mistake of expecting US domestic shipping times. You’ll probably be waiting about the same length of time as if you ordered from one of the AliExpress or Wish. The advantage you might want by ordering through eBay is that you can use Paypal, and that might make you feel more comfortable.

And check out …

• Tri-M Specialty Products. I came across this Canadian supplier recently, but I have not ordered from them yet. They stock a number of the Mu and Metal Earth models. I can;t recommend them for Metal Earth, because their prices are too high. Stick with Innovatoys. BUT they are interesting for Mu because those prices are competitive AND they offer that every 3rd model you order is free. That makes them a good deal. In order to get free shipping you’ll need to order more than USD$50 worth, but if you can do that, it’s well worth it. I’m going to try them out, and I’ll update this post to let you know how it goes.

[UPDATE: I did place an order for several Mu models, and paid right around what I would have paid direct from China, but every 3rd model is free, so they’re actually cheaper. AND I received them a lot faster than from China! It was around 3 business days. They were well-packed, and because my order cost more than USD$50, shipping was also free. So I was very happy, and I will be ordering from them again for Mu products. I still think they are too expensive for Metal Earth, and I would stick with Innovatoys. But for Mu products, they are a great source.]

Other brands

All of the following brands produce some nice quality kits which you can purchase through AliExpress.

• Tenyo. This is a Japanese company, and (as I understand it) actually come from the same Chinese factory as Metal Earth. Just as Fascinations Inc. are the exclusive licensee for this factory to the US, Tenyo hold the license in Japan.
• Picture Kingdom
• Micro World
• Metalhead

[You might also like to check out my “Favorite Models” page. A list of the kits I’ve had the most fun building.]

I’m sure other members of the #MetalEarthFam community will jump in and point out additional information I haven’t included above. And that would be awesome. It would be great if this page could become a thorough resource to answer that question: where can you buy Metal Earth models.  Please leave a comment below!