FAQ
Ordering & Payment
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept the following payment methods:
- TWINT (Swiss mobile payment)
- Visa / Mastercard
- Apple Pay / Google Pay
- PostFinance Pay
- PayPal
- Bank transfer (advance payment)
All payment options are displayed at checkout.
Are prices inclusive of VAT?
AMS is currently below the mandatory VAT registration threshold of CHF 100,000. Our prices are therefore VAT-exempt — what you see is what you pay. There are no hidden taxes or surcharges added at checkout.
How does bank transfer payment work?
When you choose bank transfer at checkout, you will receive our bank details by e-mail. Transfer the exact order amount using your order number as the payment reference. Orders are dispatched once payment is received — this typically takes 1–2 banking days from the time of your transfer.
Shipping
Which countries do you ship to?
AMS ships exclusively within Switzerland. International shipping is not currently available. All prices are in CHF and include no customs or import fees for Swiss customers.
How much does shipping cost?
| Order value | Shipping cost |
|---|---|
| Under CHF 300 | CHF 16.00 flat rate |
| CHF 300 or more | Free |
Shipping costs are shown at checkout before you complete payment.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days of payment confirmation (Monday–Friday, excluding Swiss public holidays). Swiss Post Priority then delivers within 2–4 business days of dispatch.
Every shipment is fully tracked and insured. You will receive a tracking number by e-mail once your order has been dispatched.
Products & Authenticity
Are the models authentic?
Yes. Every item listed on AMS is a genuine product from the original manufacturer or sourced from verified private collections. We do not sell copies, reproductions, or counterfeits. Brand names and product references are used solely to accurately describe the items.
What scales and brands do you carry?
Scales: Primarily 1:18, with selected items in 1:12.
Brands currently stocked:
- CMC Classic Model Cars — hand-crafted precision models, up to 2,000 parts per model
- Exoto — highly detailed motorsport history models
- BBR Models — Italian artisan models (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati)
- GP Replicas — Formula 1 replicas
Further premium brands will be added as inventory grows.
Do you sell pre-owned models?
Yes. Pre-owned items are clearly marked with a condition grade (e.g. NM, EX, VG) and photographed in detail. The stated grade and photos constitute full disclosure of the item’s condition — what you see is what you get. Pre-owned items can offer excellent value, especially for models that are no longer in production.
Condition Grading
What do the condition grades mean?
Every listing shows two grades: model condition / box condition.
Model grades:
| Grade | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| M | Mint | Perfect, never handled; as new |
| NM | Near Mint | Excellent; only the most minor imperfections |
| EX | Excellent | Minor wear from careful handling or display |
| VG | Very Good | Noticeable but not excessive wear |
| G | Good | Significant wear; still displayable |
Box grades:
| Grade | Name |
|---|---|
| MB | Mint Box |
| NMB | Near Mint Box |
| EXB | Excellent Box |
| GB | Good Box |
| NB | No Box (model only) |
For a full description of each grade, see our Condition Grading page.
Why does the box grade matter?
For collector models, the original manufacturer packaging carries significant value — both as part of the display presentation and as a resale factor. A model graded NM / NMB (near-mint model, near-mint box) commands a higher value than the same model without its box. We grade both separately so you know exactly what you are buying.
Returns & Warranty
Can I return a model?
Yes, within 14 calendar days of delivery, provided the item is:
- In its original, unused condition — not displayed or handled beyond inspection
- In its original manufacturer packaging, undamaged
- Accompanied by the original order confirmation
To initiate a return, contact us at info@ams-models.ch within 14 days with your order number. For full details, see our Returns & Refund Policy.
Which items cannot be returned?
The following items are not eligible for return:
- Items that were delivered in a factory-sealed manufacturer box and have been opened by the customer — once the factory seal is broken, we cannot verify the condition of the returned item. If the factory seal remains intact, the standard 14-day return window applies.
- Pre-owned / used items sold with a condition grade — these are sold “as described”; the grade and photos constitute full disclosure
- Items showing signs of use, handling, or display after delivery
- Items returned after the 14-day window
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Under Swiss law (OR Art. 197), AMS provides:
- 2 years for new items
- 1 year for pre-owned items
The warranty covers defects that were present at the time of delivery and were not disclosed in the product description, condition grade, or photos. Normal aging, patina, or any condition consistent with the item’s stated grade is not covered.
If you believe your item has a defect, contact info@ams-models.ch promptly upon discovery with your order number, a description of the issue, and photos.
Contact & About AMS
How can I reach you?
E-mail: info@ams-models.ch
Response time: within 1 business day (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm CET)
For order questions, please include your order number.
Why buy from AMS instead of an international retailer?
Most premium model car retailers are based in Germany or the UK. Ordering from them means prices in EUR/GBP with currency exchange risk, customs inspection and potential import duties, and international shipping times and costs.
With AMS you get:
- CHF pricing — no currency risk, no customs
- Swiss Post Priority shipping — fast, insured, tracked domestic delivery
- Expert curation — every item personally vetted by a collector with 20+ years of experience
- Local support — in Switzerland, in your language