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[Rottweiler]

Has anyone else had problems ordering stuff from HobbyKing Hong Kong? SIX weeks ago I ordered two Escs,and two programmers from them,and I am still waiting for them to be sent! Apparently the programmers are out of stock,and they are still "awaiting delivery" from their supplier,even though they state that normal stock replacement is in 5 to 10 days.I can understand them not sending the order until it is complete,but this service is beyond a joke.When it is eventually sent,it will probably be another couple of weeks awaiting delivery.Their helpline which I have contacted told me there are other people ahead of me in the queue and they will be sent in order so I will just have to wait my turn!
The so called new UK Branch relies on stock from the same source so obviously they are in the same boat.
If I could have gotten my order from elsewhere I certainly would have done so. I will not be using them again thats for sure!
Mick F

[essex2visuvesi]

Im still waiting for an RC plane I ordered from them in July 

[Subculture]

If stuff is out of stock it can sometimes take a long time to get back in stock.

I generally only place an order when everything I want is in stock, then it generally takes a week to tend days to arrive.

Ordered quite a few bits and pieces from them over the past two or three years, and to be honest I've been very happy with the level of service received.

[Neil]

how did you pay for it, Mick....if by credit card or by paypal......just get intouch with either and cancel the order.......I wouldn't stand for anyone treating me like that............get your money back and try somewhere else.
neil.

[ardarossan]

I was going to write them a letter (below), but it fell down by the end of the first sentence...

Dear HobbyKing,
I am so unhappy with the service I am receiving from yourselves that  I'm even considering using my local Hobby Shop!

Andy

[Rottweiler]

I would like to use my local hobby shop! A I dont have one .B the nearest one is over 80 miles away.C they do not stock what I wanted. D As already stated, other Mail Order Companies do not have what I need either.Hence my joy at visiting such shows as at Blackpool and Warwick, where I can actually SEE what I want to buy,and also seeing things I didnt even know existed,with the extra bonus of being able to discuss with the seller my needs.
I support the small man wherever possible,and always offer them the chance to come within the price range of the multiples who are not Always cheaper.
Thanks,
Mick F
Neil,
thanks for the tip,I will give them a couple more weeks and may just do that.I am not at this stage being held up as the escs are for the main motors for my Tamar,which I did source in this Country!
Cheers,
Mick F

[kinmel]

We order lots of kit from Hobbyking, some of which is on backorder.

At least they tell you it is out of stock and how many of the item is on back order. Back orders are filled in the order received.

You also have the option to get an email when an item comes back into stock, and if you are quick enough you can place an order and pay for it then.

The problem is that the Chinese manufacturers build in batches and HobbyKing has to wait until the next batch arrives, it is beyond their control.

[john s 2]

Sadly but for understandable reasons, mainly cost of stock. It is the case that suppliers run out and are unable to replenish. As said a lot of makers run batches. So waits can and do occur. The idea but not possible answer is higher stock levels and ordering more in advance. John.

[tigertiger]

The other thing to consider is that often a minimum order from a Chinese factory can be a large number.


I am not saying that what follows is the case with hobbyking.
Some suppliers wait until they have a large number of orders upfront to reduce the amount of cash tied up in stock. This is arguably not fair on customers, and is not normal practice in Europe, but it is common practice in other markets.


A good reason to check stock before ordering to avoid delays/disappointment.

[NFMike]

In model railways (US stuff anyway) it is becoming common to ask for pre-orders on anything remotely 'special'. So people front up a couple of hundred dollars then wait until enough others do the same for the 'manufacturer' to place an order on the Chinese plant to build the batch. The "expected delivery date" given is, shall we say, 'estimated' - sometimes it takes a year or two to see the product, and sometimes it never happens at all, so modellers with money to spare are often spending it elsewhere rather than risk a long and fruitless wait.

I can understand that they want to minimise the risks of overstock, but it looks a lot like business suicide to me.

[RAAArtyGunner]

Im still waiting for an RC plane I ordered from them in July 

If it piston engined and not a jet it is probably still being flown over