Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: perkasa on June 15, 2006, 10:50:37 pm
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Following Alans bad experience Why do we not start to name the good suppliers.
I would like to start by recommending Barry Sullivan who supplies Model Lettering & Decals. Fantastic and quick service. Look him up on www.modellettering.com.
Also Westbourne Models. The have never let me down and have always been very helpful.
There must be many others out there so why not tell us about them. :) :) :)
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The usual culrpits come to mind
Model Slipway - never let me down, gave spare parts for free and all round very helpful and no excuses
Westbourne Models - Can't do enough for you, very helpful, fast and if they havn't got an item they tell you and order it in.
Scoonie Hobbies - Good mail order, although be prepared for a long chat on the phone
Mobile Marine Models - Not the fastest, but quality items and worth the wait, what Bryan doesn't know about tugs
JJC Electronics - Jim is very helpful and will repair and replace items no questions asked
Did I miss anyone ?
Oh yes Chris at Sheerline Model Subs - very helpful, always up for a chat and always helps out if possible
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Westbourne Models really do seem to have a fan club?? This is well deserved.
My dad, now 80, is currently building Slipway's AZIZ Anchor Handling Tug which has a bow thruster.? I located the Graupner version on Westbourne's web site and printed the page off for him.
He ordered one right away, sending a cheque off to Westbourne for the amount stated on their web site.
The bow thruster arrived by return, almost before dad's cheque was in the post box, and came complete with a cash refund and a note to say that the price was actually now lower than stated on the web site!? Now that's what I call real service!
We do supply Barry Shanks at Westbourne with our range of deck fittings, and are proud to do so.? I wish that all our retail customers were as reliable and easy to deal with.? Keep up the good work Barry!
Malcolm Reade
Reade Plastics
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I might as well chip in with the people I have delt with and are excellent.
Kingston mouldings- excellent hulls
Sirmar- excellent hulls and fittings
Fleetscale- as above
Waverley Models- very helpful
SHG Models- very helpful and fast service
Pandan- very helpfula nd qucik service.
Howes of Oxford- outstanding service and very helpful
Hunter Systems-very helpful
White Ensign Models- very helpful and quick
Model Timbers- very helpful
Macs Mouldings- quick and helpful
HSL Mouldings- very helpful
Puffin Models- Very helpful and quick
G Sitek- helpful and quick
I have possibly missed some people, but I have found all the above to be excellent suppliers who I would recommend to anyone.
Daryl
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can i add the following credits for good customer service,
and i know some have been listed already but you cant have too much praise....my experience of using the following businesses has only been good or excellent
precision controls,
macs mouldings
SHG marine
bow wave models
prop shop
mantua models
howes models
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Guy
You cannot be serious - Prop Shop
I order a prop from them the first week in August last year and after 3 weeks it never appeared.
Being cast or balanced was the answer I received when calling
So I went to the Ellsemere show at the end of August and went to the prop shop stand.
Gave some guy, not Simon, the prop part number and he pulled one straight out the box, asking if he had any more
Yes was the reply about 4. These props had been in the box a while.
I bought the prop and cancelled my order later that week.
Why fob people off on the phone so that stock can be kept for the shows
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Never had any problems with prop shop , but then I don't expect 24hr turn round everytime ,great service from Howes,Westbourne and AMC . Ordered some drawings from Metcalf Mouldings on Monday afternoon late .delivered to me Wedensday morning can't ask for more than that.
Cheers
Bob B
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I had similar experience to Casper with Prop Shop, I now use G Sitek who I found excellent. Another firm I have delt with is Waverley Excursions, they were very helpful and made us feel very welcombe. We look forward to more days out with them.
Daryl
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Well i've not had problems yet , just got lucky I guess.
Model Slipway : well what can I say except absolutely excellent service if every company was like this we wouldn't have many problems
Metcalf Mouldings : again excellent communication from Dave and the Hulls with packs I ordered are spot on
Scoonie Hobbies : went into the shop in April and was amazed at the amount of stock they've got in there
I have used Ebay to buy a fair few kits / hulls / motors / plastic card / etc / etc and i've got lucky in that they've all arived as described and in good condition guess i'm just a lucky guy lol.
I'll be starting my model's in October once the summers wargaming campaign has finished and I can get my building table cleared of 28mm figures lol.
Davie Tait
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So this is where you are all hiding, Id like to nominate Martin for good customer service. We technically do not buy from him! Is that allowed? I am sure it is
yes I would like to defend Prop Shop as always had good service I guess they all get it wrong now and again. One singled out for a lot of praise had to be nudged by me 5 months but in defence they had to wait for a manufacturer I think.
several others deserve a thumbs up Tyne models quick of the mark
Model power what they don?t know about batteries
Cammett always prompt great service
A Model World again always prompt and knowledgeable and always phone back
SHG only used once as above but turned up as ordered
Don?t know as we should single out bad or even call it bad maybe just a glitch, as posted in another topic some are only small, we have to bear with them. Let?s be honest if they were big and bigger and had a call centre or order processing we would all be complaining. Thank you to all and after all this is a hobby. Its not as if our life's depend on getting it quick, they shouldn?t
? ?
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Well i've not had problems yet , just got lucky I guess.
Model Slipway : well what can I say except absolutely excellent service if every company was like this we wouldn't have many problems
Modelslipway just proved what you said Davie. Due to my butter fingers, I messed up the wheelhouse screen. I put in a request to purchase a replacement and a piece of 6mm x 3mm styrene. Got email this morning asking for my postal address and that they were sending me the parts FOC and its not the first time!! They did the same once before. Beginners fingers!!
How can you top that for service. I know where my next model will be from!!
Others such as Sussex Model Centre, Steve Webb Models, Pandan Models, ACTion Kit are all in the same boat (excuse pun). Very pleasant to deal with.
Declan
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I've also had good service from Pandan, and I'd also recommend 308 Hobbies (formerly Henry J Nicholls) in London.
harryF states that it's only a hobby and our lives don't depend on getting stuff quickly. Maybe, but surely it's not too much to ask for firms to despatch goods promptly once payment has cleared, and not to fob people off with excuses.
I've never run a business, but I sell stuff on ebay, and I have a strict routine for packing and sending goods promptly. Which is why I have 100% positive feedback.
We have to put up with too much bad service in this country. Four years ago, the firm I worked for was taken over by an American company. One of our senior managers described the Americans as being "very demanding". We should be more demanding in this country, then maybe we wouldn't keep getting the crap service firms try to get away with.
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I thought this thread was about praising good suppliers, but I agree with One Blade Missing, it is not too much to ask for a supplier to send out items promptly after receiving payment.
It is not a matter of life and death but taking payment and delaying sending out items is a bit bad.
Talking about good suppliers, has anyone heard from or see Jim Casey of JJC ?
I have tried calling him to order some parts but no answer.
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He's probably working abroad.
Barrie
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and my nomination is, drum roll,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
John haynes. phoned him up to ask if he did a certain type of RN hatch, no, but if i sent him a drawing he would see what he could do. hey presto a shed load of hatches for my TYNE. the same goes for his companion ways, he now does a different lenght set.
Also Model Flags for a long conversation on hull markings, loock real good on the TYNE.
Mick Charles Models. old fashioned shop, dont do web sites. but Dave and john and jamie cant advice you on aint worth knowing
colin
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Don't think anyone's mentioned Model Dockyard yet. Only bought a few bits from them, but very prompt service. John Lambert's plans are excellent. Westbourne impressive: they replaced a pair of bent shafts from G Sitek there and then, no questions asked.
If anyone out there is also into r/c cars/trucks/tanks, then I can recommend Time Tunnel Models: excellent service, friendly and very efficient. Not too many boats, but possibly a good source for fast 540 type motors, nicads and prop shaft bearings etc.
Mike
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Add Tony Ellis of Model Marine Supplies to that list!
Hiis email is [color=Blue]mmsocturacmbuk@aol.com[/color] and website is http://modelmarinesupplies.co.uk (http://)
Oder by 2pm and you usually get it the next day.
As the email address says he is Octura and AeroMarine parts.
Just received an email from Tony to say he has gone "broadband", so the email address has changed - check his website for the new one.
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As somebody said....praise is worth repeating, so here goes.... Westbourne; Model Slipway; Deans; Pandan; SHG; Model Dockyard and a new one (importer of Laser model yachts) Peterkin.
Not much use to many of you but..... "Au Petit Prince" at Fontenay la Comte here in France. Friendly, efficient and tolerates my poor French.
As a footnote, I am a long since retired Trading Standards Officer and so I know a bit about bad service and rotten trading. So this thread is a great opportunity for me to repeat the advice I always gave to the public "When you are certain the problem is theirs and not yours, be quick to complain in a civil, formal manner. But when you receive good service be even quicker to praise."
Roger in France.
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Nick Tonkin at Model Dockyard, again! Order 4 props, he only had 3 in stock, said the 4th would be with me in 2-3 weeks. That was middle of last week. Fourth prop arrived today: fantastic!
Mike
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Guy
You cannot be serious - Prop Shop
LIKE I SAID I CAN ONLY SPEAK FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF PROP SHOP ,? AND THAT WAS GOOD, I HAD BUILT A SUBMERSIBLE AND NEEDED ADVICE ON WHAT TYPE OF PROP TO FIT, SIMON LOANED ME SEVERAL AT BEALE PARK? ?AND SAID TRY THEM ALL, AND RETURN THE ONES THAT DID NOT SUIT THE MODEL,? I PURCHASED ONLY ONE FROM HIM AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF TRIALS- AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED MY EXPERIENCE OF PROP SHOP IS GOOD.
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Just had great customer relations and service from J.Perkins. I have a Twister bell 47 heli and had monumental crash and burnt out the reciever I purchased a new one from Brentford R.C. ( which came by return of post ) put the replacemant reciever in model swithched on and everything worked for about two mins then nothing so I sent the reciever to J.Perkins on Saturday last with a covering letter, tuesday morning call on my mobile from service dept at Perkins ( after they had tried to get me at home ) saying that they were prepared to replace the reciever but didn't think it was fault on purchase but that one of the motors on the heli was at fault and that i should look at them. This morning replacement reciever from Perkins and replacement motors from Brentford R.C. What better service could you ask for :great in this day and age that there a two companys who realy care about thier customers
Bob B
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stop crashing them bob, elevate lad elevate
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Thats what I was trying to do dog wasn't too pleased when it landed on his head :o :o
Cheers
Bob B
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good customer service ?
I have just recieved a hull and plan and fittings from Metcalf Mouldings................ on time and as promised.
The hull is one of the best i have ever seen ! Communication between myself and the company were never a problem and i am well pleased.
in the same category i would place Prop Shop, Fleetscale, Sirmar,JJC, and of course Westbourne Models. Precision Controls and Quaycraft.
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just a quick shout for deans marine... I happened to email them some photos of my unfinished "melitas" first sail and mentioned that somehow, i suspect on the journey to the lake, I managed to loose part of the plow anchor..a tiny thing I know, but annoying
new one sent f.o.c. and a response within an hour..
danny
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Big mention to Jim Casey of JJC Electronics
First class service and nothing is too much for him.
I bought one of his products from Scoonies and it was not right for the job,
so I phoned Scoonies and they did not have the one I wanted.
A quick email to Jim and he sent me the correct one before I even got the
old one back to him in the post.
Now that is customer service.
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I am new to the forum and have been perusing the various boards and find complaints
Martin
Can we have a section on good customer service - this tends to be neglected.
One recent example was George Turner Models - I was building one of his canal boats and accidently binned some window frames.
On contacting the company they sent me a new set free of charge which I thought was very generous - did not even have to pay postage
George will receive further orders from me - my better half was asking what I wanted for a forthcoming pressent and I gave her George's website details
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Pandan Models definatly had some bits damaged in the post replacements sent out immediatly no questions asked brilliant service A+++++++
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Sheerline Model Submarines gets my vote, Chris will go out of his way to help.
Not, forgetting good old Westbourne. Premium Service
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Knocked off the protruding fronts of one of the anchors on a deans marines Melita... New set sent out free of charge
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Sheerline Model Submarines gets my vote, Chris will go out of his way to help.
Not, forgetting good old Westbourne. Premium Service
here here!!!!!
if not for barry, where would we be? almost ALL of my gear is sourced from barry, from brass wire to esc's to propellers
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Hi Captain Pugwash,
This section already does exist. Look further down the posts.
Pete.
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Model Slipway,
Quick to depatch, will replace missing or wrong kit parts with no quibbles and will give building and painting advice. It also helps that their kits are so good as well.
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Robbe.......
Germany HQ ? (not UK !! )
I have had a few duff/poor quality parts and missing components in my Robbe Atlantis Schooner...
http://ukatlantisbuilder.blogspot.com/
That said, using their main Robbe Site, and their "contact us"? link, they have always replaced the items, in around a week and free of charge......
I cannot fault their service, ;D
Steve
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I have had nothing but excellent service from all British model boat suppliers over the years...in no particular order....Jotika, Model Slipway, Model Dockyard, Westbourne Model Center, Electronize Design, Action, Hunter Systems, Sirmar, Speedline,.....all first class in prompt dispatch of orders and after sale service second to none.....You should be happy chappys to live in a country with so many top notch traders. Bravo Zulu!
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Model Slipway,
Quick to depatch, will replace missing or wrong kit parts with no quibbles and will give building and painting advice. It also helps that their kits are so good as well.
The Model Slipway gets my vote ;) I am currently builing their Hiab seacrane which is excellent, and have the large rib from the drumbeat waiting when finnished. Goods are quickly dispatched, service is excellent, build instructions are easy to read.
When I am ready to purchase my next boat kit, guesss where I will be going. ;)
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Hello all, I've used Anglia Model Centre a couple of times recently (now the local model shop has closed) and have been extrememly impressed by their knowledge and courtesy. the orders were dispatched sameday (even though I was tardy in placing them) afely delivered. The Royal Mail should also get some praise here as it is almost the whole length of the country to cover and the packages arrive before I set of to work the following morning. Excellent service, thanks lads.
cheers
Jim
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My vote definately has to go to Scoonies in Scotland - Andy and Jim give fantastic service!
No quibbles if something is faulty - although that has only happened once in over ten years of using them! And the bit I like the best, they will always give TOTALLY honest advice, even if they actually talk you out of buying something that wouldn't be right for the job! How many suppliers will refuse a sale rather than give a part that isn't right? Not many I'll bet!
Scoonies would be closley followed my Model Dockyard in Truro, fantastic mail order (as are Scoonies), and they keep you updated with regular emails to tell you about delivery.
Regards
Eddy
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Guys
My vote goes to Quaycraft, Wayland is the man he is very helpful and has very quick turn around & WEM they rock as well
cheers
gary rowe
BPMBC
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A MODEL WORLD gets a big thumbs up too. Excellent customer service and speedy delivery ;)
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George Sitek Scale Brass Propellors. Excellent speedy service.
Barrie
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Westbourne Models always helpful
Pandan. Ordered Wednesday PM delivered Thursday AM. Thanks to Post Office as well.
Richard
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Howes Models,
I ordered 3 recievers yesterday lunchtime, here this morning, SUPERB!!
Bob
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There seems to be a few key suppliers, Sirmar, Westbourne, Model Dockyard and JJC.
JJC's Jim swapped a sound module for me. It had been used, no box and my reason for wanting it changed was because I preffered a different sound. How good is that? He's even going to make up interfaces for his own kit and for relay switches to work with Robbe expansion modules!!!!!
Model Dockyard foe effieciancy and speed.
Westbourne for the same and they are very helpfull. It's allways nice to go to a shop as well!!!!
PSShips for customer support
Paul of PSShips has been a great help and an inspiration to me. I have seen his models on the website and when I saw his Arleigh Burke Flight IIa hull I thought I will get that and the rest from Sirmar. I had many email chats with him and he rang me twice. I bought the whole kit from him with the promise of any help I needed. He is making more detail parts and has sent me about 250 photos of the original and his own models under construction.
He later told me he had bought Sirmar so things can only get better!!!
If you like general model shops go to Hannants in Lowerstoft. It's the size of a football pitch (no remote models though)
Holmsey
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I'm fairly new to the hobby so I can't really comment on everyone like some of the people here, but can only comment on my actual experinces...
I bought my first kit (completed) off Paul at PSSHips and I wouldn't hear a bad word said about him. His price was excellent, he kept me informed every step of the way with emailed photographs everytime he made progress on my kit (a 1/96th Perry, USS Copeland). As he progressed he told me what he was doing and why... he even invited me down for a visit to his home so that I could see my build in progress and the others he was in the midst of!
Now I live in China, have done for the last 6 or 7 years, so I was a little concerned about the delivery. The final product was so well packaged that it would have had to be so badly handled to have caused even the slightest amount of damage! Paul was even so still so concerned that he was even making long distance calls to my home to se if it had arrived yet, to ensure that it had got there safely... now THATS service.
When it did arrive I have to say I was speechless. I'm a stickler for quality, but even I was stunned at the high quality finish and detail that Paul had put into the model..
I've had a few bits and pieces off him since and they have always arrived quickly and exactly as promised. Hes happy to answer any questions (no matter how STUPID, and boy do I sometimes ask stupid questions!)
I'm saving like mad to try and buy a 2nd vessel from him, an Arleigh Burke, and cannot think of any reason why ANYONE would want to buy a completed kit from anyone else!!!
Paul isn't just a supplier, you'd see if you bought from him, he treats you more like one of the family!!!
I bought some universal joints from Don at Loyalhanna, very quick delivery for international postage!!
Having said that, I do have some past experience of buying from Chinese suppliers
TJ Models in Guangzhou, bought a kit off them to build myself. Slow going due to lots of problems with lack of build instruction details, missing parts, wrong parts supplied etc etc etc. TJ's have re-issued the drawings and instructions and replaced most of the wrong parts, but also have ignored a lot of the questions and queries (with regards to parts) that I have asked them. That build is still continuing but EVERY step reveals new problems with the kit for me to resolve.... I've also heard that there are a few people in the west waiting for their delivery LONGGGGGG after they'd ordered....
ARK models nr Shanghai, bought a completed kit off them. Now I don't want to go into any detail at this time as we have supposed to have come to a resolution to our dispute (enough said??). We agreed an arrangement in Dec but am still awaiting ARK to uphold their end of the agreement, all I get is delays - delays - delays!!! Think that if I'm honest I don't ever expect them to come good to their word!
I have pictures and documents of the build of the ship supplied by Paul, my build of the Sovremenny from TJ's, and the item supplied by ARK if anyone wishes to see any more details on what I have already spoken about.
Cheers to you all and happy building ;D
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As someone who is just starting out in the supply side of our hobby, it is always nice to receive good feedback (which i have been lucky to have so far). It is fantastic to read all the good comments being written about all the UK suppliers especially Paul from PSShips (who I haven't had the pleasure to meet yet, put nodout will in the future) Good luck to you Fella , well done and thanks to everyone for the kind words.
Martin.
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I have bought three models from Paul Simpson at PSSHIPS all built to an extremely high standard. Recently I had an accident with two of them, HMS WELSHMAN and HMS COSSACK, resulting in damage to the masts. When I told Paul about this he said "No problem, bring them back". I took them to his workshop and he spent the next three hours repairing them as good as new. When I asked what I owed him the reply was "Nothing - no charge for repairs". THAT'S CUSTOMER SERVICE. I have since ordered another model from him.
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Paul,
I got a few models needing repairs, any chance of some future customer service.............................................................
Bob
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A very big hurrah for Model Slipway......
Aziz is a wonderful kit, but I cocked up the waterslide transfers. I e-mailed Jackie asking for price of replacements on Sunday night. Waiting for me in the letter box this morning was a brand new set.
Tim the Wombat.
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anybody want to praise Deans Marine?
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Chromedome
Already done by others - read back through this thread.
Doug
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... I know others have said it, but i have never had any hassle with Deans Marine. Ron has always been brilliant with any issues I've had (missing bits replaced immediately) and his help with my original (learning curve) boat (not a Deans kit but a balsa model built from a plan) was crucial to its speedy completion!
I'm looking forward to going on Friday 1st September - anyone else going that day? It would be good to put faces to Forum names!
Cheers
Brian
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It's true that in general Ron Dean has a pretty good name for after sales service, but I think it all depends on the mood he's in. If you get a cheery "'ello, Ron 'ere!" when you phone, you'll probably be OK. If you get any other response, it might be a good idea to try again next day.
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Right on . I thought I was speaking to two different people at first. Still no complaints, service good.
Richard
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I would like to add a word in praise of Chris Cloke at Sheerline. The submariners amongst you will have read elsewhere of the upgrading he has done to the Trafalagar class model and I decided to go down this path to improve the handling of mine. My home-built wooden crate containing the module left Edinburgh last Thursday (31st August) and re-appeared today (8th Sept) with all the work beautifully completed. This was a major re-build as the module was one of the earlier ones and had to have the motor and gearbox replaced too. The whole lot re-appeared with all the necessary additional parts, a full set of instructions and a wonderful DVD of his new type 2D Coastal U-boat sailing at Norwich complete with German naval music. Very many thanks for your efforts Chris. Brilliant service.
Andrew
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I have just ordered a running set from G. Sitek.
He called me back, and even offered an SWA discount without being asked.
A considerable discount too, well paid for my membership this year!!!
Well Pleased, but this is just his usual service.
No, nothibg to do with him or the company, just makes buying a pleasant experience, even though I am parting with MY money!!!
Bob
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Have to agree with Bob. My last order was shipped before he received my cheque. In my experience he always calls to verify what you want.
Barrie
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I posted a thread relating to the Caldercraft Sir Kay kit. I actually e-mailed Caldercraft direct with some queries several days ago and I'm still waiting for a reply, while members of the forum, presumably with no financial interest in Caldercraft, were extremely quick to reply.
To be fair to Caldercraft, they may not have received my e-mail (although all my other e-mails are getting through, as are my postings to the forum) or the person charged with providing technical advice may currently be unavailable. Either way I am a little disappointed considering how much the model costs, and which I was prepared to pay had it fitted my requirements.
On the other hand I received a reply from Dean's Marine the same day as my request for info regarding their compact kits, and I have just contacted GT Models today, so I will let you know how I get on.
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Further to my last post, george Turner models replied to me the next working day, and were very honest about the suitability of the kit for a beginner, although they did say that help and advice was just a phone call away. I am still waiting to hear from Caldercraft...!
In terms of help and advice I'd rate Dean's marine and GT models very highly, and I haven't parted with a penny yet!
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It was raining on Sunday so I didn't go to the lake. Instead I was working on my latest model using my belt sander when the blasted belt broke and I had not got another. The only place on the web I could find that stocked the size I wanted was Screwfix. I placed an order online - this is SUNDAY remember- and they were delivered today - Monday at 1-00 p.m.
Thats what I call real service.
Don
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Well, I recently purchased my new winter project from Germany ;D
http://www.moduni.de/
OKay, their English part of the web site is not the greatest.. but hey there are web translators ;)
Anyway, their web site DID say it was "to order, expected in 2 weeks.."
I am in no rush SO I placed the order, used my CC,, no problem.
Email confirmation arrived in English..., two weeks passed... I enquired... ? whats the update ?
Very sorry, its overdue... do you want to cancel or wait ?
I will wait , thanks.....
Next day ........Despatched from Germany on Thursday, arrived at my Door Monday ( 3rd working day) ;D
Best of all ?
VAT and Carriage paid AND insured orders over 125 euro.. and even better.. saved 25% on the very best price any UK dealer could offer ( and the UK want to charge me carriage on top of a £200 order)!!
This comes from an authorised offical "dealer" ..... no grey import.... no hidden charges, fully guaranteed, fresh stock.
Excellent service, from an Excellent German company.
Well pleased,well happy ! I SHALL deal with them again
Steve ;D
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Wish i could get hold of Jim at JJC Electronics. Has he left the country?
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SLEC. CANNOT BE FAULTED.
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How about a Canadian perspective......I have had nothing but excellent service from all of the British model boat trade. I have ordered items stateside and waited months for it. Ten days is the usual turnaround time from Britain....you can't beat that.
In no particular order....
Model Slipway
Sirmar
Model Dockyard
Electronize Design
Action
Speedline
Westbourne Model Center
Jotika
If I missed any it is not intentional....
All are fantastic to deal with.....you lads vare very lucky to live in such a small place with sooooo many clubs and traders.....out here in the wilds of the praries we have to go a longgg way to find another club.
I have been to the UK several times and enjoy it each time. I have been to the old Greenwich Model Boat show in 96 and at Beale shows in 1998 and 2001....I can't wait to get back again....
Best regards from Canada
Bob Russell
Winnipeg
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Well you should try China.
I have had people be abusive to my wife, telling her she must be stupid for wanting to buy soemthing they don't usually stock.
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Mtronics - For replacing two blown ESC's without hassle and for taking the time to investigate a problem I was having with their ESC's.
Scottie
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Four or five weeks ago, I sent a damaged (soaked by sea water once too often!) slave sound module to JJC to see if Jim could fix it. I heard nothing back until last Saturday when I got a brand new one through the post, free of charge. Jim I know is a busy man and often abroad (I believe), so response times are sometimes slow, as others have reported, but the service, when he does get the time, is second to none...and I haven't heard anything else commercially available which sounds a tenth as good as his MTB (triple V-12 Packards) sound module!
Mike
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My daughter gave me a Perkasa kit last Christmas. Anglia models were very helpful with powertrain advice and rapid supply - they actually read their e-mails and send helpful replies. It's a shame they didn't get a mention in the MB Kit special - their Precedent range is small but they are some of the last real kits.
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I have not yet had a lot of experience with Model suppliers as i am fairly new to the hobby but those i have dealt with have all given me excellent service ,especially Pandan Models who turned my very small order round in less than 24 hours well done to them, aslo to A Model World and Howes both very knowledgable and helpful :) :) :) :)
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A word of praise for Marionville Models (http://www.marionvillemodels.com/sitemap.aspx) in Edinburgh. I ordered a model they don't normally stock on Friday - and got a phone call yesterday (Monday) to say it had arrived. You can't do better than that!
Andrew
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This may interest a few of you, it certainly explains some recent problems I've been having with suppliers. I was talking on the phone just now to a fairly well known supplier of model bits, mainly to ask him if he'd received an e-mail I'd sent. He admitted to only checking all his e-mails "Once or twice a week...". This supplier has featured in either this thread or another one about supplier delivery problems, though in his case I don't think the mention was particularly unfavourable, but since he's not one of the biggest offenders where customer contacts are concerned, I'm not going to name him. And before anyone asks, yes, he has got a broadband connection. Seems to me that's a bit like storing up all the mail that comes through your letterbox and having just one set day each week to open it, ignoring it all the rest of the time. The many communication advances of the twentyfirst Century are wasted on some of these people, aren't they?
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...He admitted to only checking all his e-mails "Once or twice a week...". ... The many communication advances of the twentyfirst Century are wasted on some of these people, aren't they?
Are they? ???
I tell the managers I train to only turn on their email twice or three times a day. Otherwise they will (and often do) stop everything to answer an email. This means that they are constantly stopping important >:( work to deal with the emails. Everytime you stop it takes time to get up to speed again. Emails are rarely if ever really urgent (except to the sender). If everything has priority then nothing has priority.
Setting aside a time to only deal with emails is a very good idea ;), granted once a week is probably not enough.
It allows people to dedicate time to serving the customers needs. Most of the business we are talking about here do not have the resources to employ someone to just do emails.
I think if we are not careful the technology can be our master and not our servant. I live in a city where people will take phone calls sitting on the bog :-[, they even have phones next to the bog at home. ::)
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John Darke of Darkes Enterprises in Queensland Australia, he supplies virtually anything for the hobby and does so extremely quickly, and even sends the item with the invoice in it and you pay for it when reveived....Brilliant I will always use this service...
Roy
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Any commercial manager should not be reading Email haphazardly, I agree. My complaint is that many never read their mail! Some companies even send automated replies saying they will respond in three days (or whatever) but never do. Examples: Norton/Symantec; Phillips Electronics - very recently.
My pet hate is vast corporations with Customer Service Departments, who have a Customer Charter and who require their staff to issue formulaic and trite statements such as "...your call is important to us...." but do nothing about it.
As I have the time (and a lot of experience of handling customer complaints, before I retired) if I can find a name and address I write to the Chief Exec. or the Chairman or President of such corporations and tell them just how badly there organisations are doing on this front. I usually get no response. However, one major Company had their "Customer Relations Senior Executive" write to me and tell me how well they were doing and how much profit they made last year! It did not seem to occur to them that if they got such things right they would make even more profit.
Roger in France.
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ANGLIA MODEL CENTRE
Mr Brian Hall
On the ball
:)
5 Star
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How about ringing up for an Order at 16:30 Thursday afternoon and an envelope of detail wire turns up Friday 10:00
www.little-cars.com
And no postage!!!!!!!
Excellent
Many thanks
Holmsey
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Not really in the model boating arena, I know, but a good example of fantastic customer service.
Pendle Slot Racing of Colne, Lancashire. I 'phoned in an order at 1.30pm yesterday, and the parcel arrived at 8.14am today. Can't say fairer than that, and that is typical of the service provided by this business.
They update their website regularly, and don't take money for things they don't have in stock.
If they can do it like that, why can't everybody.
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Hi All ;)
I've been very very lucky with my dealings with models shops. I know its going to run out sooner or later.Some get a good deal some don't, Lady Luck I guess.
Also the people I've meet or posted to on the forum have been great to me too. :D :D :D
I also like to personally thank Martin for installing the spell checker...saves me getting slated by correcitees.
Martin
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Giving up on trying to find a UK supplier of a small quantity of quick connect/release 1/8" hose couplings, I turned to 'Battler's Connection' in the USA. I could not have asked for better service; prompt response to my queries, rapid dispatch (even before I had paid the final delivery charge) and good quality. Dispatched from Florida on 26th December and delivered to me in West Lothian on the 29th December via normal airmail!!! Given the £/$ rate of exchange, the cost overall was very reasonable.
Thus, I would certainly recommend www.battlersconnection.com
On a sour note, Prop Shop provided me with two beautiful bronze props which were just what I wanted but it took too many phone calls and listening to too many lame excuses, before they arrived. If they read these postings, they should be getting their act (at least) into gear.
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I'm afraid I have to disagree with the Model dockyard comments.
I used to buy my stripwood from them until they decided there wasn't enough money in it so they now charge three pounds for a cardboard tube that probably costs 50p, on top of normal postage costs, which are also inflated. I wanted less than five pounds worth of wood and the last time I bought from them it cost me ten pounds.
When I said I didn't need full lengths and could he cut them up and put them in an envelope he said it is not worth his while to do so. I find that attitude disgracefull and I won't buy anything from there again.
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I'm afraid I have to disagree with the Model dockyard comments.
I used to buy my stripwood from them until they decided there wasn't enough money in it so they now charge three pounds for a cardboard tube that probably costs 50p, on top of normal postage costs, which are also inflated. I wanted less than five pounds worth of wood and the last time I bought from them it cost me ten pounds.
When I said I didn't need full lengths and could he cut them up and put them in an envelope he said it is not worth his while to do so. I find that attitude disgracefull and I won't buy anything from there again.
I'm not taking sides in this particular case, but in the interest of fairness and accuracy, a point on the cost of postal tubes. My own source of office supplies charges about £1.70 for 910mm tubes bought in packs of 12, and the price only comes down by about 10p if you buy 50. I'm a mail order supplier myself, so I'd say that even at £3.00 plus postage in this instance, Model Dockyard aren't exactly ripping customers off with their charges. Also as most business people will know, small orders are often disproportionally expensive to handle.
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Formby Models have done a good service two things not in stock ordered early December and here for Christmas. :D
It was not model boat items and the postage was aceptable.
Wells done I'll be getting my R/C bike and car parts there.
Martin
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I'm afraid I have to disagree with the Model dockyard comments.
I used to buy my stripwood from them until they decided there wasn't enough money in it so they now charge three pounds for a cardboard tube that probably costs 50p, on top of normal postage costs, which are also inflated. I wanted less than five pounds worth of wood and the last time I bought from them it cost me ten pounds.
When I said I didn't need full lengths and could he cut them up and put them in an envelope he said it is not worth his while to do so. I find that attitude disgracefull and I won't buy anything from there again.
I'm not taking sides in this particular case, but in the interest of fairness and accuracy, a point on the cost of postal tubes. My own source of office supplies charges about £1.70 for 910mm tubes bought in packs of 12, and the price only comes down by about 10p if you buy 50. I'm a mail order supplier myself, so I'd say that even at £3.00 plus postage in this instance, Model Dockyard aren't exactly ripping customers off with their charges. Also as most business people will know, small orders are often disproportionally expensive to handle.
If that is the case he is obviously making considerably more profit on the tube than he is on the wood plus making a profit on the postage. I'm afraid I still see this as ripping people off.
That is one thing but then to inform me it is not worth his while to cut them up made me realise that he basically could not be bothered to go out of his way to offer any sort of service.
When this is compared with some of the excellent traders mentioned above who do go out of thier way to offer a service I'm afraid Model Dockyard would seem to fall a long way short.
I now buy my strip wood from a different supplier which quite possibly originated from the same tree and it costs me a lot less.
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Bunkerbarge
TMD's website clearly states that a £3 surcharge will be added to any order which includes timber. There must be a genuine commercial reason for this e.g. the likelihood of damage in transit and the cost of replacement. If you'd checked it out beforehand then you would have had the choice whether to order from them or not. This would have avoided the possibility of any "unreasonableness" and subsequent bad-feeling from either party.
Who's to say that TMD can get their tubes as cheap as Anmo can? Then there's the cost of wrapping paper, bubble-wrap, adhesive tape, an address label and the stamps - not to mention the time it takes to collect together the order and packaging materials, make up a parcel and take it to the Post Office. I used to pack and post model kits as part of my first job so I know a bit about what's involved. The usual delivery term "P+P" means what it says i.e. post AND packing. Not all of the associated costs of packing are immediately visible to the customer, and no business ever got rich by trying to overcharge for postage - we leave that to Royal Mail; they're experts at it.
TMD seem to be a specialist supplier of kits rather than smaller items. Like Anmo says, little orders can be more trouble than they are worth. It may well be that your new supplier specialises in timber and has costed P+P into his prices, in which case everyone should be happy.
No offence intended but, in respect of "ripping people off", please let's keep it in proportion. I wouldn't say that sticking to their stated policy on postage surcharges (or perhaps showing an unwillingness to waive that policy for your order) constitutes poor customer service on the part of TMD. I'm afraid that the feedback ref The Model Dockyard on this thread puts you firmly in the minority.
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I really take exception to the idea that The Model Dockyard give bad service. :(
I have used them on numerous occassions sometimes for only a small item and I have found them very helpful, efficient and competitive.
One thing we have to remember is that with the new postal rates its not only the weight of the parcel but also the size that is now taken into account.
We also have to remember that if your cardboard tube only has a small amount of timber in it or a lot of timber in it , it is still the same size tube.
Richard ;)
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I'm fairly new to the hobby so I can't really comment on everyone like some of the people here, but can only comment on my actual experinces...
Having said that, I do have some past experience of buying from Chinese suppliers
TJ Models in Guangzhou, bought a kit off them to build myself. Slow going due to lots of problems with lack of build instruction details, missing parts, wrong parts supplied etc etc etc. TJ's have re-issued the drawings and instructions and replaced most of the wrong parts, but also have ignored a lot of the questions and queries (with regards to parts) that I have asked them. That build is still continuing but EVERY step reveals new problems with the kit for me to resolve.... I've also heard that there are a few people in the west waiting for their delivery LONGGGGGG after they'd ordered....
ARK models nr Shanghai, bought a completed kit off them. Now I don't want to go into any detail at this time as we have supposed to have come to a resolution to our dispute (enough said??). We agreed an arrangement in Dec but am still awaiting ARK to uphold their end of the agreement, all I get is delays - delays - delays!!! Think that if I'm honest I don't ever expect them to come good to their word!
I have pictures and documents of the build of the ship supplied by Paul, my build of the Sovremenny from TJ's, and the item supplied by ARK if anyone wishes to see any more details on what I have already spoken about.
Cheers to you all and happy building ;D
I've had similar experiences with Feng of Arkmodel. He promises great service but never seems to be able to fill what he gaurantees for delivery & quality. Have given him two simple commisisons back in July to build wtcs & parts for sub conversions I was planning to have completed by October - here it is January & he still hasn't resolved the botched work on one kit that is now broken & worthless. You can't get him to confirm anything & at this point, he doesn't even give one the decency of a simple reply.
For more details of my issues & photos of his "excellent quality" , visit: http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?t=2052
What part of China do you live? I'm in Shanghai & always looking for other modelers to get together with.
Best regards,
Chuck Miller
Shanghai
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There seem to be a lot of people missing the point I am making here.
The cost of postage is one thing and I agree I had the choice. Whether the cost is a rip off is obviously open to personal opinion and would never be agreed upon in a wide forum.
My main concern though when I spoke to the gentleman in question on the phone was when he told me it wasn't worth his while to cut the wood up. That is where I still maintain he is not providing a service of a standard I would like. Obviously these opinions are always as a result of personal experiences and I am simply relating my own.
I notice there have been a number of negative comments in other threads on here regarding JJC however my own personal experiencers with Jim have always been extreemly supportive and he always goes out of his way to help.
It is when I compare such vendors as Jim, Scoonies and the like with the attitude "It is not worth my while" that I feel that TMD is falling short.
There will always of course be people who take exception to comments regarding poor service but, to me, the issue of service only occurs when vendors actually go out of thier way to offer some.
As I said this is all based on personal experiences and mine was not a positive one.
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There seem to be a lot of people missing the point I am making here.
The cost of postage is one thing and I agree I had the choice. Whether the cost is a rip off is obviously open to personal opinion and would never be agreed upon in a wide forum.
I was going to keep out of this sad little argument, but feel I have to stick up for traders.
If bunkerbarge feels that Nick Tonkin at Model Dockyard was rude to him in some way, that's not acceptable of course, but it isn't really what we're discussing here is it, and I for one would very much like to hear Nick's side of this particular story. I don't agree that "A lot of people seem to be missing the point", I'm pretty sure that most of them will get 'the point' only too well.
Let's think about the economics Bunkerbarge. You saw the terms in Dockyard's advert or on their website, you placed a small order for £5 worth of wood, and then you complain when you're charged exactly what the trading terms made it perfectly clear you would be. Presumably you have no problem with Dockyard making a few pence profit on £5 worth of wood, so let's concentrate on the £5 charge for P & P. From that we have to deduct the cost of the mailing tube that you knew about when you ordered. I think that FLJ's estimate is on the low side, but we'll say £1.70. Add the cost of postage, which will be around £1.50, the cost of bubble wrap & other items, and that takes us to something like £3.50. And there's another charge you can add, if bunkerbarge paid by cheque or credit card, an inescapable bank fee of something like 45p has to come off Model Dockyard's 'profit'. That means that you think by being charged one pound or less for all the labour involved, modellers in general and you in particular are being 'ripped off'. As has been pointed out earlier, there is rarely much profit in small orders. You started by accusing Model Dockyard of overcharging, 'ripping customers off', and you were wrong about that, so I'm sure you're big enough to apologise. I don't know Nick personally, but I know he runs a good operation, and the service he provides has often been praised on this forum.
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When I purchased a Hitec receiver from Scoonies it didn't work in my model. I tried a number of combinations of receivers, crystals and radio's to no effect. When I phoned Scoonies to discus the issue they spent a long time on the phone with me trying to get it to work. When it didn't they sent me another asking me to try the same procedures. They didn't wait for the old one to be returned, they didn't want postage up front, they simply sent me another and asked me to return whichever one was appropriate.
When I purchased a sound unit from JJC and I had problems with interference Jim led me through a number of options on the phone which didn't work. He sent me a replacement immediately and asked me to return the faulty unit to him. He didn't wait for the faulty unit or postage up front he simply forwarded a new unit.
They, to me, are examples of excellent service.
To be told "it is not worth my while" over the phone by a vendor, to me, is a lack of service.
That is my point
and thanks Kayem for the apology.
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Most model shops do say what the postage is on the item. A lot have free postage if you spend over £Xs. It is the small things urgently wanted that costs a lot to post.
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Bunkerbarge
Your experiences with Scoonies and JJC were not examples of excellent service but unusual service .
However I will agree that Scoonies and JJC offer very good service.
Richard ;)
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MODEL SLIPWAY.
I phoned them yesterday afternoon for a Club 500 motor, and it arrived this morning.
20 hours from order to receipt.
Very good.
Bob
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Bunkerbarge
Your experiences with Scoonies and JJC were not examples of excellent service but unusual service .
However I will agree that Scoonies and JJC offer very good service.
Richard ;)
If only JJC bothered to answer emails he might not be at the bottom of the heap for me.
Barry M
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I have purchased one full kit (Celia) and two semi kits (both Sirmar) from The Model Dockyard, they all arrived safely and quickly and when I later contacted them for advice on a motor for one of them the reply was prompt and helpful.
I will certainly be using them again.
Clive :)
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Boater ordered a set of plasticote sprays from www.paintsprays.co.uk yesterday afternoon and they arrived this morning. Super service.
Thank goodness I recommended them. ;D
Richard ;)
PS This site is well worth a visit as their range of paints and dyes is quite extensive
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You on a commission then Richard ;D
Clive :)
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I wish.
Just a satisfied customer who got fed up with fruitless visits to Halfords Clive.
Richard ;)
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Speaking of Halfords, they specialise in poor customer service. In December I purchased a bike through my company on the "Cycle 2 Work" scheme. I kept getting punctures, on inspection the wheel rims are badly machined inside and they were piercing the inner tubes. I took the rear wheel back and showed them the problem, their solution was to wrap insulation tape around the rim tape to protect it more. Then the same happened on the front so instead of wasting an 1 hour and 1/2 gallon of fuel I wrapped the rim tape myself. Anyway said Bike is still suffering internal punctures, meanwhile I now find out a colleague at another branch has the same bike and same problem, however his local branch of Halfords replaced the wheels without being asked. I now have to go back on Saturday with my bike and request the same service.
Upshot of this is that I no longer shop at Halfords and will only be returning with my bike whilst it is under warranty.
Clive
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Your bike is obviously not of "satisfactory quality" as defined by the Sale of Goods Act 1979. You (not Halfords) have the right to choose a repair, replacement or full refund. If you complain within 6 months it is down to Halfords to prove the goods were not faulty; if you complain after 6 months it is down to you to prove the good are faulty. I wouldn't think the latter was difficult and tape is hardly an acceptable repair. If the branch staff are ignorant of consumer law (not uncommon) get on to Halfords head office and complain to the MD or Chairman. Don't bother with Customer Relations - annoy the top banana and he will kick a**e asking his staff why he is being bothered with problems they should sort out. You will get the result you want.
Barry M
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Hello Barry,
I had planned to fire the Sale of Goods act, in particular the fact that the bike was sold for a purpose which it cannot fulfil. Ie it was bought on the cycle2work scheme and I can't cycle to work.
I had dismantled and stored my previous bike which I have now reassembled. Despite being in the loft for 4 1/2 months the tyres are still as hard as I left them.
Ah well, off to ring the store manager and arrange for my bike to be serviced and repaired at the same time.
Clive
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Great service A Model World,
Ordered Monday.
Cheque sent Tuesday.
PT 15 arrived this morning.
They didn't make it for me though. :(
Now got to find a wall big enough for the drawing.
Excellent price excellent service.
Richard ;)
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So will it be on the water sunday Richard :)
Bob
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No Bob
Not allowed to start it till 4th July as it is my birthday present from SWIMBO.
Says I make them quicker than she earns the money to pay for them, so is slowing me down.
Motor is Vision 600 Mtroniks and the prop is 48mm 2 bladed plastic.
Lets hope Jay sorts something out about using the lake.
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Re: Good Customer Service.
« Reply #85 on: Today at 03:50:06 PM »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great service A Model World,
Ordered Monday.
Cheque sent Tuesday.
PT 15 arrived this morning.
They didn't make it for me though.
Now got to find a wall big enough for the drawing.
Excerllent price excerllent service.
Richard
Think you may find a few spelling mistakes in this post Richard OLD buddy may be 65 but the peepers are still working fine ;D ;D
Cheers
BobB
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Did it just for you Bob didn't want you to feel lonely buddy. ;D
Richard ;)
PS Did you check "UK military hospitals".
Just what did you have to edit on this thread ? ???
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Not interested in the U.S. or what it stands for sorry if that offends anyone
Cheers
Bobb
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Not interested in the U.S. or what it stands for sorry if that offends anyone
Cheers
Bobb
Still not wearing those glasses buddy, who mentioned the US ? ???
Richard ;)
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John Haynes fittings, excellent fittings very quick delivery and outstanding service. Very pleased well done John, I havn't seen fittings of such quality for a very long time they are excellent.
Daryl
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I have to mention Fratton Model Centre in Portsmouth.
2 of the lads working there are members of the Portsmouth Display Team.
Nice to see a model shop who specialise in Model Boats and can give excellent advice from experience.
Bob
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I would like to add my two Pennyworth in praise of Model Slipway.
Having commenced building my Yorkshireman in 2001 I decided that was a good time to suffer a stroke. in 2006 FIVE YEARS later I found that a few casting had gone walkabout. an email to Model slipway and the parts were in the post - Brilliant.
I went to their stand at Ellesmere Port in March with the sole intention of offering my thanks, they were very gracious
Tom
Keep on steaming
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Top of my list for excellent customer service is Model Slipway, I have just purchased the FSB Tenby kit, my emailed questions were answered quickly and the kit was paid for Friday night(18th May). I have been to my local City Link depot this evening to collect my kit. I wasn't expecting this until the end of the week and I thought it would come Royal Mail for the postage fee paid.
It didn't stop there either, the instructions and drawings are very clear and even I can follow them no problem. The white metal fittings are better quality than others I have purchased.
Well done Jackie and Laurie, I will be back for my next project :)
Thanks
Clive
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Order for new transmitter placed with HOWES on Monday afternoon. Arrived 7.30am Tuesday morning. Well done Howes. :D
Terry.
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Went looking for an out of production kit, and saw a 2nd hand one at
www.radiocontrolmodels.co.uk ,
possibly the only one in the world, at a very attractive price.
Three cheers for Mike Burton, who answered my e-mail questions on the Sunday, received and confirmed my order, couldn't post it Monday (Bank Holiday, I received it today, Thursday. Price was as stated although postage was higher than expected and the entire thing had extra protective packing.
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I liked the look of the Deans SY Medea at Wicksteed. Sent off the cheque when I got back and it arrived the day afterwards. Great service - now I've just got to build it!
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Well, about time I stuck my two penneth in for the service from Electronize. I had need to ring David up last friday, typical, just before a bank holiday. I discussed my problem and he said he would send me some items in the post. Lo and behold, saturday morning they arrived in Beverley and meant that I could get two controllers, both about 8 year old, back working. I would like to congratulate David for his service and the quality of his controllers. Cheers David!
Wiggy.
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James Lane
I sent off an order about three weeks ago and had not received it. I know that Mr Lane takes a couple of weeks to make his stanchions so I allways allow some time. I rang him up on Monday and we agreed that my order must have gone astray. I posted off another order with a little note "please turnaround ASAP as I have run out of stanchions"
The package turned up today Saturday.
Many thanks, I can spend Sunday putting railings on the model.
Holmsey
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hi holmsey i deal with jim lane on a regular basis and always get my stantions within a few days,, and not found any better,, hope to see the end result soon,,,, regards brian_c ;)
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Sadly I have today cancelled an order with Westbourne Models.
My complaint is not about any product but the offhand way they have regarded the order I placed with them. I placed an order for jjc equipment worth over £100 after they kindly gave me advice on the sort of sound module and smoke generator that would be suitable for my model. The order was placed 3rd June. About a week later I enquired by email about when I could expect delivery and was then told that there was a shortage of stock on one of the items. I requested that I be kept informed as to the status of my order and have heard nothing from Westbourne.
Shame really I have heard good things about them, obviously keeping (potential ) customers up to date on the status of their orders is not high on Westbourne's priority list.
A rather sad
Tom Eccles
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I'm having the same problems obtaining a JJC smokey via Westbourne :(
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I think that there has been some problems with the 'OS' and that to blame Westbourne's for this is slightly wrong,
Though if there has been an oversite with contact as to the availability of said items then maybe a thought that Westbourne's could be inundated with queries and requests for such items
I may be bias as Westbourne Models have supplied me and one other very well with every thing we requested even though we had to wait for an 'OS' unit to become available
Richard,
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hi holmsey i deal with jim lane on a regular basis and always get my stantions within a few days,, and not found any better,, hope to see the end result soon,,,, regards brian_c ;)
I managed to get a few on this weekend!!!
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Maybe I wasnt clear.
I am NOT blaming Westbourne for difficulties they are having with suppliers- these things happen.
What I AM miffed about is not being kept informed. If I walked into the shop on a regular basis I would be told what the state of play was. Similarly, if I telephoned regularly I would be kept informed.
Suppliers invite us to contact them via email, they should then use that medium to keep people informed. I dont mind waiting (too much) but I dont like being left waiting with no contact.
Cheers
Tom
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Suppliers invite us to contact them via email, they should then use that medium to keep people informed. I dont mind waiting (too much) but I dont like being left waiting with no contact.
Oh god! We're not going to go down this route again, are we?
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De-ja-vue springs to mind ???
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As this string is entitled "Good Customer Service" and my point is about customer service I am at a loss about which other route to go down.
Tom
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We have only just had 80 postings on "Why don't some Model Shops answer emails?".
It gets a little wearing dont you think?
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OK, I'm going to let the proceeding post stand as they are valid issues but please lets restrict ourselves to GOOD Customer SERVICE in this particular topic.
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Martin at Westbournes must have been busy filling my order...
I emailed it thro' on Friday and it came in this mornings post!!
Hows that for good service?
I always ask if its in stock..then if not ask for an email when it is..then I can look out for it in the post....
I'm not much interested in being told its not there...
alan
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Specifically for Dicky D
I would suggest that if you have nothing POSITIVE to add to a string you should just read it and move on.
I may be missing the point here and if I am I apologise but it seems to me that WE are the CUSTOMERS her and as such have a right to good customer service and only by highlighting the weaker aspects can we encourage traders to improve.
I wish to make clear that I have no axe to grind either for or against Westbourne models Everything I have previously heard about them has been positive. THAT is why I placed my order with them and THAT is why I raised my comment.
Perhaps I am doing wrong, if so I would welcome the advice of our Moderator but I do not take too kindly to people attempting to stifle debate AND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE TO US by dribbling in one liners.
Regards to all
Tom Eccles
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Tom
I think that Dicky D was just making the point that this subject has already very recently been done to death on another thread of which you were perhaps not aware.
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Thanks for that Tom. Hope you feel better now.
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hi all
Hows this for good customer service.
The guy who has just acquired ACTion and is running the business now - I rings this guy up at 11.30 a.m. on a Sunday morning - I says to him - hey mate I just fried one of your chips in one of your mixers and he said hey its Sunday you shouldnt have been frying chips - you should be having roast beef and Yorkshire puds! Guess what arrived this morning at 10.30 a.m. in the post......brand new replacement chip for the mixer - that is good service - he must have posted that Sunday shortly after my phone call for it to reach me by 10.30 a.m. I thought he'd driven up with it in his car, as I wasnt expecting it until Tuesday or Wednesday - that speaks volumes for service.
I can see plenty business coming his way from me.
aye
john e
bluebird
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Hi all as we are singing the praises here i would like to say that I have had nothing but top notch services from both westbourne and Sirmar (old and new). Barry and Martin have always been a great help to me when i have ordered off of them and it is my understanding that they are always very busy(which in my mind is a good thing) but are always more than happy to stop what they are doing for a chat.
The same can be said about Paul at Sirmar/Psships, I can say truthfuly i would not be making such great progress with my illustrious if it wasnt for paul ansewering all my questions (no matter how silly) and emailing me pictures so help explain, again another top notch bloke who i now consider a friend always willing to help.
Stu
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Hi all, I'm new here, but, my dealings with shops and trade has differed over the years, but, the best ones that come to mind are Westbourne's, Slipway, Deans, Sirmar and Psships before he took over Sirmar, since then he's even better. But, all the above I have mentioned have been brill!
Luke.
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Further to my earlier rantings on this subject (sorry about that but it IS important)
I would like to second what bluebird said about ACTion.
I contacted them over the weekend via e-mail. Late on Sunday after a few inane queries from me Dave sent me a wiring diagram. On Monday I placed my order and all parts arrived today. Great!!!
All I have to do now is work out how everything goes together(thinks, what does v+ mean???....)
Regards to all
Tom
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My top award goes to Malcolm at Cornwall Model boats. Very knowledgeable, very helpful and has a stock of parts that get delivered superfast at reasonable prices and rates. :)
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well i think reade plastics deserve a pat on the back !- ordered some stuff online, paid by paypal and goods were on the door mat within 36 hours !
fantastic service, well packed , and nice items- and superfast delivery !
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Thanks to Full Leather Jacket (Action electronics) for great service, ordered mid morning yesterday, goods arrived today!
He also contacted me to say we had forgotten to include some items, and did I want them adding to the order and managed to get them in the same delivery.
Oh yes, and the 5% mayhem discount!
Thanks Dave.
Ian
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well i think reade plastics deserve a pat on the back !- ordered some stuff online, paid by paypal and goods were on the door mat within 36 hours !
fantastic service, well packed , and nice items- and superfast delivery !
Yep, I'd like to second that. I wanted some small parts but one thing and another they didnt arrive. I contacted Malcolm and he actually offered to send the parts free of charge. The non delivery wasnt Malcolm's fault and ! didnt think it fair in the circumstances to accept his generous offer.
Everything was sorted quickly and payment made! Good service all round.
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Hello,
I had ordered some 2.7mm stringing line (deck planking) from Craft Supplies, 15 packs of 10x1m.
Unfortunately some widths were undersize, I phoned them, and they were just so helpful, sending me 80m free of charge, & I can keep all the undersize strips.
The company is - craft-supplies.co.uk, and they do widths of 'stringing line' at 1.5mm, 2.7mm, 3.4mm & 6mm
Colin
At the forth attempt to send me what I wanted, they finally gave up and said they were out of stock. I am now getting it from Modelling Timbers.
The phrase about counting chickens springs to mind.
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Fulleatherjacket Action electronics, excellent help and advice a pleasure to deal with. Outstanding service, very highly recommended. Quality products and good prices , excellent delivery and very good advice. Who could ask for more.
Daryl
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Thanks to PaintSprays.co.uk
Ordered my Plasti-cote primer 8.00 am yesterday, delivered 9.00 am today.
http://www.paintsprays.co.uk/catalog/index.php
Their site is well worth a look for paints polishes adhesives and dyes.
No connection jusst a very satisfied customer
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ACTion.
Ordered 3 speed controllers and mixer yesterday, arrived today.
Had a chat to Dave too, almost a pleasure spending money!!
Good product, excellent customer service, nice feller and an active member on here who could ask for more?
Bob
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Hobby Corner, Wrexham. http://www.hobbycorner.co.uk
A very highly regarded bricks 'n' mortar shop that do very nicely at mail order supply by all accounts :)
Help and advice freely given...
Will do their very best to get the best solution for your needs at the best price.
I recently snaffled a 2.4ghz Futaba 6EX from them, I researched all around the world for the best price - only to find it was 800yds from my front door!! - Not all Local Hobby Shops are created equal, and this one is definitely more equal than most. Still a family business in these days of multis and conglomerates.
Highly recommended - No connection with them - except that they have managed to relieve me of considerable sums of money over the years! Which is no small achievement in itself :D
-Rob
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Axminster Power Tools.
Ordered Epoxy resin yesterday pm arrived in post 10.00am today.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=23719
Excellent service.
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Axminster Power Tools.
Ordered Epoxy resin yesterday pm arrived in post 10.00am today.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=23719
Excellent service.
an old uni mate works for them , he gets me staff discount too !- axminster are very good, their proxxon stuff is ok too, but a little on the dear side...
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I want to add to the great comments I have been reading about ACTion Electronics and Dave Milbourn.
I freely claim to have the electrical knowhow of a demented whelk. Dave has been incredibly patient at answering my queries and the service and delivery really are first class.
He has now broken all records by sending me an item which I expected to collect at Ellesmere port.
I cant wait to meet Dave. He is a credit to ACTion and people like him are a huge bonus to a forum like this.
Tom
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I've just noticed a few references to Westbourne Model Centre and JJC units. I too have had a JJC sound unit on order with Westbourne since June 3rd and they are simply unable to supply because they themselves are not being supplied by JCC. I order regularly from Westbourne and have recently placed two further orders with them and have received the goods quickly and efficiently. I have decided to keep the JJC unit on order with Westbourne because I believe it is the best one for my particular application and I am unlikely to be able to get one anywhere else. In any case the boat sails perfectly well without sound it's just that sound will hopefully add to the enjoyment.
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Meridian I should give Martin at Westbournes a gentle reminder because he has had some in just lately but is still waiting for some to be delivered. I am waiting for one too.
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Hi DickyD
I did talk to Martin last week and the units that they had received were slave sound units not the master units, which they are stilll waiting for and which I have on order. Hopefully we'll get our units soon.
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Only started with model boats this year, but must recomend- JUST ENGINES, For their prompt delivery,advise over the phone, and reasonable prices.They dont deal very much with marine stuff but have an excellent attitude to anything I. C. (Engines, tuned pipes, silencers etc Check em out !
Dave.
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I would like to add Graham Walker at The Model Dock to this growing list, following a telephone conversation regarding the Revell Hermann Marwede conversion I sent off my cheque at the weekend for the motor, shafts and rudder. They arrived today along with a photo copy of the model boats article on carrying out the conversion. The service is first class and Graham is a friendly and helpful person to speak to.
Will definitely buy from Graham again.
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I lost the anchor from my Caldercraft Cumbrae recently. Couldn't be bothered to scratch build a replacement so I emailed JoTika direct enquiring about a replacement. Got an instant response, cost reasonable. Sent off cheque and they sent the spare as soon as they got my letter and cheque. Can't fault that.
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Thanks to component-shop.co.uk for quick service.
Ordered 2 9.6v 4300Mah battery packs at the knock down price of £55.00 the pair inc postage yesterday afternoon and received them at 10.00am today.
Also got a free key ring with a light and compass in it. Can now go out at night. O0
http://www.component-shop.co.uk/html/batteries.html
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Many thanks to Dave from Action, all bits arrived well packed thank you..............
Roy
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A Model World.
Order received a.m. Monday, Kit delivered lunchtime Tuesday. (I build kits!)
Mark was very helpful and prepared to spend time passing on building tips for my new Comtesse.
Terrific!
Clegg
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Deans Marine and component-shop.co.uk goods ordered Thursday, delivered Friday.
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Dave at Action repaired a couple of items without being asked...........and I got a coffee........... ;D ;D
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Excellent service from Redbank Models. Placed an order 9.00pm, delivered 36 hours later after several e-mails informing me of the progress of the order. Will be back. O0
Actually I forgot a couple of items. :embarrassed:
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Westbourne Models. Wanted 20 couplings for club members, spoke to WM on the phone. Said would take 2 to 3 weeks to order from Graupner and send on to me. Got the whole lot 2 days later!
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Great service from Component-Shop.co.uk Ltd . Ordered battery [very good price] at 12 noon yesterday, delivered 12 noon today. Excellent thank you. O0
www.component-shop.co.uk
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I think Dave at ACTion has broken all records with this one. So much so that I had to announce it on the forum.
I posted my order and cheque yesterday afternoon - that is Easter Monday and there are no post collections in this area - The parts arrived this morning!
Superb service and I KNOW that the parts will be fine.
BRILLIANT!
Clegg
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He he can beat that one Dave repaired a sound unit within 30secs at the Epic trade show and even smiled!!!! now that was a FIRST
stavros
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now that was a FIRST
..........and last................. >:(
FLJ
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I have to agree for service I felt that Action was Excellant ordered some stuff via a PM
and had it all ready for collection at Epic bagged and put away for collection
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Ordered a back number from Model Boats, over the weekend.
Email next day to say they didn't have it but offered a photocopy of the article,Emailed me again to say that the article wasn't in the issue I mentioned, and even contacted John Cundle to check if it existed,
Anyway I've some bum info and the one subject doesn't exist.
Emailed Traplet twice now over three weeks not had a reply
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George Turner - www.georgeturnermodels.com (http://www.georgeturnermodels.com).
Always gives quick service and is very friendly. Best of all, when I knocked the pulley off the front of my boat he sent 2 next day as replacements and didn't charge for them.
Phil
philsworkbench.blogspot.com (http://philsworkbench.blogspot.com)
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models by design. very helpful and excellent service
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I would heartily endorse Phil's comment about George Turner models
Fast, cheerful and responsive - his figures make you smile, too!
A good place to hunt for crew members
andrew
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OK not much impresses me, but yesterday at approx 10-20 am I rang Howes models to order more batteries, crystals, and a few other bits and bobs for the Mayhem weekend. Blimey they arrived this morning, so just about 24 hrs.
Now I'm impressed, well done Howes (I will be spending more money with you for sure)
P
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I also had an identical response time from Westbourne Models. Pete M
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I had the same response from Howes, ordered yesterday AM, just arrived. O0
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I can only add a 'me too'.
Ordered yesterday morning - here this morning :)
Great stuff!
-Rob
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I have been using Howes for nearly forty years and can honestly say they have never let me down always recommend them when I can :angel:
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And I got a 24-hr turnaround from ACTion this week!
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Tobyker, So did I, a beautiful P94! Pete M
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ACTion P94 and fuse board - came on time and when I as a noob, had problems regarding wiring the motors & receiver (nothing to do with the parts ordered) ACTion sent a personalised wiring diagram!
Second to none service and I would recommend to anyone.
regards
Gary :)
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Yesterday I received my Caldercraft Morning Star Kit from www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk.
On opening the box I discovered that the hull had a large chip out of the top edge.
I contacted Malcolm at www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk who asked me to send a photo of the damage to him.
He then contacted Jotika who said they would send another hull direct to me FOC.
It arrived this morning in good condition.
Excellent service from both the companies involved.
A special thankyou to Malcolm for his help and knowledge in supplying the extra parts needed to make the kit complete. O0
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Ordered Epoxy Resin, glues and sanding sealer from Axminster Tools http://www.axminster.co.uk/?pricing=INC&cid=YSRXVJZ3QU35YRETU0K9G7TZLJBPMLC1
yesterday afternoon. It all arrived this morning. Excellent service and thanks to Royal Mail also. O0
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"Excellent service and thanks to Royal Mail also."
Ah, I wondered when someone was gonna mention our postal boys and gals. Without them we'd be pretty much stuffed. Dave Jacquet sent me a few bits and bobs back along and I could hardly believe my eyes when Postie was ringing the doorbell the very next morning.
Did you give them a nice, big Xmas tip, Richard?
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Not exactly PMK, just stopped the dog from chewing their legs off. ;)
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Theres a few I use, all very good and fast.
Gee Gee models - Nottingham (warning don't go to the shop you will be there for days! and be skint when you come out!)
Gliders UK - All things Graupner (if you've never been, imagine an industrial unit full to the rafters of model kits, bits you name it!)
Midway Models - Great service from Ian
Ebay - everything cheap
M
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Me and Hannah ordered some parts from Deans Marine and Action and the bits arrived in 24 hours.......Exellent service. We also ordered some gear from A Model World, we were informed it would be at least a week as they didn't have all what we wanted........ 4 days and it was here..........What more can I say..
Mark
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Hi all, I would like to thank Andy of Red Bank Models for their excellent mail order service. I ordered parts on Friday afternoon and they were with me on the Monday morning.
regards to all Roy
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Action for me all the time Dave's service in not SUPERB,but his personal service goes beyond the call of duty, and he makes a mean cup of tea O0
Stavros(FLJ now a VERY happy chappie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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Aw shucks, Stav - 't ain't nuthin' much, dude...............but was that the Gian Tea?
FLJ
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Definatly the gian tea O0 O0 O0 O0
Stavros
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Are you two drinking it or smoking it? :D
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Sorry Barry top secret if we told you we would have to kill you O0
Stavros
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Definatly the gian tea O0 O0 O0 O0
Stavros
Isn't that the stuff that dodgy Aussie bloke got kicked out of England for selling in the newspapers a few years ago...
It was a slimming tea if I remember rightly!!!
::) ::) :-X
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Pete
Read it phonetically ..............like "G and T"............?? ::)
FLJ
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Pete
Read it phonetically ..............like "G and T"............?? ::)
FLJ
Gin in a cuppa Tea ??? :D ::) ;D ;D ;) ;)
martin du
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{-)
Now I'm sure he is the Cheer Leader!!
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Phoned FLJ yesterday afternoon around 15:00hrs regarding the plans for the Fairey Swordsman, they arrived today at 08:00 hrs!!
Thanks FLJ O0
regards
Gary :)
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Westbourne Models always gets top marks....
..... and I found these photos from my visit a little while back...
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Gallery/Westbourne/index.htm (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Gallery/Westbourne/index.htm)
(http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Gallery/Westbourne/images/Westbourn01.JPG)
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got to reply to this now. recently bought engells layfette. found one item not finished correctly, and i managed to lose another item. he sent them both for free, promptly.
now i am having an intermitent problem with the ballast tank. he is being incredibly helpfull. is sending me a new chip and some micro switches. fingers crossed.
colin
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Had a word with Barry at Wesbourne about some missing Billings parts, he gave me a telephone no. and a name.
Phoned the man (Simeon) at Amerang - Lancing, West Sussex, very helpful - parts in the post next day. What more can you ask.
Colin
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I found these guys on the web on thursday:
http://www.reuk.co.uk/
e mailed them and by Friday evening had agreed a specification on an auto bilge pump unit that starts on water detection then runs on for a user determined time span before stopping.
Item made, tested and delivered on Tues morning. I have still to test myself, but looks compact and well made.
Ian
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Ordered glue etc from Axminster Tool Centre at 4.00pm, it arrived 9.30 am the following morning via the Post Office.
Excellent service all round. :-))
http://www.axminster.co.uk/
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Dave, the ACTion man..
G.Sitek..
Howes Model Shop..
Ramesh(mankster) for salvaging my Blueback hull :-))
Steve Neill in the US of A..
Malc at Reade's..
All top men. :-))
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George Turner
Thanks George for your prompt service, making and delivering my excellent lifeboat crew.
Not forgetting Sharon of course. ok2
www.georgeturnermodels.com
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Great service from FMJ I asked about the plans for the the Fairy Swordsman he offered to ship them to me here in the states he was more than reasonable on shipping they arrived 3 days ago I wasn't even looking for them yet. I will be buying electronic bits from him in the future I am very excited about my first scratch build.
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Great service from FMJ I asked about the plans for the the Fairy Swordsman he offered to ship them to me here in the states he was more than reasonable on shipping they arrived 3 days ago I wasn't even looking for them yet. I will be buying electronic bits from him in the future I am very excited about my first scratch build.
That'll be FLJ then. ok2
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No, no, no! The recession is biting he only has a Full Motheaten Jacket now!
Roger in France.
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Right Roger,
You do realise you will be on his list now as well :o
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Another vote for John Haynes. He'll help fellow modellers out and He's been very good to me really, and what is on his 'Shop' on the site is only 'what he thinks he'll sell'. In fact, he has a plethora of other bits, or moulds for, that you'd have to ask about.
If I was building a scratchbuild of an odd scale that no-one made fittings for (hey I am) I'd ask him if he had a such and such that was xmm wide by ymm long and he'll tell you if he can help.
The others like Westbourne, well I once had a packet of motors, etc, go missing (or they didn't send them?) I phoned them after 3 weeks wait and I had my order inside a few days. So that's good service and I've found mail-order outlets are generally quite good.
.. though don't get me started on the Royal Mail.. or the mail in other countries. [there's a postal worker in Poland who much like China DVDs as he;'s had 2 of them, he let them the 3rd replacment go through. ok2]
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If they were fake DVDs, they may be sitting in a UK Customs container waiting disposal.
I only assume fake coz you said China {-)
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If they were fake DVDs, they may be sitting in a UK Customs container waiting disposal.
I only assume fake coz you said China {-)
Are the BBC dumbing down THAT much? It was that recent BBC series on China, the Polish kid had visited there recently so She thought it would be nice if...
All I can add it thank god for Amazon and paying by card.
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No, no, no! The recession is biting he only has a Full Motheaten Jacket now!
Do French moths eat leather, then?
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Didn't you know that French moths have a development stage in which they are leatherjackets!
Roger in France
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I've seen many fake DVDs of the BBC series over here. The packaging and labelling is spot on.
About 50p per disc.
Wild China 2 discs.
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What's the official and actual take on all these "fake" goods coming out of China TT?
If they were fake DVDs, they may be sitting in a UK Customs container waiting disposal.
I only assume fake coz you said China {-)
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China's government knows that counterfeiting is bad for their own economy. Many Chinese companies stopped innovating, because IP was stolen.
The govt here closes down DVD copying factories weekly, and destroy up to 5million discs at a time.
But the problem is endemic, and there is a culture of brown envelopes in some regulators offices.
That is why people are taken out and shot. This included a Deputy Provincial Governor a couple of years ago.
What you have to remember is that there are 1 million cities in China. If you visited one a day it would take you 2700+ years to get around.
With that as your start point you can see how the govt here is having problems controlling fakes.
They even fake milk powder for babies, hundreds of Chinese babies died. This is a separate one to the mild scandal this summer.
So officially the Govt wants to stamp it out.
Reality, they don't have the resources to enforce it.
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ordered 2. 6 v batteries from component shop 2 for £8.90 plus £1 post some shops are charging that for 1 now that is what i call value
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Hobbies Dereham Ltd
Really excellent service.
Placed order yesterday, received goods this morning. :-))
www.alwayshobbies.com
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Hi all. I have to add 2 more to the list firstly maccsteam ltd, mike has been so helpful he custom made me a ceramic burner & some spacers. I posted the letter with a cheque on Monday & had the beautifully made parts on Friday. Thats amazing!!!!
secondly, bought a gas tank & a separator on ebay from steamjet2295.Ted Gregg, retiered engineer, makes these wonderful items in his spare time & i received them within 3 days.
i have no connection with either of these people apart from being a very happy customer, & can recommend both as great suppliers
Cheers Glenn
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Mobile Marine Models.
Excellent service.
Placed order yesterday, received goods this morning.
http://www.mobilemarinemodels.com/
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PSSHIPS/SIRMAR
For those who are waiting for anything from PSShips - IT'S WELL WORTH THE WAIT
I have just received the first part of the fittings order for the Type 42 build which I am doing - and on first inspection the mouldings compared to the 'old' Sirmar mouldings are a lot crisper of a moulding so I can only presume one of the reasons for the time of delivery is Paul must be re-doing a lot of the 'old Sirmar moulds' - there is very little/if any flash to clean off the items.
Well done Paul - well worth the wait. :-)) :-)) :-)) I WILL RECOMMEND THESE FITTINGS TO EVERYONE
Aye
john
bluebird
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George Sitek for providing an excellent 3" prop tweaked to my own spec without additional charge and at an overall cost of half what Pr** Sh** wanted. The first time I've used George since he took over from Ted Radestock but he gets my business in future.
http://www.gsitek-props.co.uk/
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I'll tell you who isn't at the top of the good customer service list
And that't the idiots at TALKTALK.
16 DAYS I've been without a telephone line, email or internet, and all they can say is "we'll sell you an upgrade for X quid a month. >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
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Mobile Marine Models :-)) :-)) :-))
Order placed on the 20th items in the post this morning now that is service. :-)) :-))
Fitted to Tito today :}
R,
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More praise for Howe's !
I e-mailed a small order to Howes But the e-mail left off all my contact information.I was unaware of this and just thought the parts were on shortage.
After 10 days or so I gave them a ring. They had found my contactless e-mail, I gave them my contact details and received the parts the next day.
Prompt & reliable service !
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Cornwall Model Boats.
Thanks Malcolm, excellent service, placed order yesterday and received the goods today. Wonderful.
www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk
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Beware the internet order forms on some sites.
I wanted some 6mm deck planking, I normally get this from Craft Supplies in Derbyshire, in 1metre lengths, but they were out of stock.
I Found another well known supplier who could supply laser cut planks, so I suggested that as they were going to be cut down, they could send me 'shorter pieces pieces by post in an envelope rather than a 1 metre tube.
I received half of what I 'thought' I had ordered (by post), and a credit for the balance. It seems that it was all my fault, due to the smartness of the staff, they had saved me £10 by sending my half an ounce of planking by post rather than the £14 parcel postage that I had ordered, hence the credit.
Two weeks later and three phone calls, and I end up having an argument about my stupidity wanting it sent by parcel post.
I presume kits are delivered on a low loader.
Colin
(just a bit cross)
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just ordered a few items from dave of action happy just made my day what service
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and in with Actions P62 Quadswitch for the lighting on my Graemsey, all connected up and been playing with it this afternoon.
A great piece of kit and a great fellow to deal with. :-))
Thanks FLJ
Alan
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Oh no not another one :o ,
Alan <*< if your going to say things like that can you PM everyone in the forum except Dave :-)).
You do realise that he was almost impossible at the north east show , and if he keeps getting these praises god help us at the next show .
{-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) %% {-) {-) {-).
:} keep up the good work FLJ .
daz
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I googled "bushel" in the hope that I could find one big enough to hide my light under, but alas - 't was to no avail. One size does NOT fit all 8)
Keep taking the tablets, Daz - and thanks for the kind words, Alan. You'll have gathered I found a reel of 3-wire PVC servo cable in the nick of time!
FLJ
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I blew up an esc on Sunday, posted it on Tuesday and had it back in my sweaty mits, repaired and working on friday :-))
Guess where that ACTion took place!
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I blew up an esc on Sunday, posted it on Tuesday and had it back in my sweaty mits, repaired and working on friday :-))
Guess where that ACTion took place!
No idea. :embarrassed: Give us a clue. %%
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Paint sprays .co.uk Ordered spraycans yesterday morning, delivered by Parcel Force this morning, excellent service. :-))
http://www.paintsprays.co.uk/catalog/index.php
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Ordered some flags from READE PLASTICS and made an enquiry about some one off decorative art work.
Great, friendly response and promptly sourced what I needed and posted it to me promptly.
Thanks to Malcolm Reade.
Roger in France
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Excellent service from BARRYS LETTERS. Only hope I can do justice to his material in finishing my model.
Roger in France
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Excellent service from BARRYS LETTERS. Only hope I can do justice to his material in finishing my model.
Roger in France
I agree with you Roger, I use him all the time and he is very helpful and his service is excellent.
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ordered a battery from component shop on sunday received it today / for one pound post what service so who said po to the po
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I would like to mention again Malcolm at Cornwall Model Boats for his excellent service.
I ordered my bits and pieces yesterday PM and they arrived today.
www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk
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I would also like to thank Dave of ACTion R/C Electronics for his time, his patience and his incredibly fast service in relieving me of my money in exchange for a box of black art goodies.
Hope the instructions are as clear as they appear.
Thanks Dave.
www.action-electronics.co.uk
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Don't know if this would be the correct place to post this but I will and want to say to PMK
Thank you
I enquired if it was possible to modify one of his designs to my spec, he not only redid the work and post that to me so I could build the unit but he also told me where to get all the parts required.
PMK :-)) :-)) unit arrived and I went to the RNLI and did what I said. it has the same footprint as my original so fitting will be a doddle,
This forum is just crammed with a plethora of kind helpful informative people.
R,
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And on that not i have to say a big thankyo to Mark (MMB) and Dave(ACTion) .
Firstly to Mark for selling me that last two 550 motors he had , even though the second one was part of his display .
Secondly to Dave for selling me his last two 550 motors and again the second one was part of his display which he mailed to me after the Doncaster show .
These lad's will got to any length to make a few quid , and make their coustomers happy.
I am :-)) .
daz
PS i also ordered a servo swinger on the friday and picked it up at the show on the saturday :}
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Mobile Marine Models. Ordered on Monday, arrived here in Spain on Friday....amazing. Good prices, sensible postage charges and Bryan helped out with some brass tubing I needed, at no extra charge. Thanks Bryan. :-)) :-)) :-))
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Modelling Timbers for their prompt, helpful response and the quality of their products.
Keith
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Component Shop back to usual. Ordered batteries yesterday PM, received batteries this AM
Excellent price too, button batteries £2.00ish each in Sainsburys, 25p each if I ordered 5 with £1.00 p&p. I ordered 10, total cost £3.50 :-))
http://www.component-shop.co.uk/html/batteries.html
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Full "Marks" to these two!
Mark Windless from MMB. I sent back a faulty Smoke unit and it was returned within two days in full working order.
Mark Williams from A Model World who again, has given me the best price for an Imara kit, motors, ESC's and RX.
My thanks to both
Brian
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Thanks to Maplins. I ordered a new solder station yesterday midday and it was delivered 9.00am this morning. Excellent Service :-))
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To underline DickyD's experience with Componentshop, ordered 5 batteries yesterday pm, they arrived this morning, less than 24hrs later for a very reasonable £2 p&p.
I've proven to myself on numerous occasions that Componentshop sell a high quality product - at VERY good prices.
Highly recommended!
-Rob
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I will join you on that one Rob , i ordered 5 packs of 2900ma batterys on friday tea , arived on tuesday lunch .
I think thats one and a half days , and i got a shock twice as i forgot to tell swimbo that she had paid for them %) .
daz
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I will also join you on that one Rob (and Daz). I have bought battery packs from him in this past, and can only speak highly of his technical advice and service.
Tony.
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I don't how the man does it...yesterday morning I emailed himself about an electronic gizmo to control the ballast pump in my X craft, he suggested the best one for the job, I paid for it, and it arrived here not five minutes ago.
Chap...that is pretty good going by anyone's standards. Thanks boss....
Rich
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I don't how the man does it
He has a sleigh ................ and some reindeer.
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Don't say that, we'll have to buy him a box of choccies at Xmas....and that'll be bad for his figure. :P
Rich
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Admiral
I have a Liz - a magical creature who can pack something in no time at all and even manage to get the thing collected and delivered next day when the rest of Nottingham is mired in a 24 hour postal strike. I just do the soldering.
Rich
It's well too late to save that, matey!
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Well chap, I guess we'd all better raise a glass to the magical mystery Liz....thanks Liz!!! :-))
Rich
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i have too much time on my hands because i just did a quick look through the threads and so far the best service is ACTion, followed by Westbourne Models, Model Slipway, Deans Marine and George Turner. a totally useless bit of information but it filled in a few minutes. :D
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Not at all "useless". It may help many Members who have no experience of some of the great traders who service our hobby. For me, it is important that so many of the traders you mention and who provide great service are small businesses which maintain close, personal contact with modellers .
I would add Model Slipway and my local hobby shop "Au Petit Prince" in Fontenay la Comte (more like a club house than a shop!).
Roger in France
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also mtroniks, they have replaced two faulty speed controlers for me in the past year, dont no what the fault is though, has any body else had problems.
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I bought an RC Switch from Dave at action electronics on Saturday, at Llanberis... I gave him the money and he handed it over
Likewise, couplings from Mark / A Model World!
...... - wot service! :-)
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Another top man...Mark @ MMB, as quick as ActionMan with his delivery. But Mark...you'll have to better with the insults mate, D@ve has you beat well and truly there! ;D
Rich
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ordered props from cornwall model boats yesterday at 11 am received then to day 10 am thats what i call good service another one for d d
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Always good to hear about good shops , that is a fast delivery tho , very impressive :-))
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Not unusual for CMB. I cannot fault their service. Pete M
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mind you only 20 miles up the road no shop only warehouse
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They do the same for me Gordon. :-))
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My first attempt at buying stuff "on-line".
"Gaugemaster" and "Model Mania" did exactly as promised, and so thumbs -up for them. BY.
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After waiting in vain for two months for Modellers Mate to supply some plastic sections in 1 metre lengths, a call to 4D Modelshop saw them delivered in two days. Go http://www.modelshop.co.uk/ I know who's getting my next order for these.
Barry M
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Phone call to Squires at about 16.30 on Thursday afternoon. Postman at the door 10.30 on Friday morning - MAGIC.
How can they do that ?
Colin
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I've had good service from George Sitek.
As i ordered certain parts,got 3 emails asking me how do i want them made,angle of p shafts etc.
Also the quality was brilliiant,ordered more stuff yesterday.
Mark
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I ordered some items from CORNWALL MODEL BOATS yesterday afternoon and it all arrived this morning ;) outstanding service no doubt :-))
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Not model boats, but I ordered a camera from crazycameras.co.uk, A bit upset when I realised they were in the USA, anyway ordered on Thursday PM...arrived Tuesday AM... no import tax....
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I've dealt with a number of suppliers in the past, most of them in the UK, and I have to say I've never had a bad experience. People such as Dave Milbourn (FLJ on this forum), Malcolm Reade, George Sitek, Westbourne Models, Redbank Models and Jackie and Lawrie White at Model Slipway have all given outstanding service. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending any of them.
I have also dealt frequently with Tower Hobbies in the USA and found them to be excellent, too.
Peter.
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Not model boats, but I ordered a camera from crazycameras.co.uk, A bit upset when I realised they were in the USA, anyway ordered on Thursday PM...arrived Tuesday AM... no import tax....
I was under the impression that if the web adress ended with .co.uk then it was a uk company , if this is not the case then i will have to watch out when i search for stuff on the net , i tend to search for uk when i use google .
daz
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Like portsideII I thought that any web address ending in .co.uk was a UK company so, having nothing better to do :-) , I looked them up.
crazycameras is a UK company, but their web site states:-
"To minimize our cost, we have hosted our distribution facilities in the United States. We can quickly source our products from around the globe and post them to the UK."
So you are actually dealing with a UK based company.
Peter.
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the thing is are you getting a product that is produced for the UK or the USA market as sometimes warranties are very difficult on items not bought in the UK they are sometimes different specifications as well
peter
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They say they will provide the same guarantee as the manufacturers
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Obviously Dave at ACTion is not phased by the PO strikes.
He despatched the members of his P family (P94 etc) for my Al Khubar yesterday at 4.20pm and it they arrived today at 12.30pm. :-))
Apologies to your wife Dave, I did it again. :embarrassed:
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I ordered some things from Cornwall Model Boats on 30th November, the parcel was posted on 1st December and arrived on my doorstep here in Australia on 8th December.
How's that for service? :-)) :-))
Peter.
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Its what we've come to expect from Malcolm, Peter, only over here you order AM and the goods arrive following day.
Excellent Service. :-))
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good service orded some esc from dave of action yesterday told me what i needed arrived today at 10 30 that is what i call also orded item from components shop same time that arrived today three stars i think
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I ordered a Morph 96 from them, it is Magic, super service and an Instruction sheet even I understood. Buy British, we do still make Super Kit!
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Rang FLJ at ACTion yesterday afternoon (16/8/10) and his change of status from standby mode to full activity when he heard the rustle of money was truly impressive. Having (almost) painlessly seperated me from my cash, he promised to send the gizmo by close of business.
Lo and behold it came through the letter box at 1030hrs today. As described and with all the literature required. Thank you.
Barry M
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Cornwall model boats are good if you know what you want, but I have never had a reply from an email query
Cant fault the stuff Ive bought from him, his international postage charges are the best Ive found.
Couple of good ebay sellers I have used to buy gear for RC cars and boats
Dinball, demon99, RC sausage dog
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Hi All
I want to thank Mtroniks for the very good service and advice I have received from. I have had a problem with a Viper 40amp ESC, Firstb of all they talked me through the setup to make sure everything was ok, Then said to send the unit back to them and within a week a new one arrived. In this day and age that is very good service plus many thanks to Models by design for there help with this matter. I think if we get good service from companies we should take them time to say thank you on sites like Mayhem. :-)) :-))
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I just wanted to add my two penneth to this thread.... and praise Model Slipway...
I simply showed an interest, in another post, to their Vosper RTTL. Shortly afterwards I received a PM from Jackie asking me if I wanted to see a copy of the original review of the model, which she kindly emailed to me the next day, including a link to another build thread on the forum, and she also added a little advice too.
Considering I was only a potential customer, this is what I would call "excelling" in customer services!
I have therefore now chosen my next project, based on this, and will be purchasing this model from them very shortly!
Steve.
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I am a Newbie to the hobby so I have limited experience with the trade, add to that I am across the pond ( Canada) . However I have had good service from Sam @ Cornwall model boats, very good service from Martin @ Westbourne, who always has time to chat & explain things to the dumb among us. LAST but not the least Grumpy & Sarcastic Dave @ ACTion electronics who has in all my years of doing business (there are lots & I am not telling ) given me some of the best service I have ever had. We are very fortunate to have such people investing & servicing our hobby, & from me at least a very big thank you go out to all three companies. Mick B.
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I would add Deans to this too. I know some people, myself included, have the odd niggle at times about sometimes vague bits in the instructions or the odd printed plastic issue or numbering of fittings that doesnt always match the plan, Deans, in particular Ron, are always happy to talk people through issues regardless how silly the question and give advice and remedy any issues with kits without delays.
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Hi,
Model Slipways.
They sent me a pair of stabilizers at no cost to Australia.
I only asked if they sold the stab kit separately.
Regards
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Well I run out of words to describe MSW Jackie's approach to customer service. I think she wrote the book on it.
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I should have also mentioned Sails etc. I needed a new mast joiner and they were recommended to me a couple of weeks ago and they were excellent. They were very helpful on the phone even checking the measurements of the existing part etc. to make sure that they were able to supply a correct replacement. And I received the part the next morning.
Would definitely recommend them!
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I am still getting great service from Dave @ ACTion despite saying he was " grumpy & sarcastic" so I have up graded him to " Quick witted & sharp replies" PS= I still stand by my first post (time to duck) Mick B.
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adrian from speedline model is a great chap to deal with, very helpful. cant recomend him enough. there have been a few critics on here but i can only praise his service so far :-))
cheers
stubbsy :-)
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A very quick post about Action Electronics and Steam Master. I have NEVER, yes I know I'm shouting, had any reason to go over the top about the general services and products throughout my entire modelling career of over 40 years, of any company that I have used in the course of my hobbies. They have either been rubbish, fair to middling or average i.e. or what I would have expected.I placed an order some weeks ago with Action for a speed controller it arrived almost within hours, or so it seemed, worked first time with clear instructions and cured the horrible whine I had been getting from the motors, well pleased!
Went to Warwick with the Wicksteed club for three days and had already decided to change all my electrics to one supplier so off to the Action stall. Said to Dave I have this huge Tug, I have a motor this end and a receiver the other end, I want all the bits in between and a few bells and whistles on top, inside 20 min all done bill paid, me happy chappie, Next day same thing, I have another boat, not saying what as this Forum has ears, same thing, wam bam thank you mam, and i was on my way. Any way spent most of yesterday wiring up the two systems, very complex, a bit nerve racking but everything worked as it should first time and instructions a piece of cake. Many thanks Dave and Liz for that and also for all the advice.
Next Steam Master, had to wait a short while for this unit but was kept informed all along. Arrived today the packing and presentation would have done justice to a multinational company. Full colour instruction manual and full colour fold out wall chart, how things go together, schematic diagrams, that sort of thing. Knocked out a couple of bungs plugged A into B and it was chucking out thick white smoke within about 20 min, and it works on 6v-12v-and 18v, I only tried the first two, well chuffed. Many thanks to Richard at Steam master for that.
No connection with either of these companies other than they have both had a relationship with my credit card.
Paul
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I just thought I would say (mainly to be helpful to Newbies) on some very recent purcases that
Prop Shop - gave me some great advice - made some props up - delivered very quickly
Kehrer Modellbau Berlin - delivered some Jet drives very promptly - only advice is check your parcel is all correct on delivery
Model Boat Bits have been great with my all last three purchases and happily gave advice when asked
Macs Mouldings were spot on with purchases
Nautical Marine Models of Brscough Bridge Lancashire sold me avery nice hull
I have an order for timber in with Twigfolly ..... and by all accounts I won't be disappointed there.
Scale Hobbies Skelmersdale are good too, though the shop is only open Friday and Saturday now.
Just my opinion ............ but also a way of saying thanks to the suppliers - I value good service and advice.
Dave
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Re the jet drives any chance of some pictures, and what size of model were they for ?
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Topics merged. :-)
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I'll just give a +1 for Westbourne. I ordered a Model Slipway kit plus two motors and couplings online. I saw 'inserts' mentioned but as a newb had no idea if I actually needed them, or which sizes if I did, so I didn't order any on the basis I'd see what shaft ends I had when I got the stuff and take it from there.
However, Westbourne (can't remember the name given now) noticed the 'missing' part of the order and rang to ask if it was correct. He knew what was needed, so it was sorted out and paid over the phone there and then. Good service.
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Re the jet drives any chance of some pictures, and what size of model were they for ?
pm/links sent
Dave
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Dealing as I have to do from across the pond ( Canada ) I will list the suppliers that ALWAYS supply great service,ACTion Electronics, Cornwall model boats, The Component Shop, Marks Model Boat Bits, The Prop Shop. I will not name the ones I will not deal with again. Finally Jackie @ Model Slipway is the pick of the class & nice to a fault & I should not miss out The RNLI plans service that were both fast & a pleasure to deal with. Mick B.
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Now this is what I call good service......I ordered four FR15hvr spweed controllers from david at Electronize yesterday at about 2.00pm and they arrived this morning at 11.00am....truly superb.
as for poor service......ordered and paid for 20 AA recharge Duracell batteries off ebay from a "saidul7" and paid immediatlely by paypal.........they took 20 days to arrive........no comment, but they were coming from the same place as Electronize.
neil.
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Dear Mick,
Component Shop - I completely agree... :-)) Very good people indeed. That reminds me, I must get round to ordering some batts. from them to replace some dead Ni-Cd's! - been meaning to do so for the last year or so %) :-)
After two years being laid up, I must get all my vessels on the water this year :-))
Regards, Bernard
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After two years being laid up :-))
Bernard I run a home that accepts distressed and abandoned boats O0
You will get a postcard every month from your sponsored vessel
The Service is Excellenent :}
Dave
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Dear Dave,
Thankfully mine not distressed or abandoned! {-) Good try though I give you that!!! {-) :} LOL
They are good aren't they. Mind you, so have been a few others, and I will dig their names out and Post.
Regards, Bernard
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This is nothing to do with model boats, but it must be something of a record. I sell some rather special double edged jigsaw blades in my shop and on Ebay. I'd run out of stock and my usual wholesaler is on holiday. So, at ten o'clock this morning I emailed MPS the manufacturer in Germany to ask for details of a local distributor. Not much over an hour later I had a phone call from one of their agents, and by one o'clock he had delivered the blades!
Not bad, eh?
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Mike at Maccsteam, had a problem with the burner on my 3.5 inch horizontal boiler, it kept 'striking back'. I phoned Mike for advice at about 4 30, and a new burner arrived the next day about 10 30, sorted in 18 hours flat! Cant argue with that. :-)) :-)) :-))
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May I add Chris at RDG Tools http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/ (http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/) to your list of noteworthy suppliers.
I enjoyed a pleasant repartee with him whilst arranging payment. That done, the goods arrived one week later. Well done that firm!
Geoff,
Thailand
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Three more for the list:-
4D Modelshop http://www.modelshop.co.uk/ - Goods ordered pm Tuesday and delivered am Wednesday.
A J Reeves www.ajreeves.com - Goods ordered late Friday Afternoon and delivered noon Saturday.
Royal Mail - Without whom none of the above firms' actions would have been successful.
What also marked the first two out was the emailed confirmation of receipt and dispatch of order. This is in contrast to those outfits who take your order and then fail to mention that they are out of stock. The booby prize must go to the one who, when asked why he did not tell me that he was out of stock and not expecting any in the near future, replied "Well, you never asked me". Some people deserve to fail.
Barry M
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Proxxon Direct, I ordered a replacement Micromot drill at 15 00 on Tuesday, It arrived at 08 15 Wednesday, That is just over 17 hours from order to delivery! :-)) :-)) :-))
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Nothing to do with model boats, but I needed a new condensation pump, and shopped around for a good price. Found and ordered via a eBay company. Not express delivery, but a sensible price. When the estimated day had passed and no postman bearing a box I asked for an update on the dispatch. The following day, an admission of a clerical muckup with the order, and a UPS tracking link. Turned up the next working day.
Perhaps not an amazing story until you consider the name of the company. Ryan Air. If only the airline of a similar name would admit to creating a problem and make amends without a court order.............
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Another one with good service for the steamers amongst you
http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/
Excellent customer service, and very helpful
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was going to put this on my latest lifeboat build, but then thought it would help many more than look at my waffle if I put it in chitchat.....
ordered my grp supplies (inc. 20 kilos of resin and 10 kilos of matting and gelcoat amongst other things), late Friday afternoon from Glasplies, Southport and it was delivered this morning befor 10.30am....£6 quid in total........now that to me is excellent service.
neil.
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Hi,
I went on the Model Dockyard website to order two 27 foot whalers, 1:72 scal, but they only had one in stock.
I sent an email asking to be informed when more arrived as I needed the two.
Within a half hour an email comes back advising me that due to a delivery there were more available.
Back to the site, ordered the two whalers, job done.
http://www.model-dockyard.com/ (http://www.model-dockyard.com/)
The parcel arrived today, in Australia, very well packed and no way was anything going to harm the contents with the amount of packing material inside.
I will be ordering more from this website!
Regards
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Beat this!
I ordered a battery ( 9.6v- Molex KK plug) for my F14 twin stick at 3.50pm yesterday and it dropped through the letterbox at 8.25am this morning. The pack would have had to be made up and the plug fitted, packed and posted and transported from Llanllechid to Raunds, both places a bit of the beaten track so to speak.
Brilliant service from them and the PO.
Paul.
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hi ,
sent a faulty speed controller back to mtroniks on Friday, got replacement today with no charge, and that is with me putting spade connectors on, no quibbles, I think that is great customer service :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) and would recommend fully.
david
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I ordered 5 receivers from GiantShark (the old GiantCod).
1 was faulty so emailed them over the weekend.
Had a phone call from Graham today, another receiver on its way.
Bob
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Via email to Mayhem...
I would like to give some positive praise for a company that I have had the pleasure of dealing with for the past 28 ( yes twenty eight) years with nothing but fantastic service, for every one of those 28 years.
in 1994 when I retired from teaching I bought some tools with my lump sum so that I could develop the now well known kit of the Ann Letitia Russell lifeboat that Dave Metcalf still sells to this day.
One of these tools was the Centricast casting system and cost me in total with VAT included just a smidgen over £1500.00p in 1994.
Had I not bought this and been taught by both the company and my mentor Frank Hinchliffe on how to make the moulds and cast them the model of the ALR and subsequent kits that I have developed over the years, would not have been developed and produced.
That little centrifugal caster was a lifeline to my sanity when I suffered depression and an invaluable help to my modelling, and never ever in the 28 years of ownership did I ever have a single tiny problem with it, and to this day runs like a Swiss watch, it is so smooth.
On Monday I rang the company up because I have decided that after the lifeboat I am about to build will be my last scratch build model, I have no further need for this equipment, as the last model the ferry I built I used hand moulded gear to replicate the small number of fittings. I decided on Monday to sell the whole set up, and so contacted the company in Reading.
I was told that the man who builds the machines would be in on Wednesday and if I emailed my details he would see if anyone wanted a second hand system. On Wednesday afternoon he emailed me to say that a gent from Hastings who does a lot of hand castings was looking for a second hand system as he could not afford the price of a new setup with the extras I have, costing £2300.00 in today's price, and passed on his details with the mans permission, to me.
That company is ALEC TIRANTI Ltd, of 3 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4ER , 0845 1232100.
They have never let me down in all those years. They cannot be praised enough!!!
And today I sold it to a good home.
Now that is absolutely fantastic service! :-)