Midland Helicopters

[Mike W]

Ditto. When you go on a website and add something to your basket the impression is that they have it and you will get it. When the Royal Mail messes up..who can blame the shop for that? We blame the mail

i seen some people blame the shop for when royal snail fails lol... TBH Midlands do ring you back pretty quick when its not in stock anyway ... I think I read somewhere that midlands i think it was where updating there website with live stock feeds ??? hmmm that should keep the moaners happy .. we live in a world where everyone wants everything now ... me personally as long as i have it within the week then i am happy ... lay back have a smoke and enjoy life ....

[Brian Gifford]

You'll never get next day delivery unless it's dispatched via courier in the morning and then it's unlikely for a hobby shop to do that.

Well, actually, if I order from FL before 3pm, and specify before 1pm next day, I have always received it the next day.

[dam74]

Yeah I get that with Sussex Helicopters aswell but what I'm talking about is what some people seem to be wanting which is be on the internet in the evening, place order and have it the following day in their hands.

[scallybert]

Yeah I get that with Sussex Helicopters aswell but what I'm talking about is what some people seem to be wanting which is be on the internet in the evening, place order and have it the following day in their hands.

Maybe what I said could be interpreted like that, but it's not what I meant.

If I order at night, I'd expect it despatched the next working day.

What I really don't want to have happen is to order something (in stock on the web-site), then subsequently be informed it was out of stock.

Some people may fnd that acceptable. I avoid busnesses that work like that. My choice

[dam74]

Think you'll find most shops are like that with an online presence as it requires a lot of time to keep the quantities upto date. Unless they use a fully computerised POS with the barcode scans of the product deducting it onsale, and then when restocking a swipe of the barcode increases the stock quantity (or bulk entry of qty). However most places I doubt are like that.

For instance today I placed an order with Blink Trading for two lots of glass fibre blades but it said there was only one available and to resubmit my order. I ignored it and placed the order anyway and made a phone call to them when I was at work. The gentleman on the phone checked the stock and said he had plenty and would update the quantity on the website. I know other hobby stores who do the same aswell.

[Hangar-7]

I think we're becoming spoilt brets and want our staff to be delivered like Mac drive take-out meals - instantly. Bear a thought or two for model shop owners, they may be making comfortable living but by no means they're multimillionairs. Software & IT staffs do not come cheap - they may be essential and affordable for Tesco etc but expecting the same service from model shops?

I think we need reality checks.

If I want to be sure that my stuff is delivered urgently then making a phone call with part number does not cost the earth, even from a mobile and it may stop my model shop from going under.

[Bruinbear]

Let me just say that due to lack of communication I do not use Midland's anymore. I find FastLad and Real Raptors better when it comes to customer service.
Mike.

[scallybert]

Think you'll find most shops are like that with an online presence as it requires a lot of time to keep the quantities upto date. Unless they use a fully computerised POS with the barcode scans of the product deducting it onsale, and then when restocking a swipe of the barcode increases the stock quantity (or bulk entry of qty). However most places I doubt are like that.

I think it's a common problem with shops that have a bolt on web-site.

I don't think that's the way to run an on-line business. IMO, web-sites shouldn't be selling items they can't supply at that time.

If there is a shop, it needs to be integrated; or not have a physical shop at all.

For instance today I placed an order with Blink Trading for two lots of glass fibre blades but it said there was only one available and to resubmit my order. I ignored it and placed the order anyway and made a phone call to them when I was at work. The gentleman on the phone checked the stock and said he had plenty and would update the quantity on the website. I know other hobby stores who do the same aswell.

Ah, Blink.

What a brilliant example you've picked...

[I have G5s.]

[scallybert]

I think we're becoming spoilt brets and want our staff to be delivered like Mac drive take-out meals - instantly.

Instantly is un-realistic.

Next day delivery is common in other kinds of retailing. (Screwfix ? Insight (IT) ? etc.)

I don't have a problem with paying a premium price for next day; especially if I have the option of 3-4 days, or such, at a lower price.

What is paramount, though, is that if I order something from a web-site, it should be supplied in a timescale in-line with the expectations that have been set. That's likely to mean being despatched within a business day.

Bear a thought or two for model shop owners, they may be making comfortable living but by no means they're multimillionairs. Software & IT staffs do not come cheap - they may be essential and affordable for Tesco etc but expecting the same service from model shops?

Business is business.

We choose who we buy from on the basis of price, service, stock levels, etc - or maybe that they're local.

I buy from the suppliers that best meet my needs. And they're usually the ones well known here for providing a fast, reliable service.

[...]

If I want to be sure that my stuff is delivered urgently then making a phone call with part number does not cost the earth, even from a mobile

It's one thing ringing around when it's a special case, or something unusual; but generally I pick suppliers where I won't need to.

and it may stop my model shop from going under.

Mixed feelings. I've actively supported and benefited from mine, but I've not used them for ages. I'm not sure they have that much to offer. Unfortunately.

[Dannyyy]

When somthing is show "in stock" you expect it to be sent the next day...

[wimbledon99]

I can't fault any of the main suppliers

Midlands, Fastlad, Real Raptors, Ross Mods and Kessocks. If one is out of stock then one of the others will have it. Best price always gets my business (unless it's out of stock) but that's the consumers right.

I say good luck to them all and may the great service live on