Vendors and Consumers

[jeffrey j]

Why not make this simple for the consumer-vendor? How come the consumer takes all the risk? Why not have the vendor accept 50% payment for the order and the balance when the modeler has the product in hand. Why do I even mention this? I hear of guys waiting 2 even 4 years for a hull-parts that are on "Back Order". If the Vendor wants the sale, he can put his trust in the consumer paying for it when it arrives just as much as the consumer trusts the vendor to ship the product! If this type of thing is totally "OUT" I would suggest building your own hull or buying a Robbe submairne kit. This is not aimed at anyone, just an idea to protect both party's involved. Jeff Jones

[seaphoto]

That sounds like a great

That sounds like a great idea Jeff, what products do you intend to offer under those conditions? I sure hope you don't get burned too often by people failing to send in that last 50% once they have the product in hand. A vendor has a fixed location and a reputation to protect; the random consumer does not and there is little recourse available to the vendor who does not get paid under this plan.

Seriously, and this is not aimed at Jeff, the post by Matt illustrates why only the worst kind of masochist gets involved in the hobby industry. You work in terrible conditions, for long hours and little profit. Every tried laying up fiberglass for a few weeks straight? It is not a pleasant way to spend your time. Ok, you can tolerate the lousy pay, but combine this with abuse? Is it any wonder why the average hobby business only lasts a few years?

The answer to those who don't want to wait for products from Vendors is to hone those scratch building skills. There will always be delays - it is the nature of the business. My suggestion would be to start gathering the materials and parts you will need for your next project when you start your current one, so that you allow plenty of time of what are truly foreseen delays. That way you can be working on something instead of stewing about how long it takes to get something from a vendor.

Lastly, I would encourage Matt to publish the name of the "gentleman" who verbally abused his son, in the hopes that other vendors will never do business with him. Maybe the Vendors need their own version of consumer protection - that is, protection from consumers.

Kurt



Edited By seaphoto on 1113258896

[desert boat]

Well said Kurt ... I

Well said Kurt ... I agree with you wholeheartily, especially about the dude that harrassed Matt's son. People just don't understand the problems associated with providing hulls and parts for them. I can just imagine what is happening with a couple of vendors I know who are having to work with the current high gas prices (to go and get molds ready, hulls that are ordered, etc.) and supplies that are by products of oil. Those persons who complain the most should put out their own kit or hull for all of us to buy and see what great rewards they reap.

[bob the builder]

I agree with most of

I agree with most of what's being said here, but there are limits.

If a vendor cannot provide a product or service in a timely manner, they should be obligated to refund the customer's payment (at the customer's request).

If my company sells a piece of equipment and cannot deliver it according to our quotation, we are obligated (morally, if not by law) to make good on our obligation or refund the customer's purchase price.

I've heard absolute horror stories about vendors accepting payment for products and then taking YEARS to deliver. That's immoral.

Unfortunately, the world is full of unscrupulous people. It's up to consumers to pick and choose their vendors carefully based on their reputation.

I guess, like everywhere else in the world, it's "buyer beware". Good vendors will look after you and the bad ones will take you for a ride every time.

[Guest]

Hi,

I think that OTW set

Hi,

I think that OTW set the benchmark for good practice in the model submarine community.

Bob takes a percentage deposit for your order, then when your order is ready for posting, he requests the remaining balance.

Top class products and ethics.

Ever seen any bad publicity about OTW?

No, thought not.

Andy

[u-kater]

As I have the maybe

[color=#FF7F00]As I have the maybe not so unique experiance of both, prompt delivery and "extended" delivery, I tend to agree with the last posting.
However, communication and trust are to my point of view very important. I can understand the problems of a one man bisuness, with orders pouring in from all over the world, a daytime job, a family to take care of, subcontractors who quit from one day to the other, 9-11 measures, illness a.s.f. On the other hand, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. As stated in the other postings, there are "rules of engagement" and postponing indefenetly is not done by any means. If a vendor meets with those kind of problems and has no satisfying solution he should tell this as soon as possible. Another solution would be to charge the bank/creditcard only than if all the neccecery items are "in stock" to fully fullfill the order and not sooner. And by all means]