Other than waiting on a U-boat brass detail set which never came in but no other vendor could get it either, I evenually cancelled that order but todate that was the only problem I ever had with Squadron. My last purchase from them took only 4-5 days to arrived which has been the norm for deliveries to my doorstep. I never took Squadron for the God of all vendors, I would sometime share the wealth among several vendors and willing to try new ones out. Just been lucky I guess.
Been using Squadron for almost 20 years. Started with the order sheet mailed in from the back of their monthly flyers. I’ve called and faxed in orders, used their old Bruce Beamish 24-hour e-mail specials, and their website shopping cart. Never had a problem that wasn’t solved with an e-mail or phone call, may be three problems in 20 years.
I order often enough from Squadron and have been satisfied with the
results. The only mistake they have made with me is that they
inadvertantly packed one item instead of another. When I
explained it to them on the phone, they immediately shipped the correct
item and let me keep the wrong one free. We all make mistakes and
what I was impressed with was how quickly and efficienty they corrected
the one they had made with me.
PVG
P.s. I have also
had good experiences with many of the other on line hobby stores as
well. But it is still important to frequent and purchase from our
local hobby stores too for reasons beyond bargains and on the shelf
availability.
I too fall into the “never had a problem” camp. Many times I’ll place an order Friday night, and it’s here Monday or Tuesday morning. (I guess AZ is close to Texas . . .) I’ve also had good luck with Great Models. Not as fast as Squadron, but close. My only real problem wiith them is limiting the number of things I buy when putting together an order. It’s amazing how many things you discover you need that you never realized 'til you saw it in the catalog![:)]
I ordered some stuff from them on a few occasions when I was overseas and had no trouble then. But recently I ordered something and they “lost” the order! It took a few follow up calls to get it corrected, but I must say, that their customer service was great once the problem was found.
I too use Squadron frequently, even if they are a tad more expensive, for one reason - customer service.
When you call, a real human being who speaks English as their first language answers the phone and is always very patient and helpful. They have pictures of all of their products on their website. You know what is in stock and what is not, and you know what the shipping is going to be before you place your order. If I find something that I like and that works right, the first time, I tend to stick with it no matter what. I know there are tons of on-line hobby stores out there, but I have little incentive to explore them because Squadron gets it right the first time, every time.
if i had a [ consistent ] hobby shop around, i would go to squadron a lot less, but for more than 30 years, they have been my main supplier. even then, without the fax, internet or even toll free numbers, i thought they were the greatest. ( and still do )
You are a luck man Durr, because I buy from Squadron three years ago, pay for it and never receive my order. Was the same with Rolls Model. Was the first and last, never more with Squadron or Rolls.
Sometimes it can be the final delivery too. I get stuff from the carrier that Squadron uses all the time, and from time to time, they change drivers, or have one fill in, and can’t, won’t or try to find me, and mark it as undeliverable. And believe me, I’m not that hard to find, just follow the directions. I also opt to have my phone number on the package notes, but that doesn’t mean that the driver will call.
As for problems with Squadron, haven’t had any, other than not putting something I really want on sale[;)]
I have been pretty lucky. I have never had a problem with Squadron or Hobbylinc. Squadron’s prices are higher, but they carry AM stuff my other prefered vendor doesn’t. I have had some problems before with a couple others, and I’m not very likely to give them a second chance…
I had a surprise today, door bell rang and there was an large envelope from Squadron sitting there. Was puzzle because I wasn’t expecting anything in from them at the moment, went to open it and there was the Model Brass U-boat deck brass PE set. Now I have that and the wood set from Nautilus…Guess I will pick up another VII-C.
I have used Squadron Online about a two dozen times in the last 5 years with good results. They don’t seem to be any better or worse than other Online Vendors that I use regularly. I think their kit prices are higher than most online stores, but their aftermarket accessories selection is second to none.
I have been with them since I got my first flyer in the mail in 1984, and have never had any sort of problem whatsoever. This includes both CONUS and Germany, and backorders normally arrive about three days later.
I think with the internet we demand absolutely immediate satisfaction / gratification, and allow no lapse for the human element. Shipping and receiving as much as I do, I know that real life happens and things do not always go out on time.