What has happened to Hobbyking?
#53
Happy Independence Day gents , I hope you all have fun tomorrow and keep them fingers away from lit firecrackers !
As to the title topic ;
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same exact thing over and over , while expecting a different end result . By this stage of the game in the HK "discussions" , pretty much everyone who regularly posts here knows how each other feels about HK , and I highly doubt any opinions are going to be changing due to a post on this (or any other) chat board . Folks who have had success swear by them . Folks who have had troubles swear at them . Either way , till someone new to HK experiences either the great deal on the cheap or the great burn with no return , all they have to go on is past performance , doing research in attempting to put a complaints VS praises ratio into perspective . I would suggest to anyone truly unaware of any company's track record do an internet search for not only that company but also a few competing company's also , to note the approximate rant VS rave ratio earned by each . In this instance I'd suggest to someone new , search the three H's
Hobbico
Hobbyking
Horizon
And read the first 50 posts that come up under each heading . A well informed customer has a far better chance of being a satisfied customer , having a clear set of expectations formed by review of the company's on line cred , before laying out any $$$ .
Anyway , Happy Flying to all and Happy 4th !
As to the title topic ;
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same exact thing over and over , while expecting a different end result . By this stage of the game in the HK "discussions" , pretty much everyone who regularly posts here knows how each other feels about HK , and I highly doubt any opinions are going to be changing due to a post on this (or any other) chat board . Folks who have had success swear by them . Folks who have had troubles swear at them . Either way , till someone new to HK experiences either the great deal on the cheap or the great burn with no return , all they have to go on is past performance , doing research in attempting to put a complaints VS praises ratio into perspective . I would suggest to anyone truly unaware of any company's track record do an internet search for not only that company but also a few competing company's also , to note the approximate rant VS rave ratio earned by each . In this instance I'd suggest to someone new , search the three H's
Hobbico
Hobbyking
Horizon
And read the first 50 posts that come up under each heading . A well informed customer has a far better chance of being a satisfied customer , having a clear set of expectations formed by review of the company's on line cred , before laying out any $$$ .
Anyway , Happy Flying to all and Happy 4th !
had not got into the discussion by basically calling me a liar that would have probably been pretty much the end of the discussion. But IMO by Porcias commits and the resulting responses they
pretty much have verified what I said in my original post anyway.
Also happy 4th to everyone.
#55
My Feedback: (21)
I have been very fortunate with HK, yet I limit my purchase to a dollar value that I am willing to risk burning. The term roulette wheel comes to mind when dealing with HK. There is horror story after horror story and the examples do mean something. Granted there are complainers that no matter what you do you would never satisfy, yet many folks that have gotten shafted by HK are on the legit. Since they have the US locations things have improved significantly.
HK does sell a lot of items cheap and also a lot of items are cheap in quality. I think the best bang for the buck with them is batteries. In a lot of cases you can buy three (or at least two) batteries from HK for what you would pay for one battery from other suppliers. This is a substantial savings and some of the guys I know have compared their batteries side-by-side others and they are as good as any out there that are comparable.
At any rate, use caution and also spend some dollars with our US suppliers too. Life is good!
HK does sell a lot of items cheap and also a lot of items are cheap in quality. I think the best bang for the buck with them is batteries. In a lot of cases you can buy three (or at least two) batteries from HK for what you would pay for one battery from other suppliers. This is a substantial savings and some of the guys I know have compared their batteries side-by-side others and they are as good as any out there that are comparable.
At any rate, use caution and also spend some dollars with our US suppliers too. Life is good!
#58
My Feedback: (1)
There is an old saying, "Anyone who eats at Taco Bell, get's what they deserve". I feel the same way about Hobby King. Buyer beware. There is just something sleazy about the company. Sorry, it is just instinct. My instinct guides me well, and I will not purchase from HK, simply by that alone.
#59
My experience with HK was a 5 dollar gear cycler that replaced the receiver and transmitter hookup. Was great for testing retracts when a new install. It was intermittent in operation after the first couple of tries. found that I had to unplug batteries and replug when hung up and didn't cycle as designed. Contacted them and they wanted a video shot of the problem .told them that I wasn't about to go out and buy a $200 plus dollar video camera just to prove my point that it didn't work right. They could have looked at my frequent purchases over the years and see that I didn't try and do a claim every few buys. The cost and time of returning wasn't feasible as I would not have been reimbursed. Some warrantee ! After that I am more selective on what I buy .... no electronics , ever.
#60
My experience with HK was a 5 dollar gear cycler that replaced the receiver and transmitter hookup. Was great for testing retracts when a new install. It was intermittent in operation after the first couple of tries. found that I had to unplug batteries and replug when hung up and didn't cycle as designed. Contacted them and they wanted a video shot of the problem .told them that I wasn't about to go out and buy a $200 plus dollar video camera just to prove my point that it didn't work right. They could have looked at my frequent purchases over the years and see that I didn't try and do a claim every few buys. The cost and time of returning wasn't feasible as I would not have been reimbursed. Some warrantee ! After that I am more selective on what I buy .... no electronics , ever.
electronics or not, Or if you only order items in stock or from the usa warehouse you are taking a risk.
#61
I now keep it to wiring, plugs and the "nuts and bolts" of things that can't "break" . As for batteries the FedEx charges mount up so that I can buy comparable in Canada and usually free shipping if you check around.
#64
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Why should he back up anything? You're the only one clamoring for proof so go look for yourself. You know he's right but you just don't want to admit it. So how about this, how about you prove that there are not a lot of threads distributed all over the RCU forums describing bad service or poor quality, or some other malfeasance by Hobby King.
Please show us all and we will bow down. Happy 4th.
Please show us all and we will bow down. Happy 4th.
#65
My Feedback: (4)
At this point, the thread is pretty much 1. where every HK thread is. OP is gone, and as Init noted, the usual cast and crew are/were present and accounted for. 2. The usual personal attacks, the armchair psychoanalysis, and now this latest comment which I figured was coming sooner or later...which is basically saying 3. prove him wrong. How do I prove something that's not there, lol. He made a comment based in fact, not opinion, and still can't back it up. No biggie, those that are willing to accept it can accept it, 4. I chose not to. If it didn't make a difference to him, he could have ignored any further comment and moved right along.
2. Self diagnosis.
3. If you are going accuse someone of false claims, then it is up to you to prove it.
4. As you always do.
#66
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
What do you gain by continually defending HK?
Those that post here about HK"s poor product quality or service, do not have to prove to you or anyone else here, anything. If they say they have had problems, then that's good enough. Believe it or not,but don't go trying to discredit them, just to protect HK. If HK didn't have the poor service many complain about, they would be defending themselves for false accusations. Their own lack of response shows that the problems do exist and they don't care and are not interested in looking after their customers.
As the saying goes, where there's smoke there's fire, and there is plenty of smoke.
Those that post here about HK"s poor product quality or service, do not have to prove to you or anyone else here, anything. If they say they have had problems, then that's good enough. Believe it or not,but don't go trying to discredit them, just to protect HK. If HK didn't have the poor service many complain about, they would be defending themselves for false accusations. Their own lack of response shows that the problems do exist and they don't care and are not interested in looking after their customers.
As the saying goes, where there's smoke there's fire, and there is plenty of smoke.
Overall they are the same company they were 4 or 5 years ago, just bigger. They still have service opportunities, like any company. Where they continue to have opportunities is how they respond to issues. They outsource most of the CS work.
Then I gave him the CSR's name at RCG if he wanted to try him, then gave some suggestions on how to order from then in the future to possibly avoid issues, and then ended by giving him the name of another vendor to get his stuff from. In post 7 I note more issues a friend of mine had, and some additional issues when then moved warehouses. I gave another vendor suggestion as well.
I won't bother asking if you found that to be defending the company, because you've made it clear where you stand on the issue, and that you get a "kick of out telling me anyway". LOL.
As is standard practice, it seems that unless you instantly jump on the anti-HK bandwagon or just slap in the usual HK Sucks commentary, or dare to respond in any other way, you're either a shill, a defender, or a troll. There are what, 63 replies in this thread and only one or two of them were trying to help the OP. One guy here noted the good service he got, then someone pounced on him for the quality of his build. Really? God forbid there is any discussion or context given.
#67
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Now, I'll tread lightly as to not appear to defend this company, but objectively, it would appear that people not only continue to buy from them, but do so in such a manner as to have them continue to expand. I believe the csr from NY said that they were put in place to try to try to raise the level of response to service issues. I'd call that change. If it's enough, if it's perfect etc etc remains to be seen.
#68
My Feedback: (4)
What do you gain by asking 1. asking "are you joking" questions, or saying 2. I'm trying to protect "them". Where did I do that? Where did I ever say there wasn't a problem? The OP made a complaint about his service issues, did I attack him or say they weren't present? 3. Go back and read post 4. Here is in part what I said:
Overall they are the same company they were 4 or 5 years ago, just bigger. They still have service opportunities, like any company. Where they continue to have opportunities is how they respond to issues. They outsource most of the CS work.
Then I gave him the CSR's name at RCG if he wanted to try him, then gave some suggestions on how to order from then in the future to possibly avoid issues, and then ended by giving him the name of another vendor to get his stuff from. In post 7 I note more issues a friend of mine had, and some additional issues when then moved warehouses. I gave another vendor suggestion as well.
I won't bother asking if you found that to be defending the company, because 4. you've made it clear where you stand on the issue, and that you get a "kick of out telling me anyway". LOL.
As is standard practice, it seems that unless you instantly jump on the anti-HK bandwagon or just slap in the usual HK Sucks commentary, or dare to respond in any other way, you're either a shill, a defender, or a troll. There are what, 63 replies in this thread and only one or two of them were trying to help the OP. 5. One guy here noted the good service he got, then someone pounced on him for the quality of his build. Really? God forbid there is any discussion or context given.
Overall they are the same company they were 4 or 5 years ago, just bigger. They still have service opportunities, like any company. Where they continue to have opportunities is how they respond to issues. They outsource most of the CS work.
Then I gave him the CSR's name at RCG if he wanted to try him, then gave some suggestions on how to order from then in the future to possibly avoid issues, and then ended by giving him the name of another vendor to get his stuff from. In post 7 I note more issues a friend of mine had, and some additional issues when then moved warehouses. I gave another vendor suggestion as well.
I won't bother asking if you found that to be defending the company, because 4. you've made it clear where you stand on the issue, and that you get a "kick of out telling me anyway". LOL.
As is standard practice, it seems that unless you instantly jump on the anti-HK bandwagon or just slap in the usual HK Sucks commentary, or dare to respond in any other way, you're either a shill, a defender, or a troll. There are what, 63 replies in this thread and only one or two of them were trying to help the OP. 5. One guy here noted the good service he got, then someone pounced on him for the quality of his build. Really? God forbid there is any discussion or context given.
2. Everything you post is aimed at discrediting those saying anything negative against HK and trying to make HK look good.
3. And below is another part of that post. Neither of these things are an excuse for poor service.
"There's some info left out in your complaint, like what the items were, where they were purchased, where you are located, what warehouse purchased from"
4. As have you.
5. Definitely agree with you there.
#69
Based on most of the complaints about Hobby King which agree that MANY people order from them, consider the following:
1. There are many thousands of customers ordering and not complaining.
2. There are 71 customers complaining.
3. The ratio of customers ordering to customers complaining is significantly high.
4. The business model is quite successful. Pure mathematics.
5. Prove me wrong.
Hobby King will be in business for a VERY long time in spite of the vitriolic comments made by several who will not or cannot accept an opinion that contradicts them. Then there's the flag waver who thinks all our RC stuff is American made. Don't you believe it!!!
Porcia83 is pretty cool. I suspect I'll be dumped on, too.
1. There are many thousands of customers ordering and not complaining.
2. There are 71 customers complaining.
3. The ratio of customers ordering to customers complaining is significantly high.
4. The business model is quite successful. Pure mathematics.
5. Prove me wrong.
Hobby King will be in business for a VERY long time in spite of the vitriolic comments made by several who will not or cannot accept an opinion that contradicts them. Then there's the flag waver who thinks all our RC stuff is American made. Don't you believe it!!!
Porcia83 is pretty cool. I suspect I'll be dumped on, too.
#70
My Feedback: (4)
Based on most of the complaints about Hobby King which agree that MANY people order from them, consider the following:
1. There are many thousands of customers ordering and not complaining. AGREE
2. There are 71 customers complaining. AGREE
3. The ratio of customers ordering to customers complaining is significantly high. AGREE
4. The business model is quite successful. Pure mathematics. AGREE
5. Prove me wrong.
Hobby King will be in business for a VERY long time in spite of the vitriolic comments made by several who will not or cannot accept an opinion that contradicts them. Then there's the flag waver who thinks all our RC stuff is American made. Don't you believe it!!! AGREE
Porcia83 is pretty cool.NOT SO SURE ABOUT THAT ONE I suspect I'll be dumped on, too. WHY?
1. There are many thousands of customers ordering and not complaining. AGREE
2. There are 71 customers complaining. AGREE
3. The ratio of customers ordering to customers complaining is significantly high. AGREE
4. The business model is quite successful. Pure mathematics. AGREE
5. Prove me wrong.
Hobby King will be in business for a VERY long time in spite of the vitriolic comments made by several who will not or cannot accept an opinion that contradicts them. Then there's the flag waver who thinks all our RC stuff is American made. Don't you believe it!!! AGREE
Porcia83 is pretty cool.NOT SO SURE ABOUT THAT ONE I suspect I'll be dumped on, too. WHY?
#72
My Feedback: (4)
drac1, you need to get a life man, go out and fly your planes and forget about HK. You have got to be the biggest complainer I've ever seen, do you think constantly repeating yourself is going to convince anyone of anything? What people want now is way to shut you up.
You do need to learn the definition of complaining though.
Last edited by drac1; 07-05-2015 at 03:00 AM.
#73
My Feedback: (15)
There is one common aspect when I look at all the Hobby King threads , so so so many people comment that have never ever purchased from them. It adds zero value to the OP who has a legitimate question, concern from a real purchase.
I have purchased from them for over 7 or so years , good, bad indifferant they allow me to partake in larger eflight that would never be possible with USA importers ( yes importers ) because very few RC major compoanats are made in the USA . I am not going to take this thread in that direction as some have tried but its silly to say "buy american" in the hobby industry simply silly . Even classic great companyes like SIG would be out of business if they waited on the loyal RC builders to keep them afloat so they import ARFs and they do it very very well.
Back on subject , I agree with the OP , hobby king is good but its funny how the China DC seems to be so much more reliable then the two USA locations .
I have had parts shipped from China , confirmed and shipped faster then the USA DCs. Yes instock , no reason for delays but they sit 7 to 15 days at the warehouse .
I can also say the same thing about Hobby Parts owned by Nitro planes .
However I have to say when I pay $65 for a 110 size motor that is proven in the field vs one that is $139 also proven but sold by a larger USA based company I have to step back and buy the $65 one , its me and if that concerns, bothers, upsets some of you well I really dont care. When you start funding my hobby budget I will allow you to make my purchaing decisions.
So my only suggestion to the OP , you are an experienced HK shopper, you have to make the decision if the risk is worth the savings , for me it 100% has been worth it even when I hit a bump in the road.
As we all know many this these threads that shout but USA are the same guys bashing a fellow RCU member for asking $2000 for his home build warbird with all the goodies .
If I have learned one thing about RC , its just like buying a car , you leave the lot and the depreciation starts lol .Buy sharp , stay sharp and recoop your investment , buy high , loose big that is the RC rule
I have purchased from them for over 7 or so years , good, bad indifferant they allow me to partake in larger eflight that would never be possible with USA importers ( yes importers ) because very few RC major compoanats are made in the USA . I am not going to take this thread in that direction as some have tried but its silly to say "buy american" in the hobby industry simply silly . Even classic great companyes like SIG would be out of business if they waited on the loyal RC builders to keep them afloat so they import ARFs and they do it very very well.
Back on subject , I agree with the OP , hobby king is good but its funny how the China DC seems to be so much more reliable then the two USA locations .
I have had parts shipped from China , confirmed and shipped faster then the USA DCs. Yes instock , no reason for delays but they sit 7 to 15 days at the warehouse .
I can also say the same thing about Hobby Parts owned by Nitro planes .
However I have to say when I pay $65 for a 110 size motor that is proven in the field vs one that is $139 also proven but sold by a larger USA based company I have to step back and buy the $65 one , its me and if that concerns, bothers, upsets some of you well I really dont care. When you start funding my hobby budget I will allow you to make my purchaing decisions.
So my only suggestion to the OP , you are an experienced HK shopper, you have to make the decision if the risk is worth the savings , for me it 100% has been worth it even when I hit a bump in the road.
As we all know many this these threads that shout but USA are the same guys bashing a fellow RCU member for asking $2000 for his home build warbird with all the goodies .
If I have learned one thing about RC , its just like buying a car , you leave the lot and the depreciation starts lol .Buy sharp , stay sharp and recoop your investment , buy high , loose big that is the RC rule
#74
Originally Posted by [email protected]
your not flying till you build a kit and use all american parts keep the money in the usa
Gerry
#75
Let's try and keep it real here , shall we ?