Lanier download privilege !!
12-06-2004 | 11:37 PM
#26
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From: Massapequa Park, NY
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
That would not have happened if it was a Great Planes Airplane. Maybe the 1/2dozen - Q-500 Predators I was thinking of buying for next Q-500 season will be replaced by a 1/2 dozen Viper -Q-500.
They should not bite the hand that feeds and maybe they should be reminded that there are alot of companies competing for your buisness.
Thanks
ElectricEddie
They should not bite the hand that feeds and maybe they should be reminded that there are alot of companies competing for your buisness.
Thanks
ORIGINAL: ramboamt
[sm=angry.gif] OK I need to vent, the politically correct way,
I purchased a Lanier Mariner some months ago and while assembling the bird I missed placed the instructions [X(] that I needed to finish up the C/G location. I called Lanier and asked about replacement instructions and was told to go to the web site and download the instruction. So I went online to the Lanier site and guess what, you have to PAY [sm=pirate.gif] for the privilege of downloading the instructions and printing them yourself!
Like this is costing them a lot of money to have on the website! [>:] They charge $4.95 USD to use your own computer to download, I have unlimited hourly use per month but I know of other users who have to pay for each minute online, your own paper and printer which adds to the cost for the privilege to down load and print. [&o]
I have been to other manufacturers websites for information on their aircraft and was able to download the info for NO
charge. Now you tell me, is this any kind of "Customer Support" [sm=confused.gif].
Maybe if enough people informed Lanier of this business damaging "Customer Support" practice they might stop it.
Thanks for letting me vent!!!! [sm=punching.gif]
[sm=angry.gif] OK I need to vent, the politically correct way,
I purchased a Lanier Mariner some months ago and while assembling the bird I missed placed the instructions [X(] that I needed to finish up the C/G location. I called Lanier and asked about replacement instructions and was told to go to the web site and download the instruction. So I went online to the Lanier site and guess what, you have to PAY [sm=pirate.gif] for the privilege of downloading the instructions and printing them yourself!
Like this is costing them a lot of money to have on the website! [>:] They charge $4.95 USD to use your own computer to download, I have unlimited hourly use per month but I know of other users who have to pay for each minute online, your own paper and printer which adds to the cost for the privilege to down load and print. [&o]
I have been to other manufacturers websites for information on their aircraft and was able to download the info for NO
charge. Now you tell me, is this any kind of "Customer Support" [sm=confused.gif].Maybe if enough people informed Lanier of this business damaging "Customer Support" practice they might stop it.
Thanks for letting me vent!!!! [sm=punching.gif]
12-09-2004 | 12:10 AM
#27
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From: Massapequa Park, NY
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Ramboamt: I was very upset over this and I thought I would send Lainer a note. This is a copy of the note I sent for all to see. Maybe others will follow and let the manufacturers know that things like this will not be tolerated.
Thanks
Dear Lanier:
I was very suprised and disappointed to learn that you charge a $4.95 fee to access the PDF manual for airplanes, to look at for 24 Hours. You gotta be kidding! I was talking to some of the guys at our club and when I told them I was going to purchase a plane possibly from Lanier, they said to watch out. I am an Audio / Video Eng. and I deal with many companies who offer PDF files for their products at absolutely no cost at all. It is a nice feature these days to look over manuals and Spec sheets online, without first purchasing the kit. It makes it easier then taking a trip to the local hobby shop, which unfortunately these days seem to not stock many items and wish to be order takers. I would think that you would jump at the chance to get business rather then turn it away by Nickel and Dimeing. I would seriously reconsider your policy on this issue before all involved (Buyers and Sellers) lose out.
Thank you for listening to a concerned R/Cer for where the future of our hobby may end up.
Ed Daus
R/Cing for over 26 years on Long Island
Thanks
Dear Lanier:
I was very suprised and disappointed to learn that you charge a $4.95 fee to access the PDF manual for airplanes, to look at for 24 Hours. You gotta be kidding! I was talking to some of the guys at our club and when I told them I was going to purchase a plane possibly from Lanier, they said to watch out. I am an Audio / Video Eng. and I deal with many companies who offer PDF files for their products at absolutely no cost at all. It is a nice feature these days to look over manuals and Spec sheets online, without first purchasing the kit. It makes it easier then taking a trip to the local hobby shop, which unfortunately these days seem to not stock many items and wish to be order takers. I would think that you would jump at the chance to get business rather then turn it away by Nickel and Dimeing. I would seriously reconsider your policy on this issue before all involved (Buyers and Sellers) lose out.
Thank you for listening to a concerned R/Cer for where the future of our hobby may end up.
Ed Daus
R/Cing for over 26 years on Long Island
12-09-2004 | 08:16 AM
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From: Ionia,
MI
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
I too am with you guys. It was just the other day I was looking at the Lanier 1/3 scale Laser kit they sell for a winter build, but I too like to see the manual first.
There are plenty of other kits in the 1/3 scale range to choose from that offer a free look at the manual. I think some other company will get my money for a kit.
There are plenty of other kits in the 1/3 scale range to choose from that offer a free look at the manual. I think some other company will get my money for a kit.
12-09-2004 | 08:36 AM
#29
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From: millville,
UT
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Guys, if you think it's bad just trying to get some technical help from them [ ie, info, etc, ] try asking them for a small donation for your club's annual airshow. They are the biggest "cheap-skates". They want you to buy their stuff but dont bother them on anything else. Unless your last name happens to be Hyde, Somenzini, etc, then your treated as royalty. Put Lanier on the shelf and forget them like an old ARF. MM.
12-09-2004 | 09:48 AM
#30
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From: Crestwood,
KY
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
My letter to lanier.....
Gentlemen,
I just thought I'd write a short note to let you know how disappointed I was to hear that you're now CHARGING A FEE for downloading instruction manuals for your kits and ARFS. I quite often download this info prior to buying from GP or Horizon, just to make sure I'm nort getting into something over my head. It's just a convenience I've become accustomed to. I've been flying Lanier ARFs for many years - can't tell you how many I went through in the mid-70's when they were the only ones around. But in all my 43 years of flying R/C, I can't say that I've ever seen anything so CHEAP as to charge for downloads. I'm currently flying a Goldberg Ultimate ARF but vow that I'll never own another Lanier or Goldberg product so long as this policy exists. There are too many other fine companies out there who want my business.
Thank you for listening.
Randy Morgan
Gentlemen,
I just thought I'd write a short note to let you know how disappointed I was to hear that you're now CHARGING A FEE for downloading instruction manuals for your kits and ARFS. I quite often download this info prior to buying from GP or Horizon, just to make sure I'm nort getting into something over my head. It's just a convenience I've become accustomed to. I've been flying Lanier ARFs for many years - can't tell you how many I went through in the mid-70's when they were the only ones around. But in all my 43 years of flying R/C, I can't say that I've ever seen anything so CHEAP as to charge for downloads. I'm currently flying a Goldberg Ultimate ARF but vow that I'll never own another Lanier or Goldberg product so long as this policy exists. There are too many other fine companies out there who want my business.
Thank you for listening.
Randy Morgan
12-09-2004 | 10:13 AM
#31
My Feedback: (89)
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
ORIGINAL: johnnyjet
“Lanier bought Carl Goldberg Modelsâ€
Wow I did not know this! Thanks for the information.
I was about to order the SR. falcon arf. But not now
No wonder I cannot find a good photo of the SR. falcon arf.
Lanier is selling under another name.
Johnny
“Lanier bought Carl Goldberg Modelsâ€
Wow I did not know this! Thanks for the information.
I was about to order the SR. falcon arf. But not now
No wonder I cannot find a good photo of the SR. falcon arf.
Lanier is selling under another name.
Johnny
12-09-2004 | 12:56 PM
#32
My Feedback: (3)
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
I was just reminiscing about catalogs. I was getting interested in RC back in about '89, '90, and bought a bunch of catalogs. They all offered them for sale, and nobody had the 'Net. I ordered (for a few dollars each) catalogs from Ace RC, DuBro, Sig, and some others. I still have those catalogs, and refer to them from time to time.
Even then, Tower was sending free catalogs and flyers, so was Indy RC (or was it their predecessor?), and a few others.
Today, if you want plans you have to buy a plans list from RCM, MAN, etc. while Ziroli's plans (and Meister's, Don Smith's and others) are listed on the Web. I wonder how many plans lists they sell now. I wonder how many get ordered over the web.
Just depends on the ad budget, I guess. How much does it cost to set up a website and advertise?
Cheers
Dave Olson
Even then, Tower was sending free catalogs and flyers, so was Indy RC (or was it their predecessor?), and a few others.
Today, if you want plans you have to buy a plans list from RCM, MAN, etc. while Ziroli's plans (and Meister's, Don Smith's and others) are listed on the Web. I wonder how many plans lists they sell now. I wonder how many get ordered over the web.
Just depends on the ad budget, I guess. How much does it cost to set up a website and advertise?
Cheers
Dave Olson
12-10-2004 | 12:40 AM
#33
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From: Massapequa Park, NY
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Hey guys,
just to let you know I recieved word in response to the e-mail I sent to Lanier. They said they would send me by e-mail "at no charge" the manuals for the Dominator (Kit) and the Predator (ARF) because I was not sure which Q-500 I wanted. Lets see if they follow through.
Ed
just to let you know I recieved word in response to the e-mail I sent to Lanier. They said they would send me by e-mail "at no charge" the manuals for the Dominator (Kit) and the Predator (ARF) because I was not sure which Q-500 I wanted. Lets see if they follow through.
Ed
12-10-2004 | 12:59 AM
#34
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
THE THING YOU ALL ARE FORGETTING IS THEY DON'T GIVE A RATS BUTT IF YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.JUST TELL THEM SO SORRY AND GO BUY SOMEWHERE ELSE,THEY WILL GET THE MESSAGE OR GET OUT
12-10-2004 | 01:01 AM
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From: Up north,
ND
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
just in case lanier doesn't send them out, here is the manual for the predator, doesn't look like the dominator manual was ever online...
http://web.archive.org/web/200402150...ator500arf.pdf
http://web.archive.org/web/200402150...ator500arf.pdf
12-10-2004 | 09:11 AM
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From: Hernando, MS
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Like others here I like to look at the manual as part of my research before buying. Lanier has probably lost many a sale for this very reason. "Stepping over dollars to pick up dimes" as I believe the old saying goes.
12-10-2004 | 09:26 AM
#37
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From: Houston,
TX
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Along this same line
Why don't you all NOW write to all the Gas Companys and order them the return to FREE AIR and WATER, and to remove the machines with the .50$ charge ?
Then tell them to wipe your windshields and check your tires.
Then go to all restaurants and ask for the FREE coffee and FREE water on the table.
SORRY,...... ITS A SIGN OF THE TIMES
GREED GREED GREED ......SERVES US RIGHT FOR BELIEVING THAT TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMY WORKS
GREED GREED GREED
Why don't you all NOW write to all the Gas Companys and order them the return to FREE AIR and WATER, and to remove the machines with the .50$ charge ?
Then tell them to wipe your windshields and check your tires.
Then go to all restaurants and ask for the FREE coffee and FREE water on the table.
SORRY,...... ITS A SIGN OF THE TIMES
GREED GREED GREED ......SERVES US RIGHT FOR BELIEVING THAT TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMY WORKS
GREED GREED GREED
12-10-2004 | 01:12 PM
#38
My Feedback: (3)
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
J3FAN... interesting. I'd like to hear your connection between the electronic records this thread is about, and tangibles like air compressors or dishwashers or pump island service.
And what sort of economy do you feel works?
And, how do you feel online companies should spend their advertising dollars?
Just wondering,
Dave Olson
And what sort of economy do you feel works?
And, how do you feel online companies should spend their advertising dollars?
Just wondering,
Dave Olson
ORIGINAL: J3FAN
Along this same line
Why don't you all NOW write to all the Gas Companys and order them the return to FREE AIR and WATER, and to remove the machines with the .50$ charge ?
Then tell them to wipe your windshields and check your tires.
Then go to all restaurants and ask for the FREE coffee and FREE water on the table.
SORRY,...... ITS A SIGN OF THE TIMES
GREED GREED GREED ......SERVES US RIGHT FOR BELIEVING THAT TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMY WORKS
GREED GREED GREED
Along this same line
Why don't you all NOW write to all the Gas Companys and order them the return to FREE AIR and WATER, and to remove the machines with the .50$ charge ?
Then tell them to wipe your windshields and check your tires.
Then go to all restaurants and ask for the FREE coffee and FREE water on the table.
SORRY,...... ITS A SIGN OF THE TIMES
GREED GREED GREED ......SERVES US RIGHT FOR BELIEVING THAT TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMY WORKS
GREED GREED GREED
12-11-2004 | 04:07 PM
#39
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From: Up north,
ND
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
these manuals are also different then a tangible item mentioned above because they serve a direct purpose for the company. either I am planning on buying the plane, or already bought and need some info from my misplaced manual. either way there is money involved for the company. the free air mentioned above could simply mean the gas station is out of money, albiet a very small amount, but still something. (btw, you guys have to pay for compressor use? none in my area have gone to that at least, still free air! [8D] I have seen on my travels some areas do charge for it...
12-13-2004 | 05:11 AM
#40
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From: , CA
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Here is my Lanier story (I am in the process of converting to electric from gas)..
I just purchased 2 days ago the following:
Lanier Traveler 20 ARF
Jeti "Phasor" 15/3 Brushless Motor
Jeti 30amp ESC
Hitec 4channel radio and 3 servos
Hitec 6ch reciever
2x6800mah Lithium packs
Dymond Lithium charger
AC/DC power convertor
2x 9x6 props
motor mount/heatsink
I drove to another city to get all the stuff and spent almost $800 on all this stuff BTW. I get home and open the box and discover that Lanier didn't include instructions with the kit? I call the hobby shop and they tell me none of the kits have instructions either. I go to Lanier site and am shocked to see they want 5bucks to download and print the plans!! Out of desperation I pull out the ol' credit card and pay for the PDF and download it only to discover that the file is corrupt (according to adobe acrobat reader) and will not open
So now I am on day 2 of trying to put this kit together (and do my first gas to electric conversion) with no paperwork and it really sucks This was going to be a really sweet plane and now I am not sure it will even fly at all.
I just purchased 2 days ago the following:
Lanier Traveler 20 ARF
Jeti "Phasor" 15/3 Brushless Motor
Jeti 30amp ESC
Hitec 4channel radio and 3 servos
Hitec 6ch reciever
2x6800mah Lithium packs
Dymond Lithium charger
AC/DC power convertor
2x 9x6 props
motor mount/heatsink
I drove to another city to get all the stuff and spent almost $800 on all this stuff BTW. I get home and open the box and discover that Lanier didn't include instructions with the kit? I call the hobby shop and they tell me none of the kits have instructions either. I go to Lanier site and am shocked to see they want 5bucks to download and print the plans!! Out of desperation I pull out the ol' credit card and pay for the PDF and download it only to discover that the file is corrupt (according to adobe acrobat reader) and will not open
So now I am on day 2 of trying to put this kit together (and do my first gas to electric conversion) with no paperwork and it really sucks This was going to be a really sweet plane and now I am not sure it will even fly at all.
12-13-2004 | 11:29 AM
#41
My Feedback: (243)
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
I don't think Lanier will go out of business just because some of you guys expect everything free. If Tower or other companies want to provide their manual downloads free, that is their choice just as it is Lanier's to charge. There is bandwidth to pay for and it isn't free to them.
As far as not receiving instructions in a kit, try picking up the phone and explaining the issue (without being a jerk about it, this is not directed at you peefiddyonefan) and I am certain they will correct the problem. I have had Lanier quickly replace damaged parts and, yes, even damaged instructions, with a simple telephone call. They even replaced a damaged $20.00 giant Stinger canopy free in a second hand kit when I offered to pay for the replacement.
Again, try explaining the problem personally. The folks at Lanier are RC'ers too so they know the frustrations of incomplete kits.
As far as not receiving instructions in a kit, try picking up the phone and explaining the issue (without being a jerk about it, this is not directed at you peefiddyonefan) and I am certain they will correct the problem. I have had Lanier quickly replace damaged parts and, yes, even damaged instructions, with a simple telephone call. They even replaced a damaged $20.00 giant Stinger canopy free in a second hand kit when I offered to pay for the replacement.
Again, try explaining the problem personally. The folks at Lanier are RC'ers too so they know the frustrations of incomplete kits.
12-13-2004 | 11:40 AM
#42
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From: NearBy,
AZ
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
As you said it is Laniers choice and I am glad your experiances with them are good... It is also my choice not to purchase a Lanier "blind" if I choose not too... Maybe I can get SeaGull to send tham a thankyou note... Is Lanier embarrased about there products that they won't show the purchaser what they are getting before they purchase ?
12-13-2004 | 12:34 PM
#43
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From: Buena Park,
CA
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
I guess if I have to call Lanier and get instructions I should be able to charge them for my effort as well. My time is valuable, say 50$ an hour and I have to maintain a telephone because they don't have instructions included. I think Lanier should pay 5$ every time someone has to call them about a problem.
Bob
Bob
12-14-2004 | 01:07 AM
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From: Hernando, MS
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Dick,
Lanier (Goldberg) will not go out of business but would you agree they will probably lose money in the long run because of this policy. I will not buy a model without seeing the actual product or at least the instruction manual as part of my research. Since seeing the actual product is usually hard to do I go with the latter. Call me stubborn but I'm not paying for a Lanier or Goldberg manual simply as part of my research. There are too many good companies willing to share this information for free and I bet they are getting a large percentage of product sales from it.
Chuck
Lanier (Goldberg) will not go out of business but would you agree they will probably lose money in the long run because of this policy. I will not buy a model without seeing the actual product or at least the instruction manual as part of my research. Since seeing the actual product is usually hard to do I go with the latter. Call me stubborn but I'm not paying for a Lanier or Goldberg manual simply as part of my research. There are too many good companies willing to share this information for free and I bet they are getting a large percentage of product sales from it.
Chuck
12-14-2004 | 01:11 AM
#45
My Feedback: (243)
RE: Lanier download privilege !!
Anyone is certainly free to take their hobby business elsewhere if they feel slighted. Lanier has grown considerably over the years and expanded with the aquisition of Goldberg. Occasional errors will occur but can easily be corrected as all have been in my personal dealings with them.
They continue to have my business.
They continue to have my business.
