Mike in Texas

I hate to be ugly but I've had some really bad experiences lately.

I do an afterschool program where I teach students to fly RC. I've been purchasing drones from Gearbest.com BUT they refuse to honor their warranties. Nitroplanes.com is impossible to deal with. I've been trying to order from their "Free shipping" section but everytime I'm about to sumit the order there is a shipping charge. I refuse to spend ANOTHER half hour on the phone, and even though they CLAIM to have live chat support there is no way to access it. I know Tower is good, but they are too expensive since the drones and airplanes are going to take some abuse.

Any thoughts of who is actually good to order from?

collector1231

My Feedback: (1)

Banana Hobby (are they still around?) are way not, unless they have drastically changed. Not sure if you've looked at Hobbyking, but I've had nothing but good from them. As well as Atomik RC for all your battery/charger needs, but I'm a little impartial, lol.

Mike in Texas

I've ordered from Hobby King before, but I think they may be part of Nitro planes. I've never had a problem with them so I can't discuss their customer service. I heard so many things about Banana Hobby I have never ordered from them.

ira d

I know you said Tower is to expensive but they do have the best service IMO and you get what pay for, A lot of us these cheaper places will be hit and miss as I think you have already found out.
Good luck and I hope you find something that fits your needs.

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

Horizon, Tower, MotionRC,Hobby King,Value Hobby...in that order.

KW_Counter

What is your basis for this statement?

Thanks,
KW_Counter

Mike in Texas

I may be thinking of Hobbypartz

chuckk2

Dealing with reputable vendors costs more. I seldom buy from others, because of the hassle and higher chances of problems.
On the other hand, buying electronic parts (If you know what you are doing) pseudo direct from the overseas sources can save quite a bit.

The Saylors

Spend the extra 10-15 bucks just to stay away from the hassles of shady dealers. Even if it only saves you once or twice it will have paid for itself. That's my experience thus far.

RC Pilot 007

i get a lot from tower

have good luck with amain, heli direct, experiance and a few other when tower dont carry what i want

nmav8r

I have had good service from both Tower and Hobby People, quality products and great customer service. No problems with the products, just ordered the wrong thing or sent something back for repairs. You get what you pay for.

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

(You get what you pay for) There are lots of retailers that want you to believe that so they can soak you.
I would add (sometimes) to that statement

init4fun

Yep , and don't forget , if the shady dealer happens to be named after royalty , you're quite likely to get royally screwed ...

RC Pilot 007

buy cheap buy to times

raptureboy

Have you contacted Tower directly and explained your situation? Perhaps a letter on official school letterhead. I would think they would jump on the idea of developing future pilots and customers.

The Saylors

Worst they could say is no

wnewbury

I think Tower's prices are pretty good when you use the coupon codes. I like Radical RC and it is small enough that you can ask the owner a question.

RC Pilot 007

buy a lot from tower you get gold status and coupon even bigger

guess i order a lot tehn

larryak

My Feedback: (32)

Glad you caught on to Nitroplanes Mike. They front cheap prices but rip you off on shipping and handeling. Check this out. $18.00 to ship 8 0z (ground) from So. Cal to So AZ. Gotta be kidding. I go along with the folks who recommended Tower. Watch for the "free shipping" days and they stand behind what they sell. Good luck and thanks for teaching all those young people how to fly. Larry

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

8 ounce is only one part of the factor....size is the other. Carriers charge by size and volume of box as well. Sometimes ground is more expensive, more touch points in handling. Is it an 8 ouch bottle of glue, or a foam wing? That box your item comes in, the tape, printed address label, bubble wrap...do you think that's all free? How do you think the items get into the box? They are placed there by a human. Are they not entitled to a fair wage? No such thing as "free shipping"....you pay for it one way or another. I look at the total price of the item delivered...then determine who the best qualified vendor is. Tower and Horizon are at the top of the list. The "royalty" company ain't bad either...if you're a grown up and know how to deal with things when everything might not be perfect.

RC Pilot 007

ebay same way on many things. cheap price and expensiev ship fee

RCFlyerDan

My Feedback: (54)

http://www.getfpv.com/

raptureboy

Ever wonder why they need to handle it? why can't they just ship it and avoid all the extra handling? Like those tv ads, get 2 for the same price just pay separate shipping and handling on both orders.

catboater

My Feedback: (51)

Am l to understand that Nitro Planes actually has something in stock?

RC Pilot 007

many have mom day 10% off hurrey