Thanks

Steve your commenst are 100% correct , yes GSP and CMP are one and the same .That does not mean that GSP makes the planes . When a distributor becomes a certain % of a manufacturers business they become very important . Obviously GSP is a big % of Flymodles/CMP.
The relationship did not start out in this manner , it evolved to this point . The sale people in the store did not volunteer this info , I inquired about someting else that led to the discussion .
As stated before we/my compnay imports candy , as we become bigger we stike exclusivity with the manufactuer eventually leading up to packaging that says -"made exclusivily for /or distributed by ".
Trust me , there are many distributors on FLYmodles/CMP and Irwyn is getting a piece of every dollar . They rattled off every outlet in the US then overseas -including Denmark (just as an example . I agree on how this post started , overcharging for the shipping is bad , like Will Smith says, dont hate the player hate the game , the planes are good so figure out where to get them cheap and just dont buy them from the Coopertowns location .If you cant get over the fact that Irwyn is getting Dollars then simply dont buy the planes . Do the math , dont you find it funny that GSP has an Early intro on the 73" P40 ????Raidentech only received the less popular smaller version ? This is a common practice in importing "its called "first to market strategy "see how many we can sell at $279 , then open it up to the price channels and let them fly .

While we are on the subject of alternative vendors, does anyone know where we can get the 96" ARC Cap 232? I have a ZDZ 80 that needs somewhere to live.

I was not quick enough! I ordered a C-160 Transall from GSP on line last night. I noted the 0.00 for the shipping on the confirmation e-mail. This morning I happened upon this thread and immediately became concerned about the shipping charges. I called GSP this morning with the intent of cancelling the order. I spoke with Leon in the shipping department who said the shipping would be $24.00 via UPS and $10.00 extra for the oversize shipping container. In view of UPS's high shipping rates to begin with I felt that was reasonable and kept the order in place. Leon just sent me an e-mail confirming the total will be $34.00. Apparently Irwin has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way to say the least and that seems to have been confirmed. Hopefully I will not be sorry for keeping the order in place. I should have looked a little more before I ordered it in that I just noticed Chief aircraft has the same plane $20.00 cheaper, live and learn!

Hi,

34.00 for shipping is high for this size plane. I am sure that hasd you not called, you probably will be charged in the 40's... Dai

Buy it from Raidentech or TRy there other company Egrandbuy .
Also -Kmot the parent company for some of the GSP planes is flymodels.com
THey make the Spit and the Bearcat , but I dont know how many more they make . I have visited there showroom on line .
They wont sell you unless you can but containers , I am in the process of looking into the prices and containers opportunities .
The communication is very difficult , I ask three questions and they answer one ???? I have dealt with many companies overseas and I think they are simply stalling on giving me info . Its surprising consdiering the volume I proposed and the terms and expertise we bring to the market .

Dealt much with China? What you describe is pretty typical. PM me if you want some help.

Hey Chuck . I did send you a PM , yes I do deal with China on a regular basis but not in this industry . One thing for sure , this company flymodels is selling so many differant people . I see some of there plane in the Kondor line of aircraft .
I have to say despite the shipping that is related to GSP , the plane are very good , so as stated before , just find an alternative source . I personally live close enought so its a mute point and the retail sales people are very nice and helpful .

LDM: Have you been through the fly-model factory? I have been through several over there and it is very interesting to see who is actually building what.

A word to the wise; buy from the factory that is already making it, not from the one that wants to start making it, inspect the product before it goes into the container, and don't pay for it until you see it.

Jim

Hi Jim, no I have not been the through the factory ,( I have been to China but not for the hobby business ) I have been through there virtual factory . I agree with you 100% on the manufacturing comment . They are one of the primary manufactures for GSP , however there product listing dose not show all of the GSP listing so that leads me to believe that there is also another supplier .The typical process is a factory tour and a inspection prior to container load and if your really a sharp importer you have a person in the factory on your payroll and theres .This ensure production quality , and that deadlines are met and that they are not floating your letter of credit to make other goods (a very common practice) .I am negotiating containers and prices at this time to see if they are worth dealing with and to see if they will develope exclusive planes , ones that are not currently offered . I see a trip will be needed if this progresses .
I dont want to steal this thread , so again back to the original post , the Planes are good , if you want one and cant drive there buy from RCU ads , Raidentech , Egrandbuy, ect ect ect .The shipping is clear at the time of purchase .

Raidentech, El Monte Ca.

Real place, upfront, good people, good prices. Tell you how much to the penny to get product to your door.

I'm lucky, they are a short drive for me.

I am a shipping manager for a small company. We use UPS and FedEx. Let me tell you something, they are ripping folks off! I was going to order a plane from GSP but I backed out when they would not tell me the shipping charge. They know what they are doing! By the way; we charge only 10% on top of the shipping charge. Depending where we are shipping an item; neighboring state or clear across the country I try to save the customer money. If they want it the next day, I check my shipping map and decide if it needs to go ground or next day. Just today, the customer wanted his item shipped 3-Day Select (UPS 3 day service). I ckecked my map and I saved him $23.00 by shipping it ground. He would have gotten it just as fast.

Jim, what is your relationship to the r/c industry?

This is way off the subject of this thread. I PM'd you KMOT.

Jim

I sent two large packages with planes in them using the US Postal Service for about $30. All these concerns are why I haven't done e-businees. I know I have overpayed often for rc stuff, but I get it when the money changes hands. These types of conflicts cause me to boil, so I guess the extra costs of retail are worth every penny.

Focke Wolf - where is Grove City ???I am in Denver Pa , (Lancaster County ) so I can drive to GSP HQ and save on all the shipping lol .
If you not far you should try picking a plane up when you want one . I went there in May and picked up a 73"p40 , no shiiping and only $935 in gas to drive the 50 miles LOL