[:@] Over 6 months ago I contracted this company to build a custom mahogany speedboat – my girlfriend had purchased it for me as a gift.

6 months later they had given me every excuse in the book as to why they were unable to produce the model.

First it was because they wanted to test it on the water and get a video for me- I told them not to bother then they said they had changed shipping companies (the model was coming from Europe). Over a month later nothing then they said it was caught in customs- another month goes by.

Finally they said they would refund my $$ and I should give them my address. I did so and that was over 20 days ago.

No doubt what they did was take my money to prop up the crumbling facade that was their business OR they simply sold the boat twice once to me and then sold it again to someone else when it came in.

Needless to say I doubt my girlfriend and I will ever see the 1K again. They no longer answer the phone and are probably declaring bankruptcy at this moment. We have taken on a lawyer.

I have ordered form other companies- I have purchased models from individuals but I had NO apprehension at all about these guys if you looks at the site and their history they seemed pretty reputable.

Thank you for the warning. Too often we take for granted that people will keep their promises. I find it rare when they do not but, when it does happen, it is extremely disappointing and frustrating. Always remember to check the fine print. If you are buying from a vendor out of your area you need to know what your rights are, especially if the vendor is out of the state or country. In the U.S. every state has adopted the "UCC" or "Uniform Commercial Code". You can find it on line. Please note that the "fine print" can significantly limit your rights. Many "invoices" now have "arbitration clauses" that eliminate your ability to sue. If you find yourself in a situation and there is an arbitration clause it may require arbitration with the "AAA" or American Arbitration Association. You can go to its website for more information. You were wise to consult with an attorney. Good luck. I hope you get your money back or the model.

<span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Today is June 8th, 2010. Today is the first time we read your ill comment about us.

We emailed you numerous times when the boat was available but received absolutely no replies.
And when did you call? Did you leave a message? You did NOT call at all.
Butwe returned your money in full, didn't we?

We now suspect that you workedfor one of the remote control boat companies (maybe a very low end one in the Far East as we've seen some of your erronous models) andattempted to kill our remote control line which we had started over a year ago.

Here is the link of the boat that you ordered and did not take: </span></span><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">http://modelshipmaster.com/products/Chris_Craft/Chris_craft_racer.htm</span></span><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">. We have done muvh more. In the next month you will see a superyatch and a warship from our yard running on water. Our RC line is doingveryfine despite of your people's continousattempts.

Nobody will believe you, as theycan contact any of the nautical museum directors listed on our Web site </span></span><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">www.modelshipmaster.com</span></span><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"> to ask about our excellent works and integrity.</span></span>
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hmmmm, this could be an interesting thread .....

Talk about a marketing putz. That's not the smartest approach to take on a public boating forum for anyone who's in business to sell model boats. [:@]

For those who wonder why I posted, I know who registered the complaint here & would not doubt his word for a minute.

Today is June 8th, 2010. Today is the first time we read your ill comment about us.

We emailed you numerous times when the boat was available but received absolutely no replies.Please- really you had my phone number too it's been the same for years now...
And when did you call? Too many times to count. Did you leave a message? LOL yes and many "ill comments" were left no doubt you heard them.You did NOT call at all. I also sent several messages via your web site application (model quote app) you COMPLETELY blew me off for the two months it took to get the charge reversed, this message is the first I have heard from you back.
But we returned your money in full, didn't we? Not exactly - you PROMISED to but 50 days later were not able to manage it so I had the credit card company reverse the charge THANK YOU BANK OF AMERICA!!!!

We now suspect that you worked for one of the remote control boat companies (maybe a very low end one in the Far East as we've seen some of your erronous models) and attempted to kill our remote control line which we had started over a year ago. LOL you called me at my place of work at KB Toys in California thats quite a cover for a Far-East double agent!

Here is the link of the boat that you ordered and did not take: http://modelshipmaster.com/products/...raft_racer.htm . Nice finish but the wiring has a little to be desired... We have done muvh more. In the next month you will see a superyatch and a warship from our yard running on water. Our RC line is doing very fine despite of your people's continous attempts.

Nobody will believe you, as they can contact any of the nautical museum directors listed on our Web site www.modelshipmaster.com to ask about our excellent works and integrity.

BTW thanks for bumping this thread so more people can see it- of course after B of A gave me my money back I had washed my hands of the matter.

Coming up with the model well over a year later doesnt wash. Ok so maybe you guys are not out-and-out-crooks although I at the time I had little doubt. What happened was your guy overseas could not produce the model and so instead of being honest with me you stalled and stalled hoping it would show up eventually. I guess now you will be more honest with your clients about the turnaround time.

In the end I didnt want the refund I wanted the model. I collect woodies and so undoubtedly would have purchased more from you AND promoted them via my club activities and forum postings but I have to thank you guys I guess. (Never wanting to be ripped off again) I stopped purchasing RTR models and now make them myself you gave me the motivational push I needed to make it happen.

Thanks for the info Habaneroe.