Fines on MSNBC

[Bill-SOCAL]

He did, several years ago. He is just an employee now and has little input on how the business is run. Bad-mouthing him for current poor service is pretty meaningless........

It is that terrible service that is driving them out of business more than anything else. It is too bad that none of that was mentioned in the article. They look to be the victim, and they are. Victims of their terrible customer service. Things like telling me that UPS lost my order, TWICE in a row, and then when I finally get my order nearly 6 weeks after I ordered still charging me for express shipping are typical of the stories you hear about them!

While I never wish to see anyone go out of business, I also feel little remorse when it is clear that they did little to prevent it. Now maybe they have gotten the message and have improved. If so, I wish them good luck.

[ghostofpf1]

I just ordered some small parts from FD for my e-LST XXL truck and got them within a week

Steve

[Fluid]

I thought he sold it to his brother?

He did, several years ago. He is just an employee now and has little input on how the business is run. Bad-mouthing him for current poor service is pretty meaningless........




.

[domwilson]

Yes price does pay a big part in customer decisions. But service during and after the sales just as important and provide a basis for "word of mouth" advertising and repeat customers. FD had a problem with this after the sale of the business to a family member. I know when I buy from you(Salir) or Steve, I am going to get a high quality product, fast shipping and excellent, timely, friendly, customer support. Something the chinese hobby sites lag to their american counterparts.

[Ub Hauled]

Chris is a smart guy. I'm sure he will pull it together and make it.

I thought he sold it to his brother?

[sailr]

We in the business are all struggling. One of the main culprits is not the economy, but the Chinese sites like Hobby City selling stuff for such short profits that we could never live on that especially after paying the shipping from China. Not whining, just stating facts. Everybody wants it CHEAP and who can blame them. Problem is, it's really putting the hurt on the US businesses. There will be those who say our markup is too much but they don't understand that a $5 profit is good for the Chinese while we can't pay the rent on that.

[Steven Vaccaro]

Yep. I was aware of the head butting. But you have maintained a positive approach through all the ordeals and refrained from bad mouthing him. A class act...

Buy me a few beers and I see what happens.

[domwilson]

As much as Chris and I butt heads like Rams in heat, he does do some cool stuff with RC. He's been a real push in getting FE on the map in the USA.

Yep. I was aware of the head butting. But you have maintained a positive approach through all the ordeals and refrained from bad mouthing him. A class act...

[Doby]

In this economy, customer service will be a HUGE deciding factor in where people will spend their money.

In my numerous experiences with FD, unless he has made some MAJOR changes recently, its understandable why his sales are down.

Sorry, someone had to say it.

[Steven Vaccaro]

Steve, You've got class...

As much as Chris and I butt heads like Rams in heat, he does do some cool stuff with RC. He's been a real push in getting FE on the map in the USA.

[teach]

Never bought from him, don't think I ever will. Still hope he makes it. My favorite LHS got hit pretty hard as well. (Hope that came out right).

Best wishes to all the small retailers!

[RCprince]

Man, I'm glad your doing ok Steve, I hope. Customers, Customers...having them and keeping them is two different innings in a ball game. Steve seems the have the 3 R's, which are Rapport, Respect and Reputation. They are the bridge over trouble waters. I've heard so much negative feed back about that site when i got back into rc boating, That I was just relegated to browsing the site, as an Owner or manager...people would have been on the sidewalk holding up signs for chuckey cheese or something, If I read half of the negative feed back. People have tendency to ignore the obvious until it's to late. But still I wish no ill no anyone, we all have families to feed.

[domwilson]

Chris is a smart guy. I'm sure he will pull it together and make it.

Steve, You've got class...

[Steven Vaccaro]

Chris is a smart guy. I'm sure he will pull it together and make it.

[yurkanip]

I just bought a sport .21 from them, last week. Some of the most helpful guys in the business....Hope they are able to stay open, throughout the year and more to come.