Is it just me?

[ChrisH]

As the winter is still with us for a while, I am (as I expect others are) using the severe lack of flying weather to think about the next project?

Is it just me or is almost every retailer that I look at somewhere near 50% or higher "out of stock" or the more frequent "back order" (difference is?). How do they manage to stay in business or are they related to hedgehogs and hibernate? 

I would have expected a reasonable level of sales at this time of year but how with no stock? 

Anyone explain? 

[mickyt]

Tell me about it im still waiting for an Ezuhf setup i ordered over 5 weeks ago still not in stock

[ChrisH]

Tell me about it im still waiting for an Ezuhf setup i ordered over 5 weeks ago still not in stock

Makes you wonder if all the manufacturers change over to making duvets or hot water bottles in winter! 

[Gav]

The demand for multirotor and fpv clobber has exploded over the last year.  Probably helped towards the ';out of stock'; notice on lots of items. 

[ChrisH]

The demand for multirotor and fpv clobber has exploded over the last year.  Probably helped towards the ';out of stock'; notice on lots of items.

You';d think they would have ramped up production! Hobbyking seem just as bad! 

[robshaw]

Yes i have noticed that too. Thought it was all you lot buying all their stock. Obviously not. So who is buying it all?!?

[ChrisH]

Yes i have noticed that too. Thought it was all you lot buying all their stock. Obviously not. So who is buying it all?!?

Not me Governor....

[Ross]

Probably due to most things made by the Chinese these days.  They seem to concentrate on one thing for a while..build up the stock and then move on to the next thing.....thus long delays in replenishing items. 

I have been "awaiting shipment"  for some items from China  for 2 months and  20 items from South Africa via the US distributor since Dec 5th!!......and they wonder why their businesses go down  the shute.  I find US retailers the worst, they do not even have the courtesy to answer e mails.......

[ChrisH]

I find US retailers the worst, they do not even have the courtesy to answer e mails.......

Mmmm, one retailer who advertises "great technical support" based in the UK have not bothered to respond to 3 different emails from January! I know I am probably a small fry customer as I "only" spent around £1K with them and not £10K plus. End result, I will not be looking to them for my forthcoming FPV project.

I';m not going to name the retailer but for the sake of a couple of easy email replies they have lost future business from me and I won';t be recommending them to others! 

[Gaza07]

I think the UK retailers have a hard time trying to compete with the Chinese sellers but them being in the UK and offering good support is the one thing the Chinese cannot do and for any UK retailer to fail in supporting their customers is just heading towards failure and of course it will be all the fault of the Chinese re sellers 

[ChrisH]

Totally agree Gary,

When I worked in customer services we used to say it took 10 times the effort/cost to bring back a customer compared to the cost of keeping them.

"We are the experts..
With award winning customer support and aftersales, our team of highly skilled builders and fliers know everything there is to know about Multirotor platforms. Not only can we can offer the advice you need to make the right purchase, but we can help professionaly build, test fly and set up your platform. You';re in good hands."
Quote from retailer site in question. Shows you can';t always believe in advertising!
:embarrassed

[laters]

Mmmm, one retailer who advertises "great technical support" based in the UK have not bothered to respond to 3 different emails from January! I know I am probably a small fry customer as I "only" spent around £1K with them and not £10K plus. End result, I will not be looking to them for my forthcoming FPV project.

I';m not going to name the retailer but for the sake of a couple of easy email replies they have lost future business from me and I won';t be recommending them to others! 

You are not the only one. 
I have sent them the same email twice asking about products and after waiting for the reply decided to order from China as they at least answered email questions.