Squadron, really?

Online sales from stock in the warehouse is last-century.

Jim;

     Being a Registered LEGO Fan, I broke the rules and bought a "Cobi"P-40 fighter. Hmmm: On this type of stuff they are legions ahead of LEGO I am afraid. I also have some Brik-Tech(Canadian) stuff including a Recognizable B.M.P.(Russian-Early Model).

      LEGO -WILL NOT embrace anything from the wars. If you see a ship built with LEGO, it is from the Fan, not a company Kit!

Just had a look at lots of models because I'd never been there before.

In the first 5 categories I clicked on, every single item listed was "sold out".  At that point I was curious if they had anything at all, so I kept clicking around till I found a few things, but it took a while.

95%+ of the kits listed on their website are shown as "sold out". 

M

That is why I don't bother with them.

GMorrison

Online sales from stock in the warehouse is last-century.

 

Yeah, but with distributors shut down as non essential, and overseas supply chains delayed, on hand stock is what it is for many of these shops...

Mark Lookabaugh

Just had a look at lots of models because I'd never been there before.

In the first 5 categories I clicked on, every single item listed was "sold out".  At that point I was curious if they had anything at all, so I kept clicking around till I found a few things, but it took a while.

95%+ of the kits listed on their website are shown as "sold out". 

M

 

I do see their stock and selection shrinking and do hope they don't go under. I have been buying from them since the late 70s but nothing as of late.   I wanted to get some paints but they don't carry what I was looking for so Sprue Brothers got my order. 

I remember them having EXCELLENT customer service when dealing with missing parts. About 5-6 years ago a friend game me an Eduard 1/48 Fokker VII kit that was missing 2 or 3 tiny parts. I called Squadron and happened to speak to one of the supervisors. I explained to him about the missing parts from my friend's kit, and that I had contacted Eduard but they were charging me for 3 tiny parts  more than the kit costs. He just happened to have the same kit with one small decal sheet missing and sent the entire kit to me free of charge! Wow! Now that is fantastic customer service.

I got a reply back. That was quick.  (Wonder if they read our forums???)

 

I have no idea why you would be still expecting this to ever be fufilled. It makes zero sense that you would still wait. even if they were free waiting 11 months is unbelievable.

It's more of a test.  I expect to be waiting even longer.  I was curious about their Businees model.  It has changed drasticly in the last year and a half.  Several other online retailers, like Internet Hobbies, are doing a similar "Business model". 

    This Thread gives me a chance to alert prospective purchasers.  If I let this Thread go into obscurity there will not be any further notice of Squadrons Customer Service by prosprective buyers. Keeping this thread hot is my intent.

     Giving Squadron some more rope has become entertaining.

  Nino

 

 

Hello, I am new here and found this website and thread via a google search for Squadron reviews. I wish I would have found this first because these posts are rather disheartening. I recently got into building model warships after finding a random buy of a 1/400 HMS Hood by Lindberg at a local discount store. That was a few weeks ago and I am already itching to get another one to start. Well I have been looking for a quality and reliable retailer to buy to my new model from. Squadron seemed to fit the bill with a long history in the business and what appeared to me as a good selection. I can see where a lot of items were on backorder, or "available to order" like stated by several in this thread. I ordered on Monday a Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Queen Elizabeth 1943. On their website it says "in stock". So I pray that send my items to me, if no update or tracking number is supplied by Friday when I will start my chain of getting ahold of them. Lets hope they stick true to their word and deliver my items in a timely manor. Since it is listed as in stock, and I paid for expedited shipping....

So update, the model and glue I ordered shipped out first thing this morning. Checked the tracking number and it has already updated to being picked up with a delivery date of this Friday.

Remember, the model i ordered was showing in stock. So I am sure that is why. But the shipping time was quick, and as of now I am happy with my purchase. Assuming everything arrives properly.

That is great news

Nino

It's more of a test.  I expect to be waiting even longer.  I was curious about their Businees model.  It has changed drasticly in the last year and a half.  Several other online retailers, like Internet Hobbies, are doing a similar "Business model". 

    This Thread gives me a chance to alert prospective purchasers.  If I let this Thread go into obscurity there will not be any further notice of Squadrons Customer Service by prosprective buyers. Keeping this thread hot is my intent.

     Giving Squadron some more rope has become entertaining.

  Nino

 

 

 

That makes sense! I just thought you liked banging your hear against the wall!

Yup. Interesringly I now work about 6 blocks up Georgia Ave from the Sligo Ave. location. 

 

     It is the 13th Anniversary of my original order from way back on May 22nd, 2019.  It was for 2 AFV Submarines.  It was a good deal at Squadron, I thought.   They were special order items I just did not expect that Special order to not be submitted for over 8 months.

     I finally opened a BBB issue requesting information that had not been forthcoming in my 13 email requests for updates. I did not request a cancellation or refund. I specified I wanted the kits!

  I got my update. An immediate response from Squadron to the Better Business Bureau  indicating they could no longer get AFV products and would send me a check for the items.  I got the check today.

The good news... I was told a few days ago that Squadron dumped the old CEO and now has a new one.

The bad news... It looks like almost all the online retailers, including FreeTimeHobbies, (but not ScaleHobbyist- so far), are limiting what they stock.  Squadron is the "most limited" as they seem to be a 90% Trumpeter and affiliates in model ship kits now and only a few other OEM kits showing available to order.

 

So, my "research" and  "rope letting" seems to be at an end.    Not happy as I really wanted the I-58(late), and Gato 1941 since the price was $18.00 each.

Well, when a deal to too good....

        Jim

 

DONE!

I believe stock supplies are down because the kungflu lockdown caused a run on models along with toilet paper. Not to mention lot's of people jumped back into the hobby because of it, which increased sales on line, since we couldn't go to the LHS.

I think they are having problems other than not getting inventory. 

The last sale flyer they sent me was a shadow of it's former self. 99% Hobbyboss/Trumpeter.

Why would they choose not to stock cetain Airfix or Eduard kits? That was posted on their Facebook page in the comments. 

Interesting times. I have about quit buying anything from them. They never what I need in stock. Scale Hobbyist & Sprue Brothers get most of my online business.

 

RSchnell

I think they are having problems other than not getting inventory. 

The last sale flyer they sent me was a shadow of it's former self. 99% Hobbyboss/Trumpeter.

Why would they choose not to stock cetain Airfix or Eduard kits? That was posted on their Facebook page in the comments. 

Interesting times. I have about quit buying anything from them. They never what I need in stock. Scale Hobbyist & Sprue Brothers get most of my online business.

Earlier this month, I got a really great deal on a Hobby Boss US heavy tank (T29E1). I bought it on a whim and they had free shipping over $30, which was a pretty good deal. I haven't gotten to the kit, but it looks pretty good.

Yeah, there inventory has dwindled in recent years. They used to be the place to get anything model related online. I don't even see Dragon, Italeri or Tamiya listed in their 1/35 scale armor category. They may carry it but it isn't a brand in their search option.

I would bet the reason you don't see some companies there is likely pretty simple to explain - financial. With the problems Squadron has had the last few years, I imagine they havent been quick to pay their bills, and some companies won't give them good terms, or deal with them at all any more. 

MJames70

I would bet the reason you don't see some companies there is likely pretty simple to explain - financial. With the problems Squadron has had the last few years, I imagine they havent been quick to pay their bills, and some companies won't give them good terms, or deal with them at all any more. 

I'd be willing to guess this is the case. I also noticed their "chief modeler" must no longer be working there either. Sprue Bros. shared one of his youtube videos recently. 

I just ordered a few books from their sale. First time I've ordered from Squadron in about 2 yrs.

Yep, Financial.  

    Note how many manufacturers they no longer carry. From my discussions with 2 other proprietors of Online retail, I understand Squadron was not paying their bills and so their model kit distribution company suffered the loss of several major Model Kit manufacturers.

     I have recently been forwarded some emails dating back to August, October and December of 2019.  They describe and highlight, in detail,  the downward trend of Squadron.   Interesting reading.  Wish I had seen these sooner.

I can post them here if you folks want some extra reading material.  Let me know.

   Nino.

 

Nino

Yep, Financial.  

    Note how many manufacturers they no longer carry. From my discussions with 2 other proprietors of Online retail, I understand Squadron was not paying their bills and so their model kit distribution company suffered the loss of several major Model Kit manufacturers.

     I have recently been forwarded some emails dating back to August, October and December of 2019.  They describe and highlight, in detail,  the downward trend of Squadron.   Interesting reading.  Wish I had seen these sooner.

I can post them here if you folks want some extra reading material.  Let me know.

   Nino.

 

 

 

I'd be interested just for curiosity....

 

Email redacted@gmail.com>	Aug 24, 2019, 11:54 AM
to customercare   I looked thru your In-stock model ships.  There are only 49 "Surface Ships" in stock.  Now you have a 30% off sale. Are you going out of Business?    I do not want to buy any "available to order" kit as I now fear I will never get it.   What's up?   You are a big online retailer.  No Ships? Even your selection of in-stock aircraft are poor.   There are no Hasegawa kits.

The story gets worse...     Another  message this time back in October 2019: Fxxx@gmail.com  ( Email name redacted)	Oct 26, 2019, 5:59 PM
to    Customer Care <customercare@mmd-squadron.com Just saw your New and Restocked TRUMPETER!  YOU HAVE ONLY 6 ITEMS IN STOCK ON THAT 3-page LINK. I bet your IT folks never enabled an option to see in-stock items only.     WHAT "BUSINESS MODEL" ARE YOU FOLLOWING?   Where is this Trumpeter re-stock?     There was no restock in August, none in September. Most manufacturer's are now completely missing from your store. You are not being txxxxxxxl to your customers and I fear your business will suffer.        Older modelers that I keep in touch with are done buying from you. High prices, No stock, Back-orders not coming thru.  And now statements that leave me wondering how soon you will go out of business. (These older modelers have grand-kids that they buy presents for. These older modelers are on multiple forums and are looked-to for advice, These older modelers can afford the Big Expensive Plane, Tank, and Ship kits. . So if Squadron is planning on a new wave of 20-30 yr old modelers flocking to the  "Available to order"  banner, re-think that. They (younger modelers), have limited time to wait for a model to arrive  what with social interactions and world issues so my bet is they will be eBay users, Amazon users, and patrons of any other retailer that has the item they want in stock so it will be shipped right away, gets sent priority mail,  and with eBay, has a money-back guarantee.    Sorry Tom, I am convinced you are under poor and ill-informed management and they are showing themselves to be imxxxxles when it comes to understanding this hobby.  Get out while you can.   Thanks for the previous replies.   P.S. Having no overhead is a great business model but you need suppliers you can depend on to obtain your stock and ship it the same week.  Other stores seem to be trying this same "no stock" thing like Tower Hobbies and Dragon USA.  Neither has stock like they had a year ago and I have ceased to look there except during big sales..   On the other hand overseas online retailers seem to be well stocked. Locally, even Freetime and ScaleHobbist are keeping great stock and great prices.  ( Remember, this email was back in Oct. 2019!)      You probably noticed that Squadrons discount of 25% only gets you close to these stores regular prices. Perhaps a simple Employee Buy-out of the business is needed to get squadron respected again...  Unless selling Cobi kits keeps the profit margin up.

Customer Care		Thu, Dec 5, 2019, 3:36 PM
Hi Gxxxxx, we can still get AFV kits but not Hasegawa. Thank you for asking. Tom Fox Customer Service Manager MMD Holdings, LLC 1115 Crowley Drive Carrollton, TX

SQUADRON ? ? 

    Guys, if I ran a business like that I would've failed presumptiously. I don't understand their business model. You don't take someone's money, Then order the item from an outside source.That may work with Parts Ready mfgrs. it doesn't work for this line of business.

 They are not Toyota or Honda which keep small stores of parts and they are delivered the day  the cars are built. Now sounds good doesn't it. No large warehouses and delivery fleets. Money saved. In the hobby business, I used to order assorted cases of Models and then keep my five storage sheds filled to the rafters.

        This was a strange way to do business. Yup! a patio, snack bar and five sheds full of any kind of model Except Palmer Plastic products. Big fiberglas roof with the wavy clear sheets as roofing. Porch Chairs all around with tables. We had fun. After 1982 I didn't do it anymore. I even had one shed offside that was full of Sterling, Dumas and Comet kits for my R.C. Customers.( R.C. cars weren't real popular yet!) Planes and Ships ,Yes! Trains, No Way!!

 Paints from Pactra, Humbrol, Testors and Polly"S", some limited sets from Floquil. Every model and level of Binks and Badger airbrush sets and compressors. My Binks guy was able to get me the Artists and Automotive spray units which were different from other commercial models.

    But, If someone wanted something I didn't have they would put down10% and then I would tell them to check in a week. They knew I was ordering it from the Wholesaler. usually one business week and their model was at my office.

      Tax was collected of course. When I closed, I had a big parking lot sale. Sold everything out that was left in one weekend. No Sign, no fancy Building. they knew to look for the patio and five different colored sheds! Strictly Word Of Mouth!

 So after that long story, I don't understand Squadron, it's true. They were once great. NOT NOW ! 

 

My first real model kit, the trumpeter QE 1943, was ordered from squadron. It showed in stock and was delivered quickly. No issues. But i do see issues on their site as to in stock items being low, and a lot of backordered, and available to order items. After reading reviews here and a few other places online I have yet to place another order from them.

 

My go to's are sprue brothers, mega hobby, and scalehobbyist. All 3 of these retailers have been great. Sad to see a once great business going downhill in an uncontrolled spiral. I hope they get it figured out.

I'd like to see them survive. Perhaps with some competent people and a redesign of their business model it can be done.

As a kid 35 yrs ago I used to order from them selecting kits from their ad in Fine Scale Modeler. Time flies!

 

RSchnell

I'd like to see them survive. Perhaps with some competent people and a redesign of their business model it can be done.

As a kid 35 yrs ago I used to order from them selecting kits from their ad in Fine Scale Modeler. Time flies!

I was introduced to them in 1988 at the tender age of 24. Lots of disposable income and stationed in Germany, they were my lifeline to higher end modern Tamiya kits.

Yes, they have fallen quite a long way down, but I would like to see them stay in business.