Internet Hobbies (do not use them)

After all these years of them being the model building world's version of the Nigeran Prince, it amazes me that people still end up using them when there are a plethora of well-known, reputable model stores out there.

Just to save a few bucks.

polystyreneaddict

Unfortunately, I did not see this until too late. The company is still out there, and now they operate several other internet shopping sites. They now also run Military Model Depot and Red Star Hobbies.  I did business with both and am in the middle of a credit card dispute with them right now. I got most of my merchandise but the last order I placed has not shipped since I placed it on 8/30/2022. Disputed the charges on a week ago, tired of waiting and no communication. With a day of placing the dispute received an email asking me to remove the dispute, that the items I ordered had just arrived, and that they can not continue until I remove the claim with VISA. I wrote back that I will remove the dispute only upon receiving the shipment, and they still owe me another model that they shorted me on from a prior shipment. So far no response to my response. Maybe they will get hit with wire fraud or mail fraud charges if they continue. One can hope.

Unfortunately, I did not see this until too late. The company is still out there, and now they operate several other internet shopping sites. They now also run Military Model Depot and Red Star Hobbies.  I did business with both and am in the middle of a credit card dispute with them right now. I got most of my merchandise but the last order I placed has not shipped since I placed it on 8/30/2022. Disputed the charges on a week ago, tired of waiting and no communication. With a day of placing the dispute received an email asking me to remove the dispute, that the items I ordered had just arrived, and that they can not continue until I remove the claim with VISA. I wrote back that I will remove the dispute only upon receiving the shipment, and they still owe me another model that they shorted me on from a prior shipment. So far no response to my response. Maybe they will get hit with wire fraud or mail fraud charges if they continue. One can hope.

Yea, wish I had used my credit card instead of my ATM to make my purchases, I probably could have gotten my $$ back. These crooks ripped me off for over $300! I also filed a complaint with the BBB but don't think I will ever get my $$ back. You got lucky.

Had issues with Internet Hobbies as well.

Never received my order or a full refund. They are horrible to deal with and very dishonest. Ended up finally getting a refund through my Credit Card company.

Don't take my word for it look them up with the BBB before you use them. I also filed a complaint with BBB against Internet Hobbies.

I have Internet Hobbies number as they don't publish one online if you need it (646) 208-8535.

Give scalehobbyist a try. Good prices $9.95 shipping no matter how much you buy. best prices on paints I've found.

Also avoid hobbymodels.com They are the same address as internet Hobbies ???????

My story is just like the rest of yours out there.I am waiting since november the 1st for my kit that i ordered last year.I have 2 out of 3 kits that i order but the third has yet to make it.I will stick to ordering from hobby linc,spruebrothers and Mark Twain.At least before I order,I can call to make sure they have them or they will e-mail me and tell if they are waiting on there orders.I will also check out Andy's HQ out of AZ.

goldhammer

Not going to happen.  It opens the site operator to an instant lawsuit, for effectively blacklisting them, or for defamation.

 

Yes, unfortunately, you have a good point there, the fraudulent site will use the courts to silence those complaining.

Joe

Not going to happen.  It opens the site operator to an instant lawsuit, for effectively blacklisting them, or for defamation.

Yes,

One of them is Hobby Models [LLC] they have the same adddress !!!!!!!

Having-fun

 

I have heard that Internet Hobbies, operates using different names, does any one knows these names? Knowing the different names will prevent an unsuspecting modeler from being scammed.

Joe

 

 

Allow me to make a recommendation, Could the administrators of this blog create a permanent listing of those sites that are known to be fraudulent? With this listing available, a modeler looking to buy supplies or models, could, at least be warned of the perils of doing business with these sites.

Please be aware that I am not advocating for pulling a site in  this listing for just a minor discrepancy with the site, sometimes we may have some discrepancy and, after due diligence, it is resolved. I am advocating for those sites known to be openly fraudulent.

This listing could also be used to rate the diferent sites in a reasonable and honest way.

Joe

Everyone, I am taking action against Internet Hobbies. You can help:

Fill out the complaint form on the BBB website.

Fill out the complaint form at the PA Attorney General's office website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/FileaComplaint/Pages/default.aspx#:~:text=You%20may%20request%20a%20Statement,are%20calling%20from%20outside%20Pennsylvania).

File a complaint with the US postal service: https://www.uspis.gov/report

Contact the suppliers (Tamiya, Revell, Academy, etc.) and let them know this guy is fraudulently selling their products.

I have had the same problem with them. Here is how the owner responded to me when I asked for my money back for a model that was never delivered:

I think Hobbymodels.com is the same ownership. 

I have heard that Internet Hobbies, operates using different names, does any one knows these names? Knowing the different names will prevent an unsuspecting modeler from being scammed.

Joe

Tickmagnet

Just letting other folks know that "Internet Hobbies" is not a business you want to do business with. Guess I'll need to start checking yelp and BBB site before trying to use a hobby site I've never used before. I'll post the yelp reviews and BBB rating as well. The complaints are the same issues I've had with them.

https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/mayfield/profile/wholesale-hobby-supplies/internet-hobbies-0241-235973355

https://www.yelp.com/biz/internet-hobbies-jermyn?adjust_creative=dWJMtmYxpd5N5yoyzSuhtA&utm_campaign=yelp_api&utm_medium=api_v2_business&utm_source=dWJMtmYxpd5N5yoyzSuhtA&hrid=XPcuHPeieIBQBxttgrBLRw

 

 

Just letting other folks know that "Internet Hobbies" is not a business you want to do business with. Guess I'll need to start checking yelp and BBB site before trying to use a hobby site I've never used before. I'll post the yelp reviews and BBB rating as well. The complaints are the same issues I've had with them.

https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/mayfield/profile/wholesale-hobby-supplies/internet-hobbies-0241-235973355

https://www.yelp.com/biz/internet-hobbies-jermyn?adjust_creative=dWJMtmYxpd5N5yoyzSuhtA&utm_campaign=yelp_api&utm_medium=api_v2_business&utm_source=dWJMtmYxpd5N5yoyzSuhtA&hrid=XPcuHPeieIBQBxttgrBLRw

I have had the same probelm with them. I went to the BBB and they have hundreds of complaints for the same issue. A key lesson, besides checking out merchants in advance, is do not pre-pay for back-orders. It is not ethical for a company to charge you until they ship the product. I will never do business with Internet Hobbies again and strongly warn the community to stay away from them.

oscardeuce

Well 3 days ago I ordered a bunch of Tamiya paints, and a Takom Lee Then suddenly today received an email...cancelled. I guess everything I ordered was out of stock....everything. I used the 50% off coupon.  I wonder if that had anything to do with it? No communication just cancelled the whole order of 12 items. I guess it’s my fault for giving them a chance. I guess someone else will get my money.

Sorry to hear about another issue w/Internet Hobbies [there are many out there], now a full year after my experience! I can't understand how they are still on the internet. They are criminals!

They got me for over $300 last year. These people should be stopped. I have filed complaints & it is supposedly being investigated, but how do they remain in business?????????. Good Luck.

Well 3 days ago I ordered a bunch of Tamiya paints, and a Takom Lee Then suddenly today received an email...cancelled. I guess everything I ordered was out of stock....everything. I used the 50% off coupon.  I wonder if that had anything to do with it? No communication just cancelled the whole order of 12 items. I guess it’s my fault for giving them a chance. I guess someone else will get my money.

This is not the only discussion here about this place. My own experience was ordering a couple of Hasegawa F-16C's in 1/72 scale. I had some decal sets for some ANG units, one of which is my home state. They seemed to be the only ones who seemed to have them in stock at the time. They were marked as "ships in 3-5 days" or something like that. I took a chance and placed my order.

When my package eventually arrived I found I had one F-16 and one F-20?! I contacted them and actually received a response. This person would check and see if they had another Falcon. I was later informed they did have one, they would send it, but I had to send back the other kit. I thought, sure no problem! Yeah right! It's still in the closet. Seriously? You want it back? Send me a UPS label!

The thing was, that the wording of the email was such that I could feel his irritation at having to deal with this. Hey! I didn't make the mistake buddy, you did!

The replacement was sent, and sadly, I never did put those kits together.

STAY AWAY from them.  Placed two orders last year, haven't received either, and they stopped answering inquiries.  Credit card companies should stop doing business with these criminals. 

I wish I had read this forum before ordering from them, mine is the same story as everyone else. Ordered models, waited a month, further inquiries were deflected and delayed with excuses. After I told (him?) I was disputing the charges for non-delivery, his conversation devolved into ad hominem attacks, accusations of fraud, and threats of legal action. Luckily my CC company (AMEX) is dealing with the mess. Really rather sad, I have no idea if this is a legitimate business with exceptionally bad customer service or a long-running scam. 

Lol.  There's an old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

I ordered about 6 weeks ago....80 bucks worth of stuff.  I got a thank you for your order and my card was charged immediately.  I didn't think anything about it.  After a couple of weeks with no notification, I emailed for information.  I got the standard We are closed for the weekend.  I think it was a Wednesday.  I emailed a few days later and got another email saying "we are closed for the weekend, but your order has shipped."  Is that so?

I checked their website for order status which still said unfulfilled.

I waited another week thinking the stuff must be coming via the slow boat from China.  I emailed for a tracking number, which they claim you would receive when the order goes out.  No response.  That was when I started digging around for reviews and BBB reports.  I have to admit I was getting a bit nervous.  $80 is $80.  I'm sure alot of people never bother with trying to get their money back or have paid with a method that makes it damn near impossible.  Fortunately I had used a well known credit card.  They get your money back as soon as you complain, while the matter is investigated.

Have you looked up their physical address on google maps? lol...he is either working out of the back of a Salvation Army Store or a muffler shop.  Whatever.  In the words of my good friend Roger Daltry, I won't be fooled again.  

Do your research.  Pay with a reputable credit card, not cash, check, money order, or debit card.   My God, I can only imagine if those shysters had my banking info.

Anyway, the nightmare that almost was, is over.  And like other people have said, if the stuff turns up tomorrow or a year from now, then I'll pay for it.

Good luck.

the Baron

You could also try your state's Attorney General's office.

Unless you live in Pennsylvania where IH is located, contacting your state Attorney General will likely be of no avail.   
Did any part of your transaction involve the USPS (ie sending them a check)?    You could file a fraud claim with the Postal Inspector's office.  See your local postmaster to get started.  

Robertwmartel

How do I also post a complaint for Internet Hobbies??

Do a web search on "better business bureau", then go to the BBB's site.  You should be able to add your complaint there.

You could also try your state's Attorney General's office.

The cause of the (his) problem is the so-called "just in time" system used. I doubt he has a warehouse so items are ordered when you order....His biggest problem is HE WILL NOT VOLUNTARYLY COMMUNICATE WITH THE CUSTOMER......But beware he has several other online shops.....

Military Model Depot

Model Ship Depot

Model Airplane Depot

Hobby Models has 21 BBB complaints.

Hobby Wheels (just found this one on 8/14/20, yesterday)........

Internet Hobbies has 44 Better Business Complaints of which only 12 have been settled.

I do not know if there are other site he owns or not...

I ordered the new A-26B Invader (1/32) thinking it was a good deal. Page said it was in "stock"...Had a 10% discount for being a veteran......A couple of days later I checked the page out and it said "backordered"......2-3 days later called him and he made excuses....I said cancel order and refund money.....Then he said he was getting shipment next week....Well "next week" has come and gone, with no communication from him as to status. 
I checked with the distributor and was told "next month".......

I am very tempted to file with the state Attorney General's office.