[Al_in_Texas]

What's the appropriate forum to post a review of an online slot car retailer? I've had several bad experiences with a particular vendor and would like to post the problems I've encountered to potentially help others avoid a similar experience.

 

[Wankel Ickx]

Well, if it's 1:32 stuff I'd suggest that sub-forum. If 1:24, 43 or HO then in their respective homes.

But I'm no longer a mod so possibly wait a day and see if anyone else offers anything different.

But definitely try to keep any emotion out and the facts in when you post.

 

[Al_in_Texas]

Thanks for the advice, and I'll just refer to my purchase experiences.

 

[vs-Admin]

I would agree that the above suggestion makes the most sense. Posting in the product specific sections and keeping it to the product reviews (less about the retailer and more about the product) would get the best results and be most appropriate for the forum.

The moderators may be able to give better guidance, but this would seem to be in line with the forum rules and normal posting behavior on the forum.

Daniel

 

[Al_in_Texas]

Thanks for replying. I did come across a thread related to the one I'm proposing, and it's called: Carrera Resellers and Related Resources. In it, there are wide ranging comments about products but also experiences with retailers, product returns and customer service. So, I think my thread will be just as appropriate.

 

[munter]

“and keeping it to the product reviews (less about the retailer and more about the product) would get the best results and be most appropriate for the forum.”

Sorry but I disagree with you vs admin.
The original post was about a retailer experience not a product...at least how I read it.

 

[vs-Admin]

Sorry but I disagree with you vs admin.
The original post was about a retailer experience not a product...at least how I read it.

This forum is dedicated to slot car owners and enthusiasts. I am not sure that this would be the best platform to put up reviews (good or bad) for any retailers unless they only specialized in slot cars. If they have a review of the retailer as a whole, it is probably better to review them on something like google reviews. If they are purchasing a specific product line (1:32 scale for example), they can leave their reviews and experiences with purchases about that product line in regard to that retailer.

More my point was a general review of a retailer probably won't have much of an impact or serve much of a point. Narrowing it a little to the products will help keep it focused on the topic and product-related experiences. So something like "I will never buy 1:32 cars from Joe's Shop again" or "Joe's shop has the best parts for 1:32..." will be much better than "Joe's has the best service" because they may only be knowledgeable in one product line.

Daniel

 

[munter]

This forum is dedicated to slot car owners and enthusiasts. I am not sure that this would be the best platform to put up reviews (good or bad) for any retailers unless they only specialized in slot cars.

again, I disagree.
This is the perfect platform to express feelings and reactions after spending money with a retailer.
I have done it in the past and so have others.

 

[mattbslotracer]

This would certainly be an appropriate place to point out inferior dealings with some retailers. A slot car hobbyist is more likely to make choices based what he reads here than what is on some internet site he never visits. I do think it is very important to also point out the many great retailers we do have.

 

[munter]

I do think it is very important to also point out the many great retailers we do have.

Agree entirely, not every critique needs to be negative.

 

[RikoRocket]

Interesting thread. Be careful as this is in the public domain and anything that you say that could be construed as slander may well have some direct repercussions to you. You are responsible for what you post.
You might be better to ask the question "has anyone had any issues with xx as" ... "they are not responding to my emails"; or ...."I have been receiving damaged product", or ... "I'm still waiting for parts I ordered 4 weeks ago", ... etc etc
Stick to facts. Also by asking you will get others to either agree there are issues, or you may find that you have been exceedingly unlucky/bad timing/whatever and most people think they are great.

Do note that anything that is clearly unfair, defamatory, or that creates conflict will be deleted by a moderator. This is not the place to start a war. I know that being helpful by pointing out issues is always going to be close to this line.

 

[munter]

If a retailer is taking money and not delivering the goods then some conversation here can help ease the pain.
Remember the fuss over Dart?

 

[beardy56]

I certainly do, never got my order or a refund so my review would be unprintable here.

 

[rastas]

Yes I think it's a good idea to relate your experience when dealing with a seller , so as to make there next customers aware of your experience with said seller.
Cheers,
John.

 

[Chappy]

I should think that relating a bad experience in politically correct terms would be fair.
So long as it pertains to your experience and is factual.
Depending on the retailer you may get some agreeable responses and others that disagree.
I will discuss this with the moderating team to discern its best placement and then advise.
Cheers
Bob

 

[gteye]

I’d like us to think about the kind of retailer before we post criticism, or indeed praise, before we post on this subject. On a visit to Wolverhampton club a few years ago I had a conversation with the late Mac Pinches. He produced good quality resin bodies. He said he got a fair number of complaints about delays in delivery. This was not due to his tardiness, but rather the unexpectedly high demand for the bodies, and he couldn’t keep up with the demand and decided to subcontract production to meet reasonable order times. There are other “one-man-bands” who also produce goods and may not be able to provide ”from stock” and if people are over critical over the delay, may well decide that the hassle is not worth continuing to trade.
Geoff

 

[vfr750]

Yes, there's a difference between an enthusiast trying to help out others and a professional trader who does it for a living.

Cheers,

John

 

[mattbslotracer]

No report should be written in anger, but should be truthful, respectful, and just facts. Nothing wrong with allowing a response from the business, either. Supply issues are everywhere and a business can't do much about that.

 

[beardy56]

A lack of communication from a supplier can be one of the more off putting things, especially with your first order. I have used a UK supplier and all you get is an auto confirmation just after placing the order and then silence, now I know what to expect I don't worry but the first time I was acutely writing an email to the supplier to ask what was happening with my order when the postie delivered it.

 

[Al_in_Texas]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and guidance. I didn't mean to stir up such an interesting discussion but when you spend large sums of money on this hobby, there needs to be a specific and distinct review forum critiquing the slot racing vendors supplying us. Since re-starting this hobby, I've easily spent over $1000 USD and vendor accountability is a necessary part of vetting the seller community.

Regarding my particular situation, I have now had three bad experiences with a Scalextric used cars and parts supplier based in the UK and I will be posting my comments soon, within the 1:32 digital forum as suggested. (Unlike a similar thread that was posted in Tracks and Scenery).