Are ‘Vintage Model Boat Company’ still in business?

[T FParticipant @tf52296]

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to make a start in model boating, so I placed an order with the Vintage Model Boat Company for a 'Sea Scout' boat kit through their online store on January 1st.

It's now the 15th here is Australia, and I'm yet to receive either a model boat kit or any kind of communication from the company (other than an automated response acknowledging I have placed an order) – this is of particular concern to me as I have sent them two e-mail enquiries and neither have recieved a response.

I note on their Online Store Terms and Conditions they state "Delivery Schedule We deliver your order within 7 working days". Now I could understand if it took a few extra days to ship the item to Australia, but as yet NOTHING has happened.

So I was wondering if any of you UK residents could let me know if this company is still in business, or if they are off on holidays on somesuch.

I had placed an order for a kit as I wanted something that I could build relatively quickly while I am on my Summer holidays (or at least make a decent start on), but as they're quickly disappearing it doesn't look like I will have even received anything from them before I'm back at work…

Thanks,

Tim.

[T FParticipant @tf52296]

[Phil BrowneParticipant @philbrowne39943]

I am in the same boat I ordered a sea nymph on 3rd Jan. I phoned them last week to hear an answer phone message that they closed for the christmas holidays and will not open until Jan 21 (long holiday)

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I got the same messag as Phil. I think it is just a small family business but it would perhaps have been best to have put up a message on their website to say that there would be a delay in fulfilling orders.

Colin

[T FParticipant @tf52296]

Ah, thanks very much folks. At least I know what's going on now!

I had thought that maybe they were on holidays, but as I couldn't confirm one way or the other I'll admit I was starting to panic!

Thanks for taking the time to respond anyway. I'm sure once I get the kit and commence the build I'll be sure to let you know how I get on with it.

-Tim.

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

For your information, John Elliott has just completed the Vintage Models Patrol Launch as a review model, and I anticipate that it will be in MB later this year, once I have the text and photos!

As Colin says, it would be nioe if all manufacturers/suppliers put on their websites, as well as ansaphones, if they are closed for some reason such as a holiday. Some do and are very good about it, but one or two others just go into 'silent mode'', but Vintage Models. may simply have forgotten to put up a message on their website.

Many small businesses tend to have one or two long holidays each year perhaps of 2 or 3 weeks duration and if single handed, which many are, it is the only way of their having a proper break. A fair number of the traders supporting our hobby fall into this category.

Also, as one gets older, who knows what next year may bring, so if one fancies New Zealand for example as a once in a lifetime holiday, then in practical terms one has to go from the UK for 3 to 4 weeks to make it all worthwhile, and perhaps this time of year is as good a time as any to go.

So, as Colin says – good communication is all that is required by a supplier or manufacturer.

Paul Freshney

Editor

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

They are back now, I have just heard from Ivan.

Colin

[T FParticipant @tf52296]

Thanks Colin, yes I just received an email response from them too.

And Paul, thanks for that. I'll keep an eye out for it… Cheers again folks.

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