During the December holidays, I needed spares for my ESky Belt CP heli. I phoned around and discovered that Ultimate Hobbies at the Hillfox shopping center are stockists of ESky spares.
I went into the shop to purchase what I needed and was surprised that they sell parts which are usually sold in pairs or fours as individual items. I queried this with the person behind the counter who said that when they receive the goods from the supplier, they split the kits up and divide the prices accordingly.
I didn't think much of it at the time, but when I got home, I realised that the prices they had charged me were the same or higher than the retail prices charged elsewhere for complete kits. For example, main masts should be sold in a kit which contains 2 masts, a collar with grub screw, and the screw and nut which secure the head to the mast. This kit retails for R110 on xheli.co.za. I was charged R110 and I only received a single mast with none of the other parts in the bag. The kit had clearly been opened, some parts removed and then re-stapled closed.
IMHO this is daylight robbery and damaging to the hobby. I just wanted to warn everyone of what these guys are doing.
I also realised that some of the parts they supplied were for a Honeybee - the wrong parts altogether! I phoned and asked whether I could return the parts for a refund and was told that I could. I took all of the parts I had purchased, totaling around R850 back to the shop and explained the situation to the shop owner who was very aggressive and unhelpful and refused point blank to refund my money. She pointed me to a sign on the counter which stated that strictly no refunds would be given. I told her that I had phoned to confirm that I could return the goods and she said that the person I had spoken to had meant that I could return the goods for a credit (which could be used to purchase other goods in the shop) and not a refund. I explained that there was nothing else in her shop that I needed.
After much arguing, she finally agreed to give me a refund less a R65 refund fee and asked me to never visit her shop again. Rest assured I will never set foot in that shop again! I hope this post will help to prevent others from being over charged for their spares and experiencing the terrible service I experienced.
