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I asked, on this forum, what specific problems people had and several people reported fraudulent billings, items not as described, items not received...but no one offered to post a specific situation or example.
I talked to Chris Fine on the telephone over several occasions and I was fooled into thinking that he was an honest and trustworthy business. I take partial blame as I should have avoided him solely because of the negative cloud around his reputation...but I did not.
I have spent approximately $2500 in the last two months on Remote Control Boats from Chris Fine. The first boat was a Conquest which came with everything but an ESC. I purchased the ESC from OSE because I like the Swordfish's ability to log data and Mr. Fine does not sell Swordfish products. The second boat was a Challenger Pro which again did not come with an ESC. While waiting for the Challenger to arrive, a faulty Tactic receiver in the Conquest caused the boat to run ashore. I asked Mr. Fine if he could cut me a break on some replacement parts. The new Challenger Pro arrived but it was lacking the transmitter, receiver, parts bag and grease tube. Not a big deal I thought, but I figured I'd ask Mr. Fine about it as I was expecting them. Instead of getting back to me, he bills my credit card $118 for a shaft, rudder and prop. I send another follow up email to Mr. Fine asking him to clarify the $118 charge and when I could expect my radio....here is his response
[email protected]
"Hi Mat sorry could not get back to you last night. I said receiver. And that was in the boat when you sent first videos to me . Parts out Monday. Thanks for up date. Chris FDM"
My response:
"As of today's mail, I do not have the $118 package. Hopefully it was not sent and a refund is pending?
Also, I searched the entire box one more time and I can not find the transmitter, receiver, hatch tape, grease and extras. I assumed these items would be included as they were included in the last "Ready to run minus ESC"...(Conquest 43" catamaran).
This email is a follow up to the email sent on Monday...please provide a status update when possible.
Thank you"
[email protected] response:
"Hi Mat sorry post not to you. I have tracking number if need. Should have Thursday , may be the long box. Grease was out at time of shipping. So tape & grease do to ship. As for radio problem, sorry but I can not cover that. I can replace radio. But you have receiver from maker on way . So the warranty is with them. Any damage is on them. As for order the cost is much different on mono. So I said, no esc, radio. Free 56.00 shipping cost me. I did not over charge you. As for the order you called in mess, so sat involved you. As a small business 2 guys . I do drop all the BS to get simple orders in and out. Sorry I did think of calling you on small order. If on any future sales , I would call on all CC. amounts before billed, NOW on your file. PS FDM is closed Sunday and Monday. You have seen I really try to help , not hurt. Later Chris Fine FDM."
I don't know about you guys, but Mr. Fine's responses are hard to read...most of it makes no sense to me! I've tried calling him, tried emailing him, I've given him the benefit of the doubt and I deeply regret it! I can continue to post the emails back and forth if anyone cares, but I posted the first few to show the horrible level of customer service. I am officially DONE!!! It's people like Mr. Fine that ruin this hobby for those of us just getting started.
The last response from Mr. Fine was:
"Mat I only can go so far. Your there . Refuse order I mailed. The 48" mono are 1289-1389.00 I gave you price of 1200.00 turn key. When I pull the parts and sell the boat. You put esc in that is not the same as mine. If the radio fails esc turns off. Yours did not do that. So that is something you may not know. Bottom line is I try , . Send bad receiver back. I will send new one. Then I am done. Please call someone else for any Questions. Chris Fine Fine Design Marine "
I have no ability to reject a package unless I'm home all day waiting for the postal employee. Also, I should have to reject a package I didn't ask for! The continued emails don't appear to be making any traction so I'm just going to stop and let the credit card company handle it. I'm posting this so others will know about what kind of service you can expect going forward....be warned!!!!
I talked to Chris Fine on the telephone over several occasions and I was fooled into thinking that he was an honest and trustworthy business. I take partial blame as I should have avoided him solely because of the negative cloud around his reputation...but I did not.
I have spent approximately $2500 in the last two months on Remote Control Boats from Chris Fine. The first boat was a Conquest which came with everything but an ESC. I purchased the ESC from OSE because I like the Swordfish's ability to log data and Mr. Fine does not sell Swordfish products. The second boat was a Challenger Pro which again did not come with an ESC. While waiting for the Challenger to arrive, a faulty Tactic receiver in the Conquest caused the boat to run ashore. I asked Mr. Fine if he could cut me a break on some replacement parts. The new Challenger Pro arrived but it was lacking the transmitter, receiver, parts bag and grease tube. Not a big deal I thought, but I figured I'd ask Mr. Fine about it as I was expecting them. Instead of getting back to me, he bills my credit card $118 for a shaft, rudder and prop. I send another follow up email to Mr. Fine asking him to clarify the $118 charge and when I could expect my radio....here is his response
[email protected]
"Hi Mat sorry could not get back to you last night. I said receiver. And that was in the boat when you sent first videos to me . Parts out Monday. Thanks for up date. Chris FDM"
My response:
"As of today's mail, I do not have the $118 package. Hopefully it was not sent and a refund is pending?
Also, I searched the entire box one more time and I can not find the transmitter, receiver, hatch tape, grease and extras. I assumed these items would be included as they were included in the last "Ready to run minus ESC"...(Conquest 43" catamaran).
This email is a follow up to the email sent on Monday...please provide a status update when possible.
Thank you"
[email protected] response:
"Hi Mat sorry post not to you. I have tracking number if need. Should have Thursday , may be the long box. Grease was out at time of shipping. So tape & grease do to ship. As for radio problem, sorry but I can not cover that. I can replace radio. But you have receiver from maker on way . So the warranty is with them. Any damage is on them. As for order the cost is much different on mono. So I said, no esc, radio. Free 56.00 shipping cost me. I did not over charge you. As for the order you called in mess, so sat involved you. As a small business 2 guys . I do drop all the BS to get simple orders in and out. Sorry I did think of calling you on small order. If on any future sales , I would call on all CC. amounts before billed, NOW on your file. PS FDM is closed Sunday and Monday. You have seen I really try to help , not hurt. Later Chris Fine FDM."
I don't know about you guys, but Mr. Fine's responses are hard to read...most of it makes no sense to me! I've tried calling him, tried emailing him, I've given him the benefit of the doubt and I deeply regret it! I can continue to post the emails back and forth if anyone cares, but I posted the first few to show the horrible level of customer service. I am officially DONE!!! It's people like Mr. Fine that ruin this hobby for those of us just getting started.
The last response from Mr. Fine was:
"Mat I only can go so far. Your there . Refuse order I mailed. The 48" mono are 1289-1389.00 I gave you price of 1200.00 turn key. When I pull the parts and sell the boat. You put esc in that is not the same as mine. If the radio fails esc turns off. Yours did not do that. So that is something you may not know. Bottom line is I try , . Send bad receiver back. I will send new one. Then I am done. Please call someone else for any Questions. Chris Fine Fine Design Marine "
I have no ability to reject a package unless I'm home all day waiting for the postal employee. Also, I should have to reject a package I didn't ask for! The continued emails don't appear to be making any traction so I'm just going to stop and let the credit card company handle it. I'm posting this so others will know about what kind of service you can expect going forward....be warned!!!!
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