Dealings with FINE DESIGN

[mickieb49]

Has anyone dealt with Crhis at Fine design?
I paid for a little canard hydro, got a email saying the order has been recieved, but that is where the emails stop, anyone had any dealings with this guy?

[JimClark]

use the search

[Fella1340]

Good luck Mickie

[Doby]

Some have had good luck...but the general consensus is....best of luck and keep your fingers crossed.

[ReddyWatts]

The Fine Design site does not show if the item is out of stock or how many are left. It is best to contact him before making a purchase or you can be waiting for your purchase. I waited 6 months for a hull. The OSE site shows when items are out of stock. Best to buy it here.

[Alexgar]

Had good luck with little orders (hardware) but many have had problems

[tlandauer]

Had good luck with little orders (hardware) but many have had problems

Same here, Chris actually returned my e mail the next day. It was for an ECO prop.

[mickieb49]

Thanks guys,
Maybe i should have gone to hydro and marine direct?????
Chris will not return my emails. being on the other side of the world doesnt help trying to ring him. Anyone close to him who can call him on my behalf? i would just like him to reply to an email, i do not care if it takes 6 months to get the hull, just like to be updated.

[ReddyWatts]

The irritation was that every month he told me the hull would be in next week.

[JCAustralia]

I had dealings with him before. If he does bother to reply to you, that tells a lot about his business practice and attitude........

[siberianhusky]

A few years ago I was after an H&M hull, after reading the horror stories about Fine I got in contact with H&M, they were aware of his business practices and were more than happy to sell direct, I was under the impression at that time that Fine was not going to be getting any more hulls from H&M.
No idea what happened, I ended up scoring the hull I wanted on here used, just luck it came available.

[Fella1340]

I am sure you will eventually get a boat, how long it will take and what kind will be the surprise!

[Doby]

He is actually a member on here as well...can't remember what name he goes by though..

[Fella1340]

I believe Fastasyoucan was his name when I had my run in here with him.

[JimClark]

Yup that is Chris but as you can see he is not on often early Jan was his last time on the board

[mickieb49]

Bugger.... I am thinking on then doing the Paypal thing to get my funds back and deal with H & M direct then... How can this guy still be in business then????? If Hydro and Marine are aware of his Dealings/ misdealings then why is Chris still advertising that he stocks their hulls when he is not?
Paypal refund request posted.

[Fella1340]

you may want to pick up the phone and call him. he said he prefers doing business that way. it is likely your best shot

[wolf IV]

you may want to pick up the phone and call him. he said he prefers doing business that way. it is likely your best shot

I agree with this statement. I dealt with Chris a lot when I first entered the hobby. He knows his stuff but isn't the best with communication through email. The best way is to call him (often).

[mickieb49]

This may be OK for you guys in the US, but I am in Australia. Hence I asked if anyone over there was prepared to give him a call on my behalf?
I have just raised a dispute with PayPal, I prefer him to just reply to my emails and let me know a timeframe than go ahead with it all, as I still want the hull.
Regards mick

[tlandauer]

Have you posted on his Facebook?
I personally don't have Facebook, but his web does list that, don't know how effective that is.

[keithbradley]

You shouldn't have to call him. Given his track record, I think it's fair to assume his lack of response is intentional.

[Fella1340]

I am biting my tongue on this one, having a tough time forgetting my last experience. I have his invoice taped up in my shop from my purchase there. What a joke!

[TristanJones]

I could not agree more Keith.
"Im not good at emails" is no excuse for ripping people off... there is no excuse for ripping people off!!!
This seller just made my black list, thanks for the heads up!

[mickieb49]

I like to try to give people the benefit of the doubt, I was able to get thru to him on Facebook, we will see....... fortunately I am in no rush and if it took 4 months to get to me I do not care, Just pisses me off if you are not communicated to in the process informing you as such.
This hobby is such a small industry that you just cant afford to not communicate, or piss off anyone. It will not take long before you are out of the industry..
Time will tell

[TristanJones]

Indeed, indeed. You have PM.

[Doug Smock]

Moved thread off of the main board.