Hi all,

I guess most of all are veterans already in modelling here and is quite familiar with the few limited hobby shops in Malaysia. Im really new and interested in scale modelling and have completed quite a few models myself.

This post is meant to tell you all about the disappointing attitude I have encountered with Tamiya Underground. Mind you all, all my Tamiya models have been bought in Tamiya Underground so far, and the level of service that they are providing is way beyond disappointing as per my latest incident with Tamiya Underground.

This happened yesterday when ive asked my bro to pick up a scale model from Tamiya underground since he going to 1U. After picking the model he called me up and re-confirmed, and upon confirming i had realized he had picked up the wrong model. I immediately asked him to go back and change it. (All this happened within the time frame of 15 mins).

And guess what...the shopkeeper told my bro that they do not exchange sold goods and even after talking to the owner he insist no exchange can be made. I of course furious and called them up and asked why they do not want to change it. After a long story of listening to the guy on the phone telling me millions of reason why they do not do exchange which includes saying some customers actually steal some parts or paints from their purchase and asked for exchange.

Seriously i told him that everything is case by case basis. I wouldn't say they are wrong to stick to their no exchange policy but 15 MINUTES???? Well i guess they are suspecting that i would have opened the box, took out a part that i needed, and reseal it and sent it back to them within the time frame of 15 MINS IN ONE UTAMA! This is ridiculous. So after a long conversation with the guy on the phone, i had graciously told him to ask the boss to call me back tomorrow but also telling him not to bother on the exchange anymore as i am living in Sarawak and my bro is on a shopping trip there. Just going there the next day to do the exchange is too much hassle anyway since they do not want to exchange it in the 1st place. All i want is the boss to call me up and explain the situation to me and also i have made known to the guy that i have wanted to order more models from them if they call me up the next day as i heard they do delivery via courier too.

Unfortunately as of 10pm today i have received no phone call from them. This is not about the money as i run a few businesses of my own and well afford to pay for whatever mistakes my bro made in incurring the extra purchase which i think will be lying in my modelling room forever sealed in the box.

This is about how a good business model is ruined by imcompetent boss and management. And to my fellow modellers please think twice before buying there.
For me i will have to find new source to buy my Tamiya models and a close friend had told me www.hlj.com is a good choice as he is buying from there. I always believed in supporting the local modelling business community but now i believe that the local modelling business will not grow or strive given that these people are providing us the supplies. And to think that they are actually the Tamiya dealership in Malaysia.

PLEASE THINK TWICE IF YOU REALLY WANT TO BUY THERE AND PLEASE MAKE YOUR DECISION FINAL BEFORE PAYING OR YOU WILL END UP REGRETTING IT ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH TIGHT BUDGET!

:) don't worry, you're not the first to complain about TU's bad service. in fact during my last visit there last weekend, i believe the people in the shop are there to do/play with RC more than doing business as they were all sitting in the middle "workshop" area busy with their laptops and gears, etc. the no return policy i think is ridiculous. perhaps go to the Consumer Tribunal to complain? hahah not too sure if that'll work but interesting if it does. make them pee in their pants when served a summons! that would be interesting. :lol:

anyway we do have a thread some here with all the complains and bad experiences our forum members had with TU. as for me, i go get the things on my own and i don't expect any form of good service from them. see price, do calculation (40% off for SFTPMS members) and see if i want to buy. if not, just walk out. the people there aren't going to help you out so don't expect anything from them. doubt they know anything abt the model kits.

it's a shame, how many businesses generally fail to impress upon their frontline staff the importance of actively developing and adopting good customer service relations in their everyday dealings.
one would have expected the sole representative of a notable Japanese concern to conduct their customer service relations a little better.
but wait a minute, if i m mistaken this sole DU outlet is not even a Malaysian owned business to begin with, is it?

Its a shame you had to go through that experience. Sad to say, TU is a disgrace. Only thing going for it is the 40% discount for SFTPMS members.Although i dare say their prices are 20-30% higher than what Daisheng used to charge, so the 40% discount is no great thing.

Its an outrage, really. 15 minutes and yet they dont allow exchange. The whole mess could have been resolved by just checking the sprues to see if ANYTHING is indeed missing. This is a case of biting the hand that feeds them.

Personally, i stayed away from TU for quite a while already after the horrible service i got when i was there. Their whole attitude is the problem and i'd like it if you'd forward what you wrote here in SMM to Mr. Tamiya himself. I'm sure the Japanese would not think of treating their customers that way. Real Malaysians dont treat people badly either. TU deserve their "underground" status, underground location, with underground attitude.

Instead you could get in touch with other LHS like MH or HHQ. They might be able to help you out. Alternatively, there are other sources from HK that i like esp Luckymodel.com, YY and Van (http://www.ericyymodel.com/)


Hope that helps a bit.

I don't think they CARE, my brother too complaint to me bout their attitude, and me myself heard not little about their lousy service, i never care too if they ever exist, i just go there, see got some nice stuff or not, ask my bro to buy for me if he pass there :P but their selection of model kit is not much also, usually i end up buying at HWjapan, 20% for all Tamiya kit :)

Go find uncle low. He can settle all your needs. Good reputation I hear ;)

As if thats the only place where can buy Tamiya...waste of time lah...anyway the stuff aint that great. Been there like twice and never bother again, aint what Id call a model shop.

I get better service even when dealing online.

Hmmm.....I thought I was the only one who was not satisfied with their customer services.....rupanye ramai lagi


No doubt about their poor services to us modeller, they treat us like some kind of low class compare to them rc hobbyist. Come on, I played rc before with TU owner ong chee yeong but yet when I visit there to buy some stuff he just look at me upside down as if he don't know me at all. What kind of sick person/owner of a shop who don't greet a customer & ask if you need anything assistance for example. Am I right?

HHQ & MH are far more better than them whose been treated underground by the management of 1U

fist time i buy form them .. they reply email very slow for the price and every thing went i am ready to pay up etc etc.. very cepat .. but salah packing .. wrong tinner ... :l . then they reply is next time give discount ... the next time after i ask for what they have and ready to get the discount tinner .. went i ask for the total i need to pay ... well they do not border to reply ... and that end of story ..


is so TU an RC store that just so HAVE to carry MODEL ?

Whoa now im surprised. Thanks all for the replies. This place is definitely on my blacklist. I will try to be more active in this forum in the future. Btw ppl, any idea other than TU carries complete set of tamiya paints??? Or any of you guys have experience ordering paints from oversea esp Spray Cans which is really a very big issue for me since im more into motorcycle modelling.

Gents,
I took the liberty to highlight this issue to the Tamiya Underground establishment as this has far fetching impact to SFTPMS and modelling in general. They had requested to assist in replying the following:

From the point of principle, the TU staff was required to follow their store rule to not entertain returns as there were reasons for this (best known to TU). Furthermore, all customers were made aware of this rule as there is apparently a big enough sign on this no return rule at the payment counter.
However, Mr Ong would welcome neoitd to give him a call at 012 2108687 so that he can address this personally.


best to reserve my comments after the parties concerned have communicated. From my personal experience, I have had no problems with Ong nor David in my visits there. I suppose it only takes a little bit of effort to break the ice barrier in vendor/purchaser relationship.

cheers

Loo

Oh no... not again! History tends to repeat itself. Seems like my advice to them in previous similar thread had fallen into the deaf ears.....

No doubt the TU stuff are bit "lxn Sx" last time, but after the first thread regarding TU, the service has improved. I have no service problem besides wrong price tag on model kits.

secondly, as for the price, the price after 40% discount, it's slightly cheaper then the retail yen price (this is what I've always expect)

I will not make any further comments on this issue and my decision on this will be final.

They DO NOT CARE, and when i said this I meant it as you can personally ask David for my personal number which i had in fact given to him for Ong to call me back regarding further purchases and highlighting the issue. Why in fact that the customer should be the one to PLEAD them to break the ice barrier in this relationship when myself in the first place have provided them ample information to contact me.

Are we the customer to BEG the supplier to sell us product, or to BEG them to exchange the goods (mind that im asking for EXCHANGE not REFUND), and further BEGGING them to warm up to us.

This is a serious case of reversal of CUSTOMER and SUPPLIER role. Its like the customer begging the supplier to sell them the product.

Obviously these people DO NOT CARE about what we have to say and trying to justify every single action that they make. "High and Almighty because we are the SOLE DISTRIBUTOR OF TAMIYA PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA". Everyone has their opinions in matter but i believe what some what some forum members said is true, their only intention is to have fun with their R/C and the R/C business. Who are we modellers to them. The only reason why they are carrying models are because they are the sole distributor in Malaysia.

As what ive said earlier, i will not post any further comments on this issue as this will not benefit any party in any ways. the reason why im starting this thread is to let fellow modellers aware of my awful experience. Well maybe consumers in Malaysia is still considered NOMADS to these people as so many civilized and developed countries adopts the no question asked return policy as they know the customer will not misuse their consumer rights.

One pissed off customer may be little but start pissing more and they can sit back and enjoy their UNDERGROUND status playing R/C's underground without being harrassed by us modellers. Well, maybe they're right, they do not need us at all.

neoitd,

I have no intention to try and convince you on how sensitive TU is towards us modellers or reinforce your views on how insensitive they are; but rather to balance the views expressed in these pages because I am sure there are more than a few customers of TU who did not have the horrible experience you just went through, but will not take the effort to post their experience here.

On the other hand, I have had a first hand experience with Ong in particular, having been in the SFTPMS committee, running activities and seeking support for them. I can only summarise that in that tenure and by action, TU had not failed the society in any of our request. In particular, the year round 40% discount for members is not something small to cough at and which most LHS will find hard to match. You can try and compare that with the internet shops but factor in the shipping and our Malaysian tax of 10+5% and you will know what I mean, because this is what the local shop will need to add in. To equate that with being not sensitive to modellers need is just contradictory.

You are not entirely wrong to say that their main business is RC given the fact that TU have some real restriction in selling model kits to make them their main core business. ( I have some insight into this and would not mind sharing with anyone interested to know more about the model industry)
You are also not wrong to say that you have an absolute right as the Purchaser to request for an exchange. Actually our local consumer laws allows you to do so regardless what the shop owner displays as a no return policy. I believe that this made headline news not too long ago.

I have requested Ong to reply to this for the sake of clarity but he has chosen not to deal with this in public, so the ball is still in both of you gentlemen's court.

Please do not regard this as a retort on the part of TU but rather as my personal response on the matter because quite a few of the forumers have voiced out their disappointment in TU, and I thought that this little bit of info might complete the picture for argument sake.

At the end of the day, I hope that there is no ill will and that you will continue posting in this forum and we look forward to seeing your works.

Cheers


Loo

Dear 2 Ladies & Gentlemen,

First off there is no excuse for bad service. As far as a service industry in Malaysia goes most service providers here have a long way to go.

Secondly the marketing fact that one unhappy customer will tell 10 other customers while one happy customer will only tell 3 customers of their experience has been proven time and time again. I believe its something service providers should take note of.

Having said all that, every forumer here has a right to have a say and a say most of us have as the complaints about TU are not new as we have had a similarly "hot" thread a while back. However, we as the Admin of this forum will keep this thread open but we would like to remind all future posters beyond this that:

1. Do keep the description of the nature of the complaint as objective as possible.
2. Keep comparisons to a minimum to other LHS or better still not at all. After all poor service is poor service as there is no need to compare it against good service.

Please note that the Admin is not taking sides, our priority is the preservation and growth of this forum and that means respecting all forum members here.

Thank you for your cooperation.

On behalf of the Administrators.

I had thought the previous issue brought up sometime back had turned for the better after much elaboration from many parties but I just prove myself right somehow. Due respect to brother Loo who had taken much effort to straighten things out but I personally don't see this outfit becoming any better in the near future. Bad customer service is a big No-No in the service industry.

C'mon..for crying out loud, the guy just returned in "15 minutes" and you posed one rigid policy??? In the first place, do they have any sense or to give benefit of the doubt?? Are all buyers crooks that they think of? Are modellers a bunch of untrustworthy people??

Personally, it's a shame to associate the name TAMIYA with these people. I bet Mr Tamiya will be shocked to hear such incidents. Their role in so called supporting the society and the hobby is much to be desired, it doesn't matter in any way whether one is affiliated with the society or not, or into discounts but such practice ought to be seriously reconsidered. Again I don't care they are mainly into RC or not but if you sell plastic or resin models for the matter, they ought to give their customers full respect. They are the one who brings in the cash flow as well.

This is really disheartening. I had many experiences local and overseas, they all try to give their utmost service all the time. May it be in price, shipping cost or delivery time as well as return policy. Just to share with you guys, I had once ordered 2 decal sheets all the way from Europe and they sent 2 same duplicates, after an email out, they sent me a corrected one and told me to keep the duplicate sheet.

Moral of the story, they haven't seen me, they don't know who I am and I'm just another buyer from around the world but they treat their business to the highest value as possible. So, if TU is going to get money out of us plastic builders..Please buck up, you're losing it.

* Thank God I don't build Tamiya stuffs. ;)

Enuff said..back to building Hasegawasssss!!

Dear all,

I indirectly also experience an unruly staff @ TU last week. I requested a buddy of mine to buy some acrylic paints & thinner for me as he is going to 1U. As usual I gave him a list of codes to get. Guess what? As a "new" customer he walks in and enquire about the list and where he can get them, the staff there don't even bother to entertain him at all, his reply : go find yourself!!? What the !#@!#, what's is more important than his stupid laptop than a customer? :angry:
He spent about 45mins there just to search the location and the codes. Can you imagine that, with a list and yet you've to spent so damn long to purchase.
Of course, when he return, I got an earful from him and said "Don't ever ask him buy anything from TU again!".
In my humble opinion, a customer is a customer. You don't get to choose which customer you want but a customer can chose which supplier the want! And lastly, the word underground actually means something.....don't you think?

Hear Hear! My recent case of PE being stolen, the vendor sent me a complete replacement set. Postage paid and everything. Even allowed to change the order if i wanted. No questions asked. Everything just based on emails and trust. And they havent ever seen me or know me. Really makes you feel like a special customer. I will buy from them again anytime and recommend to anyone.

Deja Vu, this was said to me the second time I went there, looking for Tamiya paint. Held my peace on this earlier, but since everyone is being frank, Ill say it out. I walked out, and Ill never return. This kind of thing is "pantang" to me, sorry. Personally, with respect to Bro Loo, I dont think you need to "break the ice" or get friendly with the staff to get service. Why should i "bodek" the shop staff? Do I need to be "approved"? Who are they and do they even know who i am?

WTH! Fast, helpful and attentive servce is given right of any walk in customer.
We are giving you business paid with good money, you are not doing us a favour. Dont think you are the only place in the world to buy Tamiya. I for one would pay extra for better service instead of going to a shop where I am treated second class, you wont get one sen of my money. I use lots of Tamiya paint etc, ill buy them elsewhere. Funny, as the Tamiya distributor, I dont come to you.....go figure. You are damaging the brand name, remember.

For local service and retail industry - some outfits have really a long to go as we can see in this case. And I agree, some will never change - especially if they are dealing in the more specialised kinds of products like modelling/photography etc. Worse still if its a monopoly like TU. True, some people also behave like animals ie stealing kit parts etc but by and far in our hobby I think it is rare. A non-return policy is understandable, but should be applied with discretion after considering all facts. Use brains laaaa

But the baseline of good customer service is that you NEVER judge your customers before anything. This is the bad habit of many shops here, they look at you and judge you if your worthy of attention. On the other hand, for online shopping I am just an email address, but I get top class service. In TU I was standing in person in front of the fella laaa....sheesh, man you really pissed me off. Tiada maaf bagi mu!

Ive heard stories of ppl going to TU with good money, ready to buy RC stuff, and treated like nobodies. They walk away and say "f off la what a lansy shop, im going elsewhere". People remember. If you treat customers like crap they aint coming back. From this thread, something like 90%+ of people are reporting negative experiences with TU. I hope some TU people read this, you arent very popular. I look forward to a reply here from you.

While it is of course not the Society's role to take sides, this forum is open to non-members - so then I would think it is a valid channel for modellers to air their concerns, there isnt any other. If not said here, where else? I am speaking within my rights as a paying consumer and not a member of the SFTPMS, as I think most are here. Some other forums have a "hall of shame" for bad shops, sellers and buyers......

Sorry for the long post and sunday morning rant, but I think people who behave like this should be punished. Strung up. Shot. Made into mincemeat.

maybe should adjust their name to Tamiya In Underground([T.I.U].) ? :lol:

Thank you Mr Loo for taking a middle stand on this. Irregardless of what had happened, the ball in their park right now. Should I run to the referee and in this case "Consumer Association" to make a big issue out of this. NO. Since they couldnt care less to return the ball.."calling me up". Im not interested in the exchange after my bro left the place since it is too much hassle for something of such minimal value.

What im highlighting here is our consumer rights to better services. Let the forum members decide where they want to obtain their supplies. I have no intention of whatsoever to severe the relationship between the society and TU. They did their part in supporting the society irregardless they willingly do so or vice versa. If getting good service mean you need to be an acquaintance then count me out. Im a firm believer of good services no matter who you are. You may be a beggar but if you come to me with intention of buying, I will treat you as well as any other customer. A matter of fact which i had been practising in all my businesses.

Thanks all for hearing me out. Hope this community will grow stronger and better by the day :)

Bros,

not acceptable

I concurr

Not suggesting that, shah. Just recognising that a bit of friendly touch do go a long way in a lot of our dealings with people, regardless who initiate the first move. I am recognising that they are good customers and there are bad ones, just like there are good vendors and bad. Different strokes for different folks I guess. ;)


On the positive side of things, I guess its perfectly OK to pen your experience here so that some good can come from all this. In fact, having read the tread so far, most have been quite mature in their arguments and should be respected.

Like what neoitd had summarised, the ball is in TU's court to see whether action is neccessary.

At one point in time, it will be difficult for the society to remain neutral in the dealings of its supporter, if the experience and voice from the ground proves loud and negative in nature. If only Malaysian in general were more vocal......

well, i just go there, buy the kit that i want (the 40% REALLY helps) and leave... no problem so far :)

jimbo,
did the lancaster arrive and any matilda left?

i was there on thursday... no lancasters, but there are 3 matildas :)

I've no comment on this.

Like some has said, I just go in.. get the stuff I want.. pay and leave.
I make sure the whole procedure is repeated as it should as I don't expect extraordinary helpful service, especially somebody you all should know who.

Why? simple.. I just don't get the "customer is always first" treatment everytime I go there.
So basically going there is just to buy stuff I need and go back without much interaction with them.

Good and bad, if they don't mind entertaining me, I don't mind not being entertained.
Of course I would prefer the other way around.

What's wrong being helpful and friendly in the first place?

Yes, I get what you mean mate. Of course, nobody likes people being nasty to them right up front...thats common courtesy.

And I think on that incident, I was perfectly polite, asking "excuse me, do you have this Tamiya colour in stock?" - like any other customer in any other shop. And the answer was "Donno, go look in the rack yourself lah" Now, I didnt bang table or say "Oi! This paint got ar!?".....I was polite and decent. Did I deserve this treatment? Its indefensible, sorry to say.

Was it a bad day for the staff? Did he fight with his girlfriend? He cannot speak proper english? Had he just been screwed by his boss? Does it matter? Its his JOB for gawds sake.

We are talking in the context of a shop and its customers. Just wanted to say it should not be a prerequisite to being helpful and polite to your customer at the outset. In the first instance, good service should come naturally and unconditionally, whatever kind of customer you get, good or bad. Every customer walks into any shop expecting a certain level of service - and I hardly think SFTPMS members walk in and start shouting at the staff.

I've worked in service industry before (Mc Donalds!!) and you get all kinds of animals as customers, but there is no way you should treat them as such...Good service is just that, and it begins with the vendor who should make the first move and not wait to see if the customer is "nice" - it is their responsibility to make sure the customer feels appreciated and honored.

Just see how it is like in Thailand or Japan to know the meaning of good service....they really go all out to let the customer know how important they are. Malaysia is way , way off.

Haha, wishful thinking la.....anyway, Ive said my piece...enough on this topic :D

Was there yesterday but didn't see any Matildas. They did have the LRDG with Breda as well as the Finemolds + Tamiya japanese tank combos.

erm...actually, TU's attitude towards customer service reminds me of some of the obscure music and skate shops i been to last time. they treat you better if you talk their language. u'll be lucky if they point u to the direction of the things u want. of course some of them are really helpful as they are passionate abt the stuffs and will be glad to show/help u. but u'll usually get stuck ups.

lousy customer service? hell yes. usually it's run like family owned business...hmm that isn't correct, i believe like some quirky artist's shop. they run by the "take it or leave it" mentality. they're there to have fun and you being there equates to them not having fun. unless of course, you're there to bring cheers and fun to them.

i say this because that day when i was in TU, the guys were smiling and happily chatting away. but that's with some other RC people coming over for the weekend fun, preppin their cars, etc.

but does this justify their behaviour? definitely not. because unlike small obscure music or skate shops, TU carries a global brand name. people expects more. then again, perhaps it helps not to expect too much from the bunch of jokers sitting in TU. you need anything, just go grab n get out. oops...make sure u pay for it too.

although i have to admit, i didn't know abt the "No Return" policy in TU. this is because i usually don't give a hoot about it. reason being, i believe it's illegal to do so. if i'm not mistaken i can bring this up to the consumer tribunal if the shop doesn't allow returns, especially if i can prove that i did not do anything to damage the product and prove purchase from the shop.

Somehow it seems there's just one too many complaints bout this outfit, when everything seems bad..it's getting worst. There's not one single good thing bout this place as most have voiced out. Locals here are very forgiving in many ways but such business ethics is really much to be desired for.

If TU isn't prepared to change, I strongly urged all modelers to avoid that place until one such time that they become customer friendly. (Honestly,I doubt so!)

I clearly recalled when Daisheng down in Petaling street was holding the import rights, they always have nice people attending to one needs although not buying and merely browsing around and mind you,they make more in their other toys compared just to Tamiya stuffs.

Again weigh this out???!! Business ethics...issit? ;)

At one point I was having this in my mind:

1) I concurr that TU had not failed out society in previous events.
2) They give that year round 40% off for scale model kits to society members which is something not small to cough at
3) The customer service did improve a bit after the major incident after some communications between society members to their owner Mr.Ong

I realised I just bought too many kits which some signicant portions are bought from there and I'm enjoying the discounts. I
But if there's any case where part of my contribution here will not reflect the positive sign to their past & current goodwill and commitment to the society, which MAY cause the WITHDRAWAL of such benefits.. I apologise.

I may not ripe such benefits in future again from TU.
I am totally aware of that.
Some may not bother much of their rather not-up-to-competent level of customer service, just to go in buy kits and leave. So to hope that the discounts will be continuously honored to society members.

But this is what I've found:
The truth

I feel being honoured and at the same time a s**ker :blink:


I don't mind sharing this out for those who think that without being part of the society can still ripe the benefit of the offer made with the thread poster, which I have no idea how it come about, but I can say.. what's the point giving the benefit to the society if this is happening in fact behind our back. :wacko:

Aiyaya....!!! :wacko: Tamiya Underground again? :wacko:

Frankly... all their sale team members should attend some kind of "soft-skill" courses / Workshops... ;)

Personally, I think the this "STRICTLY-NO-RETURN-ON-ANY-GOOD-SOLD" policy might have been inforced too tightly... Some flexibility and case-to-case leeways could make situation better :rolleyes:

:unsure: :unsure: :unsure: :unsure: :unsure: :cry:

went there end of june for a bottle of paint and glue.. If I recall correctly one of the staff do ask me politely if I need anything..
Hopefully bad customer service would not happened to me lah.. sometimes it's nice to see this 'makan gaji buta staff kena tembak' with sarcastic customer.. :lol: just to teach them a lesson that PR is important.. :P

Well...Me personally got no problem wit TU as well....
Most of the time i just walk in hunt for my thing, paid and bye bye............

but base on what happened to Neoitd....the services TU provided to Neoitd is un-acceptable..
You open as a models business....you should know your customers......and main-point " you know models well"!!

15 minutes return or maybe days return....TU can check whether the parts is completed or not...
seal is man-made!! Box of models was/is check by customer before taking off...so what is the problem of check by TU and accept customers, forreign or long distance customer mistaken of collect and exchange it?
You gain good reputation and gain more far-distances customers rather then local or SFTPMS members as customers (no offence)...business biggest and well-known the best but base on some post....sound like near customer or SFTPMS is enough??

Some said Malaysia models shop is limited and not much....so why dont those shop do and treat every single customers who enter models shop equaly and fair?


I personally feel this is worst part...Neoitd left contact to TU and asking for return call....
No call to Neoitd...and now CK Loo (no offence) mention that Mr.Ong asking the customer to call back to solve this mess?? haha....sound shame to TU and Mr. Ong customer services skills!!! Issit mean TU lost a customers contact or issit a way that business do ask customer to call back for TU? is the problem good or bad...as a owner or salesman should contact and understand the situation asap.........

I personally lived overseas and bought models overseas before.....once happen to myself....
i thought i cant get exchanged as their shop policy stated no return as well....but one day i return for different models and the shop salesman ask me bout my previous bought is completed? i told him i bouhgt it wrongly.....surprise me! He ask me to return it....he told me is ok...i can return if every parts is still in good conditions and he himself can also check it as he know every models and i'm not return it purposely........

Well, i know some will think "Yes, that is overseas...now you are here!!"
Sound even worst if you think so......That's how you make local hobby world worst!!
Others can do it...so that's how they gain thier respect and good reputation...
How come We Malaysia cant?

One customer happy will sound to many....sametime.....one customer feel bad will sound to many too!!!!...................Customer know what they buying and where they should trust buying................

:) I just feel bad for how TU treat Neoitd and the customer services they provide.....EVERY ONE CUSTOMER IS IMPORTANT TO A BUSINESS.....

no worries, none taken...

After all is said in these posts, I can only summarise this:

1) I doubt that TU depends on SFTPMS to make up their annual sales figures even though they do give SFTPMS an additional 10% off the other benefit they accord to others.
2) I also doubt that Ong knew that David has neoitd's number or he would not have responded as such, requesting for neoitd to call and leave his own mobile number. Nevertheless, the onus should be on the vendor's side to look into his business approach and I think this forum tread has some insight for them to look into.
3) Some have had horrible experiences, some had lukewarm experiences and some have had no problems. Let's hope that one day, all the experiences in a LHS is one of fun and glee.
4) Modelling is still fun! :P

Let's move on folks; life is too short and my newly arrived Resicast Universal Carrier Mk1 is waiting!

Errr...i missed the train again...sorry guys i tot this is the old thread but it's not..... i guess they never learn anything

so far i only bought one bottle of paint from them personally.... and at this time the lady was very nice after all the question and extra discount i asked.... and this is the only thing i bought there ever since they started there..... my previous and next visit were always treated with their underground hospitality by the underground boys...and i wonder is the nice lady was a ghost!

thanks God that i'm not used to tamiya stuff anymore but by looking at the situation experience by Neoitd's bro and the others too, history are repeated again an again...


Anyway, Neoitd, i love your quote " High and Mighty..........."

So guys, i just hope we can put this to the end. I hope we had all the buying power to force them to improve or improvise...or put them 6 feet under..!!
I remembered i used to hang out at Daisheng @ Petaling Street (my old office is just 100m away from DAISHENG) and the tauke there always entertain me whenever i was there...sometimes a can of coke and a few batang of Dunhill will lite us up.... and i dont even have to buy anything evertime i visted them...just sharing ideas as a modeller to retailer....

and now where is my V-150................................

ps: woii hasegawa F-14 aku takde org nak ke

I would like to share my experience with TU.

I think that your "shopping experience" there depends on who's on duty. Initially when TU first opened, there was this nice chap working there, but he stopped not long after. He, together with the owner Ong was both very pleasant to talk to. Even without buying anything, they'll be free to have a chat with you.

Once, i visited TU looking for some paints but Ong wasn't around. I was served by this guy who had the look as if he smelled something bad. I think he was confused that he was the customer and my presence was just to serve him. With that attitude, i left the paints at the counter, walked off and that was my last visit for 2 years. I think most forumers will know who this guy is.

I know that we cannot judge a shop based on the actions of 1 staff, and i'm not sure if this is the same guy giving the death stare to customers now. But if it's still the same guy, i think it's the sole responsibility of the business owner to look into this matter having received so many negative feedbacks on one particular staff. The buck stops with the owner.

Perhaps, the latest complaint is off a different guy in TU, and if this is the case then it must be very worrying to have different staffs giving customers the attitude. Like it or not, the customer is ALWAYS right...Business 101

Hi,

I live in DU and often visit TU anytime I go to 1U. Usually I'd just go there window shopping and smell the kit boxes, dripping some saliva :ph43r: . Once in a while I'd pick up some paints and acessories.

The impression TU gave me is quite negative. I've visited there more than I can count, and never once the staff there talked to me. I totally agree with most of the replies on top of me, that they'll tell me to search the products myself. Some of them didn't even bother me when I ask them somethings. I really wonder if they have any idea what they are selling!!! <_<

The most recent visit was early this month. I found their inventory of model kits, especially amour and planes have decreased tremendously. Another disappointment.

The shop seems more like RC shop stocked with model kits. The staffs there are always working on some RC stuffs. But, so many times I've been there (week days, weekends and public holidays), I have never seen any RC enthusiast hanging around there. RC shops in Amcorp Mall and Atria are much more happening, despite their much smaller shop area. If you're looking for Tamiya spray cans, I'd suggest you get them there. Atria is only 10 minutes drive away from 1 U.

I was in Australia for 3 years. I didn't model anything at that time, but I do visit and hang around in the model shopS there. There are even model supermarket there, size of a warehouse (about 1/2 of a normal Giant hypermarket). Services are superb, customers are friendly and are always more than happier to give advise, share tips, etc. Model shops now in Malaysia are nowhere near them.

I really missed the hobby shop chains in KL during the 90's. I didn't like Daisheng, and TU is much worse. I built alot of Tamiya amour and aircraft kits, none of them I bought from Daisheng or TU.

I went to Tamiya Underground today, thinking of grabbing some paints.

So... walk in through the door, staff there like pretend din see...... expected. Then, looking to my left at the rediculuosly low stock of armor kits..... expected ady. I was wishing they wold give me some surprise.

Then I walk up to the tamiya paint section. I was there looking for my paint when my wife pointed at the price tag. RM 17 PER BOTTLE!!!! :o Really outrages :wacko:

Lucky model is selling USD 1.79 per bottle (mini). With that kind of price, I can almost buy 3 mini ones from Lucky model.

They are selling this:


at Rm 249. Lucky Model is selling USD 54 = RM 200 including shipping!!!! Online shop purposely ship overseas to customers oso can be cheaper than the same thing in Local shop. Really WTF man.