Microtech Shop?

[tellor]

has anyone heard from Microtech lately?

Can't get through on the phone and website appears to be down.

[DaSloth]

seems its down for maintenance? i got an order from them last week, i think they;re still well and truly alive :)

[Smartalec]

Yep, I've just had the same problem, no phone, no website :(

[RobW]

Received my order from them yesterday.

Website says it is down for maintainance so no reason to believe it is anything more than that.

Rob

[lotussmart]

They will be okay, sure it is just a technical issue with the phones. They are a solid and market leading business so don't worry. :-)

They are so good that if they disappear for the morning we all panic :-) That's cool.

[Darren Boyle]

Well they signed for a delivery from us this morning, so they are definatley still there as you would expect, I am sure as has been said they are simply having a few techinical problems or somthing similiar and most likely Keith (KRob) will be on here sooner rather than later to put everyones minds at rest.......

[CHEVY]

got parts last week no problem and spoke to krob

so i think they are still alive:thumbsup:

[coolcars782]

Well if there website is down and there phone is down maybe they are having problems with there phone line as they run off the same line, I'm sure they'll be back up soon, or just order from DMS :woot:

[Neil Skull]

Keith!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!ANSWER THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!:confused:

[DCM]

I understand they have had a major server issue, and phones, god knows, someone could have chopped through the lines etc...

[Darren Boyle]

Keith!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!ANSWER THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!:confused:

What at 11pm at night? You are eager Neil...... LOL

[DaSloth]

I understand they have had a major server issue, and phones, god knows, someone could have chopped through the lines etc...

Or Keith ran out of ginger biscuits? :woot:

[Neil Skull]

What at 11pm at night? You are eager Neil...... LOL

Yes i am eager, I have been trying to get Keith for some time and was unsure if something happend to him but i just see he was at the Micro race at Hereford so at least i know he is alive.

!!!!!!!!!KEITH ANSWER THE PHONE!!!!!!!!:thumbdown:

[c0sie]

Feel the love KRob :D

I think its about time we have a "Mighty Keith Robertson" Facebook page alá the Nobby, Crisis and Doughty ones lol

[Projectzip]

Ok I don't like being the bearer of bad news but Microtech is no more.
i have it on very good authority and backed this up with a call to the bike shop across the way. Apparently they shut the unit down yesterday.

I hate to see a shop close. But this is a sign of the times.

[c0sie]

Heard the same earlier but until something official comes out I shall presume it to be rumour.

I have a swindon based RC shop sized tear in my eye though :'(

[chris_blakey]

dear god I hope not, they had one of the best online shops of all rc modelshops.
best of luck to rob and the team if it is!

[carlin]

Real shame to if they have gone :cry:

But i would wait till one of the guys actually confirm this has happened.

[ianhaye]

any ideas when they are going back online? waiting to make an order and no one else has everything i want in stock :-(

[c0sie]

Ian, you might want to read the four posts above yours...

[ianhaye]

rummors? only takes one guy to say they closed then everyone else tells everyone, surly something would have benn mentioned before close down, not even a big sale ?

[c0sie]

I love your optimism, it made me smile :)

[ianhaye]

:-( i guess its time to start looking for a new store then, most i have looked have dont have all the stuff i want in stock and hassle ordering from all over the place ant it

[DanB4]

Sorry to hear the bad news I've used them a lot in past years

[BagofSkill]

Some one tell me this isn't true!?! They are/were the best all round RC shop in the country! (for range, price and shipping)

[KRob]

Hi Everyone,

Yes - it's true. Microtech Racing is now closed.

Thank you to all those that have supported us throughout the years.

[c0sie]

We love you Keith :( :( :( :( :(
R.I.P Microtech

[mark christopher]

Sorry to hear. Keith and kev always looked after me

[JohnM]

Gutted:(

[PaulUpton]

Such a shame, just as i was about to put in a big order aswell :(

[lotussmart]

Keith and the team, my inspiration has gone, amazing company, amazing customer service. Hope you open up under a different name and still give us something to aim for. Gutted :-(

[BagofSkill]

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! I'm sure Microtech was the best shop in the country! Wide range, great prices, easy to navigate website, live stock levels, and helpful staff. This is a tragic day.

Is it just me or were there no warning signs at all? I had an order in last week and some other stuff on back order and it all seemed business as usual....

Is this the end of Microtech, or just the end of this shop/incarnation? Is it fair to assume that current back orders are cancelled?

Thanks for a great shop/service Keith and crew- all the best for the future!

[MHeadling]

I wasn't expecting this! Real shame!

I was their Mirage/ Hpi rep when Kev first opened and was so impressed by the way Kev and Keith etc ran the business and grew to what it was.

Wish you all the best guys!

[simoncrabb]

:wtf:

Very sorry to hear about this, Mircrotech was top notch.

[Gaz_Stanton]

:wtf:

Very sorry to hear about this, Mircrotech was top notch.

As Simon said. :(
Sign of the times I guess...

[rcdunk]

shocking news always fast delivery and you knew if it was in stock or not from their excellent web site will be greatly missed within the rc community

[PaulRotheram]

Jeez! Microtech was a shop I always relied on, probably the best priced for spares parts n tyres i've found - pretty gutted! :( I hope therel be a mark 2 microtech sometime.

[coolcars782]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooo :( :(

So whens the new shop opening :lol:

Sorry to hear that it's closed, one of the best shops in the uk, were always really helpful and were great doing business with.

Keith, do you have any products still avaible as I was just about to put an order in or are you keeping them??

Carl

[Matt_N]

So sad to see the shop go :( Always great service in person, through email and over the phone, just about the most helpful people I've dealt with.

[ianhaye]

if orders are still possible i was also going to order today finding this out changed. so i would if can. i understand if it is wished to not be said but what was the reasoning for closing?

[Matt_N]

Ian, have just been talking to Kev on Facebook, and I'm afraid that all stock is now out of their hands :(

[evertonal]

Gutted, Microtech was one of the best web sites to use, if not the best. Hope the people involved are Ok.

[ianhaye]

is there someone else taking on the company?

[Bungleaio]

Such a shame to see a great shop go.

[mark christopher]

Gutted, Microtech was one of the best web sites to use, if not the best. Hope the people involved are Ok.

yes i got in touch with keith both kev and keith are ok phsically.

[mark christopher]

is there someone else taking on the company?
prob a tad early to see

[GRIFF55]

Sorry to hear this guys. always a shame to see a decent shop go:(
Good luck with future ventures to all involved.

[mikeyscott]

People ideally need to stop buying all their gear from Hong Kong and such like and start shopping with the UK shops..

Sad day and hope you guys get back on your feet.

[DCM]

It's a big shame that these have gone through, but I am sure others will be glad of the business.

Ref - shopping abroad, you can't blame every shop failure on that.

[mikeyscott]

It's a big shame that these have gone through, but I am sure others will be glad of the business.

Ref - shopping abroad, you can't blame every shop failure on that.

I know you can't, but it certainly contrubutes.

[DCM]

to a very small extent, yes, as most is stuff you just can't buy in the UK, but this isn't the place to argue this old chestnut!!

[mikeyscott]

to a very small extent, yes, as most is stuff you just can't buy in the UK, but this isn't the place to argue this old chestnut!!

Not meaning to start an argument, just stating my thoughts.

Anyway as I said before good luck to those affected.

[DCM]

I have used them, and their site was always one I would go to if I needed parts or paints, first!!

[gnr racer]

Microtech were definately near the top on my favourites list due to them being very helpful some 2 years ago when i was just starting out in rc, along with Marc at Mk racing they definately had the right atitude
All the best guys

[Xizor]

OMG... this is unbelievable! I got an order from them a few days ago. There were my favourite online shop. My car has large Microtech stickers on it. :o
I don't think they ever failed to deliver next day and the prices were the best.

If they can't make it in this recession, who can?:confused:

Very sad...

[Neil Skull]

Gutted.

really Pissed about this.:thumbdown:

[BagofSkill]

If they can't make it in this recession, who can?:confused:


That's a terrifying thought! It can't have been a cash/sales problem that forced closure, can it?!

[Mini-JT]

....

[justleanitupabit]

That's a terrifying thought! It can't have been a cash/sales problem that forced closure, can it?!

Most likely cause by a mile I'm afraid.

:(

There are a couple of shops that I wouldn't give a monkeys about if they went out of business due to their customer service and piss poor staff - Microtech ISN'T one of them.

[mark christopher]

That's a terrifying thought! It can't have been a cash/sales problem that forced closure, can it?!

Most likely cause by a mile I'm afraid.

:(

There are a couple of shops that I wouldn't give a monkeys about if they went out of business due to their customer service and piss poor staff - Microtech ISN'T one of them.

:thumbdown: come on lets not speculate only those involved will know why/what etc

[sldmodels]

Dam, they we're always my first port of call when I needed something I didn't have myself. Always quick delivery. :(

[TrevCoult]

Absolutely gutted! They were extremely influential in me getting me back into the hobby in 06/07, even if they didn't know it. Really hope KRob and Kev aren't going to lose out on all this.

A very sad day for RC.

Trev

[Nige]

And only a few weeks ago Brockmodels closed --> http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49948&highlight=brockmodels

Hope there isn't going to be anymore..

:(

[SlowOne]

:thumbdown: come on lets not speculate only those involved will know why/what etcWell, something good has come out of this - it's changed Mark into the voice of reason!! :lol:

Bad news all round; here's hoping Keith and Kev can find something to keep body and soul together - preferably another shop of equal brilliance!

[MattWinyard]

Found out last night, was trying to get through via phone all day yesterday. Thought the phone lines were broken!

For whatever reason this has happened (nothing official yet?) It's a sad day.

Regards to Kev and Keith, and thanks for all the help you've given all of us here.

[wezzer]

People ideally need to stop buying all their gear from Hong Kong and such like and start shopping with the UK shops..

Sad day and hope you guys get back on your feet.

Hit the nail on the head there !!!! this is what happens !!! :thumbdown:

[Chequered Flag Racing]

sorry to see them go, bodyshell came just last week

wish I could remember all of the items I had on back order :(

[Radish]

Just found out about Microtech on the Micro forum, very sad :o

Microtech offered the best service I've ever experienced. Live stock levels and next day delivery. Don't know where I'll go now!

Good luck to Keith and the crew.

[mattybucks]

Hit the nail on the head there !!!! this is what happens !!! :thumbdown:


Well I run a 511 so have to get all my spares imported. The issue is when a shop advertises that a part is in stock but you end up waiting 2-3 weeks for it as it's on back order.

Also price is a big factor, if an associated part is $5 then it instantly gets marked as £5 even when the converstion rate was 2/1

Maybe this if more people shopped abraod then the distibutors would have to lower the prices so that the shops could make a living?

[mark christopher]

TWell I run a 511 so have to get all my spares imported. The issue is when a shop advertises that a part is in stock but you end up waiting 2-3 weeks for it as it's on back order.

Also price is a big factor, if an associated part is $5 then it instantly gets marked as £5 even when the converstion rate was 2/1

Maybe this if more people shopped abraod then the distibutors would have to lower the prices so that the shops could make a living?

Lol
Don't forget to add import duty, vat, postsge and a bit of profit for distributor and shop .

Try blaming the government.

[Chrislong]

Well I run a 511 so have to get all my spares imported. The issue is when a shop advertises that a part is in stock but you end up waiting 2-3 weeks for it as it's on back order.

Also price is a big factor, if an associated part is $5 then it instantly gets marked as £5 even when the converstion rate was 2/1

Maybe this if more people shopped abraod then the distibutors would have to lower the prices so that the shops could make a living?

When it was RRP'd in $ it would be costed for being put on the shelf in the USA, but convert it to £ and sell it on a shelf in England, there are a whole heap of other costs for the UK shops to consider - such as shipping, duty, higher cost in running a shop, not forgetting the insane cost of fuel for the lorry to drive it compared to in USA.... but for anyone to buy from USA is shortsighted just to think "because it is cheaper", UK can't lower the prices without going out of business, and so you shop abroad - still UK shop goes out of business.... then there are no shops... its the consumer that causes it. Pay the extra and support UK hobby shops guys!!!! This is why the UK is on its knee's, it is happening in all other industries, UK consumers are not loyal to UK stuff!!!!!! :thumbdown:

Same for stuff made in China and costs peanuts, compared to stuff made in England and costs more but not much different... We all buy the cheapy China stuff, and wonder why we are redundant from our jobs! :( (Im thinking generally, not just RC)

[cmgreen]

Gutted here to, by far the one of the best model shops around other is mkracing. Sorry to see them go!

Now am hoping Mk stocks Durango!

[/tobys]

It's a real shame Microtech has gone - have had a few bits from them in the past; their great service and real-time stock levels would have had me going back too.

[DanW]

The issue is when a shop advertises that a part is in stock but you end up waiting 2-3 weeks for it as it's on back order.

You didn't shop at Microtech then - they had online stock levels so you knew at the point of order what to expect. Plus they were on of the few online RC shops to conform to distance sellings regs, by only charging you for items despatched from stock.

Also price is a big factor, if an associated part is $5 then it instantly gets marked as £5 even when the converstion rate was 2/1

Big difference between USA price and UK/EURO price is import duty and VAT. They don't have VAT in the USA, some states have sales taxes but nothing like Eurpean rates of 15 - 20%. Governments charge VAT, so you can't really blame the shop. If your unhappy with import duty and VAT then write to Mr Osbourne!

If you are buying from the USA / HK then you should be paying those... but many international retailers send their packages out rated at $10 to avoid those charges - fraud. Also your not going to get any warranty or postal insurance on down rated goods. (its cheaper for you, but in the same way, buying a car stereo of a man in the pub is cheaper than going to your local motor factors).

I do buy stuff from HK and occasionally the US - but for goods that just aren't readily available here ( i too drive Tamiya). Yes the prices are cheaper, but when you get hit for taxes it works out the same!

I got a parcel of spare parts from HK rated at $35 (£23), I got charged £6.50 Vat and duty + £13.50 handling charges... suddenly $35 becomes £43 , not to mention the exchange rate charge on the credit card and the fuel cost of driving 20miles to depot to pay and collect.

[DCM]

This is all going out of shape..... I shop for lots of parts from Asia, I run predominantly Tamiya cars, which means I am at the mercy of Hobby Co, so I now buy spares, in bulk from Asia as it is pointless expecting Hobby Co to actually carry it in stock.

All my AE spares come from the UK, same for chargers etc.

Lets not forget, if the distributor hasn't got the part, or is very unwilling to support, then people WILL and DO go overseas, but the model shop doesn't 'lose' that sale, as it was never there's in the first place.

Times are tough at the moment, we don't know whether the bank refused to carry a Microtech any more, or their business model had collapsed, or whether their change from onroad focus to more off-road did it, but it is pointless blaming it on people buying from abroad.

[mattybucks]

If I can a part from my local hobby shop then I will and do.

When a first started racing 20 years ago, there were shops at every meeting. The last shop I saw at a meeting was the DMS regional. Before that I can't remember.

If you ordering parts on-line then of course your going to buy from the cheapest supplier.

[wezzer]

deleted !!

[Darren Boyle]

This thread is a very intersting (and sad) read. I feel gutted for Kevin and Keith, since they were both good guys to deal with (as a supplier to them) and even as a "competitor" (in shop terms) they never gave us any grief whatsoever and we just got along fine, dealing with what respective customers came our way.

Unless either Kev or Keith came out and disclosed the real reasons they are gone, then most people will never know the truth, it may have been any one or a combination of the reasons talked about right through this thread....

It is no hidden fact that business is slower than normal at present for many industries (including ours) and many business's are struggling along trying to make ends meet etc.... The R/C car business is NO different at present.

Customers do sadly expect "everything" (as some would say they are entitled to) they do want the very best prices, everything in stock in surplus quantities, delivery at the speed of light (plus they want the postage for free of course), they want to return items after any time scale just because they "dont want them now", they want the website to be smart looking and easy to navigate, plus they want a full time stock level checker (all of which costs money to put in place), they want knowledgable/experienced people to man the phones for help and advice for as many hours in the day as possible (7 days a week too if it could be done), they want a shop full to the brim from floor to ceiling of £1,000's and £1,000's of items they can came and browse at, warranties that run on for years upon end, they want you to be at trackside with your full shop at every race meeting around to supply them that £2 urgent spare parts that they have broke on the car they did not buy from you.....etc etc (I think you get my drift)

My point is, these things are all great, we all "want" those things, but they ALL cost money. FREE postage for one is great, but somwhere along the line somoene IS paying for it (whether it is the customer or the store is absorbing the cost themsleves), the latest full EPOS/Live Stock level websites etc do not come cheap and more important nor does the time involved in maintianing them and booking the stock in manually either, it ALL costs money and takes up LOTS of time, which has to be found from sales.........

I have to hand it to Microtech, they wiped the floor with our own store in several areas (website, live stock levels, FREE postage etc ALL included here) but is the cost of this higher service or whatever you wish to call it been their ultimate downfall? Only Kev and Keith know that answer, guys I wish you both the very best in whatever you end up doing.....

Darren

Edit; And before anyone says or jumps down my throat, the paragraph in the middle is NOT aimed at anyone in particular, it is simply a general summary of what model shops are asked for and get requested day in and day out by many of the their customers. Most customers are a pleasure to serve and are most grateful for all and any efforts that are made to service their needs as complete, quickly, and cheaply as possible, but many expect more than can be achieved within reason and cost sadly...

[BagofSkill]

Darren, given you recognise that DMS's biggest problems are the website layout and the lack of live stock levels, I hope this is a catalyst for you guys to get it sorted out!:thumbsup: After all, even comparitively small players like Demon and MK can run live stock. Maybe you can buy the web architecture and stock manager off Microtech? :woot: I know you'd get a lot more of my money if you at least had live stock.

I shouldn't speculate- but, I'm dubious about it being a business issue. There was no promotional sales, there was no steady drying up of stock and credit, and surely they had great turnover. There was no move to web only sales to delete the overheads of the shop- it all just stopped, suddenly and effectively overnight... :(

If it was business issue, that's a real worry to me personally. If someone like Microtech couldn't survive, (as a shop only, given that DMS is also a distributor) then who can?

[Darren Boyle]

To be fair Chris this thread is not about DMS (which is why I did not reply earlier) it is about Microtech.

I did (quite honestly) point out several areas why I believed Microtech did things better than us, but if we too offered those things, we would most likely not be here too....

It may be worth reading what I said above, all those things you want cost money, we have invested ours in more "actual" stock (higher stock levels than almost anywhere else) rather than the tools that manage it. If we invested what I heard was rumoured to have been spent on their full EPOS system at Microtech (rumoured to be several £10,000's when I last spoke to Kevin) then we would most likely be an RIP company too.

Not sure how big some people think these business's actually are, we only are very small (but hard working) company, no bigger in terms of size or staff than both the other two you mention in MK or Demon (nor was Microtech - there was only the two of them there), plus if we did not have the premises overheads that Demon enjoy and benefit from pherhaps we too could invest that money more on the website, but whilst we sit in this high street property where we are there is no sign of that in our immediate future sadly......

[Big G]

I know exactly what you're saying about customers Darren. Our business is natural gardening so a completely different target audience, but our customers demand those things too.

We offer free P&P for orders over £50 (slightly above our average order value) the P&P costs us £4.50 or something around there so that comes straight out of our profit margins.

Then you get those people who think because the total of their order is £51 they can then send half to 1 address and half to another. so that would be £9 of P&P we'd have to pay. they then get upset when we tell them can't do that.

[Mike Parker]

Just been reading through this thread, I'm very sorry to hear about Microtech's situation and yep gotta feel for the guys involved no matter what the reasons are behind the closure. Although I've used them sporadically over the years I have nothing but positive experiences using them.

From personal experience when me and my old man had our shop back in the late 80's early 90's we supported all the local meetings and regionals, it was never a strictly '9 to 5' job by any means - a lot of hard work was involved and it was tough back then even before www. started taking effect. One thing I would say when it comes to internet shopping is support your local shops where ever possible.

Good luck guys for the present time as well as the future.

Mike.

[Darren Boyle]

If it was business issue, that's a real worry to me personally. If someone like Microtech couldn't survive, (as a shop only, given that DMS is also a distributor) then who can?

Now you see why we turned to distribution too to add another string to our bow......

[Jan Larsen]

Live stock levels are not that hard to maintain. The initial setup of it is a bitch, but once its going, it really maintains itself. The store (non rc related) I used to work in had the barcode reader thingy setup to manage stock levels both in our own system aswell as the website whenever goods were run through it, both inbound and outbound. Dunno about the cost of it since it was run elsewhere at HQ.

That said; shame to see Microtech go, one of the UK shops I used the most :(

[MatJohnson]

The running of the live stock does cost as well though, you still need a method/person to get the levels in, enter new stock, monitor prices around the web etc. This can be a full time job, so year on year you have an outlay of 12k for someone to maintain this.

[Big G]

we have live stock on our system is it's rarely actually true. people moving stock between our 2 warehouses or getting it from 1 and posting it from another without transfering it. accepting stock into the wrong warehouse, etc

[stoff]

Customers do sadly expect "everything" (as some would say they are entitled to) they do want the very best prices, everything in stock in surplus quantities, delivery at the speed of light (plus they want the postage for free of course), they want to return items after any time scale just because they "dont want them now", they want the website to be smart looking and easy to navigate, plus they want a full time stock level checker (all of which costs money to put in place), they want knowledgable/experienced people to man the phones for help and advice for as many hours in the day as possible (7 days a week too if it could be done), they want a shop full to the brim from floor to ceiling of £1,000's and £1,000's of items they can came and browse at, warranties that run on for years upon end, they want you to be at trackside with your full shop at every race meeting around to supply them that £2 urgent spare parts that they have broke on the car they did not buy from you.....etc etc (I think you get my drift)
...



I work in retail for the RC trade and this is 100% true and a right PITA!

[JCJC]

Very sad to see Microtech go, we lost Dom in Evesham a few years ago, lots of helpful knowledge, Raceplace went last year and now Microtech, from Oxford these were our local shops, we were minor customers to all of them and to DMS & MK.

All the very best to Kevin & Keith

[sldmodels]

I shouldn't speculate- but, I'm dubious about it being a business issue. There was no promotional sales, there was no steady drying up of stock and credit, and surely they had great turnover. There was no move to web only sales to delete the overheads of the shop- it all just stopped, suddenly and effectively overnight... :(

Going web only means you can lose certain distributors who will only supply bricks and mortar shops, I can understand this, but I'm also aggrevated by this, especially in the current financial climate. It's something I've done within the past 6 months, and I'm having to be more imaginative how I get my stock, but maintaining a website is less money, and more time consuming.

[dasbo]

Its such a shame to hear about Microtech. I have used them for most of my stuff since I got back into the hobby in 2008. Absolutely nothing but praise for them.

With some manufacturers now selling direct, it must be even harder for local shops. I must admit, almost all of my car spares now come direct from the manufacturers. (Schumacher and Durango) But I still buy most of my electrics through online UK shops such as Microtech. (I have no "local" shop)

[qatmix]

Yup, gutted always found Microtech to be excellent. Our club races on Gecko tyres so a lot of us used them frequently. (on a side note I hope someone else starts distributing geckos!!).

It is sad to see a proper hobby shop go, there are a few that I still use, (DMS / Demon) and I try to buy from the UK if possible. However for Tamiya it seems that you get the parts quicker if you buy them from Japan or HK than if you order them from supposed UK stockists.

From a price point of view, its not much different atm, in fact with some of the new kits (like the HB2010) its cheaper to buy them in the uk.

[Conrad]

Carlsberg don't do model shops, but Microtech did!
Customers do sadly expect "everything" (as some would say they are entitled to) they do want the very best prices, everything in stock in surplus quantities, delivery at the speed of light (plus they want the postage for free of course), they want to return items after any time scale just because they "dont want them now", they want the website to be smart looking and easy to navigate, plus they want a full time stock level checker (all of which costs money to put in place), they want knowledgable/experienced people to man the phones for help and advice for as many hours in the day as possible (7 days a week too if it could be done), they want a shop full to the brim from floor to ceiling of £1,000's and £1,000's of items they can came and browse at, warranties that run on for years upon end, they want you to be at trackside with your full shop at every race meeting around to supply them that £2 urgent spare parts that they have broke on the car they did not buy from you.....etc etc (I think you get my drift)


Simply the best.................. Damn!:thumbdown:

[DaveG28]

When it was RRP'd in $ it would be costed for being put on the shelf in the USA, but convert it to £ and sell it on a shelf in England, there are a whole heap of other costs for the UK shops to consider - such as shipping, duty, higher cost in running a shop, not forgetting the insane cost of fuel for the lorry to drive it compared to in USA.... but for anyone to buy from USA is shortsighted just to think "because it is cheaper", UK can't lower the prices without going out of business, and so you shop abroad - still UK shop goes out of business.... then there are no shops... its the consumer that causes it. Pay the extra and support UK hobby shops guys!!!! This is why the UK is on its knee's, it is happening in all other industries, UK consumers are not loyal to UK stuff!!!!!! :thumbdown:

Same for stuff made in China and costs peanuts, compared to stuff made in England and costs more but not much different... We all buy the cheapy China stuff, and wonder why we are redundant from our jobs! :( (Im thinking generally, not just RC)

But...where would we be if all blindly bought British? Most UK manufacturing died because the product was awful, nothing more or less. We're great at ideas but don't try hard enough to consider the customer/competition. I've worked in manufacturing and the number of people who think they are owed a living is amazing. I was told in one place to "stop worrying abou wasting money, the owner (foreign by the way) will just keep giving us more money to fund the losses", amazing!? UK customer service is appalling compared to abroad, full stop!

Example, I've tried 4 times to get stock status recently of items from 3 different uk places, with a total of 1 response! And they then ignored the follow up.... Only ever had one email ignored when asking abroad, even when asking foreign language only sites, and even when they can't help, they always reply!

I have also NEVER had a us store claim something as in stock which turned out not to be, whereas here....

Sorry, but don't blame the customer :thumbdown:

Still, sorry as I guess this isn't the place, just winds me up sorry mate :o

The sad part is Microtech seemed like they had the good service/stock accuracy etc, real shame for them, sorry to see them go!

[truggy lover]

sorry to here this but wish i had of known before my order was taken on tuesday of this week explains why nothing has turned up yet and doubt it will now

any one know what will happen regaurds the peeps that still have orders out standing ???

[Xizor]

If Microtech were a bank they would have been rescued by now and the directors would be giving themselves big fat bonuses!!:mad:

One other thing. I bet we won't see anyone from Microtech coming on here moaning about their customers. Jeez! :thumbdown:

Does anyone know what really happened?

[jim76]

gutted. I was a loyal customer of theirs before they kindly offered to support my racing. Their website was by far the best in the UK, and really nice chaps too.

will be greatly missed

[dorris]

Very sad.... Microtech was my first port of call for anything I was after.:(

Their service was top notch and will be sadly missed by me.... and many, many others by the looks of this thread.

[racingdwarf]

sad to see another shop go:thumbdown:, and prob not the last.

I have to admit running a company of my own, I have no Idea how my local shop keeps going with all the overheads they have to meet these days. The one thing that I have come to accept is if I need parts for eather my B4 or my MP9 I give them a ring and they get them in, as they simply can't afford to keep the stock on the shelf these days:(. In years gone by I have bought from over the water as the saving just had to be done,BUT only with a few parts for the B4 that between 3 cars we broke quite a few of, but those savings are not so good these days.

Thing is most shops just can't afford to keep the quantity of stock required by our hobby. Those that try must find it very hard.

[Darren Boyle]

If Microtech were a bank they would have been rescued by now and the directors would be giving themselves big fat bonuses!!:mad:

One other thing. I bet we won't see anyone from Microtech coming on here moaning about their customers. Jeez! :thumbdown:

Does anyone know what really happened?

Your first comment is so true..

I hope your second comment wasnt aimed at what I wrote, since I did say it was a generalisation of what people expect nowadays and not aimed at anyone or any party directly, least of all my own customers...

I think at this stage the ONLY people who know what has happened is Keith and Kevin who I am sure just want to put it all behind them as quickly as possible at present I would guess.....

[the man from delmonte]

I could say something to make you all bite like piranhas, specially Chris Long lol:thumbsup:

[tellor]

Go on then!

You can't say that and then say nothing, you'll be leaving us in suspenders!

[RogerM]

Such a shame, helped me so much and for that I will always be greatful.

Good luck with what ever the future brings for you, genuinely excellent guys to deal with on all levels

[AmiSMB]

I am shocked in the way Microtech has gone so suddenly. I am in a company where we are finding the current economic climate very hard and I have had to scale back my RC racing because of it. I feel for all in the same position.

[mikeyscott]

Time for customs and excise to start taxing more items that state they are worth £30 when they are worth more like £400 etc.

This would then discourage the dodgy buying from abroad that some people do.

[DCM]

Time for customs and excise to start taxing more items that state they are worth £30 when they are worth more like £400 etc.

This would then discourage the dodgy buying from abroad that some people do.

???? how can you do that? If a package comes in, stating a £30 price, unless they open, unpack, investigate prices, tally, repack and then give you a correct invoice, then also chase up who filled in the invoice incorrectly, you would lose money on it rather than gain....!!!

And again, how would this resolve issue's like Tamiya parts?

[mikeyscott]

I know it's not really feasible, but I wasn't stating a particular brand or item. It would be nice for all goods (not just RC Cars). So the country stands a chance of getting out of debt.

I'm not stating how it should be done, just that less money should be lost at the UK borders...

[DCM]

It isn't the amount of imports that is the issue Mike, it is the cost of running a business in the UK that is.... if that got reduced, then it would allow companies to be more 'competitive' in their respective fields.

I really don't think that people buying spares overseas is an issue, as you first got to prove that they would by the stuff in the UK first, and I am guessing, they wasn't, so it isn't they lost those sales, they never had them in the first place. I personally feel this is a 'Credit Crunch' issue, where maybe the Bank was reducing it's assistance.

[tellor]

so it isn't they lost those sales, they never had them in the first place.

So on a bigger scale if everyone bought abroad instead of in the UK that isn't sales lost as you say.

[DCM]

Let me think.... not 'everyone' buys abroad, there are certain things you just 'can not get reliably' in the UK, so you buy them where you can.

When people go on about this, you all 'assume' that we would go and buy these items in XYZ model shop, but it just isn't going to happen, like the music industry and pirating, they don't actually 'lose' money, they just are not having your money, as in reality, you would never buy it in the first place.

I use my Local Model Shop (which is in the next town along), and do try to support, but running Tamiya I have learnt to invest in spares than rely on the Distributor/shop to have stock. On my B4, I carry far less, as I know the car is supported and can get the parts within days.

So in the end, those Tamiya parts purchases were never destined for the UK at any real point in time (although I do search), so it isn't a purchase they lost, they just never had.

[mark christopher]

I know it's not really feasible, but I wasn't stating a particular brand or item. It would be nice for all goods (not just RC Cars). So the country stands a chance of getting out of debt.

I'm not stating how it should be done, just that less money should be lost at the UK borders...


i bring some stuff in to sell legit for 10th ic and it costs me a fortune to bring em in. carnt get em in the uk otherwise.

most of what we buy is from outside the uk.

[SlowOne]

???? how can you do that? If a package comes in, stating a £30 price, unless they open, unpack, investigate prices, tally, repack and then give you a correct invoice, then also chase up who filled in the invoice incorrectly, you would lose money on it rather than gain....!!!

And again, how would this resolve issue's like Tamiya parts?That's exactly what they do! The last two parcels I received (both opened and re-taped) were from a US company sending me things for review in Racer. In both cases the duty was the right amount for the US price converted into ££, and then there was the customs charge and then the handling charge and then the carriers admin fee. The 'free' car cost me almost £60!! The last time I did what Mark does...

i bring some stuff in to sell legit for 10th ic and it costs me a fortune to bring em in. carnt get em in the uk otherwise.

most of what we buy is from outside the uk....they added duty (correctly calculated from the invoice) then handling charge then admin fee then VAT on all of that.

People live in some dream world where they think that because a price overseas converted into ££ looks cheap, that's what it costs. No longer. This is a major area for HMG to create revenue, and they will. They can now add VAT to the duty, and they will not hesitate to come down on any vendor who regularly ships large parcels with $30 value on them. And that's before you get no warranty, no comeback, and a huge bill if you want something replaced.

I only buy, like DCM and Mark, things I can't get here. The cost is no less than UK prices. These days, thanks to AMC in Devon, that's getting less and less. As for Microtech, that is such a great shame - good luck to Kev and KRob.

[neiloliver]

Just got back off holiday and heard this terrible news. I purchased >90% of my stuff from Microtech and this is a sad loss. Company House website shows no change in their status (in receivership etc). :cry:

[Xizor]

Have a look here for an example of a UK company importing stuff from HK/China at great prices:

http://www.giantcod.co.uk/index.php

If they can do it, why can't others? The site has live stock levels and even customer ratings, great service too!

OK, they don't sell any serious car stuff, but maybe they would if enough of us asked for it.
Also, for all I know they maybe on the brink of bankruptcy.:o After all, there was absolutely no warning that Microtech were about to go under.

Still can't understand it... very shocking and sad.:cry:

[hamiltonracer]

You only have to look at the company balance sheets to see that from 2005-on stock reduced to such a level that they were by 2009 essentially insolvent ie; the company owed more than that what it had in assets (eg. stock). Assets plummeting and debts soaring just leads to one thing...

Personally I don't think this is 'credit crunch' related, although it probably didn't help matters.

Sad to see another model shop / website go. :(

[sldmodels]

It doesn't help when everyone wants a discount or "mates rates" though.

[c0sie]

Is it really polite of us to be discussing balance sheets and the companies finances here?

[sldmodels]

Chrissy, when it comes to matters of "appropirate comments" on forums, let me introduce you to two friends of mine, one is Mr Kettle, and one is Mr Pot.

"Hello Mr Kettle"

"Hello Mr Pot"

[RogerM]

^^^^^

Neigher of those fine gentlemen could be accurately described as of african decendency by any chance could they????

:D

[sldmodels]

Ah, think you're thinking of Mr Black, yes, I think he could be. :D

[RogerM]

I do think that we should shop trying to drag up such things when discussing a company that;

a) many of us used regularly with more than satisfactory experiences
b) run by such friendly and helpful people who would take the time to advise even if your wallet wasn't with you
c) listened to their customers and gave them what they asked for (great website etc.)

Can I respectfully ask everybody to consider what they post here and if they are happy that they would say it directly to Kev / KRob over a pint then post away .. if not consider why not before putting figners to keys please .

Consider the feelings of those involved and offer them at least the same respect they would offer you, customer or not. Thanks

[sldmodels]

Agreed Rog, I only ever tended to use them late night thursday's after breaking something that night at club. Most times, I'd have my item in Saturday's post.

Sadly missed :(

[c0sie]

Chrissy, when it comes to matters of "appropirate comments" on forums, let me introduce you to two friends of mine, one is Mr Kettle, and one is Mr Pot.

"Hello Mr Kettle"

"Hello Mr Pot"

Every day you amaze me even more Sarah :)

[sldmodels]

But you never explain why :)

[SlowOne]

I can't believe that people on here have scruples about discussing publicly available facts when they are only to ready to hurl unsubstantiated insults!! :wtf: :lol:

[Kennyrcuk]

I cannot believe that Microtech racing shutdown.
damn recession :thumbdown:

I got my first RC plane and car from there :( it was a TC4 and Sprint 2 Sport.

Fortunatly I my own Online model shop and go to SMC. I hope the same dosen't happen to me or Swindon Model Centre! He may be a rival shop for me but hey :D He's a great guy!



I send my regards to Simon, Keith and Chris, hope they find another job soon!

[jim76]

shameless plug for your own site there, 6 months after the thread has closed.

[Kennyrcuk]

shameless plug for your own site there, 6 months after the thread has closed.

Ain't my fault that i just found out about the closure, Didn't even know that the thread had closed

[Jamie.T]

If you have a shop in Swindon and are in the trade yourself, surely you would have heard of their closure months back??

[Kennyrcuk]

If you have a shop in Swindon and are in the trade yourself, surely you would have heard of their closure months back??

Nope, I haven't been into RC car racing for a while, i was concidering on going back into it. But it seems that within that 1 year it shutdown. For the past year i've been into rc planes, hence why i go to SMC. Microtech stopped doing planes a few years before it closed

I trade online and not in swindon. I shop in swindon though.