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Radio Shack Complaint - RC Helicopters from Radio Shack - RC Helicopter

Complaint
Review by DigitalSkyPilot on 2007-01-19
ROCHESTER, MICHIGAN -- I know of three people that purchased the RC Helicopers from Radio Shack. Not one was able to maintain stable flight that lasted over a minute. The blades wobble and they crash. I bought a repair kit as to Radio Shacks recommended solution. Cost $10
I returned the helicopter and was given another. I got home and discovered the helicopter was previously opened and used or was someone elses returned item.
It didn't fly either. I returned and asked about the opened box and they admitted it was a returned item. They were out of them. I asked why was it given to me. I was met by the manager. I asked him when more would be coming in. He stated that my guess was as good as his. I said "you should know more than I do". So he said " Then I guess we aren't getting any more in. I said " Then I guess you had better give me my money back. Three trips to radio shack, an unused repair kit, and a reminder tha I have left Radio Shack far too often empty handed because they didn't carry basic electronic parts. Their employees are not familiar with the products being sold and appear to hate their jobs. Radio Shack has no concious about selling junk and they could care less about servicing the product once it's sold.
Comments:
Posted by MRM on 2007-01-19:
You get what you paid for... a piece of junk. You digg...
Posted by UrFriendlyPirate on 2007-01-19:
I have just a bit of experience in RC models, and I can tell you I wouldn't buy any of their stuff. Choppers are notoriously difficult to fly, impossible for the novice beginner. If you really have an interest, check into the RC clubs in your town, talk to them or join them. The experienced "pilots" there can guide you in selecting the right type of trainer to get started in.
Posted by Noneill on 2007-01-19:
Well I hate to contradict you, but my husband bought a radio controled helicopter (made for indoors) for our adult son and he was able to keep it flying pretty good after about a 1/2 hour of practice. It stayed in the air for most of 10 minutes or so when the battery charge went noticably lower and then it was very difficult to keep up in the air.
Posted by UrFriendlyPirate on 2007-01-19:
That's possible on a toy made for indoors, but they hardly compare to a replica model with a gas motor.
Posted by PassingBy on 2007-01-20:
I agree with the Pirate. See if there is a local RC club. They tend to be some of the most friendly people in the world and always willing to help out a novice. Be prepared to spend lots of money and time in the hobby. However the results will be hours of fun with new friends.
Posted by DigitalSkyPilot on 2007-01-20:
"You get what you paid for... a piece of junk."
Thats why I posted it to let others know that Radio Shack sells garbage. Novice pilot was NOT the problem. I was amazed at how many complaints Radio Shack receives. I for one am done with them.
Posted by UrFriendlyPirate on 2007-01-20:
Well, you crashed, so yeah you're a novice.
Posted by UrFriendlyPirate on 2007-01-20:
Jay, you're talking upwards of 500 bucks if you're starting from scratch.
Posted by DigitalSkyPilot on 2007-01-20:
I thought this was a consumer alert type forum. Instead it's a place where people criticize what you've said or what you purchased. I didn't come here for your stupid comments. How is any of your advice helpful?
Pirate with Parrot is a JERK.
Posted by *Brenda* on 2007-01-21:
He said he crashed because the blades wobble not because he's a novice. You're lucky you got your money back, there was a complaint a little while ago about them not giving refunds on toys. Radio Shack seems to be going downhill.
Posted by MissThang on 2007-02-24:
As far as this complaint goes, used products get sold back all the time. That is a part of any company (although I have been taught by my manager that if it's been opened, don't put it back on the floor). The manager was correct in stating that he didn't know when more helicopters would be coming in. The corp. sends them to stores whenever they want to and only sends certain items to stores that they feel will be able to sell it/them. We have opened helicopters in our stores every Christmas since we started getting them (to let customers try them out) and the majority of them have survived the month-long duration of abuse that goes with being a display model. Did you charge the helicopter beforehand? As for returns on toys...in my experience we have ALWAYS taken toys back unless there has been obvious signs of wear and tear and/or abuse (i.e., driving a RC truck through mud [which is a big fat no no] and wanting to return/exchange it).

Now, for my personal gripes...(not aimed towards anyone in particular...just a general venting session so the following is really unnecessary to read):

I have worked at 2 different Radioshacks for the past 2 and a half years. I completely understand some of the peoples' complaints here and have sympathy for those whom I believe have truly been ripped off/disrespected at various Radioshacks but I have to wonder about some of the other people who post here, sometimes regularly. In my time of working for this company, I HAVE seen some shady stuff go on and have sometimes refused to abide by their policies as I feel that they are just completely out there and asking too much of the associates. At the same time, I have seen A LOT of customers coming in with attitudes as soon as they walk through that door. I'm sorry...but my belief is that if you treat me with respect, I will give you the best customer service possible (and go out of my way for you if need be)...but if you cuss, yell and/or disrespect me simply because I have rules/policies to follow in order to keep my job, your a$$ will be shown the door. I feel that a lot of people here feel as if they have been ripped off due to their own ignorance and attitudes (i.e., not reading the fine print). As far as rebates go, I have bought things from RS with rebates and have ALWAYS received a check back. Not saying that companies ALWAYS give checks back as they are supposed to, but that I read EVERYTHING before I mail it in and I ALWAYS make copies of everything so that there is no room for error or dispute.

I have worked in retail all my life (currently going to school...retail is the only industry that gives me a flexible schedule) and I have been called names that you would NOT believe. It sickens me to the depths of my soul pertaining to how some retail salespeople/clerks are treated by others and I am SOOOOOO tired of customers who whine/b****/complain their way to the top just because they didn't get their way. I could care less...as long as we haven't physically assaulted a customer, stolen from a customer, and/or made rather vile comments to a customer, then guess what? Ain't losing our jobs! So complain and b**** all you want!

My advice: If/When you go into a Radioshack, please realize that the salespeople you deal with are still human beings. We are not animals...we are not slaves (although some RS employees may beg to differ). We are human beings being used as a corporate tool to make a corporation money. If you come in angry...I pretty much guarantee you that your attitude will be mirrored...but the same applies to if you come in with a neutral attitude and at least treat the salespeople with a little respect. I have never had a bad experience with customer service in a retail store...because I go in not expecting too much and NEVER treat a sales associate rudely. I guarantee that you will get more results out of your "complaint" if you kill 'em with kindness. But by all means, if you are REALLY being ripped off and/or treated rudely, give 'em a piece of your mind! But by the by, customers are getting fed up with RS? Well, RS employees are getting fed up with customers!
Posted by bob999 on 2007-03-18:
selling used merchandise as new is wrong and it is yet another of Radio Shack numerous fraudulent practices.
Posted by MissThang on 2007-03-23:
Bob999...

Blah blah blah! Then go sue 90% of retail stores and quit whining!
Posted by RADogmeat on 2007-04-06:
Those helicopters were POS. I felt bad selling them to customers so I didn't. DO NOT BUY HELICOPTERS FROM RADIOSHACK!

I had many customers that had the same problem as you. We would switch them out when we could but eventually the whole region ran out of working helicopters. I had to call like twenty stores and nobody had a working one.

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