ArkModel: CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!!!

[herrmill]

For anyone contemplating buying anything from Mr. Feng of ArkModels, be sure you know what you are getting into before you end up with the broken promises, poor design & quality, broken models, blatant lies & repeated dodged emails / phone calls as I recently saw these past 6 months.

Instead of posting the whole saga here, you can see the details along with photos of Feng's handiwork, at either of the following:

http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?t=2052 (my lament begins about half-way down & refers to an "exclusive" deal Feng signed with a company in the States, my complaint & photos are on the page 2)

http://www.shipmodels.info/mwphpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10925&start=30 (my complaint can be found on page 3 once I realized after several months that I was getting the same treatment as others already familiar with ArkModel)


Since I am not the only one complaining about this character, I thought I'd share some other complaints on Feng & his business practices that I've found around the web. It certainly appears that I am not the only one who feels like he's been taken advantage of when it comes to doing business with Arkmodel. He's had enough time & opportunity to make this simple issue right, but has failed to do so at every chance given him. At this point, all I can do is try to dissuade others from making the same mistake & buying from him.


ModelMayhem / UK
8/20/06

"ARK models near Shanghai, bought a completed kit off them. Now I don't want to go into any detail at this time as we have supposed to have come to a resolution to our dispute (enough said??). We agreed an arrangement in Dec but am still awaiting ARK to uphold their end of the agreement, all I get is delays - delays - delays!!! Think that if I'm honest I don't ever expect them to come good to their word!

I have pictures and documents of the build of the ship supplied by Paul, my build of the Sovremenny from TJ's, and the item supplied by ARK if anyone wishes to see any more details on what I have already spoken about."


ModelWarships
10/25/06

"I purchased that same tug that Tim has over a year ago. Looks nice in the pictures, eh?

Took a full year for ARK to deliver all the parts. Much went in the trash it was so bad- the "bow thruster" for example, oh, and the entire fiberglass hull too. Three times thicker than any f/g I've ever seen, crudely finished and mis-shapen to boot. Many parts virtually unassemblable, like the pilot house roof.

What puzzles me is that Feng has some really GOOD looking stuff and methods... like the big PE fret, and all the laser-cut plastic parts which ought to be near perfect, off of CAD designs... and he includes pretty complete plans, even with hull lines (which allowed me to scratch build a new hull).

Purchasing direct is a scary proposition... may be different now, but back then he only took Western Union transfers... but the stuff did eventually show up. I'd rather take the same extra dollars and pay an importer, whom I can deal with locally."


ModelWarships
10/15/06

"Caveat Emptor would appear to be a wise one to bear in mind -

http://hmshood.com/hoodtoday/models/arkmodel/arkmodel.htm

Good luck."


ModelWarships
10/15/06

"Ark models in a word..

Ick."


ModelWarships
10/19/06

"One of the posters on my site, XXX XXXX, asked me to add to this thread. He has been waiting over a year for ARK to settle on some issues with a model they sent him. He has been getting a lot of promises, but so far, no satisfaction."


ModelWarships
11/18/06

"I had major problems with ARK with the kit I bought from them and it took over a year to get them to even reply to my emails!!

They did eventually reply to me, probably because they got fed up of my slagging them off, and we came to an amicable settlement. That was prior to Xmas last year and I am still awaiting ARK to complete their end of the agreement.

Within the last 24 hours they have attempted to complete their end, but failed miserably (I won't go into details but they didn't do themselves any favours!!) and are supposedly correcting next week. I will wait and see if they come through but this will be their last chance to make good as my patience is now at its end!

I have to agree with a lot of the above comments, certainly the west win hands down at the minute on just about everything other than price. If the Chinese sort out their quality control, quality of product (both accuracy of detail and improve their finish quality), along with their customer service/support, the Chinese will become MAJOR players in the field."


At this point I wish I would have heeded their advice & started pulling back before sinking anymore funds into this company. Feel free to contact me directly should you have any similar experiences that you wish be passed along. Thanks!

Chuck

[der kapitan]

Aaarrrgh! Arkmodel sounds like a nightmare waiting for a place to haunt---. :eek: They sound like a slimy bunch that needs a thorough hiding. :cool:

[retoabcr]

......

[der kapitan]

I know this is none of my business, but this is personal business between you and them. Talk to your congressman and senators and people who make the laws.

Retoabcr, That would be nice if Hermill could, but he lives in Shanghai, and is dealing with a Chinese company. It's literally out of our hands.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I know that Pat recieved one of their models, and was also really dissappointed with the hull. Just based on his review, I would not have recommended them.

I am sorry to hear that the trouble is wider spread than just one or two model kits and involves customers around the world.

:(

[retoabcr]

.......

[u163665]

I have seen the Austral 40 Catamaran made by ArkModels listed on ebay for $1,299(US). Just a few weeks ago, that model was listed for $1,699. The model sure looks nice. If it was slightly cheaper, I would have seriously contemplated buying it.

Good thing I didn't make any rash decisions. Thanks for sharing your comments.

[smart_racer]

I think it was more of a warning and some vent, it certainly got my attention. I have been online shopping and obtaining information for for a sub, and I am very happy I did not deal with Mr. Feng

herrmill, I think this will be a Heads-up for sub shoppers

[herrmill]

Ladies & Gentlemen,

The only reason I have resorted to taking my complaints to this level by posting on various RC forums is due to the months of neglect, excuses, lack of follow through & broken promises I've received from Feng.

I'll be more than happy to post the past 4 months of emails, skype & SMS messages for all to read. As you can see, this certainly is no random act of neglect, but a consistant pattern by ArkModel with myself & other customers that reflects directly on his poor service & quality.

If I can save any of you guys from having to deal with the very same issues I've experienced, then my job has been successful. And since I have no further illusions of getting my money or completed model back from this guy, this will be the only satisfaction I need.

Again, it has only come to this point due to Feng's lack of follow through on my Special Navy Type XXIII conversion that he badly botched & now continues to ignore after my repeated calls, emails & messages. You can see his final reply, which is almost a duplicate of what I received by SMS this past Thursday, on the SP link.

I've now said my piece.

Peace~

Chuck

[MILLERTIME]

!!!!!!

[tc432]

Chuck, I understand your fustration. I went through the same thing with Modelbau zinnacker of Germany. It is important that we the modelling community speak out when we are wronged like this. Some of these companies need to learn the hard way. I dont want to see others ripped off therefore I will state here and now I am as mad as hell and Im not gonna take it anymore! Boycott Modelbau Zinnacker and Ark Models! They will never see an order from me or my fellow club members. Tom

[smart_racer]

Nobody likes to get ripped-off!

[der kapitan]

Chuck, I understand your fustration. I went through the same thing with Modelbau zinnacker of Germany. It is important that we the modelling community speak out when we are wronged like this. Some of these companies need to learn the hard way. I dont want to see others ripped off therefore I will state here and now I am as mad as hell and Im not gonna take it anymore! Boycott Modelbau Zinnacker and Ark Models! They will never see an order from me or my fellow club members. Tom

The new China is striving to expand its industrial and commercial strength at a rapid rate, which is commendable, but apparently with no reservation.

They totally ignore copyrights, and openly pirate the works of others without
regard. They appear to have missed the concept of quality control as well. I see daily a never-ending stream of poorly-made goods flooding our markets. The term, "Chinese Junk" no longer refers to something that floats---.

[herrmill]

I wanted to give everyone the chance to see Feng's reply to me that appeared last night on SP:

http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?t=2052&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

There still was no clear reasons for the delay nor anything else than his SOP delaying tactics that have been mentioned earlier. As I said before, I've said my piece & don't intend to drag this on any further in this forum.

My kudos to RC Groups for allowing me to post here & in the submarine section to warn everyone on what to expect when dealing with this vendor. Another forum pulled my post without any notification even though it met with their membership posting rules. Most have something to do with protecting their sponsors...

Der Kapitan, speaking of blatant copyright infringement, have you seen what the local car makers are releasing. I recently purchased a car here & saw enough BMW X5, Honda CRV & Odyssey & Toyota Land Cruiser clones to shake a stick at! Even a Rolls Royce Phantom has been copied & is slated to go on the market for half the price of the genuine car: http://www.autoblog.com/2005/04/16/chinese-copy-cats/

The worst I've seen is Honda's recent failure to inforce though the Chinese courts their copyright to their name & designs against a local maker of "Honga Motorcycles." :eek:

[Ghost 2501]

wander if they will meet crash tests in usa and eu?

[Ghost 2501]

the moral of the story here i think is

find a reputable supplier /outlet and stay with them

[smart_racer]

the moral of the story here i think is

find a reputable supplier /outlet and stay with them
True...being sub newbie I went with Dumas

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

wander if they will meet crash tests in usa and eu?


I read a review of a Chinese SUV proposed for the European market.
The reviewer said that it in no way met with the crash standards for 2005-6.
What was really frightening, was that he also said that the test data from the crash tests was, ... "Like a car from the 1980's..."

I still drive a 1988 era Toyota!!! :o

[herrmill]

wander if they will meet crash tests in usa and eu?

The SUV I purchased yesterday, a Great Wall Motors Hover, supposedly meets EU NCAP standards both for frontal & side crash tests. Let's hope their advertising is better than with other companies I've had experience here in China. :(

http://www.gwm.cn/eng/html/product/hover_intro.asp

Not a bad deal at $15,000 loaded with all the bells & whistles. I bought the turbo diesel since the Mitsubishi 2.4 version is a bit anemic.

The world is about to change BIG TIME once China's car exports begin in earnest in the coming years ahead! GWM is the largest exporter at the moment with the EU firmly in their sights.

Chuck

[der kapitan]

I read a review of a Chinese SUV proposed for the European market.
The reviewer said that it in no way met with the crash standards for 2005-6.
What was really frightening, was that he also said that the test data from the crash tests was, ... "Like a car from the 1980's..."

I still drive a 1988 era Toyota!!! :o

Yes Umi, but you know how to drive, which goes a long way to keeping you off of the statistics list.

My wife recently dumped her '02 Monte Carlo for a 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited, one beefy vehicle---.

Nothing wrong with a Toyota, as long as the floorboards still offer a place to put your feet---.

[der kapitan]

There still was no clear reasons for the delay nor anything else than his SOP
Der Kapitan, speaking of blatant copyright infringement, have you seen what the local car makers are releasing. I recently purchased a car here & saw enough BMW X5, Honda CRV & Odyssey & Toyota Land Cruiser clones to shake a stick at! Even a Rolls Royce Phantom has been copied & is slated to go on the market for half the price of the genuine car: http://www.autoblog.com/2005/04/16/chinese-copy-cats/

The worst I've seen is Honda's recent failure to inforce though the Chinese courts their copyright to their name & designs against a local maker of "Honga Motorcycles." :eek:

Hermill, uh, Mark,

This bit of news makes me puke. If China has such disregard for laws of
copyright and international trade, it makes me wonder as to what price the legislators in the West have sold their souls for. Can anyone tell me how they
can circumvent international trade laws with such impunity? And this country is referred to as "most Favored Nation"---.

[jeepers1940]

I agree with der kapitan's sentiments.

[Ghost 2501]

well it would make interesting news if mercedes benz were to sue dongfeng for coppying their products. Dongfeng already make a truck which has stark resemblences to a kamaz, and heaven forbid if they start to copy some of graupners finest. copying robbe may actually improve the kits! lol



it may however make reading instructions a tad difficult!

[herrmill]

With TianJie already supplying Graupner as an OEM on several new models, what may be next?

[Ghost 2501]

probably a bizmark done as the chairman meo

[herrmill]

Chairman Meow? Or a Royal Navy Hello Kitty Harrier jump jet carrier? :D

My buddy in Hangzhou just officially called a truce so we can all go back to having fun & building models again!

G'nite from Shanghai!

Chuck

[killick]

This all brings back "fond" memories of the 1970's and 80's, and a (Western) called "32nd Parallel". (I believe Karl's final assesment of them was right on the money). And I won't even go into last Spring's hassles dealing with Hartmann Fibreglass whose proprietor was quite happy to have me accept a boat hull that he freely admitted "leaked"....! (To his credit he did make pre-shipment "repairs" --- at my insistenance).

So, it's not "just" the Chinese.....But if us Boat Modellers stick together and are quite honest in our reviews of the products we buy, a lot of us will avoid getting scammed.

It took almost 20 years before 32nd was forced to slink off into the sunset....The only thing that their subs "sank" was my bank balance.....

Paul..

[der kapitan]

This all brings back "fond" memories of the 1970's and 80's, and a (Western) called "32nd Parallel". (I believe Karl's final assesment of them was right on the money). And I won't even go into last Spring's hassles dealing with Hartmann Fibreglass whose proprietor was quite happy to have me accept a boat hull that he freely admitted "leaked"....!

So, it's not "just" the Chinese.....But if us Boat Modellers stick together and are quite honest in our reviews of the products we buy, a lot of us will avoid getting scammed.

Paul..

Hi Paul,

32nd Parallel was a company that started out with good reviews, and rode a wave of popularity for some time. However, their star faded when the new offerings became lackluster and shoddy, and their customer service followed suit, going from poor to nonexistent.

The person you dealt with at Hartman was a scam artist, who had misled the
proprietor into believing he could improve his business. He very nearly ruined it with his false promises and B.S. In the end, this person ran out of options
and credibility, so he did himself in---.

Hartman is now back to being himself, perhaps a bit wiser, and still turning out a decent product.

Yes, we should stick together, and advise the others when we encounter a rotten egg, but should also pass the word when we come across a good product or service. :)

[herrmill]

AN OPEN RESPONSE TO THE SITE ADMINISTRATOR & STAFF:

I am posting here since I cannot reply directly to the PM I received earlier today.

I stand by the posting that I placed earlier regarding Arkmodel's lack of expected service & business ethics. This was in no way intended as a personal attack against Mr. Feng, Arkmodel's owner, but a valid complaint that needed to be made publicly to challange what can be seen as a pattern of intentional neglect & blatant disrgard to solve an issue that the was allowed to fester over the past few months.

As you can see from my initial post, I am certainly not the only one to complain about his failure to reply & settle directly in a reasonable & forthwith manner a complaint that started as a small issue. In fact, if you read through the ModelWarships link, I was very supportive of Mr. Feng & his company up until late October, when I started to receive the very same treatment that others had complained about.

When I failed to receive proper replies & then outright disingenious statements about the finished model that I received after repeated calls & emails, my patience had been tried. When another 6 weeks passed without any correction or settlement offered to replace what was by then a destroyed model, it had come time to act in a public forum to bring this to the attention of others.

At this point, I have already offered to settle with said vendor even though am I stiill awaiting a satisfactory reply to my earlier emails of sent over the past two weeks. Aside from this final posting as reply to your PM, this will be my last & final statement regarding this specific issue here on RC Groups.

I have removed the duplicate post in the submarine section to ensure that this compaint is not considered as clutter or spam to your site.

Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to post a valid vendor complaint, not a personal attack, in order to save your members the trouble that I & others had experienced in the past.


Regards,

Chuck Miller


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[Kmot]

I remember reading about something that used to go on in Communist Russia during the Cold War years. It was basically "drop a dime on your neighbor" and how it worked was the KGB supplied post cards to Russian citizens. If a citizen felt that one of his neighbors was acting in a non approved good Commie way, they could report it anonamously by sending in the postcard. What a convenient way to get rid of pesky neighbors, eh? Drop a dime, or in this case a ruble, on your neighbor and they get a permanent vacation in Siberia.

This same feature seems to be encouraged here at RC Groups.

[herrmill]

Sie hatten Ihr letztes Wort als freier Mann, Kamerad gesprochen!* :eek:

I see that confessionals also worked very well in Warsaw..


* I tried this originally in Russian but RCG's site doesn't allow the use of the Cyrillic Alphabet.

[ThrustTugKeith]

<<The world is about to change BIG TIME once China's car exports begin in earnest in the coming years ahead! GWM is the largest exporter at the moment with the EU firmly in their sights.>>

Correct me if I'm wrong here....but....didnt China just announce the news that any auto not made there, cant come in to China?
If this is so... North America will never see one of those little s :censored: boxes over here.....we can say the same thing to them.

[Ghost 2501]

I remember reading about something that used to go on in Communist Russia during the Cold War years. It was basically "drop a dime on your neighbor" and how it worked was the KGB supplied post cards to Russian citizens. If a citizen felt that one of his neighbors was acting in a non approved good Commie way, they could report it anonamously by sending in the postcard. What a convenient way to get rid of pesky neighbors, eh? Drop a dime, or in this case a ruble, on your neighbor and they get a permanent vacation in Siberia.

This same feature seems to be encouraged here at RC Groups.

da tovarich!

however some rogues seem to think it is their duty to rip us modellers off.

[der kapitan]

Sie hatten Ihr letztes Wort als freier Mann, Kamerad gesprochen!* :eek:

I see that confessionals also worked very well in Warsaw..


* I tried this originally in Russian but RCG's site doesn't allow the use of the Cyrillic Alphabet.

Hi Chuck,

Good thing you did, as I can't read Russian, but German I can---.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

:censored: ----- :censored: ----- :censored:

I would rather hear about shady business practices rather than have threads closed locked or edited for the sake of one "report".

:censored: ----- :censored: ----- :censored:
.
.
.
Thank you Herrmill. :o
.
.
.

[der kapitan]

:censored: ----- :censored: ----- :censored:

I would rather hear about shady business practices rather than have threads closed locked or edited for the sake of one "report".

:censored: ----- :censored: ----- :censored:
.
.
.
Thank you Herrmill. :o
.
.
.

Bravo Umi,

For those who can't read German, Herrmill said to the effect, "--to have spoken the last word as a free man---"

Yes indeed---.

[Aerominded]

<<If this is so... North America will never see one of those little s :censored: boxes over here.....we can say the same thing to them.

Well, think again... I believe I recently heard a story on the radio that GM and Chery (sp?) have entered into an agreement to import Chinese made cars into the US within the next few years...

I fear that actually making things will only be a hobby in the U.S. in not too long... :(

[herrmill]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the support! :D

[Ghost 2501]

:censored: ----- :censored: ----- :censored:

I would rather hear about shady business practices rather than have threads closed locked or edited for the sake of one "report".

:censored: ----- :censored: ----- :censored:
.
.
.
Thank you Herrmill. :o
.
.
.

umi, I agree with you!

[der kapitan]

Well, think again... I believe I recently heard a story on the radio that GM and Chery (sp?) have entered into an agreement to import Chinese made cars into the US within the next few years...

I fear that actually making things will only be a hobby in the U.S. in not too long... :(

Hi Aero,

That's an upsetting thought, as there is too much stuff being imported today, and too many jobs being outsourced. If this trend continues, people
won't be able to afford to buy even the cheap imported items.

[herrmill]

Regarding Aerominded's comments, that very well could be true since they just settled on a trademark infringement case. Time will tell.

[Ghost 2501]

when a trader gets such a slating for non delivery of parts, and basically ripping its customers off, surely there is legal protection for the said customers.

[toesup]

Mrs. Toes Up here, just to offer my humble thoughts on the matter.
Before the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, all their consumables and materials and work force were being imported from 'friendly' nations. Their only export at the time? Horses...

[toesup]

Mr Toesup here now...

I would love to buy one of those little American Bald Eagle (you know, symbol of the US) figurines.. But i refuse to buy one as ALL the ones i have found so far have been 'Made in China'..

Think about that... :(

[der kapitan]

Mrs. Toes Up here, just to offer my humble thoughts on the matter.
Before the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, all their consumables and materials and work force were being imported from 'friendly' nations. Their only export at the time? Horses...

Toes and Mrs. Toes,

The Chinese "Chery" cars will be imported, starting this summer, under the auspices of--- General Motors! :rolleyes:

This is probably to cover up their own declining quality by presenting something worse---. :eek:

[Ghost 2501]

Mr Toesup here now...

I would love to buy one of those little American Bald Eagle (you know, symbol of the US) figurines.. But i refuse to buy one as ALL the ones i have found so far have been 'Made in China'..

Think about that... :(


Toesy, I purchased a US flag in Charleston last year, what do i see upon it, a sticker saying "made in China" :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[der kapitan]

Toesy, I purchased a US flag in Charleston last year, what do i see upon it, a sticker saying "made in China" :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Ghost, that sticker haunts just about everything sold here these days :eek:

Upon looking more closely at that label, there's a caveat in finer print that says, "this is junk".:D

[Ghost 2501]

well whether it was made in China or Made in south carolina, it still got treated with the respect that it is due, and now sits folded (triangularly) in a safe place

[wartoy]

I too have been let down by Mr. Fing.

January 2007 I paid Feng $980 up front for a 1/96 scale Virginia class CGN, Feng has had nearly 2 years to deliver but he won't.
He refuses to give my money back.
He ignores my suggestion of substituting the Virginia for one of his Bunkerhills.
Upon my suggestion of sending me the TJ's 1/100 Virginia he tried passing off the 1/200 scale kit.

TINA!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!

ANYBODY PLEASE HELP!!!!