The 'Curse' of the Tunisian Tigers (1 Viewer)

[Mike97]

I always try to keep my postings on these boards in a positive, constructive tone, but must 'vent' a bit of frustration on my experiences with the KC SL Tunisian Tigers.

I purchased two of the Tigers when they were released, with the intent to keep one and speculate a bit on the other. Keeping the post short, I decided to sell them both-without opening the boxes to keep the 'NRFB' value intact. Shortly after shipping, buyer # 1 advised me that his tiger arrived with a broken smoke grenade launcher, buyer # 2 advised me that his arrived with no commander's cupola hatch on the tank or in the box. After two attempts to contact KC with my concerns about the damage and missing part and asking for some sort of assistance, I received a basic "gosh, that's too bad, but there's nothing we can/will do" response. As a trader w/a good reputation in my hobbies, I've paid out a partial refund on one of the items and got help from Matt at Hobby Bunker on the hatch cover (thanks Matt).

My concern is that the cost of these items we like to collect has gone up significantly in the past year, I would hope that quality control and customer service would keep pace. I guess I expected more from KC. I'm now getting off my soapbox-vent completed.

 

[Sahara]

Sorry to hear that. I had no problem with my Tun. Tiger and I'm a bit surprised since I have not heard to many gripes about them. There have been a couple pieces that I have bought that have been shipped to me damaged and I know it can be frustrating as a buyer. Thankfully I go through respectable dealers that put customer satisfaction on the top of their list.

When I'm buying something I dont really put to much stock value in "its never been opened before". I rather it have been inspected prior to shipping and as a seller I would think that would be a more viable option. I have to imagine it would have been alot easier to get another tiger sent to you that was in mint condition and then sell that one instead of going thru all the hurdles it sounds like your going thru. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.

 

[VanguardFC007]

Ive never bought a K&C SL but do they come sealed? I ask because Im curious as to how a buyer would know if its never been opened before. Otherwise, I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience.

 

[amhuff1]

I always open everything to make sure everything is ok. Most collectors don't mind if something has been opened as long as everything is still in like new condition. I understand how K&C would not do anything for you as you
1. never inspected the item
2. resold them
3. the item has been shipped how many times now?
If you bought the item and open it immediately and there is a problem then I am sure they would do something for you. It is nice that Matt helped you. I would open anything you purchase in the future......especially if you intend to resell them.

 

[Capitolron]

I believe you MUST ALWAYS OPEN THE BOX ! If there is a problem - contact your dealer and resolve the issue. These things cost too much money now to not inspect them once you receive it.

Sorry about the misfortune - hopefully the dealer you bought from will resolve the issue - if not - Change Dealers. Again, in this economy losing a customer is something I believe all dealers want to avoid.

 

[Njja]

I always try to keep my postings on these boards in a positive, constructive tone, but must 'vent' a bit of frustration on my experiences with the KC SL Tunisian Tigers..

Mike:

To bad you had a bad experience, I had a couple of Tunisian Tigers but I learned long ago to open each item and check it when it arrives. You never know how an item has been handled.

I really looked forward to the WS103 and bought two of them also, both arrived damaged so I sent them back and passed on the item.

I would also recommend you purchase insurance when ever you ship anything even though that is no guarantee the buyer will use it.

 

[Njja]

Ive never bought a K&C SL but do they come sealed? I ask because Im curious as to how a buyer would know if its never been opened before. Otherwise, I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience.

The boxes are not sealed but sometimes the foam pieces are wrapped in clear tape. I always remove it and discard it when I check the pieces. Its
quite simple.

 

[Rob]

Very sorry to hear of your bad experience with the Tigers,but as Ron and others have said always always open the box.With a little care the item can be put back in the box for resale without making any difference to the rating of the product.

Rob

 

[Mike97]

Thanks guys, lesson learned on this one-open all boxes upon arrival. I neglected to add, I've had so many good experiences buying KC items, that I just didn't expect this to happen.

 

[Spitfrnd]

I am also sorry to hear of your damage problem. I would only add that no only should you open the box upon receipt but you should never ship something to a buyer without knowing its condition when it leaves. That just invites more trouble than you need. I have never understood the sealed box mania; that is fine for disks but not for these things IMHO. Anyway, I hope it all works out for you.

 

[Capitolron]

Mike

No worries - I am sure Andy will take care of it for you.

Ron

 

[Leadmen]

I opened my order and checked on it after reading about the Tunisan Tiger> The box seemed fine on my AK Stug but when I checked it the tracks are all crumbled and broken in the bag covering it. You cannot tell till you open and remove vehicle. This is my first busted piece. Leadmen

 

[wadepat]

I opened my order and checked on it after reading about the Tunisan Tiger> The box seemed fine on my AK Stug but when I checked it the tracks are all crumbled and broken in the bag covering it. You cannot tell till you open and remove vehicle. This is my first busted piece. Leadmen

Hi John,

Golly, I am sorry to hear about your bad luck. I hope you are able to receive a replacement from your dealer. Your experience provides additional testimony to the fact that we should always immediately check the condition of our purchases.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[Blowtorch]

I learned that lesson long ago too. China ain't about quality control. That's more of a Japanese thing. 10-20% breakage comes with the territory of low prices. Always check the K&C contents

I agree Matt is great.

 

[Major Major]

K&C quality control tends to be pretty good, but with brittle objects being shipped in the post some mishaps do happen. As has been mentioned by other posters on this thread, try to check on the goods once received, esp considering this hobby ain't cheap! Luckily I manage to inspect the pieces before buying in the shop.

 

[daruss]

Mike:

To bad you had a bad experience, I had a couple of Tunisian Tigers but I learned long ago to open each item and check it when it arrives. You never know how an item has been handled.

I really looked forward to the WS103 and bought two of them also, both arrived damaged so I sent them back and passed on the item.

I would also recommend you purchase insurance when ever you ship anything even though that is no guarantee the buyer will use it.

I have to be honest, i have heard other reports of the Tiger being broken, though some of these incidents could have happened during shipping.. Maybe just the bigger and heavier items are more vunerable.. As far as the whole deal with dealers "Inspecting" there items,, that might be fine for a small dealer, but the larger dealers with a lot on inventory just dont have the the time to do QC on every item that arrives! Im not arguing with Andy or anything like that, just my opinion.
My tunisian tiger is arriving very soon, im keeping my fingers crossed...

 

[Eazy]

The left side tracks aren't fitted properly on my Tunisian tiger. They are sort of not on straight so one side is not totally on the ground. I didn't notice it straight away unfortunately as I know K&C UK would have changed it for me.
It was months later when i changed it's position in the cabinet that i noticed from the one side the tracks looked to be fitted to low.
From the front it looks buckled.

This is the biggest problem i have had with K&C though. Any other minor problems Tony has sorted straight away.

It could well be though that the K&C Tunisian Tiger didn't have the usual high quality control.