Is Strada Sports Store still alive?

I used stradasports way back in the day, at least 4-5 years ago and had no problems.
But lately i have had the same problems with response. I also ordered a bunch of times from mediamixhobby and from a company from australia with no problems. Shipping is a little high but thats expected. Scale production is also a reliable source.
Unfortunately, that's the truth for me, too. I did a lot of business with him and even met him in person. But his lack of stuff in stock and communication left me with a really bad taste in my mouth.

Mac consequently got the balance of my business.

Unfortunately, that's the truth for me, too. I did a lot of business with him and even met him in person. But his lack of stuff in stock and communication left me with a really bad taste in my mouth.

Mac consequently got the balance of my business.

i'll try Mac's next as you guys have suggested, because yes that is just ridiculous dealing with strada, it's a surprise he's still in business

I've never had problems...in fact, just ordered a book and two HRM models. I know the HRM stuff will take forever but that's not Kevin's fault.

If you need to know whether or not it's in stock, email him. Every once in a while there will be a delay, usually because he's on vacation or something. He's pretty responsive when I send him notes.

I used to order quite a lot of stuff from him a few years ago when the $ was even weaker then now, and everything went smooth every time. When it happened that something was out of stock we exchanged a couple of emails and the remaining articles were delivered as soon as available.

I wish I could say the same, but I've received no response on the inquiry for items in stock, even as precaution before ordering
With order, it was only 2 out of 12 items shipped - even if not billed - without any notice if back ordered, if going to be notified when in, etc.
I won't use that business again

I have bought model car kits from Kevin at Strada Sports 3 or 4 times and I have been very satisfied. It is the store where I have found the lowest prices for pricey kits like those from Model Factory Hiro.

In one of the MFH kit I have bought, there were a few missing engine parts and Kevin have obtained those missing parts for me from Hiro.

Finally, I think that Strada Sports is a one man operation and that Kevin do his best for customer satisfaction.

I think it was a month ago it was the last time I ordered from Kevin, no issues, got my order within a week, it takes him around a week it seems to get things shipped out, but I understand if its one guy doing it all, I have never had an issue with him

Well, Interesting thread that I wish I had seen before ordering from Strada. I ordered some detailing parts. The following day I get an email at 12am midnight that one of the items is out of stock. Of course it was not specified which item. Then I was told "We should have it back in stock shortly. We will send you a shipping notice as soon as your order is ready" Soooooo, does that mean my order will be held until the one item is restocked? I would prefer that not to happen as I need those parts for an upcoming show. Can anyone verify that they hold orders until an item you want is re-stocked? No one answers the phone, I have had no response through email other than them telling me they don't have what I want, and no response to voicemail via phone.

Well, Interesting thread that I wish I had seen before ordering from Strada. I ordered some detailing parts. The following day I get an email at 12am midnight that one of the items is out of stock. Of course it was not specified which item. Then I was told "We should have it back in stock shortly. We will send you a shipping notice as soon as your order is ready" Soooooo, does that mean my order will be held until the one item is restocked? I would prefer that not to happen as I need those parts for an upcoming show. Can anyone verify that they hold orders until an item you want is re-stocked? No one answers the phone, I have had no response through email other than them telling me they don't have what I want, and no response to voicemail via phone.


That exactly has been my experience with Strada. I think he uses that excuse of "one item not in stock" to hold the entire order as ransom since he doesn't have most of the items in stock anyway. He doesn't answer the phone and it will take few e-mails from you, for him to answer one. Extremely bad customer service!!!! I order from all over Asia now and my orders are processed and delivered sooner than Strada which is located just around the corner in my own country!!!! I learned quickly not to order from him to minimize my aggravations and live longer!

That exactly has been my experience with Strada. I think he uses that excuse of "one item not in stock" to hold the entire order as ransom since he doesn't have most of the items in stock anyway. He doesn't answer the phone and it will take few e-mails from you, for him to answer one. Extremely bad customer service!!!! I order from all over Asia now and my orders are processed and delivered sooner than Strada which is located just around the corner in my own country!!!! I learned quickly not to order from him to minimize my aggravations and live longer!

I think at this point the only suggestion would be to avoid this store! I was biggest Kevin supporter when he started the store, but this is a prime example how to ruin a good thing by not giving a shit.

I thought of filing a Paypal dispute to cancel the transaction and get a refund, but I'm going to go ahead and give him until next week to make good. If not I'll file my claim and move on to Mediamix. Its a shame I had to find out about all of the dissatisfied people after the fact from four different modeling forums. So much for trust, I will be more thorough in the future when searching for a reputable seller.

That exactly has been my experience with Strada. I think he uses that excuse of "one item not in stock" to hold the entire order as ransom since he doesn't have most of the items in stock anyway. He doesn't answer the phone and it will take few e-mails from you, for him to answer one. Extremely bad customer service!!!! I order from all over Asia now and my orders are processed and delivered sooner than Strada which is located just around the corner in my own country!!!! I learned quickly not to order from him to minimize my aggravations and live longer!

No, he doesn't hold the full order unless asked. IME he's been flexible.

I thought of filing a Paypal dispute to cancel the transaction and get a refund, but I'm going to go ahead and give him until next week

Do yourself a favor and cancel it now and get your order moving with HLJ or some other reliable vendor...

ianc

Do yourself a favor and cancel it now and get your order moving with HLJ or some other reliable vendor...

ianc
+1, sadly. I was a big proponent of Kevin's back a few years ago. Not any longer, though.

+1, sadly. I was a big proponent of Kevin's back a few years ago. Not any longer, though.

I am in the same boat. Now order elsewhere although I would rather deal with a US vendor.

I placed my order with Mac's modeling and I am extremely happy so far. I ordered Friday, he shipped Friday and I should get the items tomorrow. Now THAT's how you take care of customers!!! I'm so excited. That guy Kevin really is a piece of work. I placed my order with him on the 7th, filed the paypal claim on him Friday the 11th and he is ignoring Paypal and hasn't sent my refund ,but took the time to send me an email to insult my intelligence telling me that he doesn't believe I know what parts I want because I made a mistake adding a harness set to my order that was for 1/43 scale instead of 1/24. It took 3 days after I placed the order for him to tell me that he would change the part out,but in reality he was out of stock on both,of course in a vague email. He is purposely being difficult by not sending my refund which he told me in email on the 11th he would do and I have yet to see it. No matter,they will rule in my favor by the end of the week and I'll be refunded. I should have listened to you guys and steered clear. Hard lesson learned. But in the end I gained knowledge of a reputable seller which will definitely get my business in the future.

glad to be able to steer you in the right direction - sadly I too ran into issues with Kevin long ago and switched to Mac as soon as I discovered him. Fortunately for me Mac lives in Arizona and I go to Phoenix monthly and I always stop by because I have things to pick up from him, plus he will show me all the new stuff he is developing for super detail kits for 1/12 F-1 kits. I knew Mac would take care of you
John













F-1

I placed my order with Mac's modeling and I am extremely happy so far. I ordered Friday, he shipped Friday and I should get the items tomorrow. Now THAT's how you take care of customers!!! I'm so excited. That guy Kevin really is a piece of work. I placed my order with him on the 7th, filed the paypal claim on him Friday the 11th and he is ignoring Paypal and hasn't sent my refund ,but took the time to send me an email to insult my intelligence telling me that he doesn't believe I know what parts I want because I made a mistake adding a harness set to my order that was for 1/43 scale instead of 1/24. It took 3 days after I placed the order for him to tell me that he would change the part out,but in reality he was out of stock on both,of course in a vague email. He is purposely being difficult by not sending my refund which he told me in email on the 11th he would do and I have yet to see it. No matter,they will rule in my favor by the end of the week and I'll be refunded. I should have listened to you guys and steered clear. Hard lesson learned. But in the end I gained knowledge of a reputable seller which will definitely get my business in the future.


that's not good to hear, sounds like he's gotten worse since I dealt with him last even

his site is still up & running, so probably best to tell as many others as you can to not deal with him at all

I'll still deal with him. Two weeks ago I finally received the balance of a much earlier order, which was some wheels from HRM - I think it's well known Harold's stuff takes forever to arrive when not in stock. Still waiting on two HRM kits, which will eventually show up. Kevin can't poop them out, but I wish he could. Maybe.

Also asked Kevin about the fourth MFH Sportscar photo book, said he should get some in soon. I'll order all four once it does, and will likely receive them in a week.

I'm pretty patient with most people - I've only gotten aggravated with a certain...um....unreliable resin caster who lied and never made me a damn thing. Kevin just ends up waiting on his suppliers for a while. IME he doesn't charge my CC until he actually has the stuff. He'll send what he has, or keep it for when the rest of the stuff arrives, he's flexible.

Sure he's slow to email sometimes but I just deal with it.

I can't speak for other modelers, but I always have plenty of time when I'm building models because I have several in various stages of build at once - so when I do start a new model - I plan time to acquire reference materials, paint, and detail items - so I am not in a hurry. I build models to relax from stress, not to get it - therefore I have plenty of time and can wait a substantial amount of time for vendors like Kevin when I do order from him - I mostly order from Mac now just because he's in the same state and I try to support local business, especially modeling business, as there are very few USA vendors anymore. But even when I order from Mac - I can wait at least 4-6 weeks and longer if the supplier is out of stock. I guess my message is if you are impatient and can't wait for things you're in the wrong hobby.

I want to add to the list of alternate sellers to Strada, MS Hobbies , they local for me, meet them at the last contest/show we had, their price's are comparable to Strada, I just bought a Studio 27 sheet from them, and with shipping, I paid $1 more, but I got my order in about three days not counting Sunday.
http://www.mshobbies.com/servlet/StoreFront

I want to add to the list of alternate sellers to Strada, MS Hobbies , they local for me, meet them at the last contest/show we had, their price's are comparable to Strada, I just bought a Studio 27 sheet from them, and with shipping, I paid $1 more, but I got my order in about three days not counting Sunday.
http://www.mshobbies.com/servlet/StoreFront

good link Jonathan, only one issue I have, and applies to Strada sports more so, is the lack of "in stock" designated beside items

the local store I deal with (for some items, not usually kits) has that even, and many others of course, it's a pet peeve of mine to not know when ordering, if item in or not, stocked

good link Jonathan, only one issue I have, and applies to Strada sports more so, is the lack of "in stock" designated beside items

the local store I deal with (for some items, not usually kits) has that even, and many others of course, it's a pet peeve of mine to not know when ordering, if item in or not, stocked

Mac at Mac's Modeling in Arizona lists in stock inventory on the web pages.
http://www.macsmodeling.com/index.htm - plus there's excellent service
John

Compared to Kevin, Mac is fabulous.

It's easy to get seduced by Kevin's website with all the stuff there, but the trouble is he doesn't have any of it.

Mac lists his in-stock inventory and can get other stuff if you just ask. Plus, he communicates! Hallelujah!

ianc

good link Jonathan, only one issue I have, and applies to Strada sports more so, is the lack of "in stock" designated beside items

the local store I deal with (for some items, not usually kits) has that even, and many others of course, it's a pet peeve of mine to not know when ordering, if item in or not, stocked

I understand completely

it's a pet peeve of mine to not know when ordering, if item in or not, stocked

Agreed, Especially if you have already paid for the order.:shakehead

I used to buy everything through Strada. Over the last few years it has steadily gone down hill. It's a shame, because Kevin was great to deal with.

DONT EVER USE THIS COMPANY!

I have an order over 1 year old and he hasnt shipped half of it, he charged me the full amount for the order which was in the region of $350. He sent part of it about 4-5 months after the order was placed and the other half hasnt been sent, he hasnt replied to my emails and he owes me around $150!!

I really hope no one gets screwed by this scammer :frown:

he used to be good. but seems like he hasnt even updated his website for a long time

I had a very long wait for my order i placed around the start of the year.
it was the first time i ordered anything but it will be the last.
i wouldn't have minded waiting if he told me straight up, it was hard to get a straight answer from him about the progress of my order, but after a long wait and many emails my order was finally received....
I was just left with the impression he doesn't care when or how orders are dealt with....:mad:

I had a very long wait for my order i placed around the start of the year.
it was the first time i ordered anything but it will be the last.
i wouldn't have minded waiting if he told me straight up, it was hard to get a straight answer from him about the progress of my order, but after a long wait and many emails my order was finally received....
I was just left with the impression he doesn't care when or how orders are dealt with....:mad:

I use MediaMixHobby.com.sg for a lot of my stuff. They are great, shipping is fast and the actual stock is displayed on their site. Hobby Link Japan, Hobby Easy and Hobby Search are all great too. It doesn't seem like there is a solid source in the US for the harder to find kits.

I use MediaMixHobby.com.sg for a lot of my stuff. They are great, shipping is fast and the actual stock is displayed on their site. Hobby Link Japan, Hobby Easy and Hobby Search are all great too. It doesn't seem like there is a solid source in the US for the harder to find kits.

Hemi - killer - there's at least one USA source for those of us in the USA - Mac"s Modeling http://www.macsmodeling.com/ No I do not get a commission.

Anyhow Mac, either has it or can get it in short order (you can always contact him and get information on availability and price from him before you place an order if you send him an email) or (drop him a call) if he has it, the website lists quantities in stock Mac usually replies within 24-72 hrs, but REMEMBER Mac does this business with models and stuff because he is a modeler too and tries to help others that are also passionate about the hobby - he is NOT getting RICH off this Hobby - I've been to his place many times. AND He has a REAL 9-5 JOB 6-7 days a week BE REASONABLE with your DEMANDS.
Modeling in general is a SLOW hobby - do your HOMEWORK finding out what you would like to build and PLAN it all out in ADVANCE including WHERE and WHEN you will make your purchases.
REMEMBER - just because it's an EMERGENCY to you, doesn't mean your $10 order is an emergency to ANYONE else.

Keep in mind though - I do NOT know of any model retailers on the North American continent that stocks as much as Mac - or can get things as fast here. You need to also REMEMBER that the handful of automotive model builders here in the USA (very few) can send enough business to a USA retailer so the retailer CAN support themselves. This actually is the state of modeling all around the world except maybe Hong Kong and Japan. Therefore these retailers have to have a REAL job that pays their rent and food. Besides in my opinion every model builder that does NOT shop around for availability BEFORE price is a self made FOOL - CAVEAT EMPTOR - and has no-one to blame but themselves. Many people google Strada and see such LOW prices and the offer of free USA shipping on orders over $75.00 - DO you really expect that the vendor will have what you want in stock??????? For USA complainers - did you call him first?? did you send an email first??? ON AVAILABILITY before you placed an order???
You can always PAY by CREDIT card last I saw and in the USA a retailer of any kind CANNOT bill your credit card until the item is READY to SHIP. In addition you always will have the opportunity to CANCEL your order before it ships. And lastly there are PROTECTIONS by law in the USA to protect credit card users.
I always use PayPal for my model purchases here in the USA and Globally, because I have a 45 day RESOLUTION center that I can file a claim with for a FULL REFUND. USA Credit card protections give you up to 6 months, but there are LIMITATIONS to these LAWS and purchases, and OUTSIDE of the USA, do NOT GUARANTY you have these PROTECTIONS. So again CAVEAT EMPTOR (BUYER BEWARE) for those NOT lucky to have received some LATIN in their education.

Cheers
John

I should have mentioned Mac's. I have bought several nice detail sets from him and he does have some nice stuff listed on his site. He also shows his actual stock next to the item.

It does take a little while, which is normal, but he has always been up front about expected shipping times and he has great communication. I would definitely recommend him. Unfortunately, I don't do much F1 stuff, which is what his store is primarily focused on.

When I can finally suck it up and buy a Hiro kit, it will be from Mac.

Johns right Mac is a much better retailer .I only had to deal with Kevin once and it was enough for me . He never delivered on product and took forever to e-mail back . You can get product anywhere ,but you cant go wrong with Macs Modeling they are more F1 but you can get sports car stuff too . M&S hobbies is great on sports cars they have F1 but they are more in tune with sports cars and street cars but can get anything you want most of the time .The French stuff is hard to get for anybody you know 32hr work week and all , but great stuff when you can get it . Hope this helps and shut out to John hope things are going well stay in touch buddy . :wink:

i've always been put off ordering from Mac's by the old school website that lacks a modern shopping cart.

I've never read anything bad about him so I guess he has his system up to scratch.

i've always been put off ordering from Mac's by the old school website that lacks a modern shopping cart.

I've never read anything bad about him so I guess he has his system up to scratch.

he dates his updates and he does them quite often. It is an old school website, but if you email he'll get back to you. I have ordered from him about 3 times now. his stock statuses are accurate

No idea about it man... Keep trying or try their customer care number for quick ans..

i've always been put off ordering from Mac's by the old school website that lacks a modern shopping cart.

I've never read anything bad about him so I guess he has his system up to scratch.

RonCla - if you are looking for something and can't find it - Give Mac a chance.
You will NOT be disappointed by his service and he usually will ship out items within 24-48 hours of receiving the item from a vendor, and you know when this is, because that is when he will send the PayPal request for payment - NOT immediately at the time of order, like many other retailers.
I'm NOT aware of shipping costs to New Zealand, so I am NOT sure if the shipping costs could make purchasing an item from Mac "cost prohibitive" or not.
But if you really got to have it, and can't find it, then your options become limited.
I have learned that before I Start to build a model - I have located all the detail bits I will want to add to the model, and already purchased them, and only after I have it all together - I do NOT start the Build. I have too many models that I have started and NOT completed because the detail items became unavailable.

Hey Jim - shout out "back at ya" - I'll drop you a PM later this weekend.

Cheers
John

Also what does it matter what type of website it is????? I find Mac's website VERY easy to navigate and find items. The only thing I would change if it was my web-page, is add a "SEARCH" option.
I have found way more Model retailer wesites that are far more difficult to navigate or find things, and then there is NO "on hand" inventory to let you know if the retailer even has what you are looking for.

Mac - has spoken with me about how much money he had spent on a company to develop a new web-page, only to discover that it had significant problems after the finished "web-page" was delivered. I'm NOT sure where the new "web-page" is as far as being fixed, but I know it was a sizable amount of money that Mac spent that he feels was a waste.

I also recommend Mac's. I've only ordered from him one time so far, but it was a very satisfactory experience where he responded within a day to my email inquiry, and I received my order within a week after the order was placed. A friend (hi, Mark!) also knows Mac well and has done business many times with him for years and also recommends Mac wholeheartedly.

But I also ditto John's reminder that Mac has a busy full-time day job, but he can be trusted to get back to you if you contact him.

As far as websites are concerned, remember that many of these retailers (or resellers) are small operations, and creating and maintaining a fancy website may not be worth the cost/time involved. For an idea of this, read this by Paul Fisher (another small outfit that I can confirm provides outstanding product and service): http://www.fishermodels.com/blog

Cameron