Futaba Flyer's Club Follow-Up

[wolfdad]

As promised, below is the full text of a certified, return-receipt requested letter to the President/CEO of Futaba, USA regarding the Futaba Flyer's Club.

As a response to this letter, yesterday, I received a call from a Bill somebody from Hobbico who left a voice mail stating he wanted to discuss this matter with me and left a number for me to call. First of all, there is nothing to discuss. I purchased two Futaba 14MZ radios, filled out and sent in the registration forms which promised membership in the Futaba Flyer's Club and to date, nothing has happened. There is absolutely nothing to discuss...just send my friggin' membership and I will be damned if I am calling some ******* back on a number that is going to cost me to call. So Futaba, as far as I am concerned you can go f**k yourself.

As I said below is the full text of the letter. Last goddamn Futaba product I will ever buy:

09 May 2006





President/CEO,
Futaba Corporation of America
2865 Wall Triana Highway
Huntsville, Alabama 35824

Ref: a.) Futaba 14MZ Serial Number 00003798
b.) Futaba 14MZ Serial Number 00003800

Sir,
During the past year, I have purchased not just one, but two new Futaba 14MZ radios at a cost of approximately $2200 each.

I am quite satisfied with the radios, however I am extremely dissatisfied with the follow-on customer service. After purchasing each radio from Heliproz, I immediately filled out and mailed in the registration cards. As of the date of this letter, I have yet to receive any response with regard to membership in the Futaba Flyer’s Club or any of the promotional material listed on the registration card.

I understand that a company by the name of Hobbico is supposedly administering the Futaba Flyer’s Club web site, logins for that site and promotional items. I have contacted Hobbico by email on six different occasions. Each time I have contacted them, I have either received no response (totally unsatisfactory) or a request for my serial numbers, email address, etc. When I responded to the request for information, there was absolutely nothing forthcoming from Hobbico.

Without access to the Futaba Flyer’s Club web site, I cannot access software and other updates for my radio. This means, based on the Hobbico lack of responses that my radios are probably already out of date.

Although I most certainly think the radios are good products, I am at the point where I am about to return the radios and get my money back. This is based on the fact that you, Futaba Corporation have failed to meet your end of the customer service agreement.

Additionally, you might want to check a number of the RC forums because, evidently, I am NOT the only one who has experienced this problem and I intend to make it extremely well known that, although I am happy with the radio, I find the customer service to be extremely poor and I expect a lot more for the purchase price of these radios than a company totally ignoring me.

After 10 days from the date of this letter, if I have not received a satisfactory resolution to this problem, I intend to do the following; post in every RC forum the entire text of this letter and the lack of support from Futaba Corporation of America, begin the process of returning both radios for a refund, ensure that everyone I come into contact with in the RC heli hobby knows precisely how I have been treated, file a complaint against Futaba and Hobbico with the Maryland Department of Consumer Affairs and, last, but not least never purchase another Futaba product again.

I trust that the above steps will not be necessary, however they are, in fact, a promise and not a threat. I also trust that I will receive a prompt response from you.



Michael A. Holliday
P.O. Box 1269
Lusby, Maryland 20657
(410) 394-6287

[DebianDog]

Not being an a-hole but what exact does a membership to the Futaba Flyer’s Club get ya? I have usually found these type "clubs" that are linked to registering your new XXX product usually turn out to be another means of marketing crap to you.

Just wondering since I have 2 Futaba radios with the warranty cards in the box. :mrgreen:

A google search is interesting to say the least! (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=lang_en&safe=off&rls=en&q=%22Futaba+Flyer’s+Club%22&btnG=Search)

Edit: I took out the apostrophe and saw a few more links ;) More people *****ing about membership too. :lol:

[ClayK]

The flyer's club is a forum for discussion on the product. Updates, bugs, function requests are posted here. I have only used the site like 2 times. Nothing really worth looking for in there that I have found.

Doc, perhaps there's an issue with your card and it was unreadable? Just playing devil's advocate. Might be worth a call just to find out. At the very least, you can get a hold of someone, get a supervisor and really rip into someone :)

My favorite line when calling in is "I need to talk to your manager". They usually respond with "Is there something I can help you with?" My response is "You need to transfer me to someone that gets paid to deal with people like me, cause I'll bet you don't get paid enough to deal with someone like me" That usually sets the groundwork that I'm going to be a pain and there better be a supervisor on the line most pronto.

[DavidH]

Doc,
First. You sent the letter to Huntsville,AL. At that location they do quality control for LCD displays that go in radios for automobiles.
There is only two RC people that are in the Huntsville office. They were transferred there when Futaba USA was purchased by Hobbico nearly 5 years ago. I would guess one of them forwarded your letter to Futaba/Hobbico. The Huntsville plant has really nothing to do with the Radio Control part of Futaba Corporation.

As for updates. They are available everywhere on the internet. Most/all of them are right here on Helifreak in the 14MZ section.
The Futaba Flyers club is 98% forum.
I am sure if you return the call to Bill Baxter. He can get you the information you need to log on to the FFC.

David

[RCfan]

The FFC is a place where 14MZ (and now 12Z) owners can get together to discuss and share information about their radios. It's also where software updates and other "goodies" are posted by Futaba via Hobbico Service. Unfortunately it's "exclusivity" to "new-world" customers and "relaxed" management, i.e. wolfdad is definitely not alone in trying to get registered into it, hasn't made itself that useful or friendly. Personally, and I've asked this several times over at RCuniverse, I'd rather see a Futaba-run site for ALL 14MZ/12Z owners around the world.

Some of the Hobbico folks frequent this site, so hopefully one will jump in and help take care of you. I do ask you to have some patience in this matter until that happens. I'd hate to see you lose the 14MZs.

--Felix

[ClayK]

I'd follow David's advice. The man has not steered me wrong yet.

[wolfdad]

David's advice has always been sound, however, corporate information lists Huntsville, Alabama the Futaba USA headquarters (radio control gear) and I was NOT going back to those boneheads at Hobbico in order to be ignored further. No, David, this one has me spun up and I went to the right place as I obviously touched a nerve, however there is nothing further to discuss...they need to forward my membership and the advertised promotional items as stated. And, if needbe, I will follow-up this matter overseas as well.
Doc

[DavidH]

Doc,
I can assure. There is only two RC people at Huntsville. I know both of them personally. Anything you send to the Huntsville office they are going to forward to Hobbico/Futaba. So if you want anything done. Your going to have to contact Hobbico/Futaba. The person you need to talk to is Bill Baxter. I don't know exactly how the FFC works. But I do know there is over 500 members on the forum memberlist. I do not have a 14 or 12. But I am accessing the FFC through someone elses account that was kind of enough to let me do that. I just read the forum. And to be truthful there is more information exchanged on the forums about the 12 and 14 than there is on the FFC forum.
You can follow up overseas also. They are going to direct you to Hobbico/Futaba

Here is a link to Futaba Japan
http://www.futaba.co.jp/english/annai/network/2.htm

http://www.futaba.co.jp/english/annai/network/2.htm#custom

David

[wolfdad]

David,
Thanks for the information. Guess I will be switching back to JR because I am NOT putting up with being treated this way and I have email Baxter on numerous occasions with absolutely no response....tells me he is along the lines of worthless. Pretty piss-poor way of doing business, I guess, unless you are one of their sponsored Gods.
Doc

[DavidH]

Pretty piss-poor way of doing business, I guess, unless you are one of their sponsored Gods.

The majority must not think that way. The majority of radios I see at events I attend are 14MZ's. Only a few of them are sponsored pilots. So I would think they don't have any difficulty.
Are you sure the emails are reaching Bill? I will use email, but usually if there is not a reply in couple of days I will pick up the phone and call. This applies to anyone I send emails to not just Futaba. I do this if it is something I want to know or need. Most of the time something has happened and they did not recieve the email. A phone call would probably cost less than return requested letter you sent.
Just curious. But what benefits are you hoping to gain from the FFC? There is 500 members on the FFC forum. So there is a lot more 14MZ and 12Z owners that have not joined. But I don't think they are missing anything. Being member of FFC doesn't change how the 12Z or 14MZ operate. If the updates are all that interest you. Then like I mentioned earlier. They are located here on Helifreak and other sites.

David

[RCfan]

Doc, at this point it appears that going to JR is what you "really" seem to want. You're not helping those folks that have contacted to assist you, nor are you helping yourself with all this negativity. I understand you are upset about the FFC support, but is the 14MZ not working to your liking? You did buy the RADIO not really access to FFC or any goodies!!! Those things are freebies and hence you probably should be a bit more patient and open to waiting for things to happen. Correct me if I'm wrong, but did someone promise you instant access to FFC or immediate shipment of an embroidered t-shirt & binder upon your radio purchase? No one did to me and it took several long months before I received mine or got into FFC.

If you really want this to end positively, please contact Bill Baxter as David suggested or visit the Futaba support section over at RCuniverse.com for further assistance. Remember the $2000 simply got you this great radio and nothing else!

[shawgl]

At it again, not good enough, not fast enough, not to my liking, not this, not that, I don't have to take this............ How bad is it really? Enjoy your radio's, helicopters etc. Some of us are over here in Iraq while you ***** about your FFC membership. Just go fly and enjoy it. As long as the damn radio works use it. If you need software.... get it. Quit jacking around with the damn thing and go fly. I tell you I would kill to just have a five minute flight with a damn 30 right about now as of right now launching Hueys and Cobra's to go blow shit up will just have to suffice. And if I know you Doc, you probably have 30 grand worth the heli's and shit just sitting around. Stop complaining and just go fly and enjoy it while you can. You never know when you won't be able to anymore.
Don't take yourself too seriously. And YES!!!!!! You are.

Greg (I am still alive) :arggg:

[DavidH]

Greg,
Stay safe and a Big Thanks for all of you stationed overseas. I really appreciate and am very grateful for what the military does to preserve our way of life here in the USA. Hope you get a get a flight on an RC heli soon.

David

[Dr.Ben]

Indeed. This all gets pretty petty when someone is shooting at you daily.

Ben Minor

[spork]

With due respect to everyone who responded, and double respect to Greg, I feel like most of the responses are missing the point. It doesn't matter what he gets, or intends to get from the FFC. He was promised this as part of the purchase, and he wants it.

It doesn't even matter that he can probably resolve it by calling Bill Baxter. If the guy is bright enough to afford, program, and use these radios, and fly R/C helis, his efforts at filling out reg cards and sending emails should be sufficient (IMHO). It's not fair to say "he bought the radios, not the membership". If he was promised and expected the membership when he made the purchase, none of us knows how much that played into his decision to buy. What's more, it seems Futaba has destroyed his confidence in their customer support. If I were sitting on $4000 worth of Futaba radios that I thought couldn't be satisfactorily serviced, I'd be pretty unhappy too.

That being said, all I own is Futaba's. I've been happy with them, and I've been treated fairly. But it sounds like Michael's experience has been different. I suspect there is little likelihood they could make him happy at this point. If those radios are going to bring up bad feelings everytime you use them, it's time to get rid of them.

We vote with our dollars. If you want companies to provide better customer service you have to hold them to a high standard. This is how you do it.

Greg,

I can certainly understand you being mad about us whining about such trivial matters. I can't pretend to know how you have it over there. But to put another spin on it - this is part of what it is to be American. Everyone gets a say. Democracy, capitalism, and freedom are what make America great. I know it seems trivial, but it is the system that we defend (without getting into the politics of this particular war). You certainly have my respect and gratitude. Stay safe and get home to your family and toys.

RC

[Cirkus]

shawgl

You hit it bro, right on the head. I feel for you man, as someone who is out here in the desert as well, just in the lower buttcrack portion. If you ever get down this way before October, hit me up and come out and throw my TRex around. I won't have my 12Z registered, but I'll still be enjoying it.

[wolfdad]

Greg,
Good to see you out and about and keep your head down. We're all proud of what you are doing and there are a large number of us that haven't forgotten. Hope Brie and the rest of the family are doing well.

I'll second what a couple of folks said and let's just go flying. I'll be sure to bring along my Hobbico 14MZ.

Oh, and please go back and read my original post...especially those who have called and written wanting to know what my price is. I am tickled to death with the radio's and have essentially put myself in a position where I can't sell them with receivers in all three of my turbines. Just would like to see some follow-up regarding the Hobbico 14MZ. :wink:
Doc

[shawgl]

To all, I appreciate the support for what we are doing over here. We do it because of the other guys here and you all. I have known Doc for a long time and he has helped me along in times when I definately needed it. We flew together for quite awhile. It pains me to see him this upset over something that started as a hobby that was fun. Believe me, I know Doc is upset and takes things very personal and sometimes we just need to swallow our pride and make a phone call and everything will work out fine. We all have to do our part when things don't go exactly as we would have expected, like it or not. We can't just expect everything to be handed to us without error. Granted Futaba may have screwed the pooch on this one however the guy said give him a call. Maybe you he should just try it. I'm sure there will be satisfaction at the end. Normally it's some dumbass not doing their job that gets us in these situations and without that call maybe that same dumbass will keep his job. Who knows? I personally would like to contribute to the unemployment numbers. Anything I can do to keep a dumbass out of work...... I'm there. Maybe they will join the Corps and come work for me. Learn what it's really like to have an ******* as a boss. I know Doc is shaking his head now too, agreeing. All of this is fun stuff, lets not forget it and get our blood pressure up. Doc, remember the two rules....... Don't sweat the small shit. 2. Everything is small shit.

Greg

[wolfdad]

Greg,
You know me too well....like I said not a problem with the radio...just the people supporting it....and, Greg, you, more than anyone else can appreciate what good support means. You can't win a war with logistics, but you can damn sure lose it without.

Hope all is going well and if you EVER need anything from this side of the pond, all you gotta' do is holler and it's on it's way.

Talked to Greg Alderman this morning and, MHA and rain still go together and he said they were short over last year by about 30 pilots, so get your dumbass safely back here and come out and visit.

Keep you head down.
Doc

[shawgl]

Will do. I wouldn't mind the rain to be honest. I'll trade you for the 118 we hit today. Like living in a damn oven. Go do some flying for me.

Greg

[wolfdad]

Greg,
Count on it.
Doc

[Gary O]

Wow, nothing like a nicely timed reality check to keep things in perspective I guess. We are able to sit over here and play with our toy helicopters whenever we want while a lot of very unselfish people are over in places making sure it stays that way. Greg, a sincere thank you for what you do for your country.

[bax]

Michael,

This post was pointed out to me recently.

We have been diligently trying to contact you in order to resolve this problem we are having concerning your membership in the Futaba Flyers Club. Our E-mails have evidently not reached you and you have not returned our phone calls.

Please take the time to call me back and I will make sure that this problem is resolved immediately.

Sincerely,

[Finless]

Well I just got my club shirt and an empty binder in the mail....
I sent my club sign up sheet (not the warrenty card) in and it took 2 months to get the shirt.

Bob