A sad day for Compass Models

[fr8brkr]

The latest news as posted by KBDD announcing that they are the "new" wholesale distributor for Compass Models comes as a shock to those of us loyal not only to the Knight product line but most of all the relationship with the man most responsible for it's recent market growth - Rodney Shuttera of Infina Models. The dealer network currently established is a result of Rodney's tireless efforts and countless fun-fly engagements promoting Compass and Luke Lao's creation. I am certain that I am not alone when I express my sense of loss upon reading the "news" from KBDD. For KBDD to make such an announcement with total disregard as to the situation concerning Infina Models and its history promoting the Knight product line is an insult to Infina Models and to those of us who have also helped to promote the product.

[WayneBrown]

deleted to be politically correct

[Gscott]

Who is KBDD and why is this so bad. I mean other than screwing Rodney.

[eyeflyhelis]

Luke i also agree this is a stupid move which is going to burn you once more.
but i guess integrity is not part of your business ethics.

[cortez jenkins sr]

Is it true that compass models betrays all of there distributors here in the US ? I fly a knight 50 and the only reason I did was because of Henry & Rodney. Im not to proud to own a Knight after that dirty move. I like the way the machine flys but man thats crazy. Luke you aint right. No wonder Ron Lund at Heli Pro's South wouldn't touch compass with a 10 foot pole.

[Tradhunt]

Would be nice to hear from Rodney ... Set everything strait... Good or bad...

[eyeflyhelis]

Rodney introduced me to the compass also!

be nice to hear from Luke also

[Ade_Law]

playing devils advocate here....

all of the distribs are small companies. there is only so much they can do with the capitol they have.

as we all know the states is a big place. afaik luke didnt dump rodney, just signed up another distrib so more people were served. if setup correctly they wont be competitng with eachother as they could never cover the whole of the usa themselves anyway.

dont lynch me... just looking at it from a different pov...

Ade

[fr8brkr]

Ade,
K&B sent e-mails to all current Compass dealers stating they are the new distributor for Compass in the US. Aside from selling little colored plastic tail blades and below average dampners the depth of experience relating to helicopters is paled by Rodney's knowledge. All of us that know Rodney have great appreciation for what he has accomplished albeit on a limited marketing budget. He has worked very hard supporting the product line and despite Lukes inability to launch the Odin 90 and Atom 500 projects in a timely manner sales continue to increase. K&B is doing nothing but riding Rodney's coat tails and will soon find out that this hobby is based on friendships for which are not formed by the issuance of an e-mail but rather by hard work, loyalty, and trust.

[gww528]

Would be nice to hear from Rodney ... Set everything strait... Good or bad...

agreed :thumbup:

[fr8brkr]

I spoke with Rodney this am and he said that there may still be a glimmer of hope. It seems Luke has hired a marketing consultant that negotiated with KBDD. Rodney has mentioned numerous times that if Luke is looking to expand distribution on the west coast he would favor such a move. Perhaps some territorial bounds can be imposed for both Infina and KB to coincide. In any event, I still remain convinced that the popularity of the Knight in recent months is largely due to Infina Models and Rodney and a group of dedicated pilots that have all contributed to its growth.

[jontherooster]

Luke, too bad your greed blinded you, I'll not support or fly your models if this is in fact true.





Luke i also agree this is a stupid move which is going to burn you once more.
but i guess integrity is not part of your business ethics.

No Kidding!!:roll:


Wow, that's some pretty good BS there Compass:thumbdown:
I might join Wayne in that decision too!

[Rodney]

Yes Infina Models is still a NONEXCLUSIVE Distributor for Compass Models.

[WayneBrown]

glad to hear you are still in the fight Rodney!
The last thing any of us want to see is you getting trampled on after all the effort and hard work you put into it.

[miami6]

Infina Models LLC ( Rodney's Full Response )




Compass Distribution

Well I to was waiting to see if KBDD or Compass Models was going to post on this matter as well. But time got the best of me and I can wait no longer as I know it will hurt Infina Models,LLC if somthing is not posted.
What KBDD did post was that they are THE NEW DISTRIBUTOR but what it should have read was A NEW DISTRIBUTOR. There are now 2 NONEXCLUSIVE distributors for Compass Models in the USA.
That should have been made clear from the beginning as to not scare off any dealers we already had, but I am guessing that was over looked by both the other parties involved.
Infina Models is owned and operated by one person, doing the best he can do. Compass thought by adding another distributor it could increase sales of the Compass line of helis. Please do not get dicouraged by this, We are trying to increase our sales and number of dealers here in the USA. That is the only reason KBDD was brought on.
As for dealers that are already buying from Infina Models, yes we are still in operation and will continue to serve you as best as possible, but on the other hand now you have an option to use another as well if needed. I know a few of the dealers are in question if they made the right choice coming on with Infina Models as dealers for Compass, I assure you the product will be available for a long time to come. I am sorry for any misleading information that this issue has caused. And yes Infina Models will continue to support the Compass Pilots and Feild Reps that we have.
Hope to see all of you at the next flying event.
Thanks
Infina Models,LLC

[Ah Clem]

Thank you for posting this.

[KBDD]

K & B Dream Designs, LLC (now KBDD) is known nationally and internationally as a company which makes great products backed with excellent customer service. We only sell wholesale and are not affiliated with any retail store. Retail customers are not able to buy directly from us, but find us helpful when the occasion arises. Our dealers find us very flexible as we work hard to meet their needs. This incident occurred with the use of the word “the”. With the information we had at the time, that was correct. Things constantly change in the business world. That is to be expected.
We do have an owner who has extensively flown R/C planes and helicopters and is respected for his knowledge and expertise. We are very proud of our great test pilots and sponsored pilots across the country. We do have non-flyers that take care of the needs of the business. We believe in promoting good products at a good price to keep the hobby as affordable as possible.
KBDD highly respects Infina Models hard work as they know, due to our conversations in Birmingham in March and later in Huntsville. KBDD has not taken part in intercompany communications between Infina Models and Compass Models. We have no knowledge of those communications nor should we. Also, KBDD will not speak of the content of any conversation we have or had with Infina Models, Compass Models or any other company. This is a great country and is very large. We most certainly feel this country can support two distributorships.
KBDD only wishes to increase the availability of Compass Model’s products. Our intent is to build up and maintain a three month inventory in our warehouse to insure dealers are able to get the products as quickly as possible and to increase the dealer base across the country. This will enable the pilots to get the kits and parts quickly. – Dick Cook, President, KBDD

[eyeflyhelis]

"This will enable the pilots to get the kits and parts quickly."

so how much inventory do you have now? where do we send warrenty parts? whats the hot line for customer support?

maybe it should read -This will enable the pilots to get the kits and parts quickly; when we finally stop screwing everyone around.

[WayneBrown]

deleted to be politically correct.

[gww528]

It appears that its time to part with Compass Model.
who wants two K3D nitros?
I personally cannot support or endorse this company any longer.

Who would not want two good flying K3D nitros :banana How much? What will they come with?

Regards

[WayneBrown]

I will post details of the models in the for sale area later, they will be stripped airframes and 620mm mains.

[fr8brkr]

I'm afraid that KBDD wont be be able to "build up their inventory"fast enough to satisfy my needs. There is nothing worse in this hobby than not being able to buy parts in a timely fashion.

[miami6]

with the current situation will the EFS skool look for a new platform for its students to leard new smackdown Maneuvers LOL

[WayneBrown]

I'm already on the hunt for a new learnin' platform. Looking like there are plentiful Pantera models in stock for immediate klasses.

[eyeflyhelis]

you guys are heartless talking of other models to replace your knights already. but just for the record i just got a avant 90 since its almost identical to the k3d :YeaBaby: - well maybe a little bigger
btw i have even considered align again :wow2: