I ordered two Dragon kits from them on the 6th waited while they were "searching" then one day I checked order status and it said "processed" this was on the 10th. This order was supposed to have been shipped then on the 10th?? Should I be concerned?? It was to be sent by USPS. What do you guys think I should do?? I have emailed them twice and received no response.

I believe Processed is just receiving the order putting it through the system. When it is done it will say Shipped and you should get some cryptic emails about a package on the way.

I agree with Alan - that is exactly what happens - you will receive an automated email when your order ships

Why don't you just use Squadron. They stack what they sell, so the orders get processed very quick. Maybe these guys work like many others and only get the kits from the makers or other wholesale after they receive an order. This makes the delivery process lengthier.

So far none of the orders I have received from Great Models ever said "shipped" They all say "processed".

Well, if they used the present continuous tense, you are in for more waiting.

Quite frankly the reason I don't used Squadron is they are in my opinion "high". I even live 30 minutes from their location also I attempted to see if they would let me F.O.B. some stuff and they refused. So I choose not to do business with them on principle. It is completely idiotic to not allow local patrons the ability to pick up their order.

I agree, sometimes big companies get haughty and forget that they are only as good as what their customers think of them. Still the use of smaller outfits has its drawbacks, as you can see for yourself.

processed means that they put it in a box and started shipping it to you. I usually get it within 3 days because im one of the neighbor states, I THINK? well yeah, you should be receiving it via mail soon.

I have dealt with Greatmodels ont hings good and bad for...sheesh, 7 + years I believe. I have also been dealing with Squadron since before that. In all that time, I have noticed several things:

IF you want a item quick, get it from Squadron. They usually ship next day. I have never had a problem with them.

If you are more economically minded, Great Models or Roll Models are probably the two best sites located in the USA, by size and volume of business. Neither of them are smaller players, but unlike VLS or Squadron, they are pure sellers, not importers as well. However, aside from keeping inventories "lean", they also sell to a large number of people so it is possible that the kit they had 30 of in the morning will be sold out by noon. So if you order fron these places, expect a fair wait.

IAs far as answers to e-mail, I keep an eye onthe great models site and they keep exceeding their sales every month, so it seems to be growing pains yet again. I would keep e-mailing them until they get in touch. Annoying? yes. Do you want to do business with them...??? Your choice.

And in the end, remember, you get what you pay for. Compare customer service of Wal-Mart with Macy's...

:-)

I had an order with them back in December that sat for a while because several of the items were "on back order". A couple of them finally came in, and in the case of the other, because they "couldn't get it", I cancelled, called the company that made the item and got THEM to ship it to me directly the same day, and saved a small amount into the bargain.

When I DID finally email them, they did respond the same day, and after several emails that day, we finalized the order, they said it should all be complete in two weeks, and it did ship (with an email telling me it had been shipped) within two weeks.

I'll probably continue to work with them because they do a fair job most of the time.

But I agree with Steve Joyce that Sprue Bros. were a treat to deal with. Their site indicated the quantity of the items they had in stock, and it appears to be pretty well maintained. He PM'd me telling me they had 3 of the Real Model M-54 Cab conversion, and that he had ordered one. I went to the site, (probably the next day) and it said they had 2, and I ordered another. If you look right now it says they have one in stock. The order showed up within about 4 days of when I ordered it. I will absolutely continue to shop with them.

Tom

I agree there. When I found out I was local to them I was excited, then I saw their prices and the fact you can't pick anything up and I lost all interest. I'll buy elsewhere (like Lucky Model) instead for the same reasons as you.

You have to be kidding aye???
I buy stuff from them every month and it come here
within 3 days?????
Also Squadron is very good as well!
Its who has the best price!!
But Andy you got the kit by now???
Ron

Andrew,

I ordered several armor kits on Feb 5th, by the 15th all items were available and processed. UPS recieved the package that day and it was delivered on the 17th. I've had orders take far longer than that and I also had some come much sooner as well. As I have said before if you do business with Great Models you must tolerate the quirks of their system. Anyone who has ordered more than once from them knows what I am talking about.
In the future I suggest you check the box for shipment by UPS not the postal service (usps). UPS allows you to track the package as it moves to the final destination.

I've used GreatModels for 80% of my kit purcheses,
When I had come across an issue like that and wasn't getting a good email response I called them
The number is 1-801-565-0823

IMHO...if you can order from someone else besides Great Models...do it...You can message me if you want more info on the matter.. I have no faith in them anymore.
Mary (++)

I dropped by Squadron one time I was in Dallas, got a tour of the place, got to pick my own models from the shelves, paid for them and walked away a happy camper. As for Great Models, I've had NO problems whatsoever with ordering or shipping. The only order I've waited for was from Hometown Hobbies and that was only because the item wasn't in stock and it arrived in 10 days. Even ordering from Lucky Models in Hong Kong only took 10 days to get the model.

I guess you can only go on your own experiences as far as ordering from these operations.

Great Models:

I always use UPS (not USPS). Once it says Processed on the status screen, it goes to somewhere in the UPS system & seems to sit for a couple days before it moves. You should get an email, I always do. I never order from them if I'm in a hurry, but then at the speed I build things, I'm never in a hurry.

Now, I'm not sure about email notice with USPS. I do know that recently GM's UPS computer was down & they were using FEDEX -- I got no email, but did get a Saturday delivery, which was nice.

They have a phone, pick it up & call 'em -- I've always had great response that way -- at the price of models these days, a quick phone call is nothing ....

John