Looking for 22x8 and 23x8 props

[XJet]

I recently ordered some props from TBM (and they did send me the tracking number eventually so I've no complaints with their service).

Unfortunately -- these props seem to have vanished into the Bermuda Triangle :-(

The Track and Trace shows they left Miami AMC by air on a flight bound for NZon February 02, 2007, at 5:10 pm -- but then just vanished off the face of the earth.

Unless the cargo airlines have a plane that's capable of staying aloft for seven days, or someone's hushing up a big aircrash -- those props have vaporized :-(

I can't go crying to TBM because I chose to have them sent USPS Global Express/EMS (track and trace) of which they warn "we are not responsible for lost or damaged packages shipped this way. YOU are responsible to file a claim".

Unfortunately, the EMS/Postal people at this end say "sorry, the sender has to file the claim, we can't help you" -- so I guess I'm out over $80 and have nothing to show for it.

No blame apportioned (TBM were quite clear about their policy and I decided to use USPS anyway) but an expensive lesson learned.

In over 5 years I've never had a Global Express/EMS consignment go missing (despite receivign hundreds of packages from all around the world with a total value measuredin tens of thousands of dollars) so I was happy to save a fist-full of money and take the risk -- forgetting of course that the Bermuda Triangle is just off the coast of Florida :-)

So, my question now is: where can I buy some 22x8 and 23x8 props at a reasonable price from a company that will ship to New Zealand using USPS Global Express and be prepared to file a claim in the unlikely event that the consignment does go missing?

Oh, and they have to accept payment by PayPal too.

Any ideas folks?

------------
Editor
RCModelReviews.com

[Rocky V.]

Man, that blows. Of course you know what will happen right ? As soon as you order and receive some new ones, the other order will show and you'll be prop-full. I sent a money order for an engine to a guy from Cali. to New York recently, USPS priority, and it took just over 2 weeks (supposed to be 3 days). There may be a new measurement of time called "Postal Time, we deliver whenever the hell we feel like it". You may want to give it a little more time, just to see what happens.

[selwyn]

	Quote: Originally Posted by XJet
	I recently ordered some props from TBM (and they did send me the tracking number eventually so I've no complaints with their service). Unfortunately -- these props seem to have vanished into the Bermuda Triangle :-( The Track and Trace shows they left Miami AMC by air on a flight bound for NZon February 02, 2007, at 5:10 pm -- but then just vanished off the face of the earth. Unless the cargo airlines have a plane that's capable of staying aloft for seven days, or someone's hushing up a big aircrash -- those props have vaporized :-( I can't go crying to TBM because I chose to have them sent USPS Global Express/EMS (track and trace) of which they warn "we are not responsible for lost or damaged packages shipped this way. YOU are responsible to file a claim". Unfortunately, the EMS/Postal people at this end say "sorry, the sender has to file the claim, we can't help you" -- so I guess I'm out over $80 and have nothing to show for it. No blame apportioned (TBM were quite clear about their policy and I decided to use USPS anyway) but an expensive lesson learned. In over 5 years I've never had a Global Express/EMS consignment go missing (despite receivign hundreds of packages from all around the world with a total value measuredin tens of thousands of dollars) so I was happy to save a fist-full of money and take the risk -- forgetting of course that the Bermuda Triangle is just off the coast of Florida :-) So, my question now is: where can I buy some 22x8 and 23x8 props at a reasonable price from a company that will ship to New Zealand using USPS Global Express and be prepared to file a claim in the unlikely event that the consignment does go missing? Oh, and they have to accept payment by PayPal too. Any ideas folks? ------------ Editor RCModelReviews.com

I wouldn't give up yet...one week is much too quick to expect anything to arrive at your end of the woods. I just received a charger that took 6 weeks to get from Germany to Canada by Air parcel post, and there were no scans from the time it left till I saw "out for delivery" 6 weeks later. It may even be sitting at customs your end. Unless you're using a courier service I would think 3 weeks to be about the norm from North America to 'OZ.

[XJet]

The nice lady at this end said "if it hasn't arrived in NZ within two days of leaving the USA then chances are it is lost... contact the sender, and have a nice day" :-(

I've got a brand new Extra 330L sitting here that I want to get in the air before our summer disappears (it's been awful so far and there are only a few weeks of (supposedly) good weather left) -- so I don't fancy just sitting around and waiting on the off-chance that they'll turn up.

Besides which, I've discovered that the chances of actually damaging a prop are inversely proportional to the number of spares in your truck so I'd still like to buy some more if I can find a suitable source.

[XJet]

I'm also looking for a ZDZ80. TBM have good prices but, although I'm able to write off $85, I'm not rich enough to take a punt with $800 (and the alternative of UPS's international freight charges make TBM's prices not so attractive) so who else has these engines at a good price?

[3ddd]

been warned or not it still sucks the big one that tbm woun't help you at all

[topflight36]

Did you try calling TBM.I dont think they will replace them but. If you tell them that the postal company has to make the claim they might do it. They are very helpful when I call them. Shipping is out of there control. I live in florida about 150 mile away from them and I should get my stuff from them Nexted day and it always seems to be a few day for some reason. The shipping company take a few days to transport my stuff that far.

[Kevin Y]

Have you tried Desert Aircraft Australia. Ian is a great guy and very helpful. Maybe he will have the props that you are looking for and it should be better then ordering them from the U.S.

[XJet]

	Quote: Originally Posted by topflight36
	Did you try calling TBM.I dont think they will replace them but. If you tell them that the postal company has to make the claim they might do it.

Well given that their site clearly states

"USPS is less expensive but because their claim process (in case of a lost or damaged package) is so time consuming, we are not responsible for lost or damaged packages shipped this way. YOU are responsible to file a claim and we will not give you a refund or replace an item lost or damaged by the post office"

and thus this constitutes a condition of sale -- I don't think it's fair to go back and ask them to do what they've clearly stated they wont :-(

As for buying from Australia -- the interesting thing about that is that it usually costs a *lot* more to buy stuff from 1500 miles away (ie: Australia) than it does to buy it from 8,000 miles away (the USA).

Freight charges across the Tasman Sea (which separates Australia and NZ) are about the same as freight charges between the USA and NZ. This means that anything purchased from our Aussie cousins will end up having around *twice* the freight content as if it had been bought direct from the USA. Then there's the addititional complication that Australia has a federal sales tax that is part of the price and I gather not so easy to refund.

Peak Model (an NZ company that ships direct from China) tells me they'll have some 22 and 23 inch Volk props with 8" pitch in a few weeks at good prices (their prices for smaller props are *incredible* -- how about a very nice 22x10 for $8.30? But in the meantime I've got a new bird and 50cc engine I really want to fly while the weather holds.

[GremlinX]

I sent some racing shoes to friend in NZ and it should have taken 1 week and took 1 month!!! be patient 1 more week and call TBM.. Gene and Bill are fantastic people with a very positive customer service attitude.

[Jonathan Ott]

X-Jet, did you ever get your props?

Jon