JMA1329 Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 I it just me or is Squadron in trouble/maybe going out of business? Their in stock selection has been poor for months, there are many brands they no longer seem to carry, and now they are running a 70% off sell. Sprue Brothers has been so much better in terms of selection and pricing and they are publicizing expansion of their warehouse. Be a shame to have less competition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ben Brown Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 Squadron hasn’t really been much competition for anyone for several years. I’m surprised they’ve lasted as long as they have. It is a shame. They were pretty good in the ‘80s. Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D. Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 3 hours ago, Ben Brown said: Squadron hasn’t really been much competition for anyone for several years. I’m surprised they’ve lasted as long as they have. It is a shame. They were pretty good in the ‘80s. Ben They were awesome in the 80s and early/mid 90s. I picked up a few great bargains on that 70% off sale. Even with limited stock I got an ICM Mig-25, twin beech and hobbyboss MiG-31 for a steal. I went back today and not much left and they’ve dropped PayPal as an payment option. Wouldn’t be surprised if the end was near... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted January 10, 2021 Share Posted January 10, 2021 I’m on their email list. They are constantly running sales, specials, discounts, contests etc. It is my observation that the higher the discount (e.g. 70%) the fewer items are shown as “in stock”. If you visit their site right after the sale ends you find a lot more stuff “in stock”. It’s magic !!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardL Posted January 10, 2021 Share Posted January 10, 2021 They never had the items I wanted or needed in stock every time I checked their website since the beginning of last year. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimz66 Posted January 10, 2021 Share Posted January 10, 2021 I was wondering the same thing. I'm wondering if they're going out of business. I purchased some tracky thingies not sure what's happening. I guess we'll find out Quote Link to post Share on other sites
andrew.deboer Posted January 11, 2021 Share Posted January 11, 2021 They may have finally gone down the drain. Site’s “closed for renovation”. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff M Posted January 12, 2021 Share Posted January 12, 2021 I think I hear taps playing somewhere. Geoff M Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted January 12, 2021 Share Posted January 12, 2021 3 hours ago, andrew.deboer said: They may have finally gone down the drain. Site’s “closed for renovation”. Their homepage has (only) this text: Quote Store Close for Renovation Thank you for your business and your patience. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spruemeister Posted January 12, 2021 Share Posted January 12, 2021 So long and thanks for all the fish. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WymanV Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 FWIW, posted by Scale Model Podcast in my FB newsfeed: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 Wow I would have expected at least a liquidation sale. Having attended Squadron Open House events in the past I know there are tons and tons of stock on hand, I can't imagine it's all sold. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southwestforests Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 1 hour ago, habu2 said: Wow I would have expected at least a liquidation sale. There was a sale, they sent several emails about it: Quote You read it right! Save 70% Off* at checkout with code: COLD70 Click to Shop & Save *Sale ends Monday, January 11, 2021 at 11:59pm (cst). All sales final. In-stock items only. No backorders. Coupons cannot be combined. Offer not valid on previous purchases. SQUADRON Kits | Tools | Accessories | Books 1-972-466-4105 Monday thru Friday 9am - 3pm (cst) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 I got all those emails. During those sales I searched their inventory for what was "in stock". As an example, I find it hard to believe they had only one Hasegawa kit in stock. I find it hard to believe they had only one ICM kit in stock. Are they truly closed? I don't know. Are they truly remodeling? I don't know. I live in the area, I will try to drive by if I have time after work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southwestforests Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 2 minutes ago, habu2 said: I live in the area, I will try to drive by if I have time after work. Ahh, thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D. Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 (edited) 28 minutes ago, habu2 said: I got all those emails. During those sales I searched their inventory for what was "in stock". As an example, I find it hard to believe they had only one Hasegawa kit in stock. I find it hard to believe they had only one ICM kit in stock. Are they truly closed? I don't know. Are they truly remodeling? I don't know. I live in the area, I will try to drive by if I have time after work. They had more but it went fast. I got an ICM 1/48 Mig-25 for $22, ICM twin beech for about $12, and a 1/48 Hobbyboss Mig-31 for $35 Edited January 13, 2021 by Charlie D. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff M Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 I remember when they were THE place to get models and all the other goodies. Shortly after I got married decades ago I gave my new wife a list of the kits I would like for Christmas and she ordered them from Squadron. It is sad. But lately they remind me of a joke I heard about comments on a workers performance report that kind of applies, " they hit rock bottom and started digging deeper" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Matt Foley Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 I ordered several kits and a book and allegedly saved $120+ on the order. This morning I received notification from PayPal that my order was cancelled and I had been refunded the $59+ for the order (total refund). Others are posting elsewhere that they have had items from their orders cancelled as well and are only getting part of the order, the rest refunded. I'm happy I at least get my money back, but I'd rather have the 2 kits that I saved 70% off retail. So, if any of you placed orders during the sale, don't be surprised if you get refunds and no goods. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D. Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 1 hour ago, Mr Matt Foley said: I ordered several kits and a book and allegedly saved $120+ on the order. This morning I received notification from PayPal that my order was cancelled and I had been refunded the $59+ for the order (total refund). Others are posting elsewhere that they have had items from their orders cancelled as well and are only getting part of the order, the rest refunded. I'm happy I at least get my money back, but I'd rather have the 2 kits that I saved 70% off retail. So, if any of you placed orders during the sale, don't be surprised if you get refunds and no goods. Mine is in route, delivery expected tomorrow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CreepyGuy Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 I used to order a lot of stuff from there back in the day. I have not in the last five years or so because they had nothing I wanted in stock. And, I don't have archaic tastes in models. I looked for 1/48 Phantom, Corsair, Spitfire, and MIG stuff and there was never anything there. Kits or accessories..... sad Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Matt Foley Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 5 hours ago, Charlie D. said: Mine is in route, delivery expected tomorrow. Other sites are talking about it too. Consider yourself fortunate and enjoy your order. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) Did Hobbylinc buy out their inventory? https://www.hobbylinc.com/squadron . Edited January 14, 2021 by habu2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D. Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 40 minutes ago, habu2 said: Did Hobbylinc buy out their inventory? https://www.hobbylinc.com/squadron . Not all of those books were on the 70% off sale but a lot of them were Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Raptor01 Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 Went to a few open houses in conjunction with NCT IPMS Shows at the end of the 90's & early 00's. Killer deals back then, 1/32 Tamiya F-15E Bunker Buster $89., Classic Airframe Kits, just about everything you could want. Warehouse was stocked, stacked floor to ceiling, modelers heaven. It would be like going through Sprue Brothers Warehouse today if you could. The first time I went without a list, only a few items on my mind, then when I got to walking around, I forgot what I wanted, it was awesome. It changed hands and has been struggling since maybe 2004/05, sad really, monopolies are not good for anyone. John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Williams Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 1 hour ago, habu2 said: Did Hobbylinc buy out their inventory? https://www.hobbylinc.com/squadron . I’m pretty sure that’s just a category for Squadron branded items, like the Squadron books. Squadron isn’t the only ones who sell their stuff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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