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There is a way of getting around it; respond like free market consumers and don't buy it! There are plenty of alternative miniature companies out there that produce amazing minis such as Vampire/Sorceress and Ogre Hero from Avatars of War. To find easy alternatives go off the beaten track, you don't have to go to GW all the time. The only way to get a company's attention as a consumer is to vote with your feet.

Access my market survey for disgruntled gamers here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDQ3OTVWMGNJMjlIaHU4VGFZbEM4WEE6MQ

Three Lances Done your survey, however was not in agreement with the How much would i pay for 3 hours of Professional level table. I subscribe quarterly at a club, it costs approx £20 and I can play anytime, when the store is open (40 + Tables and lots of different types of terrain). So I would never pay for just 3 hours, it's a false economy, why pay more for less. I'm guessing this is your business model and I would bet against it, better to have a subscription service.

On Topic, agree with vote with your feet. I haven't bought any FC yet, don't intend to, I do buy a fair bit of resin for FOW and Forgeworld. Vote with your feet, if the qualities crap and they keep fobbing you off walk away, they will either sort it out or they won't. Simple, I now buy PSC for FOW because it is cheaper and better quality than FOW, now BF has released Plastic Sprue tanks (quick turn around!). Crying in your cornflakes and posting on a forum will not change a thing, when the balance sheet is affected things tend to change rapidly. Stop asking for replacements and ask for a refund.

Thank you for the feedback; we will be having various subscription choices for local customers, but we envisage that our business model will attract alot of day visits from non-local gamers from across the UK who won't require subscription. I appreciate your support.

I bought a Medusae Finecast a few days ago and it turned out great, not a single bubble or miscast, allot of turd around it but it could be removed quite easily and with little risk of damaging the module.

Purchase of: 2 boxes of CSM raptors
Box 1:
-deformed bolt pistol like you wouldn't believe
-Jump-packs all have INCREDIBLY thin resin at the rims around the air intake
-rims missing on the pauldrons
-deformed special weapons. Massive bubble on flamer fuel canister

Box 2:
-Holes in every single jump-pack rim
-rims on pauldrons missing or malformed
-massive bubble on flamer fuel canister
-warping and excessive flash at the leg/ankle joint

Comments:
Well, it's a hack off when the only thing that convinces me to buy these are a steep discount, and then, when I buy two boxes, I can't even field a single intact squad out of it. Then, when I call in, I get informed that bending is expected and the solution is to put it into warm water, warm up any bent resin, and bend it to where I want it to, and put it in cold water to harden. Frankly, for a box that costs $55 CAD and only comes with 17 pieces I demand that conditions of quality be met that do not require me tor repair the model to meet advertised conditions. I can buy products from other companies that come to a much greater degree of detail (Tamiya, Privateer press, Dragon just to name a few) at less cost. Purchasing even other products from GW gets a higher quality.

Comparison against metal: by and large, there is no difference. One model has less metal flash between his arm and his chest in the resin version, Roves are more easily distinguished where they start joining the foot-claws on the resin models, but by and large, this is a negligible improvement. The studs are larger on the resin models, otherwise, the resin models have MUCH bigger problems with respect to flash and mold lines than the metal models. 2 boxes of metals vs 2 boxes of resin, the metals win out for quality. Don't even get me started on the foot flames. Those are an abject joke. The metals might bend, but can be bent back. The resin ones have some spring, but anything beyond a millimeter and the model snaps away from its base. This is all of course assuming you can even slot the resin into the base.

Resolution:
Sent an email detailing the issues, and was told to call. Being a working man, it took me some time to be able to get time somewhere to call and have the boxes on me. The solution is to wait for a fedex envelope, stick a label onto my boxes and send them to GW. I will permit only one single exchange before I lose it on the call-rep. I will also be including a letter in the box that goes back.

If anyone is interested in anything I have posted or the content I have posted, please contact by PM.

poda_t wrote:Purchase of: 2 boxes of CSM raptors
Box 1:
-deformed bolt pistol like you wouldn't believe
-Jump-packs all have INCREDIBLY thin resin at the rims around the air intake
-rims missing on the pauldrons
-deformed special weapons. Massive bubble on flamer fuel canister

Box 2:
-Holes in every single jump-pack rim
-rims on pauldrons missing or malformed
-massive bubble on flamer fuel canister
-warping and excessive flash at the leg/ankle joint

Comments:
Well, it's a hack off when the only thing that convinces me to buy these are a steep discount, and then, when I buy two boxes, I can't even field a single intact squad out of it. Then, when I call in, I get informed that bending is expected and the solution is to put it into warm water, warm up any bent resin, and bend it to where I want it to, and put it in cold water to harden. Frankly, for a box that costs $55 CAD and only comes with 17 pieces I demand that conditions of quality be met that do not require me tor repair the model to meet advertised conditions. I can buy products from other companies that come to a much greater degree of detail (Tamiya, Privateer press, Dragon just to name a few) at less cost. Purchasing even other products from GW gets a higher quality.

Comparison against metal: by and large, there is no difference. One model has less metal flash between his arm and his chest in the resin version, Roves are more easily distinguished where they start joining the foot-claws on the resin models, but by and large, this is a negligible improvement. The studs are larger on the resin models, otherwise, the resin models have MUCH bigger problems with respect to flash and mold lines than the metal models. 2 boxes of metals vs 2 boxes of resin, the metals win out for quality. Don't even get me started on the foot flames. Those are an abject joke. The metals might bend, but can be bent back. The resin ones have some spring, but anything beyond a millimeter and the model snaps away from its base. This is all of course assuming you can even slot the resin into the base.

Resolution:
Sent an email detailing the issues, and was told to call. Being a working man, it took me some time to be able to get time somewhere to call and have the boxes on me. The solution is to wait for a fedex envelope, stick a label onto my boxes and send them to GW. I will permit only one single exchange before I lose it on the call-rep. I will also be including a letter in the box that goes back.

If anyone is interested in anything I have posted or the content I have posted, please contact by PM.

I've never had them ask for them back before.

It's aparantly a new policy. I guess they want to doublecheck and verify I'm not lieing, but I'm tempted to demand back my hourly wage for dealing with this during the day...

Not to dispute your claim poda_t, but it's not a "new" policy.

They've done it before, as a specific example I had to send back a Coteaz and retinue set when the Daemonhunters army book came out way back when and there were a slew of missing/miscast pieces.

It wasn't common then, but apparently they are having more and more people "taking advantage" of the sight unseen return policy with demands of replacements for entire units when one or two minor flaws exist; the example I was given by a CSR when I talked to him last week was of an individual who demanded an entire replacement set of Finecast Dark Eldar Incubi when one helmet had a broken horn.

The same CSR I spoke with made it clear that they do differentiate between "minor" flaws where one piece of the set needs to be replaced--and "major" flaws where they will not hesitate to replace the entire set.

Edit was because I noticed I had an incomplete thought in my example.

Kanluwen wrote:Not to dispute your claim poda_t, but it's not a "new" policy.

They've done it before, as a specific example I had to send back a Coteaz and retinue set when the Daemonhunters army book came back and there were a slew of missing/miscast pieces.

It wasn't common then, but apparently they are having more and more people "taking advantage" of the sight unseen return policy with demands of replacements for entire units when one or two minor flaws exist; the example I was given by a CSR when I talked to him last week was of an individual who demanded an entire replacement set of Finecast Dark Eldar Incubi when one helmet had a broken horn.

The same CSR I spoke with made it clear that they do differentiate between "minor" flaws where one piece of the set needs to be replaced--and "major" flaws where they will not hesitate to replace the entire set.

Well, I didn't have a single fieldable squad between the two boxes. This is not acceptable for me. If GW charges $55 for "high-quality" product, then I demand that that product at the very least meet the standards set by the plastics and the preceding metals. Second, I demand that the quality competes with other companies. If GW advertises a high quality product, I demand something that doesn't look like it came out of uncle steve's garage. In that regard, I think my complaint is solid.

I'm also really really hacked off that I can compare the metals against the plastics directly, and even my second-hand metals that have been battered look to have more value than the resin counterparts. Frankly, I'm hacked off. And not with the fact that I have a gak product, but given the prevalence of these complaints, that GW still keeps this up. My letter of complaint is 2 pages long and in danger of reaching 3 pages.

poda_t wrote:In that regard, I think my complaint is solid.

I hope you did not get the impression that I do not believe you or that you have no cause or right to make a complaint. You certainly do have that, from the description you've given.

I was simply elaborating upon a point you had made. This policy has existed, but it was never really enforced. With the way things are currently trending however, it seems that you're being punished for the actions of others who are taking advantage of the situation in a manner which is beneficial to them.

Kanluwen wrote:

poda_t wrote:In that regard, I think my complaint is solid.

I hope you did not get the impression that I do not believe you or that you have no cause or right to make a complaint. You certainly do have that, from the description you've given.

I was simply elaborating upon a point you had made. This policy has existed, but it was never really enforced. With the way things are currently trending however, it seems that you're being punished for the actions of others who are taking advantage of the situation in a manner which is beneficial to them.

nope! i did not get that impression. I'm just ranting that after one year, and after all those problems, a NEW addition to finecast exhibits day-one problems.

So far every Canadian in this thread had to either return or take a photo of the said product.

Dont care if its policy or a trend.
It sucks for us Canadians.

So, long story short time.

Called Mail Order regarding the miniatures they asked to be sent back to them after 4 times failing to supply a 'good' quality miniature.

Their response - they refused to replace the miniatures, stated they'd had three managers look at the miniatures which had the same defects as the previous ones and they said they were acceptable.

Then then tried to push liquid greenstuff down my throat - which is simply not acceptable at all. Their arguement? With the metals I may have had to use greenstuff for the joins - yes. For the joins. Not having to resculpt detail itself on a £20 miniature.

Suffice to say I asked for the refund. This was pointless. Until quality is vastly improved neither myself nor my friend will be putting money into the store or mail order - if we need to order something we will get it via independant retailers, ebay or recasters. The whole shove it down our throat until we fold approach was downright insulting and the local store manager's sale-sale-sale approach was also insulting.

He tried to wriggle out of the refunds as well.

Suffice to say it's the store's loss. We were guys who have both put 4-figure purchases through the store at least once or twice a year for a sizeable chunk of their targets and now we'll be putting nothing.

As a material finecast has potential...but has been pointed out...

They're not casting it correctly.
They're not using the correct materials for the molds.
Their customer services are taking a nosedive.

If the models were acceptable why'd you not say that in the first place rather than faff me about for close to 2 months?

Kanluwen wrote:
It wasn't common then, but apparently they are having more and more people "taking advantage" of the sight unseen return policy with demands of replacements for entire units when one or two minor flaws exist; the example I was given by a CSR when I talked to him last week was of an individual who demanded an entire replacement set of Finecast Dark Eldar Incubi when one helmet had a broken horn.

Years ago, GW used to send out individual replacement bitz and single sprues. Then they switched to sending out whole replacement kits, regardless of how minor the miscast is. That's their own choice. Don't lay this on the customers.

DarkStarSabre wrote:*snip*

Well, so much for the "Stop whining about it and just call CS for free models/refund!" thing, huh?

The message here is clear, I think: GW is selling gak. It fully intends to continue selling gak. And if you try to raise any fuss about it you'll just get gak on.

I got a 'cron overlord - aside from bubbles and a bit of silicone-y stuff and horrid flash, there's a malformed ribcage, a chunk missing out of his shin and some of the cloak strips have chunks missing from the bottom.

I phoned CS and was given a freepost address to send it back to. Now I have to go out of my way to replace their dodgy product. I'm 3 for 3 negative finecast experiences.

Lamia - no hand detail
Crow - banner spiderwebbed to nothingness (replaced in store)
Overlord - as above.

Not good enough.

What's worse is that the bloke on the phone said their miscast rate was the same as the metal ones which is bullgak.

Can't really say i blame GW for asking for the faulty product back.

I bet they have had a lot people making fraudulent claims. most other industries would ask for the faulty product back.

I know of 3 people in my area who have purposefully bought faulty models ( minor defects ) for the sole purpose of getting replacments

pitboy2710 wrote:Can't really say i blame GW for asking for the faulty product back.

Agreed. Which is why you should buy locally. If you get a bad product, take it back to the store and ask for a replacement. People getting "free models" is creating a problem for those who get genuinely bad casts.

DarkStarSabre wrote:Suffice to say I asked for the refund.
...
He tried to wriggle out of the refunds as well.

Did you get your refund?

We got the refunds in the end - amazing what they'll do when they realise you still have the phone numbers for their regional managers.

pitboy2710 wrote:

I know of 3 people in my area who have purposefully bought faulty models ( minor defects ) for the sole purpose of getting replacments

If GW were doing their job and QC correctly the defective products shouldn't be on the shelves.(depending on the nature of the defect broken in transit/store could be excusable).

pitboy2710 wrote:I know of 3 people in my area who have purposefully bought faulty models ( minor defects ) for the sole purpose of getting replacments

Which wouldn't and couldn't have happened if QC did their job in letting the faulty products be sold in the first place.
Such as causality.

Oh just an update on that horrendous Gobbo, Gw actually sent me out a whole new mangler squig box, which I do feel was a bit unnecessary as I only wanted that one tiny part replaced and made sure to make that clear, but it was awesome of them and I will deffo put those squigs to use

Hilariously, the opposite rider was miscast in the new box, but at least I have ONE perfect set now.

Ifalna wrote:Oh just an update on that horrendous Gobbo, Gw actually sent me out a whole new mangler squig box, which I do feel was a bit unnecessary as I only wanted that one tiny part replaced and made sure to make that clear, but it was awesome of them and I will deffo put those squigs to use

The Justice League of Squigs can begin!

Dysartes wrote:

The Justice League of Squigs can begin!

Oh.. oh my god, don't tempt me.. two spare now..

DarkStarSabre wrote:So, long story short time.

Called Mail Order regarding the miniatures they asked to be sent back to them after 4 times failing to supply a 'good' quality miniature.

Their response - they refused to replace the miniatures, stated they'd had three managers look at the miniatures which had the same defects as the previous ones and they said they were acceptable.

Then then tried to push liquid greenstuff down my throat - which is simply not acceptable at all. Their arguement? With the metals I may have had to use greenstuff for the joins - yes. For the joins. Not having to resculpt detail itself on a £20 miniature.

Suffice to say I asked for the refund. This was pointless. Until quality is vastly improved neither myself nor my friend will be putting money into the store or mail order - if we need to order something we will get it via independant retailers, ebay or recasters. The whole shove it down our throat until we fold approach was downright insulting and the local store manager's sale-sale-sale approach was also insulting.

He tried to wriggle out of the refunds as well.

Surely this violates a number of statutory rights in the UK?

If any other company did this they'd be hung out to dry by their customers and the media. Only GW....

Which wouldn't and couldn't have happened if QC did their job in letting the faulty products be sold in the first place.
Such as causality

There is a problem with Finecast, but people taking advantage of that problem is not the way to get it fixed.

GW is i believe well within their rights to ask for the faulty product back.

edit: don't really use forums much. tried quoting ended up quoting the post i was wrighting

pitboy2710 wrote:
I know of 3 people in my area who have purposefully bought faulty models ( minor defects ) for the sole purpose of getting replacments

That makes no sense. What is the point of purchasing a faulty product so that you can go out of your way to get a replacement?

If GW would have some form of quality control, keeping the poor casts from leaving the factory, like every other company, then this would not be a problem. We can all agree that no amount of QC can keep 100% of flawed product from making it to the consumer, but this goes way beyond the amount of bad product that normal companies send out.

I have no problem with GW asking for a return of a flawed product when they send out a replacement, but I do have a problem with the fact that seven out of nine FC purchases I have picked up have had to be replaced.

Ifalna wrote:Oh just an update on that horrendous Gobbo, Gw actually sent me out a whole new mangler squig box, which I do feel was a bit unnecessary as I only wanted that one tiny part replaced and made sure to make that clear, but it was awesome of them and I will deffo put those squigs to use

Hilariously, the opposite rider was miscast in the new box, but at least I have ONE perfect set now.

Out of curiosity, did you send them a link to this thread? I seen some positive responses in other threads anecdotaly when Customer Service starts getting strict but then is sent a link to a thread.

Hmm, no, the image attached in the email was hosted on my facebook painting service page, but they would have had to edit the url to get back to the page itself and I doubt they could be arsed to be honest.

I was going to say maybe it was because I contacted a different office, but it was the British one, same as others in this thread.

I believe they were doing it to get free figs, with GW just sending out replacements without asking for the faulty ones back

Now QC and the production of Finecast needs to improve but people taking advantage is not the way to do it