Octura?

[rcullins]

Hi,
I was wondering where you can order octura parts. I found their online catalogue, but i didn't se an ordering adress. Thanks

[Avenger]

for some reason they dont have an on-line ordering or even a website! but i guess it works for them! but u can order props and such from Chris Fine www.finedesignrc.com he only has the prop on his site but im sure if u called him (e-mails take a long time to answer) he can hook you up w/ whatever else you need! ~Jeff

[airdevil85]

where is their online catalog located?

[Avenger]

http://www.pirespreto.com/octura_catalog.htm

[twmaster]

Originally posted by airdevil85
where is their online catalog located?

Originally posted by Avenger
http://www.pirespreto.com/octura_catalog.htm

I would not say that is Octura's online catalog, I would say that is Octura's catalog online.

C'mon Tom, put your company into the 90's and get your goodies online!!

[airdevil85]

The catalog does kinda suck
why have a catalog if ya can't order from it??

[Avenger]

that is not the actual octura catalog! octura does not do any on-line at all! none, not even an e-mail (i think!)

[Doug Forrester]

This just kills me!

Every month or so, the same post/rant comes back again - Octura isn't online, not with the times, etc., etc., etc.

Their catalog is available online for part numbers and perusal as you have noted.

Every Boat Modeller magazine has their ad with their address and phone number.

Octura Models
7351 N. Hamlin Ave.
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 674-7351 FAX (847) 674-7363

Their props and hardware are available from several suppliers who are online.
In the time you spend moanin' and bitchin' about not being able to order from them online, you could have phoned an order or even mailed them off an order.

[twmaster]

Originally posted by Doug Forrester

Their props and hardware are available from several suppliers who are online. In the time you spend moanin' and bitchin' about not being able to order from them online, you could have phoned an order or even mailed them off an order.

Doug,

Not all of us are boat Guru's yet and still need to memorize the Octura catalog. Getting a prop is easy, I still find myself looking over different things listed in the myriad of goodies there. My complaint is not about not being able to order. My complaint is a lack of good product descriptions and such ONLINE so at 4 AM while not sleeping due to dreams of fast boats I can look up that latest and greatest item I am looking for in thier line. Geez, even if they would just scan thier bloody catalog and post it on free webspace. Is that too much to ask? As I said, step into the 90's.

[KevinW]

Originally posted by twmaster


Doug,

Not all of us are boat Guru's yet and still need to memorize the Octura catalog. Getting a prop is easy, I still find myself looking over different things listed in the myriad of goodies there. My complaint is not about not being able to order. My complaint is a lack of good product descriptions and such ONLINE so at 4 AM while not sleeping due to dreams of fast boats I can look up that latest and greatest item I am looking for in thier line. Geez, even if they would just scan thier bloody catalog and post it on free webspace. Is that too much to ask? As I said, step into the 90's.

Call Octura on Monday.

Ask them to mail you an Octura catalog.

With that catalog you get complete descriptions and (actual size) drawings of their products.

You can legally read it at 4:00 AM.

But, most of all, please do as Doug suggests: Quit peeing & mouning about it.

KW

[rcullins]

Hi,
If your going to mail in the order for the hydromite prts, does anyone know the total with shipping?

[KevinW]

If no one replies with the total, give Octura a phone call on Monday.

They are very helpful and will gladly give you the correct total.

U.S. Postal rates are set to increase at the end of the month. Better hurry.

KW

[AndyKunz]

Good point, Kevin.

I'll be raising the shipping (Priority Mail) for ESCs for any ordered after the increase happens. If it doesn't ship until the higher rate, I'll eat the difference.

It's going up by 10% - that's a pretty big jump!

Andy

[airdevil85]

would someone have a materials list for the non-wood parts (tubing, flex shaft, ect...)

Thanks, Matt

[Doug Forrester]

If we are talking about the hardware recommended for use with the Hydromite, I suggest you have another look at the plans. All the necessary hardware pieces, with their Octura part numbers, are listed there.

[rcullins]

I know that the hydromite plans have the wood types and thicknesses on it, but does anyone know aprox. how many sheets of the differnet kinds of wood you need?

[Doug Forrester]

Using the Search function on this board, do a search for "Hydromite materials list". This should give you what you're looking for. It has been posted at least 2-3 different times.

I hope this helps.

[rcullins]

sorry, i didn't look
thanks

[Drobie]

Originally posted by rcullins
I was wondering where you can order octura parts. I found their online catalogue, but i didn't se an ordering adress. Thanks

Octura Models
7351 North Hamlin Ave.
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 674-7351

Not being able to order online is only one issue. You also can't order by phone or use a credit card (at all). You can use the phone, but they won't ship until they receive your check.

[AndyKunz]

They are perfect candidates for PayPal.

The good thing about this is that there are a number of folks who will be happy to sell you Octura props online. In one way, you could call it "dealer support" by not selling directly online.

Andy

[Drobie]

In deference to the Octura complaints....

I don't have a problem ordering from them, I've learned to live with it, but I sure would like to see something like this:

http://www.modelyachting.com/pekabe.html

[airdevil85]

Hi, I have recieved a catalog from them, If anyone would like a part number or copy of the order form e-mail me at airdevil85@yahoo.com
(If you want a copy of the order form, all that I ask for is the money for the stamp. It is only like 35 cents)

[RiverRunner]

37 cents as of today. All it takes is a phone call to Octura and they'll happily send you a catalog.

[Jeff Wohlt]

Ha...great timing...I think I posted something like this over a year ago...just did not get slapped as hard but almost. :)

It is sad...but when you talk to Tom you pretty much figure it out very quickly.

I offered (with a cut) to put all his stuff on-line and sell it. He said he has many calls on this subject.

He and Trudy are wonderful people...just see how long Tom will talk to you on the phone! He loves it...and he refers to "that fella" out West that went over 80 mph (Dick Crowe...obviously) is a hoot.

Tom will be probably sell i the next few years and then in comes all the on-line, credit cards, etc...at least if they want to continue to increase their market share and profits.

Tom is happy right where he is....and he will tell you that.

[avalentine]

It's hillarious to listen to some folks piss and moan about how one guy wants to run his business and how he "should" be doing it. Based on the number of years Octura has been selling their product I don't think they are overly concerned with capturing the largest market share online or in the world of e-commerce. Their products are readily available in store fronts everywhere. This elliminates much hassile in production to sale. You make it, turn it over to some other guys to sell it. They become the distributor.

Not everyone or every company needs to be concerned with consuming the highest market share... everywhere...

[airdevil85]

Good Point

[Jeff Wohlt]

Andy...in any sales...me selling a state or selling a rudder..it is all about market share. You have to own the market if you want to maintain.

I don't bitch about Octura anymore...I say they are so far behind the 8 ball now they have lost large market share when they could have owned it...generally you can't gain market share by being the second or third...you have to get it and own it when you have the chance.

To each his own but now there is hardware out there...or we are building it and it is better than Octura.

Also, not every store front handles Octura...more don't than do...another failure on Octura's part...he could have been in many store fronts. Boats are pretty much a non-market when it comes to hobby shops...at least in the midwest.

Part of the reason I started building my own stuff was I was darn tired of dealing with them and waiting...now all I purchase from them are strut noses and bushings (and now I use sleeve bushings so those are out too.) I don't have time to hassle with them and send checks when the rest of the world can do it on the phone or e-commerce. Small thinking gets you small results.

Something wrong about a company that sits by and lets the competition eat them alive. Just maintaining is not enough.

Just my opinion and we all know what they say about opinions!

Yes, I still order some things that are Octura but they come from here> http://www.prop-shop.com/man/ZOCU.HTM

[KevinW]

You resurected this tired old, old post just to P & M about Octura again?

You must have way too much time to burn.

KW

[Jeff Wohlt]

No, Kevin, Airdevil brought it back up. Just still tees me off.

And, yes, I do have lots of time on my hands...life is good !!

I offered Tom the opportunity to put it on the web for him or let me work a web market only. He even says he needs to get something going on the web one of these days.

As I mentioned before...I like Tom and Trudy...they are good folks.

[KevinW]

Originally posted by Jeff Wohlt
No, Kevin, Airdevil brought it back up. Just still tees me off.


Let's see:

Airdevil post on 07-11-2002 07:05 PM

Jeff Wohlt post on 01-03-2003 10:37 AM

Somehow, I'm not seeing Airdevil as the one who brought it back up. It must be me.

KW

[airdevil85]

how did I bring it up??
my last post was in july, yours was two days ago

[Sheltered]

For some people its not about money. Kind of refreshing. With e-commerce comes a lot of expectation, and everything speeds up and can get confusing. In the little bit I have downe with billpoint and paypal there are certain things I just don't care for. Clearly they could have carved out a niche for themselves online, frankly, its probably not too late.

Octura has been around a long time. I'm sure most of their capital investment was paid off a long time ago. I think that they prefer to keep things at their own pace. I don't know enough about the company. Perhaps model boating isn't their only source of income.

[Steven Vaccaro]

I agree with Jeff, if other companies keep gaining market share then some day it wont be profitable for Octura to keep the doors open. Its basic biz 101.

Things may be going that way, Especially since I have been reading that more and more guys that have been running boats for many years have been saying that the quality of their prop has deteriorated!

Better stock up now on those hard to get parts, they may be antiques is a few years. LoL

[Sheltered]

The market will determine if they stay around or not.

I think a number of people have brought up the dealer support aspect.

I have a resale number and suppose that I could sell Octura online. This would contribute to the loss of more local hobby shops. It's much cheaper for me to run a business without a storefront. Seattle lost Websters the 31st of last month.

The online and catalogue sales do drive the local shops under. If you want to wait for things to come through mail order than continue to buy online. If you want to be able to drop in and get something now continue to support your local hobby shops.

[Steven Vaccaro]

Sheltered, maybe the local hobby shops in your area carry octura, but around here they carry 90% car and plane stuff.

I don't care if octura ever puts up a site. I have got along without it for 5 years and Fine Design & RR Hobbies now carry Prop Shop Props!

[Jeff Wohlt]

Kevin, I just saw it back up while I was looking through posts and I was commenting on Andy V comments on market share.

If you don't have anything to say about it (Octura and the post) then why do you even need to be commenting? Don't worry about our conversation if you are not putting anything in pro or con...what would be your point? We are discussing a business practice here that some have opinions on...if you do not then maybe you don't need to chime in.

You point is not even aimed at Octura and the discussion...just about others giving their opinions....which you call pissing and maoning.

[KevinW]

Jeff,

Whining, pissing, and moaning like children would be a better discription.

If you don't like the way Octura operates don't use their products. But, you don't have to take up space here whining away, as if that will get Octura to change.

"I'm not going to use their props anymore because they don't have a website, whhaaaaah!" :)

KW

[AustriaAT]

Hello,

a few years ago I wanted to buy a schulze batterie charger 636+, I asked at the producer about a price and in a shop. There was a difference of more than 10% the shop was cheaper. Why, the shop ordered more of it and got an better price.

What I am interested in in Europe I don not want to pay the double price of the us price because of tax custom and profit.

When I order at finedesign is there any custom or tax to pay if I do not have a company here in Europe??
And what about rabatt when ordering more pieces??

AT

[Jeff Wohlt]

Kevin, I'm not taking up any more space than you are.

I was not talking about their lack of a website just the fact that they have yet to even take credit card orders and their postion in business.

And---- I bet I have more Octura props than you do :)

[Sheltered]

Perhaps the 3-4% margin you surrender to the credit card companies is more than they would like to let go.

[Steven Vaccaro]

Perhaps the 3-4% margin
Maybe it cost that much 10 years ago, but these days I only pay 1.5% depending on volume and the added sales more then make up for the costs.

[Jeff Wohlt]

Again...if they owned the market and had gotten on the band-wagon earlier (more sales more ways to allow the consumer to buy) they would not be getting the competition and lack of sales they now have and his busniness would be worth three times as much...which is real nice when you want to sell it.

It is not all about profits at the end of the month...it is about worth...his worth is his inventory....very very poor. But again, as Kevin keeps reminding me ...Tom can do it any way he wants and we can't pee and moan about it anymore. .

Just take note if you ever want to starty a business and have something. Don't follow the business plan of OCtura. Maybe that should be what this thread is named...HOW NOT TO RUN A BUSINESS and SURVIVE!

Go look at some other websites and hardware...nobody using Octura anymore in gas or nitro...there is better. Someone else did their homework and saw a hole. I think us FE guys are supporting much of their business now...well not me but many are. I buy props and strut noses.

What Octura has/had was a BRAND name.

[AndyKunz]

And I'll tell you what - brand name recognition is far more important at some point in the game, but you have to back up the recognition with real value.

I think it's great that he has recognized that FE is good for his business, but it wasn't just "his" foresight. You all know where the good FE prop ideas come from? Mr. "I put my kids through college on model boats" - that's where.

Andy

[KevinW]

[Just take note if you ever want to starty a business and have something. Don't follow the business plan of OCtura. Maybe that should be what this thread is named...HOW NOT TO RUN A BUSINESS and SURVIVE!]

Better yet Jeff, you and Pagemaster could co-post a thread entitled:

"Business Super-Geniuses Tell You How To Build A Multi-Billion Dollar Web-Based Model Boating Empire" :)


KW

[Jeff Wohlt]

LOL...good one Kevin.

Wish I had been on the front end of the web boom. I missed a few great opportunities because I sat and thought about it too long.

Never know who might own Octura in the future.

[Steven Vaccaro]

Kevin, now that wasn't nice! LoL


Nope, I'll stick with my brick front stores. I love the challenge of converting a web buyer back to my customer after they find no customer service/product service after the great(?) deal they got off the net!

[twmaster]

Originally posted by Sheltered
I have a resale number and suppose that I could sell Octura online. This would contribute to the loss of more local hobby shops. It's much cheaper for me to run a business without a storefront. Seattle lost Websters the 31st of last month.

The online and catalogue sales do drive the local shops under. If you want to wait for things to come through mail order than continue to buy online. If you want to be able to drop in and get something now continue to support your local hobby shops.

While I am one of those whom would love to see an Octura website with online ordering I salute them for their stance of not allowing any non-brick and mortar vendors access to their products at wholesale rate. They require you to send them a PHOTO of your store to qualify. This speaks volumes about the character (vendor support wise) of Tom. Too many other companies will be happy to be in competition with their own wholesale customers.

Cheers,