Al’s Hobbies Reviews 112

TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.2

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Al's Hobbies always provides brilliant service regardless of how big of small your request is. Every time I've been in everyone who's served me has been super helpful. 100% recommend them for anything... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

List an item as in stock, take your money then tell you the next day it actually isn't in stock

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A fantastic experience buying for Al’s. People who are incredibly friendly, hugely knowledgable and really helpful. In addition to buying some bits I needed, I probably spent a good hour just chatti... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

That rare beast, a real, physical model shop with a vast stock, covering most of the modelling bases and all presided over by the ever helpful, ever knowledgeable, ever charming Ali. I've been buyin... See more

Company replied

Company details

  1. Hobby Store

Written by the company

Started in 1997 by Ali Machinchy Snr, Ali Machinchy Junior and Jane Machinchy. Al's Hobbies began in one small store in Hainault essex. From there it grew into one of the UK's largest independent retailers of radio controlled equipment.


Contact info

4.2

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

112 reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service regarding an pre…

Great customer service regarding an pre order
Many thanks for that.

January 23, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thank you for the great review. We're currently looking into a date for the model you've been asking about. Will get back to you asap.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

How I rate Al's Hobbies

How I rate Al's Hobbies

The response was quick and factual, the reply was in four days, he told me the facts as he saw it, and suggested a couple of ways that I may be able to solve myself.
Much appreciated

Jim Cox

February 8, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the 5-star review Jim!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Most helpful super guy ,Al Thank you so…

Most helpful super guy ,Al Thank you so much for your assistance today Wednesday 24th January 2024 . I will certainly be purchasing my needs from you in the future.

January 24, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review Mark!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

(Online order) Cen Racing Ford Puma

Ordered a Cen Racing Ford Puma online from these guys and it couldn't have gone better. I called also to confirm a couple of things before it was sent out and the guys couldn't have been more helpful in making sure I had the right battery and charger to go with the car. Next day delivery and the also cheapest! Will certainly be using again in the future! Thanks guys.

December 6, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review Gary. A pleasure doing business with you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a great model shop I couldn’t have…

What a great model shop I couldn’t have received more help excellent service and advice, checked my Spektrum DX6i controller and didn’t charge me I’ve bought from here before and wouldn’t go anywhere else.

January 8, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review Keith, we were happy to help!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A gem in the modelling world

A gem in the modelling world, nothing is ever too much trouble for the team at Al's whether you spend a fiver or five hundred. Incredible customer service is the name of the game for them. Many thanks and long may it continue.

January 3, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thankyou for taking the time to write this excellent review!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very good

Very good service and easy to navigate website with hundreds of models and spares to choose from

December 3, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review owen!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The team at Als Models were consistent

The team at Als Models were consistent, and kept me informed as they repaired an old DX7s Spektrum Transmitter that I had done my best to kill off.
I've now tested the system, and the Tx has benefited from a general and generous service, within a good time frame and to the quoted price of repair.
Excellent service, I only wish more companies would work to this standard.

November 8, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review, glad we were able to help!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A fantastic experience buying for Al’s

A fantastic experience buying for Al’s. People who are incredibly friendly, hugely knowledgable and really helpful. In addition to buying some bits I needed, I probably spent a good hour just chatting with Ali about all manner of things.

Can’t recommend them enough. Please help keep places like this going!

November 17, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review Jon, Ali will love to see this and all of the team really enjoy your kind words as well.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have just had the rudest man on the…

I have just had the rudest man on the planet on the phone I was trying to buy something and I had the phone put down on I am never rude and was not rude disrespectful

November 2, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

We're sorry to hear of the manor in which your call was dealt with, this will be discussed with the team member. In regards to your order, I am led to believe your call was after the close of business hours and we had already closed the till for the day. Arguably, if this is the case, the call should not have been taken. Our sincerest apologies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a fantastic shop

A fantastic shop with everything a modeller could dream of, and so reminiscent of the model shops of my youth! Very helpful and knowledgeable staff too. A great place just to look around and loose yourself for a while.

October 24, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thank you for the outstanding review, we really appreciate you taking the time to write it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was our first time visiting Al's…

It was our first time visiting Al's hobbies but definitely won't be our last. What an amazing shop and experience, the staff are friendly and very informative will definitely be back soon!

October 24, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

We really appreciate you taking the time to write this lovely review, thank you Sally.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Called in to Als with a problem with…

Called in to Als with a problem with one of my models that I had purchased elsewhere, Ali diagnosed the fault and was able to sell me a replacement battery at a very very competitive price, cheers mate lifesaver ....

October 2, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review Paul!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a gem of a shop

What a gem of a shop. Popped in yesterday with my son to look at buying him his first RC Plane. They could not have been more helpful. Al took the time to explain all the different types and what we needed to get started. Will have no hesitation in going back for the next one!!

October 14, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thank you for the great review!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Customer Service and some!

I have bought numerous models from Als Hobbies over the years from Model planes, cars etc and have always had great experience with them.
I can't fault the customer service over the phone and in store. If you go in store you are sure to have a good time with them and many a laugh had.
I felt this review is a reflection on the hospitality they give and customer satisfaction, they treat you like friends and it's just good old school shopping in a hobby shop. Keep up the great work, and I'll be seeing you soon for my next purchase,.

October 6, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great review Carl. All the team really appreciate it, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I sent my Spektrum NX10 transmitter to Al,s Hobbies

I sent my Spektrum NX10 transmitter to Al, after crashing its memory while updating the software. Al returned the TX to me "free of charge". It was out of guarantee and I was expecting a fair sized bill.
Well done Al, will be buying from you again.

October 2, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thanks for the great Review Tony, we were more than happy to help and realized you had been waiting longer than our usual return period.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Untrustworthy DX9

My Spektrum DX9 had been exihibiting signs of bad or intermittent signal with several different models (Rx's). Gary found a problem and sent it for further investigation and repair. It took a while but the Tx was returned with a replacement RF board and still retained its DSM2/DSMX capability. Gary kept me informed during the long turnaround. Looking forward to stress free flying.

August 8, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Al’s Hobbies

Thank you for the 5-star review. We really appreciate it considering your radio did take longer than our usual turn around time. We will make every effort to ensure any future repairs (although hopefully you don't need them) are much quicker.

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