[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by hworth18

The initial offer was for 500 models.

Thats what I though it was, but was not sure. I do not see how they can get around not honoring this one. Best of luck to those that sent in tokes, hope you get your well deserved models.

[Black 6]

Well friends, the Hornby representative was nice enough to resend his answers to my questions I sent on May 1st regarding the promotion and Hornby's position on the matter. I have edited the email to its main points from which you may draw your own conclusions. I do feel better about the customer service issues from Hornby that got me riled-up to begin with.

---

From: customercare@hornby.com [mailto:customercare@hornby.com]
Sent: 08 May 2008 14:51



Q. - Speaking of which, I have a question which is on the minds of many
collectors here in the U.S. Corgi USA took part in the token redemption
program that gave a free "special edition" Aviation Archive model to North
American customers who sent in the correct number of tokens. I am one of
those collectors. Corgi USA failed to live up to its obligation and never
sent the models out to collectors who had been informed they would receive
the free model. Until today, May 1st, I was in contact with Corgi's Director
of Global Operations who was trying to find out what was going to happen in
regard to the promised models in the promotion he called a "fiasco." He was
still working on finding an answer as of last week. Today I got an
apologetic email from him with the news of Corgi's sale to Hornby and that
he had been released from service and could no longer assist me.
A. - We have only bought the assets of Corgi and not the business therefore any
responsibility for offers made by Corgi Inc remain with them.


Q. - Needless to say this has generated bitter feelings among North American
collectors who feel cheated by Corgi. And believe me, collectors here are
talking about the situation via the internet public forums.
A. - I can understand their anger but I trust that they will understand that we cannot be held
responsible for the actions of Corgi Inc. We paid a fair price for the
assets and I can only assume that any claims against Corgi Inc will be
honoured out of the monies paid by Hornby.


Q. - I know this may be premature since the acquisition was only announced this
morning. But if someone could provide an answer, one way or another, if we
are out of luck and were cheated by the old (mis)management of Corgi-USA ,or
if Hornby's will do the right thing and meet Corgi's obligation to its
customers in North America with either the "special" model (in my case the
1:72 scale Halifax bomber) or will send a regular edition of the specific
models to everyone entitled to one.
A. - It is early days and these issues will be fully investigated before any decision is taken, however I would stress
again that the assets were purchased free of any other obligations in
respect of monies or product owed.


Kind regards
Nick C.
General Manager & Operations Director

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by Black 6

Well friends, the Hornby representative was nice enough to resend his answers to my questions I sent on May 1st regarding the promotion and Hornby's position on the matter. I have edited the email to its main points from which you may draw your own conclusions. I do feel better about the customer service issues from Hornby that got me riled-up to begin with.

---

From: customercare@hornby.com [mailto:customercare@hornby.com]
Sent: 08 May 2008 14:51



Q. - Speaking of which, I have a question which is on the minds of many
collectors here in the U.S. Corgi USA took part in the token redemption
program that gave a free "special edition" Aviation Archive model to North
American customers who sent in the correct number of tokens. I am one of
those collectors. Corgi USA failed to live up to its obligation and never
sent the models out to collectors who had been informed they would receive
the free model. Until today, May 1st, I was in contact with Corgi's Director
of Global Operations who was trying to find out what was going to happen in
regard to the promised models in the promotion he called a "fiasco." He was
still working on finding an answer as of last week. Today I got an
apologetic email from him with the news of Corgi's sale to Hornby and that
he had been released from service and could no longer assist me.
A. - We have only bought the assets of Corgi and not the business therefore any
responsibility for offers made by Corgi Inc remain with them.


Q. - Needless to say this has generated bitter feelings among North American
collectors who feel cheated by Corgi. And believe me, collectors here are
talking about the situation via the internet public forums.
A. - I can understand their anger but I trust that they will understand that we cannot be held
responsible for the actions of Corgi Inc. We paid a fair price for the
assets and I can only assume that any claims against Corgi Inc will be
honoured out of the monies paid by Hornby.


Q. - I know this may be premature since the acquisition was only announced this
morning. But if someone could provide an answer, one way or another, if we
are out of luck and were cheated by the old (mis)management of Corgi-USA ,or
if Hornby's will do the right thing and meet Corgi's obligation to its
customers in North America with either the "special" model (in my case the
1:72 scale Halifax bomber) or will send a regular edition of the specific
models to everyone entitled to one.
A. - It is early days and these issues will be fully investigated before any decision is taken, however I would stress
again that the assets were purchased free of any other obligations in
respect of monies or product owed.


Kind regards
Nick C.
General Manager & Operations Director

B6, thanks for your gallant effort! To me, Nick's answers sound like a case of not our problem. You know Corgi won't(can't) do a damn thing about it! If I'm not mistaken, they don't own the molds to the plane any longer nor do they own the actual inventory (Hornsby does). So what will Corgi do.....compensate us? I wouldn't hold my breath! Sucks all around and the ones getting screwed are the little guys....again.

[Black 6]

Thanks Trex. I know many of us were hoping for a better outcome (and there is still some hope, but nothing I would bet on).

And I want to thank everyone who also put in their two cents both here and to Corgi. Special thanks to the forum members who have contacted me the past few days hoping to make a coordinated effort to get this resolved. We tried fellas.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Well at least there was some sort of a answer from them...Better this then not having any at all.
JP

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Black 6

Thanks Trex. I know many of us were hoping for a better outcome (and there is still some hope, but nothing I would bet on).

And I want to thank everyone who also put in their two cents both here and to Corgi. Special thanks to the forum members who have contacted me the past few days hoping to make a coordinated effort to get this resolved. We tried fellas.

My hat off to you, you gave it a solid effort, shame you did not receive a more promising responce.

[jim]

All this leaves a bad taste in the mouth for certain, I think its an easy way out to pass the buck.

[smartd]

It's probably a bit soon to be looking for bad guys. Let Hornby sort out their newly acquired problems and see what they have just gotten themselves into.

[Cruver Collecter]

Just have to wonder how this might effect future sales. If you sting a few folks like that, well that might be a bit reluctant to make future purchases. Just does not seem to make sence.

[Cardinal]

Okay, now I'm pretty confused (more than usual I suppose) - do Hornby own the Corgi brand name or not i.e. is the name part of the assets? I was under the impression that Corgi had few manufacturing 'assets' and that the 'brand' (and company 'expertise') was the most valuable part of the company ...??? If they haven't bought the 'business' and only bought the assets, will the Aviation Archive survive? My head hurts ...