Update on my Rlaarlo AK-917 and shady business practices?

[@josephadair790]

Hi everyone, I owe everyone an apology including Rlaarlo. I got a text Tuesday from DHL that I have a delivery on Friday. It just got here, Its my AK-917 No word from Rlaarlo on anything . Of course when I complain I receive my order. Communication is everything, just keep in touch with the customer. Thanks all.\, Joe.

[@highwaysanddrivewaysrc2002]

Lots of not so great business practices happening with them lately unfortunately. They were very communicative and responsive during the build up for the car but once it was time to fulfill orders things took a drastic turn. They changed the ship date "promise"several times, stopped answering inquiries, and when people finally received cars items were missing. With their limited replies via email or dm on Facebook their reps basically laughed saying they have a lot of emails to reply to and it's been difficult lately. If they were organized and ready for the volume of sales they did they'd have been ready. Unfortunately they want to be looked at as a competitor to big brands but aren't ready to take that step. You're not alone on the shipping b.s. either. Just my two cents. Praying for your speedy recovery and better health sir.

[@riffraffsrc]

Thank you very much, these guys are not ready for prime time. I will not be ordering from them again no matter if they are good or not.... Clearly they are unprofessional and scammy and sneaky even...

[@highwaysanddrivewaysrc2002]

@@riffraffsrc unfortunately looking that way

[@alexcrasci3940]

Hey riff hope u feel better soon also I wouldn't be happy either man I would probably just cancel the whole thing ✌️✌️✌️

[@riffraffsrc]

Thanks brother, it turns out canceling the order would be even more expensive. The crappy people at rlaarlo are charging a 10 % cancelation fee which in my case would be 30 bucks. That's even more than the 25 they asked me to pay on top of the 9.99 I paid originally. It seems they were going to get money from us, one way or another. In essence, they held my car hostage until I did one or the other. What a crappy thing to do to customers and especially when you are a newer company trying to make a good impression. Believe me, I sure don't have a good impression of them at all. Not ready for prime time and buyer beware is how I will describe them. I will not be buying from them again unless they make drastic changes in how they deal with customers. I think they suck as a company. 💯🤜🤛

[@RcNickster709]

I am with you brother. If a company wants a review done? I think it HAS to be honest. Because if other people start buying the item and it is garbage? Then it comes back on you. So honest reviews are the way to go. I was approached by a Drone company and it was the same story.... NOW. As far as the shipping is concerned. It is not your fault that the company incurred more money issues after purchase. they cant be looking for more from the buyer???... Something is starting to stink about this.. I truly hope you start feeling better my friend. It sucks not feeling well specially if it is anything serious. I know someone who is very dear to me, is going through some health issues. He lives so far away I am unable to help other than an email to check on him to make sure he is ok. It can be very stressful. Take care brother

[@riffraffsrc]

Thank you Brother, much appreciated! I cant believe that rlaarlo is try to make some of us pay $25. More for shipping than we already paid. Man, that's just bad business to try to pass that cost on to the customer after we already paid in full.! 💯🤜🤛

[@RCBirds]

Hi Robert, hope you'll getting well soon. This's not a good behaviour. Especial not at the introduction phase of this model. If they did it to others it might kill the car or the company. Social media's very harsh with such companies. I hope it was just a mistake. Personally they would get the middlefinger greetin from me and could keep the car. Bit this is my opinion. Stay safe and greetings to Sam.

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Dirk, thats pretty much what i said. I paid the price in full that eas advertised plus shipping, and now they want to charge me a lot more? Even worse, my friend said they wull still charge him a 10% fee if he canceled the order! There was nothing when we purchased them that said they could do that! If they dont send it to me as promised i will make sure everyone knows what they are doing and post copies of the their emails in a video for all to see! They make a decent product, but that doesn't mean anything if they start doing sneaky things like trying to get you to pay more after you already paid in full! That will quickly give them a bad reputation!

[@gillian9178]

Hope you get better man, ordered 2 roller versions. First ordered the metal roller on the first day of the sale 15th March, that car was delivered to me today. Second car the carbon roller I ordered a couple of weeks later, was shipped on 29th April so should arrive in another few weeks . Rlaarlo never asked for any more money for shipping from me, def not on asking for more money after already paying for the car.

[@riffraffsrc]

Thank you Brother! So far ive found several others who had the same thing happen and we are all angry about it. 💯🤜🤛

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

I agree Riff that’s not right of them. This doesn’t sound like Rlaarlo. Sounds like a 3rd party scam pretending to be Rlaarlo. What ever you do , don’t pay them the money either way! I’ll be putting you in my prayers dude for your health to get better! Take care dude and nice to hear your back on the tube!😝👊🏼💯👍🏻

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Robbie! Hope you're doing well brother and thank you! I'm not going to pay it. If they push it, i will cancel the order. I already paid my order in full. Anything that comes up after that, they have to eat it in my opinion. The email appears to be from the Rlaarlo support team. Anyway around, i refuse to pay more. 🤬

[@philthyco1]

Not a scam they did the same to me

[@riffraffsrc]

@@philthyco1 thanks brother, I'm not paying it. If they insist I'll cancel it. That's bullshit to do that after we already paid in full.

[@philthyco1]

@@riffraffsrc Dude they want 10% to cancel my order!!

[@philthyco1]

@@riffraffsrc I ordered 2 so that's like $50 bucks!

[@nickriggsrc81]

I agree it's bad business! The consumer should be happy with there purchase not regretting it before we even get the car they knew are address when they took our order!!! Hope you get better

[@riffraffsrc]

Thanks brother! I feel like if they even knew that the price might be higher, they should have charged more right from the start. Not hold my car hostage until I pay for it. Or if it was unexpected, they should have ate the cost of it period!. I bought the carbon fiber buggy and didn't have to pay extra shipping charges, so why does this one have it out of nowhere? I've never ever had that happen and I've bought dozens of cars from China and all over the world before.

[@nickriggsrc81]

@Riff Raff's RC I totally agree feel the same way its a form of bait and switch rlaarlo said the paid a portion of the shipping for us i paid 9.99 on original purchase then was asked to pay another 25.00 2 months after original purchase so 34.99 all together that means rlaarlo paid 1 penny of our shipping charges !!!! Very nice of them!! 😆 I don't mind paying for shipping if they were just up frontand honest about it in the first place it's the fact we've been waiting for months and before it ships they demand more money they should have ate the cost it was there mistake!!!!! Someone else had said we must not know about customs or overseas shipping from china!!! Cmon man all of us in this hobby know most our parts come from China or somewhere else over seas.I have never had the headaches that rlaarlo has given me.

[@riffraffsrc]

@@nickriggsrc81 absolutely! To me it's just bullshit, plain and simple. If they knew there was a possibility it would be more, just freaking charge more. Don't hold our cars hostage. Even worse, if you decided to cancel they charge a 10% cancelation fee. I payed 299. Plus 9.99 shipping so I'd have been looking at 30 dollar charge to cancel it. More bullshit. They made sure they were going to get our money one way or another. And big rc company would never have done that. I thought the whole experience was really bad as a customer experience, I don't care how good or bad the car is it isn't worth all that nonsense. It left a bad taste in my mouth for the second time. I probably will never be buying from them again. I won't say never because if they start being more honest and doing things the right way maybe I'll give them another chance. For now I won't and can't recommend them and will say so in another video after I get the car. They aren't ready for prime time yet but we're charging a premium price calling it a sale. The "regular" price is just stupid. It was a stretch charging the price we paid.... Especially on a nobody brand with a stupid name.

[@forgetfulLlama31]

Shipping on my order was $15.99 to EU. Just got an email today, saying it had been shipped.. so no extra charges. I wonder if the political tensions, trade war tariffs, etc have made shipping costs between US/China a volatile market. Whatever the reason, Rlaarlo shouldn't be passing those costs on to the customer after the sale has been agreed and paid imo.. that's pretty naughty. Regarding the free car for a top review thing.. that's not so much naughty as just dumb. If the car isn't good, loads of reviewers will mention the fact that the company is trying to buy reviews and their reputation/integrity will suffer... if the car IS good (like I think the 917 probably is), then they don't need to bribe reviewers, it's just an unnecessary risk. Thanks for the video, hope you get your health back on track.

[@riffraffsrc]

Yes, i was wondering if this was some kind of US/ China thing as well. All i know is that is a ridiculous amount for shipping and if they thought that this was a possibility, they should have priced it higher and not held our cars hostage until we pay it... Thanks for watching and commenting brother 🤜 🤛 💯

[@UncleBobsRC]

Give them hell again Riff!!!!! Sounds like a company I'll stay away from.

[@riffraffsrc]

I wont be ordereing anything made by them again. What a joke. Not ready for prime time. 💯🤜🤛

[@Fonzierc]

Totally agree with you I would do the exact same will not give a 5 ⭐if it's not honest ! I would cancel my order I don't like the way they are dealing with people 😡 I haven't ordered one and probably never will ! Take care and stay safe

[@riffraffsrc]

Thank you Brother! 🤜 🤛 💯

[@TheAdventuresofWally]

That's crazy. There going to drive people away from buying there products that way. I'll pray for your complete healing by the mighty powers of Jesus. Hope you get well soon. God bless you brother. 🙏❤️

[@riffraffsrc]

Thank you very much brother, prayers are appreciated! Yes, if that letter was in fact from them they will definitely drive away customers. Im very curious how many others here are getting the same email. Anyway around, im definitely not going to pay it! 🙏🤜🤛💯

[@TheAdventuresofWally]

@Riff Raff's RC good for you. Sounds like bad business practices. Like you said. ✌️

[@m.ramadhan6006]

L7👍 Good game stay solid 3 minute enjoy the watching

[@ShenRC]

Yep a lot of these places do that, I never pay for anything I showcase on my channel if they don't send it out for free to me to show on my channel and let me do what I want with it then I pass on it.

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Steve! How are you brother? Im not paying more for shipping especially when i already paid for it. I will cancel the order if they dont eat the cost!

[@whatsintheboxx]

I’ve got the carbon fiber buggy and had no issues or problems with the delivery. It just took like almost 6 weeks to get it. I’m so sorry bro, this sounds so strange to me. Hope you get your car without paying more 👍 Hope you get well soon bro

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Pete! Thank you and i hope you're doing well brother! Maybe this is something they are only doing to US customers. Any way around, i paid in full at the time of purchase and anything over that amount, they should eat themselves. There is already at least one other person i know that got the same message, and when he tried to cancel they wanted to charge him 10%. What complete anf utter bullshit man. Ill never order from them again if they don't fix this... And ill make sure everyone knows how crappy they are in a video!

[@ThompsonRc]

I got mine Monday and yes i would be pissed to they need to eat that cost not try to pass it on to the customer for something they should have had worked out with the shipping company

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Will! How are you brother? Yes, I'm definitely pissed and so far I havent paid it. I think they should eat it. What in tbe hell is a remote charge? Lol, I don't live in an remote area i live in a busy town on the Ohio River lol 😂 if they force the issue I will cancel it.

[@ThompsonRc]

@Riff Raff's RC I'm good getting ready for Beat the creek this weekend over in KY I don't know what that remote stuff is all about I got a email saying they were shipping on April 27th and that was it

[@RCTNT]

For what it's worth, this has happened to me with RC4WD (twice) among others. I'm in Australia. Sometimes I pay the extra. Sometimes I cancel the order. This isn't uncommon for international orders, particularly preorders. I'm not saying it's good or that I agree, but I understand at least. Sorry it was such a hassle for you. I don't own an RC4WD Overlander for the same reason (though I have paid it sometimes - I just want the thing and shipping is shipping). Cheers (Edit. For transparency, I realised I should add I've reviewed several of their cars at this point. However, I've also spent about $300 on a CF roller plus parts over two orders with rlaarlo recently and am awaiting shipping for both of these. Haven't had to pay extra with rlaarlo yet but have had to do so from Chinese shippers after ordering and paying, being that I'm semi rural here).

[@riffraffsrc]

I've been ordering rc from overseas for over 20 years, I never had this happen before. Even worse. They held our cars hostage because either we had to pay the extra shipping or pay a 10% cancelation fee. In my case, the cancelation fee was $30, even more than the extra 25. It seems the crappy people at rlaarlo were determined to get our money one way or another...

[@xXB.FunkXx]

Same $20 bull$hit my buddy had to deal with and he doesn't live anywhere remote. He cancelled his order and they charged him 20% to do that. At least he has some of his money. I ordered and haven't heard a word about when I might get it? Ordered it in April 🤷

[@riffraffsrc]

They suck in my opinion. The cars are OK but are overpriced for a no name company. Their business practices are bad especially for a company trying to make a name for themselves. I won't be buying from them again or recommending them to my viewers until they make big changes. I'll be doing another video about it soon. Thanks for watching and commenting brother 💯🤜🤛

[@WoodsUnknown]

Just as shady as another manufacturer we all know. This sounds like Horizon hobby, i purchased a scx24 from them and then when i received it i had to pay more on duty and fees. Id cancel and tell em to keep there junk.

[@riffraffsrc]

It's ridiculous to pay more after i already paid in full. They have to eat it. 💯🤜🤛

[@ZeroUH]

I've cancelled my preorder after delays, emails ignored and when I got an answer, they asked to pay that remote fee (50 USD). TERRIBLE company! Never gonna buy anything from them again.

[@riffraffsrc]

Totly agree and thanks for watching and commenting brother 💯 🤜 🤛

[@gerardosoler8935]

That’s not cool at all. I received a email say it’s on the way but when I go to track my order it says tracking number can’t be found so I don’t know what’s going on.

[@dereksimpson1284]

I got the same but they said that they would cover it at their expense. I ordered it over a month ago and still had not been shipped

[@riffraffsrc]

They refused to cover the charges on mine and would not shop it u til I paid the extra 25. If I canceled t gf e order it would have been a 30 dollar charge. So in essence, they held my car hostage. I just received it the other day. I won't be ordering anything from them again unless there are big changes in their company. They showered the big channels with gifts and laser etched chassis and extra parts. I paid full price and got none of that and had to pay extra... I'm pissed and I'm putting in all in another video soon.... Thanks for watching and commenting brother 💯🤜🤛

[@MagnifiedGiant]

I doubt they said you had to give it a 5 star review.

[@riffraffsrc]

Well, I can understand that. Apparently some people were offered a similar situation without them requiring that but that's what they did with me. They also told me they were out of brushless cars and only had brushed. I saved the email and took a screenshot of it. I will put it in my next video. All in all, they are very shady as far as I'm concerned. Making people pay extra for shipping after already paying for it is not cool. Even if something unexpected came up, they should have absorbed the cost and not passed it on to the customers. I had a choice to pay the extra 25 or cancel my order and pay a 10% cancelation fee which was 30. So in essence my car was being held hostage because they were going to get money one way or another. Very crappy thing to do.

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Wow, that's is messed up, never heard of that, they just trying to get more money from you, I won't be getting anything from them.

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Duke! How are you brother? Yeah man, Rlaarlo is a joke. I won't be buying anything else from them unless they make big changes to how they treat the customers. Thanks for watching and commenting brother! 💯 🤜 🤛

[@martins2657]

Hm this loose of credit really worth for them? Bad behavior cost them more then this additional fees. It is warning for another people. My order was okay but thank you, im warned when i will want order some spare parts in future.

[@riffraffsrc]

Yes, I think that this looks badly on them. If there were higher costs anticipated, they should have made the price higher in the first place rather than sell it then charge us more later. I believe that they should have absorbed the costs rather than pass it on to their customers. I probably will not ve buying anything from them again after this unless they change thier practices. Thank you for watching and commenting my friend 💯🤜🤛

[@jeremystewart1785]

That seems awfully shady in business practice ...Rlarrlo should eat that cost for all current orders. Or go with a different shipping company who has better regular area coverage.

[@riffraffsrc]

That's exactly how I feel about it...

[@AndrewFerranRcjourneyz]

Did u leave a tip????

[@riffraffsrc]

Yes, I have a tip, don't buy from Rlaarlo! 😂💯

[@josephadair790]

Hi everyone, I ordered a Red carbon-fiber RTR 917 with some extra parts, gold plated 52 tooth spur gear and some body clips on April 6. May 5 I get an E mail saying my order has shipped. Cool. I watched the tracking of the package. It sat there for 6 days waiting for pick-up by carrier. On the 4th, 5th and 6thday I e mail Rlarrlo on those days to tell them their is problem with shipping. Day 7 tracking said it was delivered. Not to me, somebody got them self a nice car for free. Support-Rlarrlo is a joke. I e mail them that I did not get my order. Nothing from them. I told them I wanted my money back or replace my order. Still have not heard back from Rlaarlo. As a side note, Rlaarlo has free shipping on orders over $200.00. Rlaarlo is a piece of shit. I hope thy go out of business. I`m still out $345.42.

[@riffraffsrc]

I'm so sorry that happened to you and I agree. I think they are a terrible, not ready for prime time, nobody company trying to act like a big name brand. I've been waiting for weeks for mine and still haven't received it yet, though it's supposed to be on the way. After I get it, I'm doing another video telling why I can't and don't recommend them. They have terrible business practices and the prices are not that good, especially for a Chinese nobody brand. The product is ok, not fantastic. It doesn't even have a programmable esc. My advice to anyone pondering getting something from them is DON'T! thanks for watching and commenting brother 💯🤜🤛

[@AddamsPlayground]

I reviewed one of their cars and I paid up front to get it but once the video went up I got reimbursed for it but there was no shady you have to leave a 5 star review for it. They may have changed that practice since I did mine. I have not done any more since for them and I doubt I will, not due to them but I did not like the whole process of it. I do however thin that either you are getting scammed or they have lost their minds! There is no way it costs $35+ per unit to ship these. They need to honor their quoted price or refund your full cost. It is the company's responsibility to know and understand the full cost of their product before setting a sales price on them. This is a them problem and not a you problem! There is no way I'd pay it

[@riffraffsrc]

Hi Addam i agree 100% they need to honor the deal i paid for.. They did the same thing to @PhilthyCo and was going to charge hime a 10% cancelation fee! What nonsense! I like their products but their business is sneaky and shady. If they dont send it as promised, im making a video showing the emails and exposing them for the frauds they are...

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@riffraffsrc yeah that ain't cool either! Sorry brother you have to deal with it. Hopefully they will get their head out of their rear and do the right thing

[@mudweiser69]

I was wondering if this was just me... or if someone else had this email as well. I ordered 2 of the AK-917s when they first allowed pre orders..... a fully loaded carbon... and a metal roller. The metal roller shipped a few days ago.... but i got an email stating my carbon one was going to be a remote fee of 30 dollars. It seemed odd to me but the links were legit to the site. I paid the 30..... reluctantly.....but whatever. I do agree its shady as hell... but even on their site if you read into the fine print it states the buyer is responsible for any extra remote shipping. As of now i have not got either one..... and the carbon does not show even shipped. Got a feeling, this is going to be a headache.

[@riffraffsrc]

I never saw any such warning, i figure rhey changed it after we started complaining. If i end up paying it, i will never order anything from them again. What the hell is a remote fee anyway? Lol its seriously scammy. 💯🤜🤛

[@bryanhill1419]

@@riffraffsrc it may be a scam. I got an email saying that I owe them $15. Then when I clicked on the link it said add a dollar to get the $200 free shipping purchase. My purchase was over $200. I also paid the $9.99 thinking Maybe the extra set of tires didn't apply to the purchase? Somebody else in comment's said that the email response from rlaarlo was to click the dollar link 25 times which is super suspicious.

[@riffraffsrc]

The whole thing is sneaky and scammy but sadly I do believe its actually them. This is a terrible way to do business and if they suspected the shipping would cost more they should have made the price higher in the first place. Personally, I have a very difficult time believing that it costs more than $35. US to ship a little 1/10 car. I'm really pissed and i will never be ordering anything from them again and i will make sure that everyone knows what a lowlife, loser company they are. Its too bad because the products are pretty decent besides the stupid name.

[@bryanhill1419]

@@riffraffsrc I agree it's a shame when companies have no management. I think if you work for a RC company it should be based on your driving skills. I'm just glad I ranted about the Traxxas ordeal because I've actually got money in this ordeal