4320 compact RC module - Quartz Sets

[Martin Milner]

I recently bought a 4320 RC unit, which came with a yellow Quartz set as printed on the back of the box.

Does anyone have one which came with a different colour Quartz set? This is the 2-part bit that chooses the signal frequency, so you can run more than one vehicle at a time without interference. One part clips into the back of the controller, and another into the receiving unit.

It's possible to buy different colour quartz sets as a direct order item (they do five in all, Red Brown, Yellow, Orange and Green), but I don't want to buy a new set if it's possible to get different colours with the initial 4320 unit, with the original unit priced at £30 in the UK, and the replacement Quartz Sets at £8.50 each.

It would seem sensible for Playmobil to offer different sets in the original boxes, and puit a coloured sticker on the box to indicate the Qartz set inside, but there's no way to choose on Playmobil's website.

[Richard]

That's a great idea, Martin !!!

There would be practically no added expense for Playmobil, as they could just tag the boxes with different coloured stickers.

Have you suggested this to Zirndorf?

All the best,
Richard

[Martin Milner]

Not yet, I didn't know for sure that they don't already do it that way, which is why I'm trying to gather data on the subject.

Of course it would cut down on their sales of replacement crystals, but might make for much happier kids at Christmas and Birthdays when they don't find their RC cars crashing - and maybe Geobra might forego a little profit for the kids benefit.

[Richard]

Seems to me that it might increase sales, Martin ...

A parent (or grand parent) might be tempted to buy a pair if they were different (and could be raced ... or, whatever) ...

[Martin Milner]

I've sent an email to Customer Services - we'll see if I get a reply in the next week. You're right, I doubt most buyers are aware there is a website, or items available only though that website.

I want a second unit so my wife and I can race  city vans in the park - I have the current 4483 blue one, and an older red one that I got off eBay, so they'd make a matched pair.

As the motors are the same for all the vehicles, the heavier the vehicle the slower it'll go. Also the bigger vehicles with longer wheelbases won't turn as well.

I'm prepared for the fact that we'll probably flip the vehicles at some point and get them all scratched up.

[Martin Milner]

Quick response, but not encouraging:

Dear Mr Milner,

Thank you for your email.

All of the 4320 RC Modules come with a yellow quartz. If you would want to run
2 or more vehicles you will need to buy a different colour quartz for each vehicle. We do sell 4 other colours and they are £8.50 each.

Kind regards,
 

Tina Oxby
Customer Service Assistant
Playmobil UK Ltd
6 Argent Court
Sylvan Way
Southfields Business Park
Laindon
Essex
SS15 6TH
 
Tel: 01268 494084
Fax: 01268 546 446
 
Website: www.playmobil.co.uk

So it looks like I'm going to have to splash that extra £8.50 after all.

At present I have a voucher for 20% off any accessories orders, so I'm tempted to grab the full set while the voucher is valid (one use only, before the end of the month).

[Richard]

That was indeed a "quick" response, Martin ...

Although Tina appears to be quite efficient, "creative marketing" is probably not a viable career choice for her at this time ...

However, if you want to do Playmobil a really big favour, you might send an email to their managing director in Zirndorf. (Even if they like the idea, this will not help you in the immediate future, as it usually takes two to three years before Playmobil releases anything new.) ... 

All the best,
Richard

[Martin Milner]

you might send an email to their managing director in Zirndorf.

can you send me his email address privately?

cheers, Martin