A word of caution for those doing business with Master Replicas

[chasd25]

A word of caution for you sculptors, painters and pattern makers out there....

Back in early February we did a job for Master Replicas for a total of $3000.

This was for a prototype of the Halo Hornet, that was on display at the NY toy show. We busted out the prototype ahead of schedule per their request, even though they were late with the files to make the thing.

Anyhow, our normal terms are net 30. We didn't get one penny until over 60 days past due. We then got a check for $300.

$300? on an invoice of $3000, along with a note saying they would pay what they could, when they could. I was insulted! $300? From a company that can afford the licenses for Lucas, Halo, Harry Potter, Disney, and Star Trek.

Lots of phone calls later, over the month, they paid another $1700 in a number of installments, but they are now over 100 days past due, on the remaining $1000.

I'm pretty pissed. We're a small 3 man shop, and cannot afford to front huge company like MR a line of credit that they can pay whenever they feel like it.

We're now in the process of getting a collection agency to go after them for the balance.

Honestly, there is no excuse for this type of business practice, especially for such a large company. They're basically screwing the little guy. I really fell bad for the sculptors, and other guys working freelance for MR! I'm sure they are pulling the same crap with everyone else they've done work with.

While we've probably burned our bridges in our attempts to get paid, But at this point, I don't really care. Just thought I would warn everyone out there who might be doing future work with MR. Get a deposit up front, with the balance COD, or you may be waiting a long, long time to get your money.



Charlie

[Trilogy]

That is appalling and unacceptable from a company of this magnitude.
I hope you receive what's owed to you ASAP.

[geto10]

That's awful!

Btw, who are you guys, any link to your page/gallery?

[chasd25]

Originally Posted by geto10

That's awful!

Btw, who are you guys, any link to your page/gallery?

We're a protoyping/model shop/machine shop. Most of the stuff there would not be too impressive for the audience members here!

We're all sci-fi geeks, but most of the stuff we do is industrial model making, not prop stuff.

Charlie

[Conquistador]

Originally Posted by chasd25

We're a protoyping/model shop/machine shop. Most of the stuff there would not be too impressive for the audience members here!

We're all sci-fi geeks, but most of the stuff we do is industrial model making, not prop stuff.

Charlie

Any link to your website or portfolio would be great!?!? Please share...

[jayco35]

Thats not good news at all. You'd think with the money the license must cost thats a paltry sum for a company of that size. I hope things work out and you get your money Charlie. Your one of the good ones thats for sure.

[candyrocket786]

Did you charge them any late fees?

100 Days past due? That is just down right crazy.

[patrickwm68]

Hmmm, kinda gives an idea of how they lost the SW and Marvel license.

[kes]

When you look at how Master Replicas has washed its hands of its obligations to buyers of the Studio Scale Enterprise then its no real surprise at its shabby treatment of your company.
I hope you get whats rightfully yours.

[Vracula]

thats pathetic,you have every reason to be pissed.