Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to our most common questions about orders, shipping, returns, warranty, batteries and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
Orders & Delivery
Yes! Simply add the new items to your cart as normal and proceed to checkout. On the delivery step, you will see a Merge & Save option if you have a recent unshipped order going to the same address. Select it to combin the new items with your existing order — you won't be charged for shipping again.
If the option doesn't appear, your previous order may have already been dispatched. Contact us if you need help.
Yes, as long as your order hasn't been dispatched yet. Contact us as soon as possible with your order number and the new address and we'll update it.
Payment Received — We've got your order and payment. It'll be processed the same day or next business day.
Processing — Your order is being picked and packed in our warehouse.
Shipped — Your order has been collected by the courier. You'll receive a tracking email shortly.
Ready For Collection — Your order is ready for pickup from our store at 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219.
Most domestic orders arrive within 1–3 business days once dispatched. Order before 1pm AEST on a business day and we'll dispatch same day. Delivery times vary by location and shipping method — remote areas may take a little longer.
Orders containing dangerous goods (LiPo batteries, paint, fuel) must travel by road freight instead of air, which can add a few extra days. Check our delivery page for full details on shipping options and timeframes.
Tracking info is emailed once your order ships. If you didn't receive one, check your spam folder first.
If it's been more than 1 business day since your order was updated to "Shipped" and you still don't have tracking, contact us and we'll send it through.
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the size, weight, and destination of your order. Add your items to your cart and proceed to checkout to see the exact cost. Visit our delivery page for more details on shipping options and timeframes.
We ship throughout Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, we don't ship to other countries at this stage.
Check your tracking link first — sometimes parcels sit at a local depot waiting for delivery. If tracking shows delivered but you haven't received it, or if it's been longer than the expected transit time, contact us with your order number and we'll chase it up with the courier for you.
Yes. LiPo batteries, paints, and other items classified as dangerous goods can only be shipped by road (not air), which may add a few extra days to delivery. Express Post is not available for these items.
We cannot send dangerous goods internationally — this includes lithium batteries and aerosol paints. Within Australia, there's no extra charge for dangerous goods shipping. See our delivery page for more details.
Returns & Refunds
Contact us first — don't send anything back without getting in touch. We'll check it's eligible and send you a return label if approved. Items must be unused, unmodified, and in their original packaging.
Send to: Hobbies Direct, 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219. Include your order number and reason for return to avoid delays.
We accept returns on items that meet two conditions: the item has not been used or modified, and it's still in its original packaging suitable for resale. Contact us before sending anything back to arrange the return. For full details, see our terms and conditions.
Once we've received and assessed your return, we process the refund to your original payment method. Most refunds appear within 5–10 business days, depending on your bank or payment provider.
Used items can't be returned for a change-of-mind refund. If the product is faulty or not as described, that's a warranty claim — see our Warranty & Repairs section. Under Australian Consumer Law, you're entitled to a remedy if a product has a major fault.
Warranty & Repairs
Warranty covers manufacturing defects — issues present from factory or that appear under normal use. It does not cover wear and tear (gears, tyres, drivetrain, suspension arms), crash or impact damage, or modifications.
Batteries, tyres, and drivetrain parts are considered consumables and are generally not covered. If you're unsure whether your issue qualifies, contact us with photos and your order number and we'll assess it.
Email us at info@hobbiesdirect.com.au or use our contact form with three things: your order number, a description of the fault, and photos or a short video showing the issue. We'll assess it and let you know the next steps — for most claims, we'll send you a prepaid return label.
Simple claims where we can see the fault from photos are usually sorted within a few business days. Claims that need to be referred to the manufacturer (Traxxas, ARRMA, Spektrum, etc.) can take 2–4 weeks as we need their assessment and approval. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.
Crash and impact damage isn't covered under warranty as it's not a manufacturing defect. The good news is that most parts are replaceable and affordable. Use our Parts Finder to find the exact replacement parts for your vehicle, or contact us and we'll help you identify what you need.
Yes, we offer a professional repair service at our workshop in Geelong. Labour is $80 per hour. You can find full details and submit a repair request on our repairs page. Interstate customers can post their vehicle to us at 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219.
Batteries are considered consumables and aren't typically covered under warranty unless they were dead on arrival from factory. Most battery issues are caused by over-discharging, not using storage mode, or leaving the battery plugged into the vehicle. See our Batteries & Charging section for tips on getting the most out of your batteries.
Batteries & Charging
LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) is a safety feature in your ESC (speed controller) that stops the motor when the battery voltage drops too low. This protects the battery from permanent damage. If your car suddenly cuts out mid-run, it usually means the battery is flat — not that something is broken.
Charge the battery fully and you're good to go. If it cuts out very quickly after a full charge, the battery may need replacing.
Never store LiPo batteries fully charged or fully flat. Use your charger's "storage mode" to bring them to about 3.8V per cell. Don't leave batteries connected to the vehicle when not in use. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally in a LiPo-safe bag.
It depends on the model. RTR (Ready To Run) vehicles usually include everything in the box, but some higher-end models are sold without a battery and charger so you can choose your own. Check the product page — we list exactly what's included. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll help you pick the right combo.
Always use a charger designed for your battery type (LiPo, NiMH, etc.). Using the wrong charger can damage your battery or, in serious cases, cause a fire. If your vehicle came with a charger, use that one. If you're buying separately, make sure the charger matches both the battery chemistry and connector type.
Contact us if you need help matching a charger to your battery — we'd rather help you get it right upfront.
Check the product page for your vehicle — we list compatible batteries where possible. Key things to match: battery chemistry (LiPo vs NiMH), voltage (number of cells/S rating), connector type (Deans, XT60, XT90, Tamiya, Traxxas iD), and physical size. Our Parts Finder can also help identify compatible batteries.
If you're unsure, contact us with your vehicle model and we'll recommend the right battery.
Parts & Compatibility
Use our Parts Finder. Select your vehicle's brand and model, and you'll see all available replacement parts with exploded diagrams showing where each part fits. If your model isn't listed, try searching the part number (SKU) in our search bar. Still can't find it? Contact us — we can usually track it down.
If you're buying from our Parts Finder, the parts are already matched to your specific vehicle. For aftermarket or upgrade parts, check the product description for compatibility notes. When in doubt, contact us with your vehicle model and the part you're looking at.
Hit the "Notify Me When Available" button on the product page and enter your email. You'll be the first to know when it's back. If it's urgent, contact us — we may be able to suggest a compatible alternative or give you an ETA from the supplier.
We'll do our best. Some older models have parts that are no longer manufactured, but we can often find compatible alternatives or suggest aftermarket options. Contact us with the model name and part number and we'll see what we can do.
Stock & Availability
If we have an ETA from the supplier, it's shown on the product page near the price. If there's no ETA listed, it means we're waiting on the supplier for an update. Hit the "Notify Me When Available" button and we'll email you as soon as it arrives. You can manage your alerts from your account.
For some products we can place a pre-order for you. Contact us with the product you're after and we'll set it up under your account. We'll hold it aside when it arrives and get in touch for payment.
Yes — our stock levels are live and update instantly when we receive stock or make a sale. Over 99% of the time stock flows through as expected. In rare cases where there's a stocking error, we'll contact you to offer an alternative or a full refund.
Go to the product page and hit the "Notify Me When Available" button. Enter your email and you'll get an automatic notification as soon as it's back in stock. You can view and manage all your restock alerts from your account.
Pricing & Payment
Yes. We'll match the price of an identical, in-stock item from an Australian retailer with a physical storefront. Contact us with a link to the product on their website showing the lower price and that it's in stock.
We price our products competitively all year round, so we don't generally negotiate on price. From time to time we run sales and promotions — follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter to hear about them first.
General
RTR (Ready To Run) — Comes with everything you need: vehicle, transmitter, battery, and charger. Charge up and go.
BNF (Bind-N-Fly) / BNR (Bind-N-Run) — Comes with the vehicle but no transmitter. You supply your own compatible transmitter and receiver.
Kit — Unassembled. You build it yourself and supply your own electronics (motor, ESC, servo, transmitter, battery, charger). Great for experienced hobbyists who want full control.
Always check "What's in the Box" on the product page so you know exactly what's included.
We have one store and warehouse at 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219 (Geelong area). We ship Australia-wide and to New Zealand. See our contact page for current opening hours and phone number.
We sell physical gift cards in $20, $50, and $100 values. You can buy them in-store or order them online from our gift cards page.
You can reach us by email at info@hobbiesdirect.com.au, by phone (see our contact page for the number), or via the contact form on our website. We're available during business hours and aim to respond to emails the same business day.
Orders & Delivery
Yes! Simply add the new items to your cart as normal and proceed to checkout. On the delivery step, you will see a Merge & Save option if you have a recent unshipped order going to the same address. Select it to combin the new items with your existing order — you won't be charged for shipping again.
If the option doesn't appear, your previous order may have already been dispatched. Contact us if you need help.
Yes, as long as your order hasn't been dispatched yet. Contact us as soon as possible with your order number and the new address and we'll update it.
Payment Received — We've got your order and payment. It'll be processed the same day or next business day.
Processing — Your order is being picked and packed in our warehouse.
Shipped — Your order has been collected by the courier. You'll receive a tracking email shortly.
Ready For Collection — Your order is ready for pickup from our store at 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219.
Most domestic orders arrive within 1–3 business days once dispatched. Order before 1pm AEST on a business day and we'll dispatch same day. Delivery times vary by location and shipping method — remote areas may take a little longer.
Orders containing dangerous goods (LiPo batteries, paint, fuel) must travel by road freight instead of air, which can add a few extra days. Check our delivery page for full details on shipping options and timeframes.
Tracking info is emailed once your order ships. If you didn't receive one, check your spam folder first.
If it's been more than 1 business day since your order was updated to "Shipped" and you still don't have tracking, contact us and we'll send it through.
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the size, weight, and destination of your order. Add your items to your cart and proceed to checkout to see the exact cost. Visit our delivery page for more details on shipping options and timeframes.
We ship throughout Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, we don't ship to other countries at this stage.
Check your tracking link first — sometimes parcels sit at a local depot waiting for delivery. If tracking shows delivered but you haven't received it, or if it's been longer than the expected transit time, contact us with your order number and we'll chase it up with the courier for you.
Yes. LiPo batteries, paints, and other items classified as dangerous goods can only be shipped by road (not air), which may add a few extra days to delivery. Express Post is not available for these items.
We cannot send dangerous goods internationally — this includes lithium batteries and aerosol paints. Within Australia, there's no extra charge for dangerous goods shipping. See our delivery page for more details.
Returns & Refunds
Contact us first — don't send anything back without getting in touch. We'll check it's eligible and send you a return label if approved. Items must be unused, unmodified, and in their original packaging.
Send to: Hobbies Direct, 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219. Include your order number and reason for return to avoid delays.
We accept returns on items that meet two conditions: the item has not been used or modified, and it's still in its original packaging suitable for resale. Contact us before sending anything back to arrange the return. For full details, see our terms and conditions.
Once we've received and assessed your return, we process the refund to your original payment method. Most refunds appear within 5–10 business days, depending on your bank or payment provider.
Used items can't be returned for a change-of-mind refund. If the product is faulty or not as described, that's a warranty claim — see our Warranty & Repairs section. Under Australian Consumer Law, you're entitled to a remedy if a product has a major fault.
Warranty & Repairs
Warranty covers manufacturing defects — issues present from factory or that appear under normal use. It does not cover wear and tear (gears, tyres, drivetrain, suspension arms), crash or impact damage, or modifications.
Batteries, tyres, and drivetrain parts are considered consumables and are generally not covered. If you're unsure whether your issue qualifies, contact us with photos and your order number and we'll assess it.
Email us at info@hobbiesdirect.com.au or use our contact form with three things: your order number, a description of the fault, and photos or a short video showing the issue. We'll assess it and let you know the next steps — for most claims, we'll send you a prepaid return label.
Simple claims where we can see the fault from photos are usually sorted within a few business days. Claims that need to be referred to the manufacturer (Traxxas, ARRMA, Spektrum, etc.) can take 2–4 weeks as we need their assessment and approval. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.
Crash and impact damage isn't covered under warranty as it's not a manufacturing defect. The good news is that most parts are replaceable and affordable. Use our Parts Finder to find the exact replacement parts for your vehicle, or contact us and we'll help you identify what you need.
Yes, we offer a professional repair service at our workshop in Geelong. Labour is $80 per hour. You can find full details and submit a repair request on our repairs page. Interstate customers can post their vehicle to us at 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219.
Batteries are considered consumables and aren't typically covered under warranty unless they were dead on arrival from factory. Most battery issues are caused by over-discharging, not using storage mode, or leaving the battery plugged into the vehicle. See our Batteries & Charging section for tips on getting the most out of your batteries.
Batteries & Charging
LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff) is a safety feature in your ESC (speed controller) that stops the motor when the battery voltage drops too low. This protects the battery from permanent damage. If your car suddenly cuts out mid-run, it usually means the battery is flat — not that something is broken.
Charge the battery fully and you're good to go. If it cuts out very quickly after a full charge, the battery may need replacing.
Never store LiPo batteries fully charged or fully flat. Use your charger's "storage mode" to bring them to about 3.8V per cell. Don't leave batteries connected to the vehicle when not in use. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally in a LiPo-safe bag.
It depends on the model. RTR (Ready To Run) vehicles usually include everything in the box, but some higher-end models are sold without a battery and charger so you can choose your own. Check the product page — we list exactly what's included. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll help you pick the right combo.
Always use a charger designed for your battery type (LiPo, NiMH, etc.). Using the wrong charger can damage your battery or, in serious cases, cause a fire. If your vehicle came with a charger, use that one. If you're buying separately, make sure the charger matches both the battery chemistry and connector type.
Contact us if you need help matching a charger to your battery — we'd rather help you get it right upfront.
Check the product page for your vehicle — we list compatible batteries where possible. Key things to match: battery chemistry (LiPo vs NiMH), voltage (number of cells/S rating), connector type (Deans, XT60, XT90, Tamiya, Traxxas iD), and physical size. Our Parts Finder can also help identify compatible batteries.
If you're unsure, contact us with your vehicle model and we'll recommend the right battery.
Parts & Compatibility
Use our Parts Finder. Select your vehicle's brand and model, and you'll see all available replacement parts with exploded diagrams showing where each part fits. If your model isn't listed, try searching the part number (SKU) in our search bar. Still can't find it? Contact us — we can usually track it down.
If you're buying from our Parts Finder, the parts are already matched to your specific vehicle. For aftermarket or upgrade parts, check the product description for compatibility notes. When in doubt, contact us with your vehicle model and the part you're looking at.
Hit the "Notify Me When Available" button on the product page and enter your email. You'll be the first to know when it's back. If it's urgent, contact us — we may be able to suggest a compatible alternative or give you an ETA from the supplier.
We'll do our best. Some older models have parts that are no longer manufactured, but we can often find compatible alternatives or suggest aftermarket options. Contact us with the model name and part number and we'll see what we can do.
Stock & Availability
If we have an ETA from the supplier, it's shown on the product page near the price. If there's no ETA listed, it means we're waiting on the supplier for an update. Hit the "Notify Me When Available" button and we'll email you as soon as it arrives. You can manage your alerts from your account.
For some products we can place a pre-order for you. Contact us with the product you're after and we'll set it up under your account. We'll hold it aside when it arrives and get in touch for payment.
Yes — our stock levels are live and update instantly when we receive stock or make a sale. Over 99% of the time stock flows through as expected. In rare cases where there's a stocking error, we'll contact you to offer an alternative or a full refund.
Go to the product page and hit the "Notify Me When Available" button. Enter your email and you'll get an automatic notification as soon as it's back in stock. You can view and manage all your restock alerts from your account.
Pricing & Payment
Yes. We'll match the price of an identical, in-stock item from an Australian retailer with a physical storefront. Contact us with a link to the product on their website showing the lower price and that it's in stock.
We price our products competitively all year round, so we don't generally negotiate on price. From time to time we run sales and promotions — follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter to hear about them first.
General
RTR (Ready To Run) — Comes with everything you need: vehicle, transmitter, battery, and charger. Charge up and go.
BNF (Bind-N-Fly) / BNR (Bind-N-Run) — Comes with the vehicle but no transmitter. You supply your own compatible transmitter and receiver.
Kit — Unassembled. You build it yourself and supply your own electronics (motor, ESC, servo, transmitter, battery, charger). Great for experienced hobbyists who want full control.
Always check "What's in the Box" on the product page so you know exactly what's included.
We have one store and warehouse at 5/80-84 Tucker St, Breakwater VIC 3219 (Geelong area). We ship Australia-wide and to New Zealand. See our contact page for current opening hours and phone number.
We sell physical gift cards in $20, $50, and $100 values. You can buy them in-store or order them online from our gift cards page.
You can reach us by email at info@hobbiesdirect.com.au, by phone (see our contact page for the number), or via the contact form on our website. We're available during business hours and aim to respond to emails the same business day.