Horizon Hobby is a retailer that sells remote-controlled vehicles, model aircraft, and hobby electronics

Horizon Hobby operates both an online store and physical locations where you can buy radio-controlled cars, trucks, drones, airplanes, and helicopters. The company also stocks replacement parts, batteries, chargers, and tools for building and maintaining these models. You can order online at horizonhobby.com or visit a store location to see products in person before buying.

The retailer carries brands including its own house line as well as third-party manufacturers. Prices range from under $50 for basic starter kits to several hundred dollars for advanced models. Horizon Hobby also runs a loyalty program called VIP Club that offers members discounts on purchases and early access to sales.

Key Takeaways

  • Horizon Hobby sells ready-to-fly drones, radio-controlled vehicles, model aircraft, and the parts and batteries needed to maintain them.
  • You can shop online at horizonhobby.com or visit a physical store location; both options let you compare prices and check stock before buying.
  • The VIP Club membership program offers percentage discounts on purchases and sometimes early access to sales, though membership has an annual cost.
  • Horizon Hobby publishes assembly guides and video tutorials for many of its products, which you can view on their website before or after purchase.

Product categories and what each one includes

Horizon Hobby organizes its inventory into several main categories. Radio-controlled cars and trucks include on-road racers, off-road buggies, and crawlers designed for different terrain and skill levels. The aircraft section covers fixed-wing model planes, quadcopters, and helicopters that range from beginner-friendly to competition-grade.

The parts and accessories category is where you find batteries, chargers, motors, servos, receivers, and transmitters. Horizon Hobby also stocks tools for assembly and maintenance, including screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and soldering equipment. Replacement bodies, tires, and suspension components are available for most models the company sells.

A separate section covers hobby electronics and software, including flight simulators, programming cables, and telemetry systems. Horizon Hobby also carries branded apparel and collectibles related to its house brands.

How to find products and check availability

On the Horizon Hobby website, you can search by product type, brand, or price range. The site displays stock status for each item — whether it is in stock at the warehouse, available for pre-order, or currently out of stock. If an item is out of stock, the site usually shows when it is expected to be back in inventory.

Physical store locations have their own inventory separate from the online warehouse. If you want to know whether a specific product is available at your nearest store, you can call the location directly or use the store locator on Horizon Hobby's website to find contact information. Some stores allow you to reserve items by phone before visiting.

Shipping options and delivery times

Horizon Hobby offers standard ground shipping, expedited shipping, and in some cases overnight delivery. Shipping costs depend on order size and your location. Orders placed before a certain time on a business day typically ship the same day; orders placed after that time ship the next business day.

Ground shipping usually takes five to seven business days from the time your order ships. Expedited options are faster but cost more. If you need a product urgently, calling a physical store location to confirm stock and picking it up in person is often the quickest route.

Return and exchange policy

Horizon Hobby allows returns within 30 days of purchase if the item is unused and in original packaging. Items that have been opened or used are not returnable but may be exchanged for a different product of equal or greater value. Defective items are covered under manufacturer warranty, which varies by brand and product type.

To start a return or exchange, contact Horizon Hobby's customer service with your order number and reason for the return. They will provide a return shipping label or instructions for in-store returns if you purchased from a physical location. Refunds are processed after the returned item is received and inspected.

VIP Club membership benefits and cost

The Horizon Hobby VIP Club is a paid membership program that offers a percentage discount on most purchases. The discount rate and membership cost vary depending on which tier you choose. Members also receive early notification of sales, special promotions, and new product releases.

VIP Club members can check their membership status and current discount rate by logging into their account on the Horizon Hobby website. The membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can cancel your membership at any time through your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a product if I opened the box but didn't use it?

Horizon Hobby's standard policy requires items to be unused and in original packaging for a return. If you opened the box but did not assemble or operate the product, contact customer service with your order number — they may make an exception depending on the product and how recently you purchased it.

Do I need to be a VIP Club member to shop at Horizon Hobby?

No. VIP Club membership is optional and costs money. You can shop and make purchases without joining. The membership is worth considering only if you plan to make multiple purchases throughout the year and the discount percentage exceeds the annual membership fee.

How do I know if a product is in stock before I order?

The Horizon Hobby website shows stock status on every product page. If an item shows "in stock," it is available to ship. If it shows "out of stock" or "pre-order," you can see the expected availability date. For physical stores, call the location directly or use the store locator to find their phone number.

What happens if my order arrives damaged?

Contact Horizon Hobby customer service when ready with photos of the damage and your order number. They will work with the shipping carrier to file a claim and will send a replacement or issue a refund depending on the product and damage severity.

Does Horizon Hobby offer technical support for products I buy?

Horizon Hobby publishes assembly guides and video tutorials for most products on their website. For troubleshooting or technical questions, you can contact their customer service team by phone or email. Response times vary depending on how busy they are.