Pre-order directly from the manufacturer ?

[JanesCustomTrain]

The question came up in Rapido's TurboTrain thread, where to buy Rapido Train models and it got me thinking. Rapido Train offers pre-order on their website for the all new C40-8M and ScaleTrains for their all new C39-8. Just out of curiosity I checked the modeltrainstuff website and saw they are selling those two brands as well but at highly discounted prices. Are these just left overs they try to get rid off or will modeltrainstuff offering these discounts on the C40-8M and the C39-8 as well when they are released. I know modeltrainstuff doesn't do pre-orders, how do they know how many models to order ? Is it hit or miss, if I don't check their web page daily I can miss out on these new models ? So is it better to order from the manufacturer direct to make sure that I get that exact model/road number I want, although at a much higher price ? Or is there enough time once the models are being released to place my order at modeltrainstuff ? What are your experiences with this pre-order "dilemma" ? Thanks.

Jane     

[Point353]

Before their website was updated, MBK/modeltrainstuff had a form you could fill out and submit for future models.
When the model arrived, they would send you an email notice and you could then place your order.
However, if you didn't act promptly and the model sold out quickly, you'd be shut out.

For Rapido trains products, another option is BLW, or its alter ego Hogtrainz.
You could wait for the item to be listed on the website and then place a pre-order, or use the order anything page right now.

For ScaleTrains, check their list of retailers: https://scaletrains.com/apps/store-locator/
Find one that accepts pre-orders and has a pricing structure that suits you.
From the list, I might first try Lombard in IL, and Caboose in CO.

If getting a low price is less important to you than not being stressed out over getting your order, then go direct to the manufacturer.

FWIW, in my 35 years of buying from BLW, Pete has never failed to deliver on a pre-order.
Presumably, his brother will maintain that same level of service with Hogtrainz.

[Smike]

As for Scale Trains, retailers sell their products at the same price as the manufacture.  (Which both sell at a discounted price from listed MSRP) Products hit the retailers at the same time Scale Trains fulfills any pre-orders on their end.  I’m pretty sure there is an agreement where retailers can not further discount until a certain time has passed since its release.

Model Train Stuff lets you sign up for notifications as to when something will become available. Each retailer has their own way.

[nscalbitz]

Money no object? Sure order from manfr.
Cost important? Order from a Discounter/ best offer.

However- even with 'Reservation' and pre-paid/ charge deposit recently I got gipped by retailer who sold out of a multiple boxed set of certain cars. They apparently got plenty of 'singles' so I had to take multiples of those to get quantity. Wasn't desperate for them, but again a bi-ennial release pattern. Probably the-bay will suffice in future.

Yuz takes yer chances____
d

[Point353]

Model Train Stuff lets you sign up for notifications as to when something will become available.

Where? Can you provide a link?

[Maletrain]

Where? Can you provide a link?

I think that feature now only works for items that are "out-of-stock" in MBK's inventory.  I don't see a way to pre-order something that has not yet been released.

There are other vendors that do take pre-orders.  N Scale Supply is another.

[JanesCustomTrain]

As for Scale Trains, retailers sell their products at the same price as the manufacture.

The ScaleTrains currently for sale at modeltrainstuff are discounted. Is this just old stock reduced to clear ?

Jane

[JanesCustomTrain]

There are other vendors that do take pre-orders.  N Scale Supply is another.

For Rapido Train yes, he does not sell ScaleTrains.

Jane

[JanesCustomTrain]

FWIW, in my 35 years of buying from BLW, Pete has never failed to deliver on a pre-order.
Presumably, his brother will maintain that same level of service with Hogtrainz.

BLW doesn't/didn't ship overseas unfortunately. Not sure if Hogtrainz does ?

Jane

[Point353]

BLW doesn't/didn't ship overseas unfortunately. Not sure if Hogtrainz does ?
Jane

So, whereabouts is "overseas"?
(That would seem to have been a detail worth mentioning upfront.)

[Smike]

The ScaleTrains currently for sale at modeltrainstuff are discounted. Is this just old stock reduced to clear ?

Jane

MTS is an authorized seller and carries the latest stuff, not left overs. But price is the same discount that you get via  direct with Scale Trains.  Given the distribution agreements between retailers and Scale Trains you will not find a cheaper price through any retailers on their latest stuff, so no drawback to pre-order directly from ST.

[JanesCustomTrain]

MTS is an authorized seller and carries the latest stuff, not left overs. But price is the same discount that you get via  direct with Scale Trains.  Given the distribution agreements between retailers and Scale Trains you will not find a cheaper price through any retailers on their latest stuff, so no drawback to pre-order directly from ST.

Thank you.

Jane

[flight2000]

BLW doesn't/didn't ship overseas unfortunately. Not sure if Hogtrainz does ?

Jane

The info is right on his homepage. 

http://www.hogtrainz.com/index.html

HO/N scale flat rate shipping $7.95 Any size order!
G scale flat rate shipping $10.95 Any size order!
Reserve Future Releases - no deposit required!
Canada and Overseas shipping - actual Priority Mail Cost

[JanesCustomTrain]

The info is right on his homepage. 

Canada and Overseas shipping - actual Priority Mail Cost

   Thanks.

Jane