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I wonder if Kato will be ready for the deluge of parts orders when the shop is back up? Tim
Deluge?! Do we suspect that there are thousands (or maybe even hundreds of modelers waiting to order Kato parts?Maybe @nightmare0331 would have some ideas of average numbers of parts per month. Assuming that he even wants to relive those memories.
I would do component level repairs on Kato power pack/controllers and turntables.
Lots. I won't go into numbers (more along the lines of dollar amounts) but parts actually became a profit center for the business and not just support.When I saw the online parts ordering went down, my thought was 'man, that's going to hurt someone's monthly numbers/goals'...couple that with staff turnover and fewer people there who know what they're actually looking at when it comes to looking at the various rando bits and pieces and boxes in the back, limited phone availability to call orders in and I'll bet the site being unavailable cost them quite a bit.Michael kept that online store limping along on life support longer than was probably feasible but as always, he was working with what he had. He left in January. Paul K. also left in January for brand R...him and I were probably the only ones who knew what all was up in the rafters and all sorts of other unmarked/unlisted boxes. He was also the interm repair guy after I left. Not sure who's doing it now and to what capacity...for example...I would do component level repairs on Kato power pack/controllers and turntables. I think they are just swapping with new ones if if it's a warranty claim.Interestingly enough, I see the main website hasn't been updated in months. That's another thing Michael kept up to date. (it's showing for me 'recently shipped' 'shipping in march' and 'coming soon' including the Big Boy.)In the last two or so years a lot of tribal and institutional knowledge walked out the door as people persued other ambitions in life.Interesting times!Kelley.
Kato Parts Store is now functional. I ordered some parts last night.