And N Scale gets lost in the retail shuffle - again

[thomasjmdavis]

Some of these otherwise fine stores mentioned here have gaps in the N scale line because there are some mfrs they don't carry (or who refuse to let them be carried.) When I have a diverse order to place, I don't want to have to split it up because this guy doesn't stock Athearn or that guy only carries KATO track. 2 or 3 shipping charges for one order -- especially if the extra items are small -- counts against that method in my book. Which probably why BLW, MBK and Walthers get more business in general.

With locomotives this doesn't bother me- I buy the one or two locos, and then whatever they happen to have that's on my shopping list- and I don't feel too bad about $10 shipping on $200 order.  But you are right- when it comes to the shopping list itself, very difficult.  I am at the point where I think I could open my own hobby shop- because when I find something I need, I order about twice as many, in case I need more later, or the cars or buildings or whatever are not available in the future.  Worst are paint and decals.  As far as I can tell, NOBODY carries all the model railroad paints. Very few even carry a full line of any one brand (further exacerbated by Floquil and Polly shutting down- leaving MBK, for instance, with a couple brands labeled for military colors but no "railroad" colors).  Took me searching for 6 months to find one dealer in the US selling Rapido's line.  And on decals, if you need more than 1 set of anything, you may as well order direct from Microscale.

[Rossford Yard]

Old East,

So, you are saying size matters?  To be honest, it does, and I think it suggests fewer LHS and more big internet stores specializing in MRR, but, that is another story and thread.

To your point, over the years I have heard LHS owners lambast certain mfgs or even magazines while explaining why they don't carry X brand and won't order it for me.  The only conclusion I can draw is that they are human, sort of like N scalers themselves, who take one or maybe two bad experiences to heart and avoid that supplier next time.

I understand, all of us learn to stay away from the flame, do what is in our best interest, etc., even if it sometimes seems a bit over the top.

The most interesting story came from a now retired LHS owner I used to love seeing when in KC.  Basically, the IRS had garnished the money from sales of a particular company that was in tax arrears, and he even showed me a court order of some kind allowing it.  Interesting, but probably TMI to give customers, at least IMO. Nothing in that statement made me want to buy more from him, so it was sort of counter productive to sales.   

[AKNscale]

With locomotives this doesn't bother me- I buy the one or two locos, and then whatever they happen to have that's on my shopping list- and I don't feel too bad about $10 shipping on $200 order.  But you are right- when it comes to the shopping list itself, very difficult.  I am at the point where I think I could open my own hobby shop- because when I find something I need, I order about twice as many, in case I need more later, or the cars or buildings or whatever are not available in the future.  Worst are paint and decals.  As far as I can tell, NOBODY carries all the model railroad paints. Very few even carry a full line of any one brand (further exacerbated by Floquil and Polly shutting down- leaving MBK, for instance, with a couple brands labeled for military colors but no "railroad" colors).  Took me searching for 6 months to find one dealer in the US selling Rapido's line.  And on decals, if you need more than 1 set of anything, you may as well order direct from Microscale.

That’s why I stick to Scalecoat I when it comes to paints and just order straight from Minuteman SM. Their service has always been fantastic, and Scalecoat I has been great for our group(that’s what they’ve taught me how to air brush with).

[Rossford Yard]

Regarding paints, I saw in the new MR last night that Kalmbach seems to be coming out with 8 basic colors of acrylic paints for MRR.  If I read the ad right, an interesting crossover move.

[nscalbitz]

I will add a counter to the Wig-Wag post - I have been doing business with George and Debra for over 15 years, and never once, NOT ONCE, had any problem with them - seems that one bad experience, voiced on a web site, can do an oversized amount of damage.  They are good people, give them a chance.

Byron Gohl - Erie CO

They probably are good people.
After several successful orders a decade ago I was left without response, and when it came it wasn't helpful, so I used them as a catalog site but never ordered again. I'd rather be told directly they didn't want to sell overseas (even after offering a premium payment) than be ignored for months of emails.
If you demand your clients use email, be prepared to maintain that with satisfactory service.
FWIW, regds dave

[CBQ Fan]

I buy from their used section, and the only issue I have is the very poor packing, or lack of that they do. Ordered a Kato SD90, and it came rolled in a mailing envelope with tape around it. It was fine, but still, thats pretty bad.

The last actual order I got from them was the same situation.  I got the distinct impression he was upset with me for providing him feedback my order arrived dated. He did credit me back for some of the order but after that everything I tried to order vaporized. So maybe I got blackballed.  Lol.