Is it just me or did the Walthers prices go up in the last week or two? If they keep this up they are going to price themselves out of buisiness! Accurail car kits went from $8 to $10, Atlas turnouts are $12.75 when I can get them for $6.99. I don't know about anyone else but I'm going to be shopping around a littlt more, so much for customer loyalty!!
Hey Andy- I just realized a couple of things. It's been ages since I last received one of their sale flyers. And then I looked. I have not purchased one of their catalogs since 1999! Hmmm. I haven't even bought from them in years. I usually shop around for the best deal from a 'Net N scale discounter...... How's the layout coming? Boxcab E50
Remember, Walthers doesn't set the retail price of the items they sell, except for their own products. The manufacturers set the retail price, and wholesalers like Walthers get their discount based on that MSRP. Retailers also get their discount (somewhat less) based on the same MSRP. Walthers could discount the price on the items they sell, simply based on the wholesale discount they received. They choose not to, instead to support their dealer network. If you are able to find the items you're looking for at a price below MSRP, more power to you. Discount prices seem to be the new retail hobby paradigm. But don't forget about inflation and increased health benefit costs. Someone has to pay for those... Pat
Who pays retail? I know I sure don't. I get a real good discount from my local hobby shop. Walthers stuff can always be bought at a discounted price. I am going to 2 different swap meets in the next couple of weeks. I get some great prices there. I support my local hobby shop, I try to buy most of my N-Scale there, but I still check around to try to get a deal. It's my money, I have worked for the money and I will not waste it.
Hey guy's, I've got nothing against a company for trying to make a buck, thats what there in buisiness for. But I can't see trying to double the price at my expence.I also like to shop at my not really local hobbie shop. Trouble is it is so far away I can only get there about once a month and they order 90% from Walthers anyway!!
If your LHS could double their cost, they'd be very happy! The standard discount for a retailer is 40%, especially if they order from Walthers. Other distributors will discount more. This topic has been re-hashed over and over. Instead of complaining of the high prices of the trains you want to buy, try discussing it with your local train pusher. Pat
Sorry guy's, I guess the question has been used over and over. Just an old guy whining again. (it did feel good though)
Well guys it could be possible that you are paying higher prices for imported products??? (I guess Atlas manufactures track in china like it's locomotives?) The US $$$$ has dropped in value considerably over the past few months. 12 months ago $1 Australian bought only 55 cents Us itis now buying almost 70 cents us so our locomotive pries have dropped considerably.
