Does anyone know of any companies that sell trains wholesale with maybe a quantity discount. I am looking primarely for the O gauge scale, several of any type or road name is OK. Any info as always is very much appreciated. Thanks
Dave
Contact this guy who sells Williams out of his garage. He can tell you. Here’s his email: marty@mapajunction.com
Dave, I think everyone would like to get their trains wholesale if they could, but that would sort of defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it. I actually know 4 different people who successfully started train stores, but they did it many years ago, and the rules have changed since then.
Most companies will require you to have an actual store front before they consider dealing with you. Then there are the financial requirements. The guys that I know all had other jobs when they started their side businesses. Their “stores” were basement operations where they sold to their friends. Eventually, their networks expanded to the point where they “went public”, and moved out of the basement.
If you are really set on doing this, which I don’t advise, call Warren Mizell in Denver. He is one of the 4 people I was talking about.
Some distributors will sell to you if you have a mobile sellers permit and have proof you intend to or are doing train shows. They only do case lots. The practice is highly frowned upon so you’re going to have to do some real searching. Plus have plenty of cash on hand. I would do an internet search under “Lionel Distributor” (or MTH) for starters.
Perhaps you should start a train Co-op? The co-op members could buy case lots of the train they want from a distributer, keep the one they want and then sell the rest on the internet.
Jim H