I thought it might be useful to compare experiences from among the various “Company Store” sites that the Class One’s maintain to sell branded railroadiana to the public (and often to employees at a discount). Since I am not an employee but am rather promiscuous as to where I shop, I don’t mind taking the lead. (Oh, who am I kidding; I’m a major chatterbox [:I] ).
In July I ordered about $50 US of merchandise from the CP company store, which I believe they call “Track 29.” It takes a while to negotiate into the site, then into the store, and then to differentiate “heritage” (Beaver-branded stuff) as opposed to “legacy” (expensive silver trays and whatnot that are way beyond my means). What with shipping, and despite the exchange rate, CP merchandise was the highest-price I encountered. I ordered a red lanyard (also available in French!), two mugs, and a pewter hat pin, all with the Beaver. I also ordered for $2.95 some really pretty lapel pins of a red SD70MAc in enamel. . I’m a major CP-a-phile so enjoyed the stuff very much despite the high prices and the wait. It looked as though the merch. came straight to me from headquarters in Calgary, AB, and not through a fulfillment house or a Can-Am mailing services like those operating out of Rouses Point or similar border locations where US-bound post is mailed in the US. It’s a pity it’s too late to order their stuff for Christmas, unless they have a rush service I’m not aware of.
At the same time I spent about $40 US with CN. Theirs was the quickest service I’ve ever received on any kind of Canadian order–took about a week. Next to Norfolk Southern (q.v.), theirs were the lowest prices considering the exchange rate and in spite of shipping. I gave a friend a really nice desk “paper cube” with CN trains on it, some pins, and their calendar. CN is not my specialty, but it was a good site and a good value.
During 2005 I’ve placed three orders with the Norfolk Southern’s fulfillment service, Nyberg/Fletcher (you a